My youngest is turning one year old next month and we're all excited about it!  What excites me a lot more is the preparations I'm doing for the birthday party of our son.  Of course as a practical mom, the first thing to do when organizing a birthday party is to set a budget, decide on a theme, book a venue or restaurant, choose a menu, look for affordable but quality suppliers and then go micro with the details.

This will be a series of blog posts about our baby's birthday party!  Today, I want to talk about our chosen theme and my pegs.  Instead of cartoon or movie characters, we decided to go for a Baby Jungle Safari theme,  Aren't baby animals one of the cutest things you could find on earth?  Yeah?!  With a fiesta of colors in baby hues plus cutie lion, giraffe, elephant, zebra, and monkey faces, I believe we wouldn't go wrong with this theme.

As usual, I've created a Pinterest board to collect all my Jungle Safari birthday party theme inspirations.  That's been a habit of mine whenever I would organize an event (a passion I would someday pursue!) of my children.  I've collected pegs for the following: venue decoration, pictorial or pre-birthday shoot styling, dessert table, cake, giveaways, costume, and invitation.  Let me share them now with you:

"Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Kaaaaaa..." is not a song I want to sing to mosquitoes pestering us this rainy season!  Ang dami nilaaaa... and I HATE mosquitoes sobra!  In somehow the same intensity, I also hate roaches and flies.

Ang nega ng starting statement of this post, pero sige, who loves them?  May kilala ka?  Hahaha!

This rainy season, there are a lot of diseases and allergies that may rise and one of the common and fearful diseases is Dengue.  And where do you get Dengue?  From Dengue-carrying mosquito bites.  It's something I'm serious about especially I have kids.  I think everyone should take this seriously whether you're a parent or not.  It poses a risk on our health which could even cause death.  Nakakatakot talaga.

The mosquito eggs kasi are laid in water, lalo na in stagnant water.  This happens a lot more when it's the rainy season because we sometimes don't notice the water filled and stagnated in some containers outside our homes.  I've done everything I can in my powers to repel these disease carrying mosquitoes.  I've used insect repellent lotions, citronella candles, citronella oils, insect repellent sprays, insect repellent patches, to prevent mosquito bites.

But to repel is not enough for me, both mosquitoes and roaches, and even the pester flies.  I need to get rid of them.  But I cannot always clap without rhythm in the air and catch the mosquitoes to kill them.  I also cannot always hit roaches with the nearest footwear I could get my hands on and hear the splat of its roach juice.  And I cannot always roll a newspaper to swap the irritating flies whenever I'm in the middle of a meal.  Nakaka-stress yun!  Plus kadiri too diba?

Buti na lang I now have a license to KILL!!! The license was given to me by ADVANCED Aerosol Multi-Insect Killer and ADVANCED Aerosol Mosquito Killer.
I don't know if you'd find it weird but I take pleasure in seeing these dangerous and filthy insects eradicated - as in DEAD.  I've long stopped using aerosols because it smells awful when sprayed into the air or the corners of the house.  Some brands promise to be odorless, but actually they're not.  Since I have kids, the scent of chemical may also be dangerous to them.

With ADVANCED Aerosols, odorless talaga sila!  Amazing lang.  There are two variants by the way, one is solely dedicated to killing mosquitoes.  This is the one that comes in yellow cover/top.
 The other one with blue top is an multi-insect killer.  This one's a tough weapon against the pests like cockroaches and flies and also effective against mosquitoes.
 I call these my lifesavers, my weapons against these unwelcome pests inside the house which may endanger the lives of my family, lalo na mga kids.

There are four things I like about ADVANCED Aerosoles and these are:
#1 It's the FIRST real Odorless Multi-Insect Killer that began the odorless fight against mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies.  It is tries and tested to be effective making it the trusted choice by many when it comes to eradicating insects.

#2 It's FAST in knocking out and killing the insects because of its fast-acting ingredients which delivers 100% knockdown against disease carrying mosquitoes (Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya) and cockroaches (Sepsis, Leprosy, and Diarrhea).  One session of spraying of ADVANCED at home, you'll see the knocked down insects on the floor.

#3 It's ODORLESS.  One of my fears using insect sprays is the foul odor of the chemical.  But when I tried ADVANCED the first time two years ago, wow, it's a real deal odorless talaga. It's proven to be a powerful weapon against dangerous insects without the irritating smell which is offensive to our sensitive noses, especially the kids.

#4 It's BUDGET-FRIENDLY - Practical moms would agree that we want a product that is proven to be effective in doing its job without hurting our pockets right? Well for insect killers, this is a perfect choice.  Compared to other brands, this is very economical which comes in different sizes: 600ml, 500ml, and 300ml.  Swak siya talaga sa budget!

Tips for using ADVANCED Aerosole:

1. Shake well before using.
2. Spray directly at mosquitoes/roaches/flies or into the air.  I say the most common area they hang out are in the bathroom, the laundry area, and garden.  These areas are damp, mosquitoes favorite place.  For cockroaches, they could be found in dark like the kitchen, under the refrigerator or stove, in cabinet voids.  So spray there!
3. For best results and longer lasting effect, close all doors and windows before spraying, then wait for 30 minutes before re-entering the sprayed area.
4. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
5. Don't spray near humans, pets, food, and utensils.  
6. Make sure you wash hands thoroughly after spraying.
7. Store properly away from children's reach and in a dry and cool place.
8. It's flammable so don't throw empty can into fire.

Hi there!  My youngest is turning one year old next month and I can proudly say that he's exclusively breastfed as I write this.  It's a decision I made with my husband and I'm happy he's very supportive of this route because it's every breastfeeding mom's ultimate wish to have their husband's full support.
But getting to where I am right now was not an easy feat for me.  There were a lot of pains, sacrifices, semi-embarrassments, lifestyle adjustments, mental and emotional stress, and physical changes to get to the stage I am now.

I'm no breastfeeding expert and I don't know if this is right or wrong, but I've set sort of an end goal to my breastfeeding journey.  I said to myself and to practically everyone who asked, that I'm giving it a YEAR.  And time flies indeed really fast because that timeline I've set is coming in a few weeks from now.  It's tearing me apart, should I continue, should I stop.  I feel guilty if I would stop but ONE YEAR of exclusive breastfeeding is already great and a milestone to celebrate!  I'll let you know once I cross the bridge.
For now let me share with you my thoughts and experiences on breastfeeding.

1. It's a choice.  Oh yes, it definitely is.  A mother or an expert cannot impose to another mother how she plans to feed her baby.  Para sa akin, having breast milk is indeed a blessing!  I can say I am blessed just enough to feed my baby and give him the nourishment he needs while growing up from newborn to an infant.  It's a choice I made with my husband to embark on this journey.  It's a choice I carefully made to endure some pain (sometimes on my breasts at my back, etc), adjust my lifestyle, and whatever breastfeeding would require me to be.  Not all moms have milk.  Not all moms who have milk want to do it.  Not all moms who have milk and breastfeeds are able to do it with a breeze.  I can say, to each her own.  It's a choice.  Whatever a mom's choice is, as long as baby is well-fed and of course loved, it wouldn't make her less of a mother.  Right?
2. It is a solid commitment.  Waahh!  Totoo super!  I work full time and still exclusively breastfeed.  Some say superwoman.  No.  My ONE year breastfeeding goal is what kept me going and kept me committed to this choice, this journey.  It's not easy.  For a working mom like me, imagine my daily routine:  Direct latch at home - Bring office bag and breast pump to work - Pump three (3) times a day - Store breast milk properly in the office - Bring home the bacon the milk - Store in the ref (transfer to bottles) - Clean and sterilize the breast pump accessories - Direct latch at home.  REPEAT for five days.  There were days that I had to pump in my post because the lactation room is blockbuster full, pila balde!  There were days I had to pump during meetings kasi puno na talaga and I cannot defer my pumping schedule.  There were days I attend an event and had to request a quiet corner to pump.  There were days I missed on a pump schedule and feel guilty or pain in my breasts.  You get what I mean?  If you're committed to breastfeed you really have to adjust schedule, sacrifice some normal activities to give way to your new normal, be extra clean because you're going to handle your baby's food, and just stick to your goal to make it all happen.  This commitment also sometimes may cost you to buy supplements, lactation treats and anything that will help you boost or at least sustain your milk. 
3. Experience differs from one mom to another.  I couldn't stress this any further.  Every dede is different from another, to say it bluntly.  Some over-produce, some (like me) just enough or struggling to get enough, and some, drops na lang per mommy-boobie.  So if you have breastfeeding kumares who are nailing it and producing more than 20 oz a day, don't feel bad about yourself.  The mere fact that you've committed to breastfeeding and is producing the liquid gold is enough to say that you're doing your best for your baby and giving him/her the best.  And when you feel bad, just think of this, my right breast is gigantic while the left is an average,  My breasts are lopsided. As in super halata and there are times I really feel bad looking at the mirror and staring at my breasts, I know that this phase too shall pass.  At least, my baby gets the best nourishment from me.  Yun na lang.

Thankful for a supportive company and colleagues.  Here I am, pumping in my post. and it's okay.

4. It is easier when you have full support of family, friends and colleagues.  I am happy I'm blessed with a supportive environment.  My husband, my dad and sibs, my in laws, my friends (both married and single), and lalo na colleagues are supportive of my decision to breastfeed.  Imagine at work, I had to be late at times in meetings because pumping is not yet done.  I also excuse myself three times a day to pump.  With supportive people around you, not only you get to adjust with your new normal, but they too.  Imagine if I don't have their approval, paano na?  I might just leak in meetings or feel so guilty for excusing myself to pump or feel embarrassed. So I really wish this for all breastfeeding moms!

Breastfeeding in a salon and many other public places and it's all good!

5. It is now widely accepted publicly and digitally.  Oh yes!  I feed my baby in restaurants, in cinemas, in just about anywhere na maabutan ng gutom my little one because he's hungry for crying out loud.  I don't wait til I get to the nearest lactation or nursing room in the mall.  I practically strike anywhere.  Though there's still a percentage of the population who find breastfeeding in public a taboo, I really don't care. hahaha!  Well, I bring a nursing cover with me everywhere so I could discretely breastfeed.  My husband is quite conservative as well and he's not comfortable for other people to pleasurably (LOL!) view my booby skin.  Digitally, it's widely accepted.  You'd see blogs, websites, online communities, groups, online shops, forums, and classes on everything breastfeeding.  Compared to a decade ago, ibang iba na ngayon.  That's why it's easier to feed just about anywhere right now because there's a higher level of awareness and acceptance on breastfeeding. Hello, mga artistas nga diba?  They proudly post about it online.
6. It helps you with attachment parenting.  My little one is the most attached among his brothers at his age and I can feel just how much he adores me and NEEDS me.  I guess it has a lot to do with the scent of the breast milk on me, the precious direct latching moments, and the skin-to-skin closeness during breastfeeding.
7. It saves you thousands of pesos.  This is so true.  Need I say more?  Want to be practical or economical or you're very budget conscious?  I suggest you also breastfeed.  Let me do the math (kahit hindi ako magaling sa math, slight lang.)  If let's say conservatively, a can of milk which usually lasts a week would cost around 900, then in a year of breastfeeding, I had saved a total of (P900 x 4 weeks x 12 months) = Php 43,200.00.  Not bad!
8. A well-performing breast pump extends a working mom's breastfeeding journey. Choose wisely.  Naku, I've heard a lot of both horror and beautiful stories about a breastfeeding mom's relationship with their breast pumps.  I hear about these stories from the lactation room in the office, from forums and groups online as well.  More than 70% of the stories from moms use and are all praises about their Medela breast pump.  I am a part of that joyful percentage!  I've flooded my IG stories, my IG feed, and my Facebook page as well about how much I looooove my Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump (for all of you asking, I got it from The Parenting Emporium).  The choice of breast pump for me shouldn't be based on the price or on the level of force to suck out all the milk in your breasts but leave you injured or in pain.  Important: Your choice of breast pump should be based on 1) Quality; 2) One that mimics the natural sucking motion of your baby; 3) Has personal fit of breast shields available for you - again, not all dedes are the same hehe! (Read #3); 4) Has a friendly and even very personal customer servicing and caring; 5) Has FREE breast pump cleaning during its warranty period; and 6) Yun nga, should have a warranty.  Medela breast pumps bought at The Parenting Emporium passed all these 6 personal qualifications.  I had a great experience when I went back to have my pump checked when I noticed that the other side isn't working optimally (not pumping enough).  Thorough diagnosis was done and the tubing was replaced without any charge!  And if your pump motor needs to be fixed, they will let you borrow a working unit!  Grabe the full support of The Parenting Emporium to breastfeeding moms, they even have series of Breastfeeding Class!  I'll share more about this on another post.  Anyway, a breast pump could actually make or break your breastfeeding journey (especially if you're a full-time working mom like me who heavily relies on breast pump in the office to produce breast milk).  A good breast pump is definitely a great partner in your journey.  A good breast pump will help you prolong your breastfeeding timeline even if there may be many challenges a long the way.  I'm happy with my choice of breast pump, the Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump.

My trusted Medela Swing Maxi Double electric breast pump

Notice that my left and right outputs aren't the same?  It happens, it's normal and it's okay.  Here's my ever dependable Medela Swing Maxi double electric breast pump which I bought from The Parenting Emporium.

In this photo, I used HoneySuckle breastmilk Storage Bag available at The Parenting Emporium too.  But I've also used other brands such as Avent, and SunMum,

Last Holy Week, the family went on a beach trip up north.  We're a bit tired of always heading south whenever we plan an out of town beach trip because of the heavier traffic that side.  I'm glad we let go of the white beach requirement and decided to have Bataan as beach destination because it was worth our almost four hours road trip.
It's a special beach trip to our family because I wasn't able to go to a beach last year due to my sensitive pregnancy AND it's the first beach trip of our little baby.  AND it's also our first trip to Bataan as a family!
There were a lot of recommendations which we considered but we sure did make a right resort choice when we selected Waters Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan.

Here's why:

View from a room in the second floor.  There's a wide grass area, the pool, eating area at the left side, and the beach!

There's a gated space in front of the resort facing the beach for events.  They are open to event bookings too!

The pool is divided to kiddie and adult deep.  It's covered by canvass to protect guests from the sun's heat.

If you come from the beach going back to the hotel, a concrete tub filled with water and dipper is provided so you could wash off the sand.  I like it that the owners/management thought of this idea. You come in your room clean.

The green grassed area balances the whites and the blue hues.  I love it!

The pool is cleaned every day before they open it to guests in the morning.

Aaahhh sunset. :)

OUR ROOM
There are two types of room accommodation in Waters Beach Resort: Standard and Family.  Standard has two queen-sized bed which is good for four adults and two kids provided the kids share the beds with adults.  There's enough space for an extra mattress if you're sleeping in more than four adults.  Bathroom essentials are complete like bath towels, hand towels, dental kit, soap, shampoo, lotion and toilet paper.  The Family Room has three queen-sized bed perfect for six adults and with the size of the room and beds if attached together, you could sleep in three to four kids.
I love the sight of the beach by the pool, it's so relaxing.  Of course what makes this view more lovable by me, is my husband and my little one enjoying their swim time!  It was a first for my baby so this moment meant so much to me! :)
Let me also share with you one of the best inventions in the outdoor activity department for babies: The Neck Floater.  Oh em geeeeee..... just look at my bebe enjoying his time moving around in the pool.  With supervision, baby could be left swimming by himself.  Watch in amazement while he kicks and moves his arms, tilt his head a bit (as if going for the backstroke!).  Galing!  I bought this Mambobaby Neck Floater on Shopee by the way.
THE BEACH
OVERALL REVIEW
Since I've never been to other resorts in Bataan, I cannot compare it to other nearby resorts, there are too many actually.  But if I compare it to others I stayed in Laiya, Waters Beach Resort is actually at par and could be even better (than a few) in terms of facilities, room/resort space, cleanliness, and ambiance.  Room amenities are complete.  Your stay will be welcomed warmly by their friendly and courteous staff.  You definitely get what you paid for.  If you're looking for a quiet destination that's family-friendly and not located in the south, then I highly recommend Waters Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan.

For room rates, other inquiries, and reservation, you may call the owner Ms. Dell Waters at  0918-4581236 or like and message them also on Facebook.