SM Little Stars

Last April 25, Z and I went to Photoline SM San Mateo to get his photo taken for his school requirement. We weren't aware that it was also the same day of the registration for the SM Little Stars. When the lady at the store saw Z, she exclaimed, "Naku Mommy, sali mo siya sa SM Little Stars. Ang pogi, baka manalo!"

Well, why not right? So at that very moment, Z had his photos taken.

Kapuluan Vista Resort Review

One of the reasons why our Ilocos tour was a success is because of our lovely stay at the quiet and serene Kapuluan Vista Resort. It is located almost at the end of the Blue Lagoon area and if you're too quick to decide on the accommodations, you might miss it completely.

Powerville Fun Rides at SM San Mateo

As promised yesterday, I took Z out as a treat for doing a great job at his assessment. Since he was dying to try the new Powerville Fun Rides at SM San Mateo, I finally obliged and let him play. The playhouse is located at the 3rd Level of the mall, across the Cinemas so you can't miss it.

Myopia: What to do When Your Child is Diagnosed With Nearsightedness

Today was supposed to be a normal, happy day for Z and me. I had everything planned down to the T: routine eye exam for his school requirements, pay bills and probably play in the new Powerville Fun House at SM San Mateo. Unfortunately, I didn't count on my son being diagnosed with myopia in the mix.

ISYC Assessment, Tuition Fee & Payment Terms

Z had his assessment today and Z was definitely very adamant because he's scared to go to school wearing his eyeglasses. I was so heartbroken by his expression but after telling him that no one will mock him and everyone will still find him cute, he finally rode the car.

When we are finally at school, we went directly to the Multipurpose Hall to get our original receipt for his tuition (full payment) and proceeded to get his new uniform. The good thing about ISYC was everything's already included in the tuition fee that we paid.

Herencia Cafe Review

For our first lunch in Ilocos, my family and I decided to eat at the infamous Herencia Cafe, home of the pinakbet pizza. It is located in front of the Paoay Church, right across the PAOAY standee. You will not miss it because of the throng of visitors that frequent the place.

Who Is My President?

I am one of the million Filipinos who clamor for change hence my heart was set on voting for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for President. Well, that is until I discovered the "Who is My President" poll and now, my heart and my mind are in a heated argument.

Kusina Felicitas at Grandpa's Inn Review

Vigan has a very rich Spanish cultural history that people who visit this beautiful place often get off-guard whenever they see how fantastically well-kept and restored the place is. According to its website vigan.ph, this town was recognized as the religious center of Northern Luzon in the year 1595 because of its wealth, including a thriving political epicenter.

Through the help of the business of Filipino-Chinese inhabitants and agricultural knowledge of the mestizos, Vigan continued to blossom and soon, it was able to support the revolutionary hence thwarting the Spaniards by 1896.

Besides its beautiful history, cuisine is also one of its well-kept secrets. Kusina Felicitas is the signature restaurant of Grandpa's Inn located in the fame Calle Crisologo. According to its website, the dining hall still stands with the original bricks dating way back in the 18th century. This well-known restaurant serves authentic Vigan and Ilocano dishes like the bagnet, pinakbet, and the famous longganisa.

Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpud 2016 (Day Two & Three)

After a quick and hearty breakfast at the Kapuluan Vista Restaurant, where most of us ordered the Vigan longganisa again, we started the day with our DIY Pagudpud tour. We were a bit late so it was extremely hot when we drove to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Bangui Windmills.

In my itinerary, we were supposed to go to Bantay Abot Cave but due to an accident that we have never foreseen, we had to scrap it off our tour. Good thing our resort was in the Blue Lagoon area that's why we were able to swim and see the beautiful place.

Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpud 2016 (Day One)

Finally, my family and I went on a much-needed vacation as we were not able to go last March. For this year, we've decided to go to Northern Luzon and explored the wonderful province of Ilocos. We started at Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur then moved to Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, and finally rested at Pagudpud.

I made our own itinerary because we rented our own van hence we can go wherever we want to go at whatever time we please.

#KobesFarewell

I followed Kobe Bryant's career since high school and I am one of the many girls who fantasized about him being her husband. I had his NBA card, his posters, and yes, I even drew little hearts around our photos together.

He was, and will always be, my BEST NBA player of all-time.

Today, I learned from my husband that the NBA regular season has ended and that it will be Kobe's final game as he has already retired. And like a past relationship, so many memories replayed in my mind like a broken down kaleidoscope.

Who was Kobe Bryant for me?

Little Chicks Inspired Bento

Today is Z's last day of swimming classes and it was a bittersweet experience. He finally swam on his own but he was too sad to go because he will miss his new friends.

His coaches were all sad to see him go but we were delighted to know that there will be an official graduation ceremony where all the participants will showcase everything they've learned this summer. It will be by the end of May and I am truly excited for Z.

I mean, yes he's not as excellent as the big kids but he knows how to do three kinds of floating (tuck float, dead man's float, and back float), bobbing, gliding, and literally swimming across the pool.

Coach J Hoop Camp 2016

My husband is a HUGE basketball fan and because of this, he really wants Z to learn and play basketball. Unfortunately, MILO BEST only accepts kids five years and older so Z is still a year short from this requirement. This is also the reason why we enrolled him in swimming lessons instead.

Future baller

Although we were a bit disappointed that Z can't enroll this year, we're truly looking forward to have his basketball training next year as he's a big basketball fan too. In fact, whenever there is a Golden State game, he'd ask his daddy to switch the channel to NBA TV. Good thing I understand and adore basketball too because if I'm a different mommy, I would have been left out of the conversion.

Japanese Inspired Bento Week

This week is Big Boy Z's final week of swimming lessons. While I didn't really expect him to be an excellent swimmer after the ten-day course, I was very surprised to see his progress. It was more than we bargained for and I am truly proud of my little boy.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2016

DISCLAIMER: I am a member of the Modern Cloth Nappying Pinays and as a sign of gratitude and support, I have personally decided to post this advertisement on my blog. I am neither part of the admin team of MCNP nor SPIN (South PiNanays). For more information about the event, please contact the admins here. Thank you.

MCNP, in partnership with Breastfeeding Pinays, MommyTalk Philippines, and SPiN, proudly presents "The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2016" happening on Apr. 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dance Vision Arena Events Place.

Argan Oil Uses & Benefits

Yesterday, when I had my foot pampering at Nail-A-Holics SM San Mateo, Rhoda noticed that I have dry skin at my heel. She recommended very subtly that I try argan oil. But what are the argan oil uses and benefits?

I have heard about this so-called "beauty oil" from many forums and Facebook groups but I've never actually tried it personally. I was still hesitant and doubtful as I thought it was synthetic and unnatural.

I can't believe how wrong I was.

Why I Love Being A WAHM

The call of the corporate world is back again and while it is tempting to dip my toes, I can't help but wonder if I will be doing the right thing. I turned my back from my 8-5 job a year ago and while online and freelance writing jobs are hard to come by, my family and I seem to be coping.

If I go back, will I be able to see my son grow up? Will I be able to watch him learn how to glide, bob, and dive? Will I be able to see his face glow whenever he sees my smiling face by the guard after school?

With his new best friend at swimming class

Nail-A-Holics SM San Mateo Review

So today, Big Boy Z and I went to SM San Mateo because I promised him that if he sleeps, we'll go. Unfortunately, he didn't forget that's why the very moment he opened his eyes, he told me "Hi Mommy! Time to go to SM, I slept!"

Remind me not to make promises before he sleeps, okay? Haha.

Thankfully, I had to run some errands for my husband hence our trip to the mall was not in vain. I had to go pick up my father-in-law's glasses from Executive Optical (EO) and as it was delivered late, we got a 10% rebate. We got Php 576 back, now that's customer service.

Anyway, after the trip to the optical, we went straight to the Nail-A-Holics boutique. It was my first time to try this branch and personally, I loved the experience! Kudos to nail technician Rhoda as she was very meticulous in doing my foot spa, pedicure, and even my eyebrow threading.

Padre Pio Maternity Hospital Review

Today was my return check-up to my cardiologist, Dr. Ivan Panganiban. He's my doctor at Marikina Valley Medical Center but thankfully, he also happens to be the Medical Doctor at the newly-built hospital at San Mateo, which is Padre Pio Maternity Hospital.

Contact Details
Address: Gen. Luna Street, Ampid 2, San Mateo, Rizal (in front of SM San Mateo)
Contact Number: (02) 274-9889 / (02) 280-4479

While the hospital is still in its early stage, it seems well-managed and customer service is okay. I'm not sure yet about the facilities as I have only seen the doctors' offices though I like their ultrasound room. It was very clean and the technicians are very friendly.

Sadly, my cardiologist informed me that I need to increase the dosage of my medicines for hypertension. He's pleased with the progress of my blood sugar and he advised me to return after two months. By then, he will check my glycosylated hemoglobin, liver function test, and cholesterol levels.

Cars Inspired Bento

My son had his second swimming lessons today and to show that I am very supportive of his craft, I paid homage to his favorite vehicle for his "baon." Thankfully, I was able to get all my tools from my favorite Bento stores.

I used my VW Beetle mold to make the rice and cut some nori to create the windows and wheels. I have added three Libby's Vienna sausage and spread corn all over the food. I used the bunny egg molder to make the soft-boiled egg look like a bunny then added the details using nori. As a treat, I've added two butter cookies in a working car paper cup.

Sunday Thoughts

It's my second day of training at my new online job and while it is extremely difficult to adjust as I am often out with my family every weekend, we were able to make do with our time. Like today, instead of hearing mass at six in the evening, we heard mass at 8:30 in the morning. We like to hear mass in the evenings because it is quieter, making the celebration solemn.

To wake my Big Boy Z, I prepared a simple yet cute breakfast.

It's a cheese sandwich in the shape of a tractor truck with cheese and grapes. My little boy even told me, "Mommy, can I eat this? It's too beautiful!" Ah, to have my masterpiece loved and praised by my son, that's enough for me.

Lightning McQueen Inspired Bento

Big Boy Z is an avid fan of cars ever since he was still in my tummy (check out this page for the story). In fact, he has a huge collection of vehicles which includes Disney Cars characters, Hot Wheels, CAT, wooden cars, and many more.

But, my son really loves Lightning McQueen. This Disney character was his inspiration in everything hence he wants to become a race car driver when he grows up. McQueen is definitely part of the family.

Summer Classes 2016 (UPDATED)

Happy April's Fool Day!

Did you encounter any pranks today? Well, thank goodness I didn't. Last year, I was totally bummed out by the fake pregnancy announcements and reveals on Facebook, probably because it has always been a sensitive topic for me.

Thankfully, BabyCenter was tactful enough to post an article about it so it won't happen again this year.

"The gag does seem innocent enough.However, for people coping with fertility issues or miscarriage, this joke may be a little more painful than is realized.This is why."
Posted by BabyCenter on Thursday, March 31, 2016

I guess it was a wake up call for people because my newsfeed was spared of these jokes. I hope nobody gets me wrong because I'm cool about jokes and pranks but I'm just a tad sensitive when it comes to fertility or trying to conceive issues as I can't seem to conceive baby #2. Also, not to mention that my cardiologist didn't allow me to have one this year.

Anyway, enough about my baby drama. Today happens to be a milestone for my son because he's having his first (ever) swimming lesson. And to show my support, I made sure that his swim cap, goggles, swimwear, and kick board are all Lightning McQueen related.

For this summer, we initially thought of enrolling Big Boy Z to the MILO Best Basketball summer program at Ateneo but when I called, I was informed that Z was too young. So, we opted to enroll him in swimming instead but their department was not answering our call.

Easter Egg Hunt at Fun Ranch Ortigas

Happy Easter, working moms and readers!

I'm sorry for the late post as I have been very busy with work and all other stuff.

Anyway, so this Easter, we've decided to have Big Boy Z's first ever egg hunting activity. I scouted the Internet for possible Easter activities and I stumbled upon Mommy Practicality. It was a treasure throve of information and I am so thankful for Mommy Louise!

Out of all the activities, Fun Ranch Ortigas was the nearest from our place so we've decided to give it a go.

Poster courtesy of the Fun Ranch Wordpress

It was so easy to have a reservation. First, I called their Ortigas office at (02) 706-2887 and I was informed to email their PR / Marketing Department at kidsrulehere.funranch@gmail.com