Last Friday morning, I was able to talk to a pretty mom, a co-parent in Bunso's school, which I forgot to ask the name. We had a brief conversation about our kids. She asked me when and how Bunso learned to talk. I told her that Bunso could only say Mama and Papa when he started his therapy sessions three years ago. After three months of regular OT sessions, he knew how to talk in simple phrases. Amazing, isn't it?

Swimming is Bunso's way to exercise his body while reading is his habit to exercise his mind.

Aside from the help of his therapist and his education under the supervision of the Sped team, the advantage of Bunso's non-exposure to television because he doesn't like watching TV shows and limiting his gadget time have helped in the process too. Paps and I exposed him to books at an early age instead.

These  books were few of the many books that we got last summer from our visit to Scholastic Warehouse Sale. Bunso and his Kuya shares the passion for the love for reading through the years. Why do you see multiple copies of most of the books? They are nice gifts for all occasions. The gift of learning is priceless and timeless.

Believe it or not, two years ago I used to read aloud 45 books, 3 to 7 times a day to Bunso while pointing the words and showing him the illustrations. He memorized them all until our reading materials became more than 45 books. Every January, I would change his reading materials so that he could have a new learning experience. Until finally, he began reading the words on his own without memorizing the story. I would also ask him questions about the story to check his comprehension.

In line with this, Scholastic Warehouse Sale is our cheapest source of reading materials since 2014. I encourage you to visit its ongoing sale. I guarantee na sulit ang pagod ninyo sa pagpunta. You will find all the details below my Scholastic Warehouse Sale experiences and the ongoing Christmas sale. 

Like me, she advocates raising readers. Above all means of learning, we patiently teach our kids to read and love doing it. We are so blessed that our kids are growing up as bibliophiles despite the advent of the advancements in technology.

Kat and I started teaching our kids the love of reading while they were still very young. We would find time story reading aloud and expose them to the different kinds of books-  cloth or felt, board (especially the Peek-a-board books), and those who were hardbound or paperback. We experienced frustrations when our kids tore the precious books that we provided them. We didn't mind because it was part of growing up. We just didn't stop exposing them until they learned to read by themselves with a little assistance depending on our kids' capacity. It was such a pleasant sight to see them reading on their own and manipulating their books. It became a habit. I know even if there are eBooks, like us, they would go back to reading books made of paper that they could touch, feel, and smell. There is no greater experience of having books that are tangible. The texture and scent of their crisp pages can be imprinted on the reader's memory. This feeling indeed is part of learning through reading that can't be replaced by any other reading materials uploaded in gadgets.

My Box-All-You-Can Book Buffet Haul

These were my top picks.

I have this eagerness to share my love for reading and teaching kids how to read and their benefits to other teachers and parents especially to those who have students or children with speech delay. There is joy and beauty in reading aloud with kids and pointing the words to them so that they can eventually know how to read words in the story and say them loudly by themselves. When kids are already hooked in reading aloud with their parents, it can be noticeable that they themselves can be motivated to mirror what their parents are doing that's why it is very important to read to them properly. In my five years of teaching and 12 years of being a mom I have noticed that kids learn best when they confidently know how to read aside from giving them other activities to do that can enhance their holistic development.

In line with this, because some parents find books very expensive, I always suggest that they should visit Scholastic Warehouse Sale and avail the Box-All-You-Can Book Buffet to start their mini library at home. Not just parents, I also encourage teachers to start collecting books which they can use as tools in teaching their students. 

I started my collection of story books for kids whenever there was a Scholastic Sale in the school where I used to teach. I used those books in teaching my former pre-school students and for my own reading pleasure as well. Who would have thought that those books would benefit my own children? Amazing, isn't it? My collection keeps on growing through Scholastic Asia  through the years without breaking our tight budget to sustain my family's love for reading.

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?

-------------------------------------------

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! 

Scholastic Philippines is pleased to announce that its most awaited Christmas Warehouse Sale is ongoing until December 22, 2016 from 9:00 to 6:00 PM.

Take advantage of the wide selection of picture, fiction, nonfiction, inspirational, art and craft, audio books; popular series, references, and teacher’s resources with discount of up to 70%. There will also be the popular Box All You Can Book Buffet for only Php799.00. Aside from that, novelty items will also be available for as low as Php10.00.

I am so excited to be back! Just a few tips, Mars at Pards. As I've mentioned on my previous article regarding the warehouse sale last summer, before you go make sure to bring our own drinks, snacks, extra shirts, toiletries, eco bags, and extra cash.  The warehouse has no air conditioning units and would require hand-washing afterwards. The nearby convenience store is a little far. You have to be prepared especially when you are going to bring your kids. I also suggest that you come early in the morning to avoid the intense heat in the afternoon.

Scholastic Philippines also follows Schematics which means that the books to be displayed on every Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale are being chosen and sent randomly. The books available on a particular warehouse sale date may or may not be available on the next so make sure to drop by.

Here is the map for your perusal. If you are a commuter like me, it's so easy and convenient to go there. Thanks to Mommy Pehpot for the instructions. 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 to see you there! Happy book shopping, bibliophiles!

At last, Kuya and I were able to make it at Scholastic Summer Book Warehouse Sale last Saturday! We were so early. We arrived at 8:30 AM and it was already open. It was an advantage on our part because the two of us were able to roam around and check out the different titles without rushing while waiting for the Summer Reading Fun Workshop that Kuya would attend at 9:30 AM.

This book warehouse sale was obviously bigger than the one held on December because they even had a set-up outside. There were also lots of new titles, even award-winning books, to choose from that were cheaper. These made us even more excited! Imagine, we got books for as low as Php20.00 each!

I asked one of the staff members regarding their scheme in choosing books on sale. He told me that they have this term "Schematics".

"Schematics" means that the books to be displayed on a Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale are being chosen and sent randomly. The books available on a particular warehouse sale date may or may not be available on the next.

Let me give you a quick tour on what you are going to expect:

 
Hindi na ako magpapaliguy-ligoy pa. I would like to share with you my top picks:

The Raven and Other Poems by Edgar Allan Poe (Php20.00)

The Mission of Addition by Brian P. Cleary (Php20.00)

Why Do Feet Smell? and 20 Answers About the Human Body by Gilda and Melvin Berger (Php20.00)

I Am Generous by David Parker (Php20.00)

Chuggington Poster Book (Php100.00)

Klutz It's All About Me (Php50.00)

Ni-Hao Kailan Playdate with Lulu (Php50.00)

Just a School Project by Mercer Meyer (Php50.00)

Twighlight by Stephenie Meyer (Php200.00)

Hard Bound Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (50% OFF)

Klutz Build a Book (Php300.00) and The Blood Olympus by Rick Riordan (Php350.00)

Limited Edition Hardbound Geronimo Stilton (Original Price- Php545.00, 15% OFF)


 Hard Bound Harry Potter and Paper Back Geronimo Stilton Series (30% OFF)

Klutz A Book About Me, Look Book Fashion Drawing, and Kids Cooking (15% OFF)
 

Shopkins Story and Activity Books (15% OFF)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling (Php250.00)

Pokemon Victini Edition Sticker Book (Php100.00)

Pokemon How to Draw! (15% OFF)

Lego Chain Reactions (15% OFF)

A Wicked History (Php50% OFF)

These books are not typically found on Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale in schools and they are solely for library use.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (50% OFF)

An Abundance of Katherine and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (25% OFF)

Eric Carle Books (15% OFF)

Leo Lionni and Tomie de Paola Books (15% OFF)

After making our eyes feast and purchasing the books that Kuya liked and what Bunso would need, we went upstairs for the Summer Reading Fun Workshop.



Wow! The place was heavenly! It was a mini library! Alam ninyo naman ako basta maraming books, parang ayaw ko nang lumabas!

There were three very accommodating teachers who welcomed us---Teachers Hermie, Jaymee, and Chiqui. Teacher Hermie was the one who read the story entitled, Love You, Forever, as a prelection to the workshop proper, that kids would create their own books. The book was about the unconditional love of a mother to her son and vice versa. The kids were asked questions to check if they were able to understand the story. The kids did very well. It showed that they comprehended the story well and they were deeply touched by it.

After testing the kids' reading comprehension skills, a sheet of paper where they would write things about their family was given and explained. This served as a backbone/skeleton of what they would do in the book-making proper.

Next, kids were given their own kits, Klutz Build a Book All About My Family.



Sample works were also shown to inspire the kids and give them some ideas on how to go about the book making.

After the session, kids had a surprise! Kinder Joy Mascot visited and they had a photo opportunity as they received their certificates and loot bags with lots of goodies from Kinder Joy and Jack & Jill.

We were given copies of our photos and another surprise was revealed. Kids were given a chance to choose the book that they like as an extra giveaway.

Kuya enjoyed this two-hour ‪‎workshop‬ that  focused on story-telling, reading comprehension exercises, sequencing of events and art activity. This became a venue for us to bond together too.

Here are some additional photos: 

The workshop is open to kids ages four to 10. It's still open on May 27 and 28, 2016. Morning session is from 9:30-11:30 AM while the afternoon session is from 1:30-3:30 PM. It costs Php300.00/head and all I can say is your kids can get more than what you pay for.

For inquiries and reservation, you may call 9097218 or 09173185261. You may also send an email to educteam@scholastic.com.ph. See the poster below for more details.

Aside from letting your kids join the workshop, I encourage you not to miss the book warehouse sale too.  It's ongoing until May 31, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 70 C. Raymundo Street, Pasig City.

Scholastic Philippines has great news! If you shop from May 27-31, 2016, you can avail the BOOK BUFFET (BOX-ALL-YOU-CAN) PROMO for only Php999.00! See the poster below for details.

Before you go make sure to bring our own drinks, snacks, extra shirts, toiletries, eco bags, and extra cash.  The warehouse has no air conditioning units and would require hand-washing afterwards. The nearby convenience store is a little far. You have to be prepared especially when you are going to bring your kids. I also suggest that you come early in the morning to avoid the intense heat in the afternoon.

Here is the map for your perusal. If you are a commuter like me, it's so easy and convenient to go there. Thanks to Mommy Pehpot for the instructions. 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'm so excited to know your Scholastic Summer Book Warehouse Sale and Summer Reading Fun Workshop experience. Feel free to share, Mars at Pards!