One of the most fun activities kids look forward to during the Holy Week is Easter Egg Hunting Activities.  So I've round up some events happening around Metro Manila and nearby cities for you to check out, pre-register (hello to early bird rates!) and prepare for too!

But apart from the happenings of Easter, it's also important to teach our children and even remind ourselves the reason why we commemorate the Passion of Jesus Christ every year during the Holy Week.  It's not just all about long weekend and relaxation.  We should be reminded how God so loved the world that He gave His only son Jesus Christ as a man.  That Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us from our sins and repair our relationship with God.  That Jesus rose after three days as a testament that He is God the Son, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  That's the essence of the Holy Week.

So now that He has risen on the third day which is known to many as Easter Sunday, at present, we celebrate it joyously.  Some while having a family vacation and some by participating in egg hunting activities or parties.

Here it is, my annual list of Easter Egg Hunting Activities this 2019! :)

BELLEVUE MANILA HOTEL
When: April 21, 2019, Sunday, 2PM - 5PM
What: Heavy snack buffet, games, egg hunting, entertainment, loot bag, and lots of prizes
Fee: Php 1350.00 nett
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK, for updates, please like them on Facebook
ACACIA HOTEL MANILA
When: April 21, 2019 Sunday 11am - 2pm
Where: Grand Acacia Ballroom
What: Easter egg hunt, Buffet, Bubble Show, Photo booth, Storytelling,  Games, Raffle prizes, and more!
Fee: Php1,250 nett per person
For more information, like them on Facebook
MAKATI PALACE HOTEL
When: April 21, 2019, Sunday 1pm - 4pm
What: Egg hunting, Face painting, Photo wall, Prizes, Games, and more!
Fee: Php 899 (child)/Php 499 adults (Early bird promo for a limited time and if booked directly from them)  Regular price is Php1,199
For more details and updates call 899 0344 / 0999 991 3622 / 0917 580 8660 or like them on Facebook

F1 HOTEL MANILA
When: April 21, 2019, Sunday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Infinity Ballroom
What: Buffet Lunch,  Magic Show, Face Paint, Balloon Twisting, Bubble Show, Photo Booth, Egg Decorating, Easter Egg Hunt, Loot Bag, and other exciting games and activities
Fee: Php899 (50% OFF on its original rate of PHP 1,798 net per head until March 31, 2019 only)
For more information or to buy tickets, go to hotdeals.f1hotelmanila.com. or call 908-7888 or like them on Facebook.
LUXENT HOTEL 
When: April 21, 2019, 11 am - 3 pm
Where: Seasons Ballroom
What: Brunch buffet, Magic show, Game booth, Egg Hunt, Goodie Bags, and more!
Fee: Php 999 (Early bird rate for first 50 registrations) or Php  1,299 nett per person regular price
For more information, like them on Facebook or call 863 7777.

SEDA HOTEL NUVALI
When: April 21, 2019, Sunday
What: Easter egg hunt, prizes, activities, and more!
Fee: Dine in Misto and for a single receipt purchase worth Php 2,000, get a pass for 1 adult and 1 child to our Easter Sunday Activity. Grand Prize for the egg hunt is an overnight accommodation with breakfast for 2. Promotion Run: March 15 to April 20, 2019
For updates, like them on Facebook
What: Magic show, buffet lunch, Easter egg hunt, games, prizes and surprises.
Bookmark and visit this post for more updates as we approach the fun Easter Sunday for your egg hunting events and activities.

I went to my son's school last week to talk to their guidance counselor and principal about my son's minor violation.  So I faced the school administrators with a ready heart and an open mind.  We had to give consequences even if it hurts me to see my son suffer.  That same week, my grade-schooler told me about a persistent bullying that a classmate's been doing to him.  Whenever he shares these things, I really stop whatever I'm doing and intently listen and draw out more from him by asking the right questions.  It pains me as a mom that he had to experience this almost on a daily basis.  The night before I was crying in prayer asking Him why I had to go through this challenge, when I've already devoted to become a SAHM to focus on and be more present for my children.  I felt like a failure.   But I was reminded that there are some things I cannot control.

The things we do as a mama right?  Motherhood is not always butterflies and rainbows, it's also many days of sad, painful, and exhausting experiences.  But as a mom, we cannot just give up.  We've gotta be tough mama and learn how to cope with this.  I cope by praying and cooking and eating or going to the salon or meet friends for coffee.

A TOUGH MAMA EXPERIENCE
Not so long after I experienced those school challenges of my kids, I was able to do all those coping activities, attended an event of a brand which spoke so much about what I was going through - as if the universe timed it perfectly.  I knew I can't pass on that event.  It was a brand I actually use and attest to its toughness and durability - TOUGH MAMA Appliances.  I met there my good friends who cheered me up that day.  (Thanks Nish!)  The activities during the event helped take away my thoughts from my motherhood chaos.  And I was just really thankful to be there.
By the way, I've been a Tough Mama user since they launched five years ago.  The appliances they had my try before which are the 2-in-1 hair iron and curler, bread toaster, and rice cooker are still working efficiently to this day.  I was surprised to see their expanded range of their appliances display that afternoon and thought to myself - I want them all! Look at some of these which caught my attention:
First activity was a live cooking demo done by Chef Jam Melchor whose demo made me want to take home 8-in-1 Multicooker, Commercial Blender, and Infrared Induction Cooker.  He taught everyone how to prepare a Crab and Native Corn soup using the Tough Mama power blender efficiently.  He also cooked Beef Stew using the  8-in-1 Multicooker over the induction cooker.  By this time, the whole venue was smelling really good and it made me forget everything else including my name.  Haha!  Last, in the same multicooker, he cooked Porkchop BBQ!  The Multicooker by the way is made of non-stick material which makes it really easy to clean and make cooking healthier without the need of putting too much oil!
There are no perfect moms only real ones, as what I keep on saying.  To each his own because our children and our circumstances are different.  One cannot push what works for her to another mama because her situation or challenges may be different from yours.  But it's tough to be a mom in the first place, the choices we make, the selflessness we have, the physical exhaustion, and even how we handle each tantrum or how we respond to school/teenage issues.  But here are some things that help me toughen up gracefully: Unending Prayers.  Seeing good friends to talk to, share laughter with, and know you have their full support - friends who will cheer you up, appreciate you and validate you .  Learning new things such as cooking (thanks again Chef  Jam and Bento Mommas). Surrounding my household with dependable appliances (such as Tough Mama Appliances) which make my SAHM life easier. 
Lastly, Self-care or self-love.  Going out to take a break is not selfish nor it means we love our children less.  It means we love them so much that we want to be the best versions of ourselves when we face them.  We need self-care so we fill ourselves with love, with appreciation, with affirmation, and with beauty.  These are what make me a tough mama, hope these help you too!

Summer is almost here and my most awaited 2019 list of summer workshops, sports clinics, classes, and activities for kids in Metro Manila is finally here!  As a tradition, this will be updated regularly as more and more establishments create their own programs for toddlers, kids, teens, and even adults!
Get your kids off gadgets where they could chance upon terrible and inappropriate content and get them up and active by enrolling them in classes this summer.  Let's not keep their minds idle this upcoming vacation!

My kids are products of these summer activities and it worked well for them, especially my now teenager whom I enrolled in basketball clinics since he was 7 years old.  Now he's a high school basketball varsity player and I can't believe how much he's grown and developed his skills in this sport.  My second child was enrolled in arts and reading programs and he hasn't stopped drawing and reading since then.  My toddler is showing great interest painting, playing ball, and reading too.

Just make sure that you know which interests your children are leaning to so you'll be able to enroll them in workshops they will love and pursue growing up.  You may choose to enroll them to any on my list in this post.

MCDONALD'S KIDDIE CREW 2019
WHAT: The Kiddie Crew Workshop is an annual summer program run by McDonald’s where participants gain new skills, meet new friends, and experience a whole lot of learning and fun!
WHEN/Schedule: Weekday workshop runs for 5 days and each day will last for 2 hours each. While the new weekend workshop option is a 2-day workshop made of 3 hours each.  Time schedule: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.  Workshop will run from April 8 to July 7, 2019
WHERE: Participating McDonald's branch nationwide, see links below for reference.
RATES: P695 (for 5-day workshop) and P595 (for 2-day workshop) inclusive of the workshop uniform (t-shirt, cap, bag, ID with lace), daily workshop materials, and daily meals!
LINKS: For more information, visit the McDonald's branch nearest you or check their website: https://mcdonalds.com.ph/content/page/kiddie_crew_2019 and Facebook Page for updates.

JOLLIBEE MINI-MANAGERS CAMP 2019
WHAT: 6-day workshop for kids aged 4-6 years old to learn about Jollibee values, store practices, arts and crafts, Yumberger making, ice cream making, dancing, and many more.
WHEN: Starts April 1, 2019
WHERE: All participating Jollibee branches nationwide.
RATES: Php 650 inclusive of  inclusive of 1 set of Mini Managers Uniform with Name Plate, Camp Bag, Daily Snacks, Activity Materials
LINK: For more information, please visit their Facebook Page Notes


BEST CENTER SPORTS INC.
WHAT: BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL and other sports
For Preparatory level, Levels 1 - 5)

BASKETBALL
WHERE/WHEN:
ATENEO COLLEGE COVERED COURTS
APRIL 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29, MAY 2
MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS
8:00 – 11:30 AM -
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD)
LEVEL 1, 2 (9 - 11 YEARS OLD), and 5
1:00 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1, 2 (12 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE), 3, 4, and 6

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Extra Ext. Fourth Estate Subdivision, Sucat, Paranaque
APRIL 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29
MONDAY AND THURSDAY
1:30 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1 and 2

STARMALL ALABANG
South Super Highway, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
APRIL 2, 9, 12,16, 23, 26, 30 
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1, 2 (9 - 11 YEARS OLD)
1:00 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1 and 2 (12 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE), and 3

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MINOR SEMINARY
EDSA corner Bernardino st., Guadalupe Viejo, Makati
APRIL 5, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, 30
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1, and 2

CHRIST THE KING SEMINARY
E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City
APRIL 5, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, 30
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
1:00 – 4:30 PM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1 and 2

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL
43 General Avenue, Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City
APRIL 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 27, MAY 1
WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD), LEVEL 1, 2
1:00 – 4:30 PM
LEVEL 1

MALATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Madre Ignacia, Manila
APRIL 6, 10, 13, 17, 24, 27, MAY 1
WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY
8:00 – 11:30 AM
PREPARATORY LEVEL (5 - 8 YEARS OLD)
LEVEL 1, 2 (9 - 11 YEARS OLD)
1:00 – 4:30 PM

LEVEL 1 and 2 (12 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE), 3, 4

VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE AND VENUES
Please click HERE
LINK: For more information, check their Facebook page BEST CENTER SPORTS Notes or call them at Tel Nos.: 411-6260 3723066

AQUA LOGIC SWIM CO.
WHAT: AquaBabies (6 to 35 mos), AquaTots/AquaKids (2.5-14yo), AquaTech (15 and above)
WHEN: Year-round
WHERE: See poster for details
RATES: Starting at P7590 (see price matrix on their website)
LINKS: For more information and updates, check their website or follow them on Facebook
THE ARCHERY ACADEMY MANILA
WHAT: Archery lessons for beginners or returning students aged 9 years old and above.
WHEN: Batch 1 on-going/ Batch 2 to start on March 29, 2019| Total of 8 sessions of 2 hours each per batch.  There's 15 minute FREE trial before enrolling.
WHERE: 5F Intrawest Centre, #33 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan Cit
RATES: Php 8,500 (this is inclusive of arm guard, string, TAA Shirt, and finger tab) New Students' rate/ Php 6,500 Returning Studetns' rate
LINKS: For more information, follow them on Facebook.
WHAT: Ballet and Football classes for kids
WHEN: Classes start April 8 for Blue Bay Walk and April 11 for Binondo
WHERE: CAMBRIDGE Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City and State Centre Bldg., Binondo, Manila
RATES: Call 845 2944 . 0917 820 1228 (Blue Bay Walk) and 812 0942 (for Binondo) to ask for rates and more details.
LINKS: Follow FitKids on Facebook for updates.

BALAY GABAY
WHAT: Summer workshops for children of all ages (toddlers, kids and teens, and such as Music, Arts, Sports, Painting, Magic, Cooking, Digital Arts, and Science.  Weekend workshops are also available.
WHEN: Beginning April 1, 2019
WHERE: Diliman, Quezon City
RATES: Class rates starting at Php 3,450
CONTACT/LINKS: For more information, call 358 33 38 or visit their Facebook Page for updates.
CONSIS BETTER LEARNING CENTER
WHAT: Consis Summer Learners Lab
Wonder Lab
2-5 years old
T-TH April 11 10AM - 12NN
W-F April 10 10AM - 12NN
Php10,800
(Math Wizards, Little Scientists, Rock On, Attentive Scouts, Doodle Time, Skillfull Communications, World Warriors)

Discover Lab
6-12 years old
30- 45 sessions (2-3 hours a week)
From P19,500
(Attention and Focus Enhancement Program, Personal Development Program, English Enhancement Program, Mathematics Enhancement Program)

Explore Lab
13 years old and up
30, 45, to 60 sessions (2,3, 4 hours a week)
From Php 19,500
Attention and Focus Enhancement Program, Personal Development Program, English Enhancement Program, Mathematics Enhancement Program)

WHEN: April 8 to May 20, 2019
WHERE: 2/F Serendra Retail, BGC, Taguig City
LINKS: Check their website for registration and more details.  You may also follow them on Facebook for updates.

Ever since I became a full-time stay-at-home-mom, I realized three things about TIME.  First, I realized how much valuable TIME really is for the family. Second, I also realized how time management plays an important role in making sure that as a mom I am able to give more of myself to my children – the very reason why I left my corporate job last year.  Third, I realized time flies by so faster at home compared to sitting on a desk in an office ticking one corporate task after the other.
TIME also spells love in the family.  I became busier at home than I’ve ever been the office.  I thought I was already tired and stressed in the corporate setting managing and executing one nationwide project after the other, but it’s different at home.  It’s like I have so much to do and yet I have very limited time.  I do almost all the house chores from the time I wake up, until they fall asleep.  One of the chores I do more than three times a day at times is washing dishes, kasi naman hello sebo!  I don’t want to use a greasy plate or a half-cleaned pot or pan for cooking.  Believe me it takes a lot of TIME away from my husband and my kids.  Although, yes the home is organized and clean, but my husband and my kids feel less loved – because all I do is clean.  Nagtatampo na sila to be honest, and I feel guilty about it.
This 2019, I need to come up with a sure solution, especially the dishwashing part which takes too much time away from them. I need to make up for loss time of bonding with my husband and play with my kids and have Zero-Worries when it comes to managing our home and my precious time with my family.

Let me share with you some hacks that I do in dishwashing that will not only save time but money too (a practical mom knows well that she should get the best value-for-money on products she uses at home, isa na ditto ang JOY!):

1. One (1) drop of JOY goes a long way.  Make sure you also use quality sponge to partner with Joy.  Agitate or piga-pigain ang basang sponge para bumula.  Then you could start washing many dishes with just a small amount of JOY.
2. Separate pots and pans from dishes.  Pots and pans are greasier, so wash them after the dishes.  Don’t mix them with plates in the sink as well.  Put a drop of JOY and hot water for a few minutes before washing them.  Makikita mong nahihiwalay nang mas mabilis ang sebo.
3. Delegate or ask help.  Do you have a teenager like me?  Or a young child who’s old enough to handle dishes?  Teach them how to wash dishes properly using a dependable product such as JOY to save time, energy, and make you less physically exhausted or drained.  You hit three birds with one stone.  One, they learn life skills.  Two, you’re less tired.  Three, you save time and spend it with what matters more.

Mango Tree BGC, its flagship restaurant, reopens with a fresh and significant design with an all-new menu.  It's indeed a lot different from the old look.  Personally, it's better, fresher, and with a more relaxed look which will attract more diners catering to a wider market including families, business men and women, and working people around the BGC area.  It's expanded its reach not only to those looking for authentic Thai dishes but even those who just want to find a place they could feel cozy and relaxed while devouring delicious food and enjoying conversations with their companions.
Diners will now enter through the casual elegance of the solarium and immediately see the stylish bar, which connects to a high-ceiling restaurant with plants and greenery offering a sense of escape and tropical tranquility. It also features a stunning show kitchen, a special wine room, and semi-private booth seats ideal for restaurant views.
The new Mango Tree is a 200-seat, casual, fine dining restaurant with a 20-seat solarium and 40-seat
loft area that has been enclosed for private functions.
(Tangmoo Goong Haeng), a refreshing palate cleanser of fresh watermelon and shrimp floss mixed with a tad of sugar.
STEAMED
Steamed Chilean Black Mussels in Tom Yum - Mussels may not always be my favorite, but it's my go-to seafood when I get tired of eating pork, beef, or chicken.  This dish is a must-try and definitely something with an adventurous taste would be happy about.
GRILLED
Grilled U.S. Pork Belly (Kor Moo Yang) - marinated grilled US pork collar served with Isan jim jaew sauce.  I love pork belly and I enjoyed this dish with my generous serving of rice!  Winner combination!  My sons loved it as well!
FRIED/STIR-FRIED
Stir-fried Crab in Curry Sauce (Phad Phong Ka Ree), a simple yet delicious crabmeat dish with egg and yellow curry sauce.  Who doesn't love curry?  I don't know any, if you don't, then you must be missing a lot on food enjoyment!  This dish is spicy but flavorful!  If you're a carb lover like me, you could pair this with your ever dependable rice or noodles too.
RICE & NOODLES
Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Crab Meat - If you want to go for Mango Tree's main dishes, make sure you make this part of your order.  The combination of fresh seafood, salt, spice, rice noodles and veggies - would give anyone a burst of legit Thai flavorful experience in your mouth.
VEGETABLES
Stir-fried Lady Finger "Okra" (Okra Fai Daeng) which is topped with garlic, bird's eye chili and yellow bean paste.  I am happy my vegetable-eating Wes loved this Mango Tree recipe.  He loves eating okra and usually it's with a soup-based dish.  He has never tried it cooked this way, but boy he loved it!  He even asked for second serving!  If a child likes a not so favorite vegetable, then I tell you it must be really good!
DESSERT

Thai Style Mochi - glutinous rice balls with grated coconut and palm sugar. Always always leave room for desserts and that's what we all did.  Hence, I appreciated how delicious these little mochis are!  Seriously, every dish I tried gave a different gastronomic experience including this simple-outside-but-the-bomb-inside Thai mochis!  I finished around four piece of it!  Addicting!  Glad I left a lot of room for it!
Other exciting dishes you may order are:

Thai Tapioca Dumplings (Sakoo Sai Moo), a street favorite made with steamed tapioca balls seasoned with ground pork and ground peanuts; the Isan Grilled Chicken, deep fried chicken marinated with special Thai herbs served with Isan jim jaew sauce; Tri-colored Mango Sticky Rice, a popular choice with is attractively tri-colored with coconut sauce and fresh, ripe mangoes; and the Tub Tim Grob, irresistible coconut ice cream with red ruby chestnuts.

Mango Tree is open 7 days a week, with superb service that is relaxed and friendly. Its team is comprised of competitive individuals whose backgrounds consist of years of experience in the food, restaurant, and catering industries. Events and catering will be a major part of the business and with an already established clientele, it is expected to even grow further.  Visit Mango Tree and sample its all-new menu selection now.

Mango Tree is located at 7th Ave. Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City. For information and reservations, call (02) 217-2367.  Follow them on social media for updates and more info too: Instagram and Facebook.