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!

Papa Hector, my hubby, and I made the decision that we wouldn't hire a helper and I would be a stay-at-home mom instead. This set up worked for us and we didn't fail. Our parents raised us to be independent and domesticated so it turned out so conveniently despite being challenging for both of us. What made our situation more challenging especially in giving equal attention to our kids was after Bunso was diagnosed with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We have to make a sacrifice especially in attending  Kuya's milestones in school. Papa, who happens to work in the school where Kuya studies is an advantage on our part. Since Bunso is not yet capable of going to and staying in crowded places, the three of us have decided that hubby is going to take care of Kuya while I am to Bunso. It makes me feel inadequate as a mom to Kuya but what makes it easier for me to swallow my pride and guilt is his assurance that it's fine with him and he understands our situation. Papa also feels guilty of not spending too much time with Bunso. Due to our very unique arrangement, Papa and I have made it a point to date our kids separately, once or more than once a month if time and budget permit.

Aside from dining out together and chatting to catch up, I don't miss the opportunity of attending blogger events with Kuya that I find enjoyable and beneficial for him. I seldom attend events due to mom duties but when the opportunity comes, I don't miss the chance. I always want our date to be fun and educational as possible or something that he finds exciting and interesting. I want his memories with me to be happy.

When Mommy Bloggers Philippines announced that it would collaborate with The Maya Kitchen to bring an awesome Baking Workshop on the 28th of May, I immediately stated my interest. 

12 "beautiful" (Ehem...) mommies of MBP can bring one kid, ages five to twelve, to learn how to bake and decorate Strawberries & Cream and Peanut Butter & Choco Chip Cupcakes. What a perfect mom-child bonding moment!

Kuya and I love to "make" cakes using Maya Cake Mixes. We steam our cakes. We don't bake them due to the fear of burning them! I'm not kidding!

This is our chance to level up our cake-making skills, hoping that we can start baking them and not just steam them!

I was one of the blessed mom bloggers who were invited by Uratex Philippines to attend its intimate Sparty in its Premium Mattress Gallery in Ronac Lifestyle Center Magallanes on May 6, 2016. Honestly, the reason that I immediately said yes to the invite was my eagerness to see Miss Crissy Mojica, Uratex Philippines Brand Marketing Executive, in person and to have a quick tour on the gallery. I wanted to compare it with the one in Ronac Art Center Greenhills, San Juan. Being pampered would definitely be a bonus! I was so busy with my mom duties and had no time for relaxing for the past few months.

I commute when I go to events. Magallanes, Makati City was far from home but I didn't mind. Ronac Lifestyle Center was located in Paseo de Magallanes, which was very accessible to public transportation.

I came just right on time and was welcomed by warm people and ambience.



After freshening up, I registered and was given by the very accommodating Mr. Jerome of AMPR the list of what to accomplish before the ultimate pampering session. I was really, really excited to do them all because it was not just a sparty but an educational trip for me as well.


I immediately went on the second floor to explore the different Uratex Premium Collection. I was greeted by the very friendly, Miss Debbie, and showed me the different beds that I could try on. I chose the collection with hard foams rather than the softer ones and was asked to take the Xsensor Challenge. Unfortunately, due to my excitement to go around the area and feel every mattress and pillows, I forgot to try it! I would do it on my next visit.

By the way, the Xsensor Machine is a device that detects whether the mattress suits the client or not.

My next stop was the Uratex Monoblock Collection display, where Miss Crissy was located. Finally we where able to see each other in person. After exchanging hellos and a pep talk, she told me that I could take a selfie with the newest addition to the collection, Olympia Chairs, post it on Instagram with further instructions for a chance to win four Olympia Chairs of my choice. How bongga!

What is so special about Olympia Chairs? They are Nitrogen injected that makes them more durable, sturdy, and skid-free. Olympia Chairs can carry heavier persons without the fear of damaging the chairs.

After my encounter with the fabulous Olympia Chairs and Miss Crissy, I proceeded to the room where Miss Jill was in  charge. I watched a video and learned about Tips on How to Have a Good Sleep, taught by Dr. Romeo Aguilera, a Sleep Specialist from the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine. Then I was asked by Miss Jill two tips that I remembered. She gave me a nice tumbler after answering. Hindi ba ang saya?



It was time for pampering downstairs but I chose to stay and roam around the second floor. I was approached again by Miss Debbie and asked me if I could take a Pillow Selfie, post it on Instagram to get a free pillow. I was not good at taking selfies and she helped me in capturing this. I felt so ackward. Halatang-halata, 'di ba?


I already accomplished the tasks and it was time for the Sparty! As I was going down the stairs, I saw the iconic Sixinch Collection. How splendid!



Since the pampering area was still filled with mommy bloggers, I went straight to the buffet. The food catered by The Creamery was satisfying.

When it was my turn to get pampered, my mommy blogger friends and I were given gift packs from Downy and Celebrity Nails.

Miss Pat was the one who did my foot spa, pedicure, and manicure. She was very nice and her hands were therapeutic.

 
Aside from the super relaxing pampering session, good food, cozy ambience, and quick tour around the gallery, I was able to see my old mom blogger friends and met new ones as well. I felt rejuvenated because moments like this would seldom happen to me because of mom duties.

All of us were treated like queens from start to finish. Uratex Philippines provided us with a transport service too so that we could go to our destinations safely and hassle-free. An additional gift was also given to us. Each got a SENSO MEMORY CELESTE TRADITIONAL GEL PILLOW.

I took so many pictures and I would like to show them all to you through a slide show:



According to Miss Debbie, most of the items displayed in Ronac Lifestyle Center Magallanes are high end. I wish that Uratex Philippines can include its classic collection too like in Ronac Art Gallery Greenhills and Uratex Philippines Retail Showroom Quezon City.

Thank you so much, Uratex Philippines for the unforgettable Mother's Day treat!