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There seems to be a scarcity of reliable and trustworthy all-around yaya these days.  The last yaya stayed with us for only five (5) months.  Hubby and I gave her a salary increase on her third month and even let her loan thrice during her stay with us.  We've been lenient on her outside communication, meals, day-offs, and even gave her a mobile phone service unit.  Her pay is even higher than the regular and required salary of stay-in house helpers, but given all these, still she left, for reasons beyond my control.

My toddler didn't develop a close relationship with her anyway, so that's okay.  Unlike his first yaya of two years, we cried when she left.  I found out from the other house help that our yaya always scolded my toddler and spoke her dialect when she was  going nuts with my son.  You see, my son got his being a fighter from me, and being short-tempered from his dad.  Wow, what a combination right?  So if you yell at him or show him anything negative, he will give you the same reaction.  But if you speak with him lovingly, he obeys right away and follows it with a big kiss and a tight hug.  It really pays knowing your children to be able to get the best out of them and be able to communicate with them in a manner which will make them listen and obey.

So, while on the look out for the next yaya, I've been studying about the Kasambahay Law which was signed last January 8.  I stumbled upon this good infographic about it, one look and you can be an expert on it.  In my opinion, there are a pros but a list of cons for us employers.  Let me know what you think about it too.

Photo Source: http://opinion.inquirer.net Editor: Juan V. Sarmiento, Jr.

Today is the 7th day that I am Yaya-less to my toddler.  As a working mom, for as long as I can remember, being able to do the rituals with my children is something that I wish I could do everyday.  But it's something that schedule doesn't permit regularly when you are working away from home.
Sad to say, when you are a working mom, you only get to spend a little of your time in the morning with the kids.  At night, if you're not on overtime, a few hours to play, do assignments with the older boy or read books to them.  That's why these times are so precious to me.  As much as possible I drop everything when I get home, as long as they are awake.  I just get to do me-stuff when they're asleep.




It's tiring, but I'm happy.  It's demanding, but fulfilling.  It's hard, but my KIDS are happy.  At the end of the day, that's what's important, their happiness.  When they are happy, I am happy.  So while I'm on search for the Next Yaya Sensation, I will be doing these loving duties everyday.  :)

As a working mom, did you ever experience being yayaless?  How did you cope up?  Do share. :)

Sensible shoppers have finally met their match, thanks to the new Goldilocks Gtizen MyWallet Visa Card. The Goldilocks Gtizen Card has all the advantages of a debit card (lack of restrictive application procedures, interest rates, propensity to overspend, etc.) plus added features such as cash withdrawals, balance transfers, and bills payment. Being a Visa card likewise means that it can be used for cashless shopping anywhere in the world, and is especially useful for online transactions.

Goldilocks Gtizen MyWallet Visa Card

The power of this “super card” was unveiled before showcasing other superpowers, namely an exclusive Gtizen screening of the box-office hit “The Man of Steel”. Prior to witnessing the adventures of last son of Krypton, selected guests and members of the media learned more about the super advantages of the Gtizen card, such as exclusive invitations to Goldilocks promotions, events, and exciting activities. On top of these benefits, Gtizens earn 1 point (P1.00) for every P25 they spend using their Gtizen cards. These points can then be accumulated and used at any Goldilocks branch nationwide.

For only P300, each Gtizen card also comes pre-loaded with P20. During the first year of membership, Gtizens also receive a P100 birthday treat (100 points) on their birthday month, as a special way of thanking them for their continued loyalty.

To learn more about the Goldilocks Gtizen card, visit your nearest Goldilocks branch, log on to the Goldilocks website (www.goldilocks.com.ph), or like Goldilocks on Facebook.

It's the rainy season and also back-to-school already.  Although we like the cool breeze the weather brings, admit it, we all miss Mr. Sun and can't help thinking about the past two months when our kids are on school break.  So looking back last vacation, I want to share with you one of our swimming escapades at 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel.

Upon the Dolphin Fountain Entrance of 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel

Every summer vacation, our family make sure that we plan a swimming outing.  One of our favorite destinations is 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel in San Rafael, Bulacan.  Our company sponsors an annual family outing for its employees and it's fortunate that we get to go to 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel for free.

Both my kids love to swim and don't mind getting dark, as long they're happy.  That's what my elder son tells me each time we swim and his little brother is picking that up from him as well.  I think they got from me their love for the water.

My toddler enjoying his swim at the Safari Pool

REVIEW: What I love about 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel

• It's CLEAN.
• It's Spacious.
• Its well-maintained facilities
• Good Service
• Its Affordability

Very spacious walkway

Swimming Pools
8 Waves Waterpark has a total of five (5) attraction pools which are age appropriate and cater to different interests.  We tried all pools and my sons had so much fun.  Since my elder is bigger now and familiar with the place (we've been going here almost every year) he could go by himself and pretty much swim in all the pools.  My toddler and I of course were always together.  Here's our adventure:

Noah's Ark Pool for the kids

The Safari Pool

Safari Pool Slides

Bubble/Lap Pool

Bubble Pool

There are different types of cottages you could rent.  They have the following:

• Bamboo Huts
• Steel Cottages
• Pool Umbrellas

Bamboo Cottages

Steel Cottages

Air-conditioned VIP Cottages

Resort Facilities
Here are their other facilities which I appreciate about the resort.  They exactly know what a complete and safe family recreational venue should be.  They have function halls for private events or corporate gatherings.

Function Hall

The Neptune Diner is a spacious dining area for guests.

Neptune Diner at 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel

Volleyball and billiard tables for people who wishes to have other recreational activities other than swimming.
A clinic is also available for first aid matters, should you or your children have scratches, boo-boos or bumps.  For tokens of remembrance, they have trinkets and novelty items for sale in their souvenir shop.

Souvenir Shop

Should you want to stop for a while and pray, a peaceful St. Francis grotto is situated within the vicinity.  They have a huge parking space (2 hectares actually), wide walk ways and clean shower rooms.

St. Francis Grotto

Directional signages everywhere

With all these facilities, your trip to 8 Waves Waterpark won't disappoint you.  You can be assured of their high standards of service and safety.

8 Waves Waterpark Cottage Rates
As I've mentioned earlier, their entrance fees and cottage rentals for day or night swimming are affordable.  They even have lower entrance rates for children below 4ft and for senior citizens (wtih ID).  Entrance fee for adults is P250.00 and discounted fee of P200 for children and senior citizens.

If you're going with as very large group, the Bamboo Cottages could be rented.  They are good for 13 up to 45 people.  Rates range from Php 300.00 (group of 12) up to Php 1,500 (group of 45 people.)  While their Long-Span (steel) Cottages could be rented for groups of 13 (Php 600.00) up to 18 people (Php 800.00.)    Billiard Tables may be rented for Php 120 per hour.  If you wish to spend overnight, they have a Hotel beside the pools.  For complete and updated rates, please check HERE.

How To Get There
Below is the map getting there.  Just take the North Luzon Express way.  Exit at Sta. Rita go straight ahead where you will pass by Plaridel, Pulilan then right after Baliuag, you'll reach 8 Waves Waterpark in no time.  Travel time from Manila is just 2 hours.

Complete Address:
D.R.T. Highway, Ulingao, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines 3008
Phone (+63) (44) 766-5268 / 766-5936
Telefax (+63) (44) 766-5272
Email info@8waveswaterpark.com.ph / eight_waveswaterpark@yahoo.com

*Map from 8 Waves website

For more information on 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel, visit their website here.

Have you been to 8 Waves Waterpark already?  How was your experience?

My Dad is my first love and he will always be.  I still remember myself as the four year old girl who was carried by my dad on our way to Fiesta Carnival in Cubao.  He held me as I chose the prettiest looking bump car.  He guided me how to drive it and later on let me do it myself so I would enjoy the ride.  When I crashed with another car, I looked at him with sorry and scared eyes, but he just gave me an assuring look that it was ok, to go on and drive again.

It was his way of showing his trust and love for me.  He was never the vocal type of dad, like most dads are, but he has a way of letting me know.  The way he taught me how to ride the bump car was pretty much how he taught life's lessons.  Growing up, he had guided me silently.  I think he always knew that I was the strong one among my three brothers.  That's why when life crashed on me some years back, he just let me.  Not because he didn't care.  But because he knew that I can handle it gracefully and pick up the broken pieces and fight back.  He has given me that much trust and while I stumble from one decision to another and finally had chosen the path that was still complicated yet happy and more at peace, he was just there.  He never left me.  I never heard him say that I was wrong.  All he showed was support, understanding and love for me.

With that, I became the person that I am now.  There were no regrets in my life even if I've bumped and crashed, because I learned to: accept things better, pick up lessons quickly, and move on easily.  A big part of the character I formed along the way is my DAD.  Our relationship has always been the non-verbal type but I never felt, not even once, that he didn't care.

My Dad is my hero because he took care of the family and sent his children to good schools.  We had a modest living, which taught us to be grounded.  He didn't spoil me even if I was the only rose among three thorns.  He was very supportive of my school activities and has always been proud of my achievements up to this day.  He is my number one fan, as I am his.
When you see him, he exudes peace and simplicity on his face, non-pretentious, good-natured, positive, peace-loving and respectable.  That's why I perfectly know why even at his age of 73, he's popular among his peers and well-loved by any group he joins.

I am blessed to have a father like my dad.  He taught me well in life, but was never too strict to hold me too tight.  Instead, he let me fly, lose a wing and watched me get back on track.  With that, I thank him for raising me and my siblings well.  I thank him for the years he sacrificed working everyday to give us good lives.  I thank him for loving us unconditionally and for standing by us even if we've made some mistakes in our lives.
With everything he's done for me, whatever I am returning right now, will never be enough.  He may be under my wings now but I know that I could never level to what he did for us, for me particularly.  From loving and taking care not only of me but my kids too, I know my dad deserves more and only the best from me and my brothers.

So Dad, for as long as you're still with us, I promise to take care of you, hold your hand and guide you should the time come when you couldn't see well nor hear my voice clearly nor have the strength to walk from a point to the other, just like you did for me when I was still a small child.  It will never ever be enough, but I assure you that I will give you the best I could.

Thank you Daddy for everything!  I love you so much!  Happy Father's Day!

Being a working mom has both disadvantages and advantages.  The downside is that you are away from your kids the whole day from Mondays to Fridays and don't get to spend as much time as you want to.  In effect, you tend to be guilty from working away from home because you don't get to attend to their needs, do the loving chores for them, clean and dress them up, and play with them.

But come to think of it, there are advantages too.  Working gives your household a steady income, a secured hospitalization benefits, a group insurance, bonuses here and there, and for moms, a good pack of self-confidence and oozing boost to self-esteem.  The only challenge that we face most of the time is - BUDGETING and SAVING.  Because we're always out, we can't help but spend, sometimes beyond the allowance we set for ourselves daily.

So I came up with some money-saving tips for busy working moms and it was published on Glam-o-Mamas!

My published contribution on Glam-o-Mamas.com

Here's a part of the article I contributed:

Practical Saving Tips For Working Moms:

1. Walk the Short Distance instead of Riding a Tricycle or an FX – (Save P10.00) – I work in Makati City where loading and unloading areas are usually far from your company’s building. I get off around two blocks from the office building. I have two choices: 1) Ride another FX and pay an extra P10.00 on top of my P55.00 one way transportation 2) Walk. I choose to walk most of the time (except when I am not running late.) My waist may get trimmer and my pocket a little fatter.

2. Bring your Own Lunch instead of Dining Out - (Save P50 to P100.00) – We’re often lured with the countless fast food chain or restaurants around the work place. If you give in to the invites of your officemates, you spend around P50.00 to P1500.00 (or even higher) on food only not to finish the whole serving and put that hard-earned money to waste. Why not, prepare your family a delicious meal at home and bring that goodness of home-cooked meal as your baon?

3. Set Aside P20.00 a Day – Part of my 2013 goals is to set aside P20.00 a day and keep it in my piggy bank. My plan is to spend this savings for Christmas shopping (gifts for loved ones, family or friends.) This way, I don’t wait for the bonuses to come just to spend it on shopping. If you stick to this, you could save around P6,000.00 by December.

Check out the whole article HERE to know more tips on how you could save little by little daily.  Big savings come from small beginnings as they say.  We do all know that there are a lot of spending temptations when we're out everyday.  So my mantra when I'm exposed to SALEs and BAZAARs is: "Resist.. Resist.. I must Control, Resist!"  

How about you?  What saving tips could you share?

I was reading the other day two of my friends' blogs that I follow and was amused by their Old School Blogging A-B-C posts.  I first read Martine's at Daintymom.com then Patty's, at Mrs. C's Sugarcoated Life.

Patty talked about old school stuff like slam books (which I still keep in my memory box, seriously!) old novelty and gift stores where she got her pretty notebooks (which I loved having too) when I was growing up.  So obviously, we came from the same generation more or less!  I instantly went down memory lane recalling my favorite characters back then, the trinkets I used to collect, the way I dressed back then, the shops I love to visit on "lakwatsa" Saturdays (with parents' permission of course.)

Image Source

So while reading, BOOM!  I was tagged by Patty to do this meme.  It also says on Martine's blog that people tagged are those who still knows how to have fun!  Well, darn right, I am that kind of person.  So here it goes:

A. Attached or Single: Very Attached

B. Best Friend? I keep a few really good and loyal friends and I consider each one of them as best friends like Karina, Joy, Anna and Anne.

C. Cake or Pie? Cake, make it chocolate please?

D. Day of Choice? Saturday and Sunday.

E. Essential Item? mobile phone.

F. Favorite Color? Black, Red, Navy Blue and Grey

G. Gummy Bears or worms? Either!  I love gummies!

H. Hometown? Manila baby!

I. Indulgence?  Travel (especially with white sand beach), hotel stays and massages.

J. January or July? July, hubby's natal month!

K. Kids? 2, D and W.  Planning to make #3 next year.

L. Life isn't complete without? My family.

M. Marriage Date?  Hhhmm...

N. Number of brothers/sisters? 3 handsome brothers.

O. Orange or Apples?  Orange.

P. Phobias? None anymore!  Used to be giving birth (because the first was traumatic), crawling insects and fish bones.

Q. Quotes?  "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." - Lin Yutang

R. Reasons to smile? My happy kids.

S. Season of choice? Summer when my school boy is on vacation and the sun is up, which means time for family vacation!

T. Tag 5 People? Lourdes, Marie, Janice, Meikah and Olga

U. Unknown fact about me? I used to play basketball in high school.

V. Vegetable? Lettuce, tomato, potato and brocoli.

W. Worst habit? Staying up late.

X. Xray or Ultrasound?  X-Ray, no sticky gels to deal with. haha!

Y. Your favorite food?  Bazed Ziti, Chocolate Mouse, Kebab, Creamy Soups, and Steaks!

Z. Zodiac sign? Scorpio.