Yesterday afternoon, Kuya and I were happy to join other mommy bloggers and their kids at Gardenia Pocket Sandwich Pocket Full of Fun in Fun Ranch Ortigas. 

This fun afternoon was filled with games, food, prizes, magic show, mascot appearance, etc.--- a great way to spend quality time with our kids that made our tummies and memories full. 

The main inspirations of Gardenia to come up with Pocket Sandwich are the busy moms. Moms are the masters or multitasking. They are very efficient in juggling different roles like doing chores, taking care of the kids, handling finances, scheduling activities for the family, earning for a living (may it be working at home, business, or in a company/institution), taking care of the family members and their needs, and of course, planning and preparing meals. 

Iron- for normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin

Vitamin B1- helps release energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates

Vitamin A- essential for eye function

Most moms are the ones in charge with money matters at home. It is a saying na maswerte ang mga lalaking makakapag-asawa ng babaeng masinop sa salapi. I am not saying that I am close to perfect when it comes to handling our expenses but I am confident to say that I am learning. Just last year, Paps and I decided to save through Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF). His bank automatically deducts an ample amount from his account monthly and that money is being invested by the bank and not just being deposited to earn interest. Through this, we feel that we are able to save more and earn not just less than one percent a year. We also availed health insurance to have peace of mind in case that any family member gets sick, we know that everything is getting covered. Just the same, a few years of working as a teacher, Paps decided to save through the cooperative which he can't withdraw his principal savings unless he resigns as a member and annually he receives a dividend aside from getting an interest. 

We are doing all these for our family's future. Despite living on a pay check, we do our best to set aside a few pesos and hopefully more because in the long run, it will benefit us and we will have something to spend when we are not capable of working anymore. But I think, it's not enough. We are looking for other ways to save and we don't know how.

Yesterday morning, it was my chance to learn about more about money matters and the questions in my mind were finally answered. It made me realize that saving alone and UITF weren't enough for us to sustain our finances in the future.  Life is very uncertain and as parents it is our duty to keep our kids and ourselves secured. 

I was privileged to be part of Good Houdekeeping Money Matters held in Cafe 1771 in Ortigas. Together with Insular Life, the Philippines' leading and largest Filipino life insurance company, the talk aims to help modern moms make informed choices about money through learning more about financial literacy, investment, and insurance. This empowers moms to have more ideas on how to gain financial freedom and security.

The talks were led by two knowledgeable financial speakers. Aya Laraya, an investment advocate for more than 25 years of experience in different financial literacy and host of the TV show Pesos and Sense, spoke from his personal experience of improving financial literacy and finding out the best investment for a family.

Insular Life financial advisor and educator Maria Rosanna Sevilla also spoke about the benefits of savings, investments, ans financial literacy, and how insurance can work for moms. 

Here are the key points that should be kept in mind:

- We should not focus on saving in banks alone because we earn low interest through it but rather choose to invest money through a mutual fund or Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) where we become part of the company as investors and not as consumers alone.

- Insurance protects us financially in cases of death, sickness, and retirement. We can also secure our kid's future through availing an education plan. If we want to have the home of our own, a plan for the estate is one of the best options. 

In choosing a financial product...

Don't sell the product, sell the behavior. There are many ways to secure our future and invest to earn more but we need to change or improve our perception and habits to achieve financial stability.

4. Shop around for products.

When we buy, we should know what we want and what's important to us. What is applicable to someone may or may not be applicable to us or vice versa. Investment depends on our need or situation.

5. Sign only after reading and understanding the product or ask someone who understands.

6. Keep checking.

We should participate because it's our money that is involved here. We should talk about it with our family members. Our beneficiaries should know about our investments.

To learn more about tips and great finds for home and living, Good Housekeeping is available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for only Php120. For more vital parenting information and relevant content 24/7, you may follow Good Housekeeping on Facebook via @goodhousekeeping.ph, Instagram via @goodhousekeepingph, and Twitter via @ghphils.

Last Saturday, May 20, a group of kids ages seven to eleven attended the first run of Little Heroes: First Aid and Rescue for Kids.

This workshop that has its second run on May 27 aims to teach kids basic first aid and rescue which include the following: 

1. CUTS and WOUNDS
– Proper Handwashing w/ Demo and Return Demo
– Cleaning and Dressing w/ Demo and Return Demo

2. BURNS
– Dressing
– Prevention

3. STINGS and BITES
– Dogs and Cats
– Bees
– Jellyfish
– Sea Urchin

4. STRAINS and SPRAINS
– RICE
– Prevention
– Activity: Compression Bandage

5. BROKEN BONES
– Activity: Basic Splinting

6. HEAT EXHAUSTION/HEAT STROKE
– Recognition
– What to do
– Prevention

7. NOSEBLEEDS

8. HEAD INJURY
– What to watch out for
– What to do
– CT Scan and X-ray

9. HOW TO RESPOND TO CARDIAC ARREST
– Recognition
– Opening the Airway
– Calling for help
– Activity: Return Demo

Life is very uncertain. Accidents may happen whenever and wherever we are. It is a must for our kids to know how to do the above-mentioned skills when it is necessary. We encourage our kids to join kiddie crew, art, music, and self-defense training and workshops. Why not include this workshop before the summer ends because I believe that it is a must for our kids to be equipped with these life skills  . You may go to http://manilaworkshops.com/events/littleheroeskids for more details and how to join. 

Here are some snapshots of the first run. Thank you, Miss Veni Anabo of Manila Workshops for these. 

In this life we call a "journey", we have the power to choose what we want to be and the road that we want to travel. In my case, I always choose to take the road less traveled. I always believe that I am on the right track when the situation gets tough. All I have to do is to purge all my resources and energy positively to keep going.

Having a difficult and sad childhood up to the extent of being stripped off with everything in young adulthood while figuring out how to earn for a living as a breadwinner, summarizes the darkest days of my life until I decided to get married and build a family of my own. I believed in those moments that "It shall pass", and it did. I faced reality and held on to the truth. I trained my mind to find something good in every bad situation. Having distasteful moments could teach more than losing more. The most important aspect of it was I learned who my true friends were and faith kept my sanity intact.

My life has been a continuous struggle but it doesn't stop me from being self-directed and optimistic. There was one time that I had a chance to converse with a friend priest and I told him my life story. These were the exact words that he said, "If that situation of yours happened to someone else, he or she might get crazy." Yes, it was easy to just give up and be selfish. I was young and there were opportunities in store for me that could be attained by being alone... But I chose to stay and be with my mom and brother. I didn't run away from my problems. I initially chose to stay away from negative people and that helped a lot. 

I am now married to my best friend, the best husband and dad, the person that God has given me in those times that I've needed someone to understand me. We have two wonderful boys and the youngest has been diagnosed with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have so many blessings to thank for despite having a challenging family life. We may not be rich in material possessions but I can say that we are happy. Our togetherness is truly a gift.

Trials come and I can face them bravely and conquer them gracefully because I am surrounded with good people. But at the back of my mind, am I truly contented? Am I completely free from my ugly past?

Honestly, there comes a time when I feel that there is lacking despite planning my life purposefully in accordance to what I know that is best for myself and the people I love. I feel this way when everything turns out unwell despite being prepared and righteous. Maybe, subconsciously, I feel that life is very unfair despite doing my very best to make it fair for myself and the people that I hold dear. I have a strong faith in God and it's very wrong to ask Him "Why me again? All is well and good, but why another misfortune? Mabuti naman akong tao at wala akong inaapakan. Bakit ako na naman?" Well, I am not always thinking like this. It seldom happens but it hurts. I feel this way whenever I am bombarded with too much problems all at the same time.  Itutulog ko lang at nagiging okay naman ako kinabukasan. I keep moving forward. I stay optimistic and do the things that I trained my mind and body for including repression and suppression of feelings. But still, I feel that there's an empty space in my life that needs to be filled in. 

Learning about the upcoming e-course, "The Roadmap to a Fulfille Life" by Miss Viviene Bigornia, just came right on time. I seldom read posts on Facebook for a couple of days due to my very busy schedule and it was the first post that popped up! Maybe God was sending me a message. Maybe involving myself in this course could take all my unresolved issues away.

These four statements struck me the most when I visited the website that prompted me to take the course:

- Learn the foundation and the very first step in finding God's calling

- Know what is a fulfilled life and how to experience it.

- Unearth your past experiences and discover where God is leading you.

- Get yourself prepared to transition from where you are to where you should be.

I am totally submitting myself to this course. Enrollment starts today, April 28, and ends on May 15. Upon enrollment, I can get an access to the following:

- Free Ebooks
- Free Printables
- Exclusive Access to its Private Community

You may go to http://thefulfilledwomen.com/fulfilled-life/ for more details.  If you feel that you have a situation closer to mine or if you are still finding your purpose, I invite you to learn with me. I believe that this will help us break the chain of resentments and pain to find more meaning in what we do.

When I posted my article about my Scholastic Box-All-You-Can Book Buffet experience last December, many of you were asking when the next Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale would be. I promised to keep you posted. Last Monday, when I logged in on Facebook, the first status post that popped out was the one from Scholastic Asia announcing that the next book sale would be coming very soon! Before I wrote this post, I already announced it on my Facebook page. 

Isn't it obvious that I'm so excited? I always look forward to this event. The much awaited Scholastic Warehouse Sale is happening this summer starting April 18 to June 18, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

Scholastic Asia will be offering a wide selection of picture books, fiction and nonfiction books, popular series, references, inspirational, arts and crafts, teacher’s resources and audio books with discount of up to 70%. The most popular Box-All-You- Can Book Buffet for only Php799.00 will also be part of the two-month sale. 

My packing skill was put to a test on my very first Box-All-You- Can Book Buffet experience. I was able to place over a hundred books in two boxes and our discount was so huge. This part of the book sale is what makes me motivated since we need to change our set of reading materials this year.

In joining this, we have to follow these rules. It is a must for us to do so to save ourselves from hassle and trouble. 

Aside from the book sale, Summer Reading Fun Workshop, Build -A-Book Activity for kids aged 4 to 10 (with adult companion for kids 3 years old and below) will be conducted again like last summer. There will be two sessions every Saturday, one at 9:30 to 11:30 AM and another one from 1:30 to 3:30 PM to be led by Scholastic Reading Program Consultants. Kuya and I had a wonderful experience and I recommend that you let your kids join through filling up the official form.

In line with this, Scholastic Asia is giving away one slot of this summer workshop to one of my readers' child. If you want your child to attend, kindly write the following on the comment section below:

1. Complete the sentence, "I want my child to attend the Summer Reading Fun Workshop, Build-A-Book Activity because ___________/"

2. NAME and AGE of your child

3. Your Facebook Profile URL or E-mail address

4. NCR City of residence

5. Date of Choice and Time (You may choose from the following dates: April 22 or 29; May 6, 13, 20, or 27; June 3, 10, or 17, 9:30 AM or 1:30 PM session)

Participants should be residing within Metro Manila only. Please join if you are sure that your child can attend because it's non-transferable. I will choose the best answer. Announcement of winning entry will be on April 16, 2017. I will be responsible in sending your child's information to Scholastic Asia and I'll give you the details on how to claim your prize.

If you are a commuter like me, it's so easy and convenient to go there because the place is accessible to different public transportation options. For me, this is what works: from Robinsons Galleria, ride a bus going to Taytay. Tell the conductor to drop you off Jenny's. When you see the footbridge and signage C. Raymundo Street on the right side, alight the bus. You may walk or ride a tricycle. When you see Sorrento Oasis, Scholastic Warehouse is a few steps away. 

I hope that you'll join the giveaway and the book sale as well. Happy joining and shopping! I can't wait to know your book fair experience! Please don't hesitate to make chika! You can leave a comment anytime! 

We were always present in every Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale since 2014. We would always look forward to it because each book sale was unique and would have a lot of surprises to look forward to. Being an avid fan of children's story books that I've passed on to my kids makes it an event to remember.

There is always something special about every Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale due to Schematics, which means that in every book fair there are books being released that are not usually found elsewhere except in specific libraries around the world and there are always batches of new titles on sale.



Aside from the schematics, the recently launched BOX ALL YOU CAN BOOK BUFFET made it so worth it to visit the Scholastic A Very Merry Christmas Sale 2016. For only Php799.00, we were so delighted to place as many books as we could in Scholastic's official box. The following rules were observed.



Box All You Can Book Buffet became a craze since it started last summer. Imagine, for a small amount of money, many book worms had a chance to get new sets of books for a fraction of a price or more or less 90% off.

My packing skills never fail all the time. For two Book Buffet Boxes worth Php799 each at @scholasticinc #Philippines Christmas Book Fair, I was able to place 112 books worth Php15,036! Yay! Our family saved a little more than Php13,000! Many kids will be happy this #Christmas including myself! LOL! 😁😅😄😉😂 . You still have time to drop by #ScholasticWarehouseBookSale until December 22, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's all worth it! Visit there early! . #allaroundpinaymama #scholasticph #booksale #christmasbooksale #christmas2016 #aapmfavorites #aapmtipidfinds #bargainhunter #mommybloggersphilippines #momblogger #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #igersmanila #bookstagram #bookworm #books #bibliophile #17december2016

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 16, 2016 at 11:47pm PST

When I asked Sir Jim, one of the accommodating staff members of Scholastic Asia PH, he told us that the Book Buffet was obviously a big hit and most of the clients came not just once but several times to avail the promo. There was no limit per person which made it more exciting for bargain hunters.


Despite having a lot of shoppers, the staff knew how to manage the crowd and the transaction per customer was quick and easy because more counters were ready to serve and accept payments. Stocks were replenished regularly for more choices.

By the way, we also got discounted paper back and hardbound novels but still we didn't spend that much because we got them and the two buffet boxes for less than Php3,000.00 instead of more or less Php17,000.00.



Those over a hundred books were used for our personal consumption and given as gifts and donations for the holidays and they got everyone covered. Many kids and young at heart became happy last Christmas. There was no substitute for the gift of reading and learning indeed.

We are looking forward to the next Scholastic Warehouse Book Fair and we will purchase not just two but three to four Box All You Can Buffet Boxes. That will be a guilt-free type of hoarding. Do you agree?

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Are you ready for the Scholastic Book Sale happening from April 18 to June 18, 2017? Yes, I am and I hope you are! Here are the details about it. See you there! 

Fret not, budget conscious Mars at Pards! The range offers very affordable beginner’s lessons, private or corporate parties, and school tie-ups.

New targets will soon be available like tic tac toe and zombies to make shooting more enjoyable and not boring. 

I also encourage you to follow Arrowland on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM for more details, promos, events, and updates. You may call 02- 5770956 if you have questions.


 
*Photo and Video Credit: Arrowland by Gandiva


Another great idea that isn't like archery is skating, check out some great resources for women here.