Wes finally got back to school last week and he survived the rainy week of meeting his new classmates, getting around his newly renovated campus, and getting back to the old routine.  That routine involves waking up earlier, dressing up, eating a nutritious breakfast, going to school, finishing his #WesBaonToday, going home, and doing homework.

I believe every student needs all the energy they could get to get things done at home and in school.  For that to happen, they should pack a good snack and lunch to school so that even when they are away, we know they are still cared for through the food we prepare for them.

Kaya for the going three years in a row (I still have a full school year ahead!) ineeffortan ko talaga ang #WesBaonToday preparation niya.  Recently, I discovered so many new snacks for his recess from Snackeroo.  If you're my Facebook or Instagram follower, you've noticed that I've been posting his baon and snacking already.

The whole family is raving about Snackeroo's Bits 'n Chips!  They are packs of BAKED and not FRIED flavorful biscuits that kids will love and even everyone in the family!  It comes it two most favorite chips flavors: Cheese and Barbeque.


WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BITS 'N CHIPS:
1.  The taste of chips, just healthier - Instead of eating junk foods, which happily my kids are not so fond of, these biscuits give the same flavor and yummy treat only in biscuit form!  I've never looked at biscuits the same again after tasking these.

2.  Two flavors to choose from - Whether you're team cheese or team barbecue, you're covered! I love the tanginess of its barbecue flavor making this my new healthy snack for times when I crave for chips.  The cheese flavor is my kids' favorite variant.
3.  It's BAKED! - I love that it really says on its packaging that it's baked and not fried, making it a healthier snack option not just for the kids but for the whole family.

4.  It comes in a perfect size - The packs of biscuits are just right for kids and even adults to consume.  Only 95 calories per pack.  It's a pack that your kids could finish feeling full so you're assured there will be no wastage.  Wes came home with his empty baon after school and any baon-prepping-mom's happiness is just that!

5.  It's versatile - It can be prepared as baon of the kids or served to guests during gatherings with dips. You could also use it for cooking loves!  Just crush the chips, roll your marinated chicken fingers on the crushed Bits 'n Chips, and fry them!  So versatile and any practical mom would love it!

For baon preparations, I recommend this new discovery, Bits 'n Chips from Snackeroo!  Snackeroo is the makers of Iced Gems, our childhood favorite snack.  They have so many other variants which you could also add to your children's baon too!

Check out the other cookies and biscuits from Snackeroo that are part of my baon prepartion for Wes:
Snackeroo Bits 'n Chips and all other variants, our current favorites too (Big Boss, Itsy Bitsy, and Heartsies) are available in selected Robinsons Supermarket and Puregold Supermarket branches.  For updates and other details, you may follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  Try them too loves so you'll also find a lot of #HappinessInASnack!

It's definitely back to school already!  And as a mom of two schoolboys, my eldest being in high school and my second in gradeschool, I am very aware of their baon preferences. 

Both of my boys spend the whole day in school so I pack them lunches.  My eldest has monetary baon but is as practical as I am, he still wants to bring lunch with him.  He then saves money so he could buy what he wants or put it in his investment.  But it can't be just any lunch by the way.  He prefers a packed lunch that is still warm, otherwise, he will bring it home untouched.

I've tried many food containers and even lunch bags, that failed to fulfill its promises of keeping food warm from morning until lunchtime.  Until I used Asvel's Luntus insulated compact lunchbox.
As moms we want to give our best to our children and provide what they need and even want right?  Giving them not only a nutritious baon but in their preferred temperature, is for me going an extra mile.  Ganyan naman tayong moms, we go lengths for our kids right? 

Asvel gives us the best items for our homes.  That's why Ms. Kris Aquino uses and recommends this brand.  We get to experience Japan-standard quality and design with their line of products such as rice dispensers, lunchboxes, mugs, tumblers, pitchers, and more!

What I like about the Asvel Compact LunchBox:

• It comes in a color we like.  The lunchbox is available in pink and in navy blue by the way.

• It keeps food warm for up to 5 hours (My son leaves the house at 6:30 and eats lunch at 11:30am, it's still warm!)

• It's made of durable materials that are microwave-safe and dishwasher safe.  

• It's very versatile because it could pack rice and viand plus soup/rice and viand plus snacks or desserts/rice and viand plus vegetables.

• It has two stackable compartments.

• It's really compact and comes in a minimalist design - no non-sense.

• It's easy to clean.

Asvel offers an extensive lineup of items for hime and kitchen needs. 
Check them all out in different branches such as The Podium, SM Home at The SM Store, in select Rustan's branches, select National Book Store branches, Noteworthy (Greenbelt and Podium), Robinsons Filinvest, select Wilcon Depot, Make Room & More, and also online via Shopee and Lazada.

For more information, follow them on their social media pages: https://facebook.com/asvelph/ https://www.instagram.com/asvelph/

Some may think sometimes that being a mom of boys don't require a careful or meticulous selection for what we use for their skin.  Others may say, pwede na yan or lalaki naman.  Actually, it's not the gender but the sensitivity of baby's skin that is always at stake whenever we choose skin care products for our kids.
I learned a lot about baby's skin and why it really needs skincare that's gentle but thorough in cleaning without stripping off the natural moisture or by locking the moisture in.  This was explained by a renowned dermatologist and blooming mom-to-be Dr. Mara Padilla Evangelista-Huber during the recent launch of Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar.  Here were some of the other learnings I took with me on truths about baby's skin:

• Cleansing can be the most damaging step in baby's skincare routine.  That's why we should be discerning in choosing the right brand of cleanser.
• Skincare in babies should focus on supporting the barrier function meaning it should thorough in cleaning yet not strip off moisture plus should even lock it in.
• A good baby cleanser should reduce the risk of irritation and infections.

The cleansing bar is Cetaphil's extended baby line of products which is targeted to toddlers. The program was hosted by Patty Laurel-Filart and graced by mom celebrities as well such as Mariel Padilla and Andi Manzano-Reyes who both shared challenges of raising toddlers and how they've used Cetaphil since they were born.
Also in attendance were editors Bianca Santiago-Reinoso and Georgia del Rosario, actress Helga Krapf, author Joy Tan-Chi Mendoza, designer Nicole Hernandez de los Angeles, entrepreneur Rene Rose Rodrigo, photographer Sheila Catilo, and many of society’s career moms and their babies.

“Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar is our way of growing with the babies who started with our signature brand of gentle cleansing,” says Abe Mationg, Brand Manager of Cetaphil Baby. “We want to give every toddler the right foundation for healthy skin to ensure that it is protected, now and in the future.” 

After all the skin talk, the moms, together with their kids, enjoyed the rest of their night and treated themselves to sumptuous food and delightful conversations with other mothers. The moms also bonded over their common stories, exchanging mommy tips throughout the night’s affair.

The event also became an impromptu playdate for all the youngsters present for the launch, hanging out by the play areas with the new set of friends they made by the end of the night.  The night ended on a high for the mommies and their kids, taking home with them the new Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar and a lot of new knowledge about taking care of their toddler’s skin.

For information, visit www.cetaphil.com.ph

So many kids today want to be seen on video, be in their mom's or dad's phone or tablet/iPad while some kids want to be seen on social media especially YouTube.  These kids are very much knitted in the digital culture and are very comfortable talking in front of the camera and feel confident seeing their videos get published.  This new generation of content creators using videos, it's called VLOGGING by the way, should be properly taught how to do it properly, securely, and safely.  Moms and dads of these talented kids, could support their children, the future potentially earning YouTubers, by attending a workshop next weekend, Vlogging 101 for Kids: How To Start Your Own Channel organizes by The Manila Workshops featuring the honest sweet couple speakers Omni & Bryce Larrossa of #TheClingyFam.
Happening on June 22, 2019, from 9:00am til 4:00pm at Richprime Global, Inc. office in Quezon City, learn the ins and outs of Vlogging for Kids.  For parents who have many questions about this millennial trend and activity called Vlogging, this is your perfect chance to ask the expert parent/family speakers and vloggers themselves all.

The speakers Omni & Bryce are my personal friends and I vouch for their authenticity, their desire to educate and help others, their selflessness in sharing their skills, and in ensuring they say and teach the correct techniques and lessons about good and safe vlogging.  With this, I can assure you that you and your children will get so much more than just vlogging stuff.

Here's what you will learn from the VLOGGING 101

• Doing it right the first time.
• The right mindset, purpose, and equipment that can help kickstart your vlogging career.
• Youtube Basics: On Branding
• How to properly present yourself and make your vlog standout
• Youtube Basics : Setting Your Channel Up
• Creating your channel art and other items needed to attract more viewers
• Youtube Basics : Building your content
• Crafting your content plan
• Monetization 
• Turning your passion into profit through the different ways of monetizing your content

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Omni & Bryce Larrossa with their three children: Zia, Zela, and Zed

Omni and Bryce Larrosa is the couple behind the fun and quirky family vlog dubbed as Omni & Bryce or #TheClingyFam. They started their channel in March 2017 with the aim to capture their children's milestones on video. Little did they know that people are looking forward to relevant family content and they realized this when their channel reached 3000 subscribers in just 4 months after launch and receiving thousands of heart-warming and encouraging comments from Filipinos all over the world. Since then, their passion to inspire more people that having a happy family life is possible by sharing their story grew bigger day after day.

Their story was also noticed and featured on different TV shows such as Social TV's FamBam,
ABS-CBN's Tapatan ni Tunying and GMA's Reel Time reaching an even wider audience both on traditional and digital entertainment channels.  Today, Omni and Bryce has garnered over a million watch minutes with over 400,000 watch views and more than 6,500 subscribers and counting in just less than 2 years of existence, making them one of the country's fastest rising family vlogs. They are also trusted by over 30 companies to execute branded content for their brands including Babyzen, Foldaway, Ergobaby, Baby Dove Cheez Whiz, Eden, The Araneta Center, and many many others that cater to moms, dads or families in general.

LEARNING RATES:
Early Bird Rate: Php 2,499.00 (Adult + Kid)
Early Bird Group Rate: Php 2,999.00 (Group of 3)
Regular Rate: Php 3,499.00 (Adult + Kid)
Group Rate: Php 3,999.00 (Dad + Mom + Kid)

**Workshop Fee is inclusive of handouts, certificates, giveaways and snacks!**
You may buy your tickets at: https://manilaworkshops.com/events/vlogging-for-kids-2019
For more details contact: VENI – veni.anabo@manilaworkshops.com | 09272816651

Did you know that there are many types of intelligence?  Not all intelligence are measured in school by high grades, certificates, and medals around a child's neck. The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. Often times, what's measured or given more focus or attention in school are linguistic (word smart) and logical-mathematical (number-reasoning).  But other intelligence types take a backseat and are often read as underachievement or attention deficit disorder in some kids who possess these. I wish more schools, organizations or institutions take equal focus on other types which make kids the next architects, artists, musicians, designers, dancers, and even entrepreneurs.

A recent event I was a proud media partner of, BIZ KIDS 2019, was held in Commercenter Alabang.  It's an awesome event for the next-generation entrepreneurs who got their real-world business experience last May 18-19!  In the first-of-its-kind event in the South, the participating youngsters brought and sold various self-made products to a new and bigger customer base — which even included Filipino rock music icon Bamboo, who dropped by at the event!
For its second year, BIZ KIDS provided free expo space for a total of 14 businesses — 2  more than 2018 — run by kids with a strong entrepreneurial flair over the two-day fair. This allowed the budding young entrepreneurs to focus their energy and brainpower on making their products and thinking of creative ways to sell.
At the end of the weekend event, the standout kiddie ventures were honored at the BIZ KIDS Awards. Lois Faith Berino bagged the Best Booth Design Award for her biz, Lois Faith Gourmet Recipes, which offered pasti-mallows, crispy mushrooms, and yema spread.
Little tycoons Hidde and Rinke Bartlema and Lucius Manalac, the trio behind homemade skincare brand Flubber Blubber Soaps and Scrubs, received the Most Innovative Biz Award.
The biggest-selling businesses were also recognized with the Sales Genius Award, which was given in four categories: Desserts, Snacks, Handicrafts, and Arts. Beatrice Veloso’s Grand Slam Cookies, Zac and Zion Jimenez’s Yummy Bites, Natalie Sumagpao’s CLAYThings, and Christine Yenko’s Sandy’s Little Nook topped each segment, respectively.
A new award was added to the original lineup: theAsianparent Philippines Biz Kid 2019 Award, which was given to the venture whose photo posted on The Asian Parent Mobile App garnered the most number of likes. Crisps Gourmet Snacks, helmed by Aria Gacutan, Anree Ignacio, and Almond Wong, bagged the honor, which was awarded by Commercenter Alabang’s Bianca Pabello together with Richelle Morana, Community Manager of The Asian Parent Philippines.
“The event was a very good opportunity for the kids to experience what it’s like to run a business,” shares Maria Flor Bueno, mother of kiddie entrepreneur Chelsea Bueno of DMC Sweet Treats. “We’re grateful for a chance to be part of this.”

Before last weekend’s expo, BIZ KIDS also hosted the future tycoons on a two-day workshop that introduced them not only to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship but also to the basics of stock market investing — either as a means to raise capital or an alternative venture.

“BIZ KIDS is about empowering kids with real-world experience and with basic business and finance concepts that will help them realize their potential,” notes Tagle-Dinglasan. “We’re thankful to everyone who helped us do that by dropping by last weekend to support the participating kiddie ventures. We hope to see everyone again next year!”

BIZ KIDS 2019 is presented by Commercenter Alabang, and is supported by media partners theAsianparent Philippines, Inquirer.net, InqPOP, Manila for Kids, CNN Philippines, Pop Life TV, Yuneoh.com, ClickTheCity.com, WhatsHappening.PH, WazzupPilipinas.com, Mom Center, Mommy Practicality and Mommy Levy.

Having a male-dominated family means there are so many movements going on in our lives. That just means that we're always out and about.  We love the outdoors, we love traveling, we love activities, they love sports, and we love swimming. In short we love the SUN! But we all know that too much sun exposure is highly dangerous to our skins.  That's why it's important to always apply sunscreen that's safe for our skin and doesn't contain harmful ingredients as well.

Gladly, we discovered a brand that protects both the skin and the environment as well with Banana Boat Simply Protect.  It's now even better as it's available for babies, for kids, and adults as well.
Banana Boat, the brand synonymous to skin protection just elevated the playing field to a new level with this latest sunscreen lotion – the Banana Boat Simply Protect.

Banana Boat Simply Protect provides SPF50+ broad spectrum of UVA/UVB protection. It is made with 25% fewer ingredients making the phrase “Less is More“ literally appropriate for the product. It is very light on the skin because it is formulated with no additional fragrances and oils and stays on skin in 7 conditions – sun, heat, wind, pool water, ocean water, sweat, and sand.
Banana Boat Simply Protect also replaced Oxybenzone and Parabens – ingredients that are said to create cellular damage in coral reefs with natural ingredients that are safe and effective in filtering out the sun’s harmful rays but are environmentally friendly.  “ Banana Boat Simply Protect is a product that gives maximum sunscreen protection with very minimal ingredients, making it safe for everyone in the family. It is also micro-plastic free and does not contain Oxybenzone and Parabens making it safe for the environment as well “ said Maricel Quevedo, Banana Boat Brand Manager.

In the Philippines, Banana Boat Simply Protect comes in three (3) variants - the Simply Protect Sports, designed for those who enjoy the active outdoor lifestyles. Simply Protect Kids for kids 4 years old and above, Simply Protect Baby for babies 6 months to 3 years old. Both variants are sting-free and tear-free product made mild and gentle enough even for the most delicate and sensitive skin.
Simply Protect Sports and Simply Protect Kids are available in both Aerosol Spray and Lotion forms while Simply Protect Baby is available in the same lightweight lotion form.  Banana Boat Simply Protect is a product that it is highly recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation when it comes to protection against harmful rays of the sun. Banana Boat Simply Protect is a global brand manufactured by Edgewell Personal Care and being imported, marketed and distributed in the Philippines by Getz Healthcare.

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

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

Damien's first-ever mini obstacle course activity

Hop and move!  Finishing the activity during his first day

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

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

Their Ready Steady Go class huddle

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

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

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

Damien following simple instructions and participating in his class

THE READY STEADY GO KIDS PROGRAMME:

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

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

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

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

Again with his Spidey signature pose

Valle Verde make-up class where he experienced playing golf

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

Let me smell those kili-kili love! :)

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

Usual sports equipment used in a RSGK class

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