Are You Ready for the Manila International Book Fair 2016?

September 12, 2016

Rekindling My Passion for Watercolor Painting

September 09, 2016

When I was in fourth grade, I was chosen by our class adviser to join the interschool on-the-spot art contest. I remember that I used to love sketching, coloring, and painting despite having no formal training. I didn’t even win but the experience left a mark on me. I never thought that somehow I was given a chance to do something that I really like with the best artists in our school. It boosted my self-esteem.

My love for the arts continued when I reached high school. I was in third year when our school collaborated with Kabalikat Civicom San Antonio, Nueva Ecija Chapter for its environmental conservation campaign. I was tapped again to join the poster making contest despite the feeling of being not good enough. But due to the support of my family and friends, I decided to go for it! To cut the long story short, this time, I won first place.

Due to so many concerns and priorities, I set aside honing this skill for two decades. When Mommy Bloggers Philippines posted an invite about The Crafters Marketplace Basic Painting Workshop, I immediately signed up.

I learned about The Crafters Marketplace from one of my favorite polymer clay artists, Miss Melody Manalaysay of Crafting Time, when she opened her outlet there, which I was eager to visit to see her creations.

Aside from showcasing the works of talented Filipino handcrafters, the venue is a place where enthusiasts can learn arts and crafts being taught by reputable artists in their fields of specialization. Being able to have my first formal training in Basic Watercolor Painting and visiting Crafting Time are hitting two birds with one stone.

The Crafters Marketplace is very easy to locate too. It’s accessible to public transportation, very conducive for commuters like me.

Due to unforeseen heavy traffic, I arrived just on time when the session was about to start. It was facilitated with no less than Mr. Ian de Jesus, one of the sought after young artists in the country today.

He gave us a backgrounder about the history of paint and the difference among the watercolor pigments, binders, and brands. He said that the price range would depend on the binders used and their pigments. Like for instance, the cheaper the watercolor’s price, the lower the intensity of pigments due to the presence of more chalk or extenders. He also showed us the different types of paint brushes and their uses. Only this time that I understood the use of a color wheel not just in the arts but also in everyday living.

Moreover, I learned a lot in this session because it was done step by step. We were asked by Sir Ian to apply what we learned and he stressed out that in every endeavor, practice could be the only way to improve. I strongly agree because through the years of having no practice in this craft, I felt like a child doing it for the very first time. This session motivated me to revive the passion that I neglected.

I am not going to discuss everything in detail here because for me, the best way to learn about it through Sir Ian is to attend his training session. The experience is truly priceless.

Courtesy: Mr. Ian de Jesus

Aside from adults, kids now can unleash their creativity and love for arts and crafts in The Crafters Marketplace. Just recently, it has launched Little Crafters Art Play Group where kids can nurture their creativity through play, circle time, arts and crafts, and music and movement. You may bring your kids on the venue during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 AM. Each session lasts for two and a half hours.

I encourage you and your kids to try any of the workshops facilitated by The Crafters Marketplace. You will never regret it, promise! It will be fun and fruitful as well.

For updates, information, and promos, you may visit Crafters & Scrappers on Facebook and Instagram. You may aslo contact Miss Sunshine See at 647-895-1051 on Viber and Miss Alma Ramirez at 0926-623-1284.

The Crafters Marketplace is located in Rustan's Grocery, Lower Level, Shangri-La Mall, Edsa. After doing your grocery shopping or whenever you are within the vicinity, you can always drop by and see what it offers.

Smart Parenting Mom Workshops 2: All About School-Aged Kids

August 29, 2016

It was on August 13 that the Smart Parenting Workshop "All About School-Aged Kids" pushed through despite the very bad weather. I cancelled my attendance on the day itself due to the possibility of not being able to go home after the event due to flood and heavy rains. It was one of the events that I looked forward to because the lessons that I could learn would be very helpful because my kids were more interested in arts and music. Unfortunately, the situation prompted me to stay at home and be with my family.

I believe that I've missed so much. Good thing that Miss Jen of Summit media was able to update me with what transpired during the event. Here's the press release from Smart Parenting:

Knowing how your child learns best and nurturing his creative side were the themes of the second leg of the Smart Parenting Mom Workshops held last August 13, 2016 at Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

While the equally successful first leg of the workshop was about raising toddlers, this workshop focused on school-age kids, and SmartParenting.com.ph tapped three experts to share their insights to guide parents on how to navigate middle childhood.

“When you’re a parent you need to put on a lot of hats—be a jack of all trades. Our workshops allow our readers to learn from experts and exchange notes with fellow parents,” said Lei Dimarucut-Sison, SmartParenting.com.ph's managing editor. “Two of the most challenging tasks of a parent are bringing out the child’s artistic skills and home-schooling.”

Mom of two and education consultant for teens Chary Mercado spoke from her own personal experience when it came to developing a child's creative side.

Former art director of Smart Parenting magazine and contributing crafter and stylist for the website, Jen Inumerable-Suarez, showed how art projects for preschoolers didn't require a mom to be a DIY expert.

Calligraphy artist and a homeschooler herself, Milona Barraca shared tips on how to know if homeschooling is a best option for a child.

After the talks, all participants were treated with sumptuous buffet, exciting raffle prizes, and gifts, all thanks to SmartParenting.com.ph and their generous sponsors.

This Smart Parenting Mom Workshops is initiated by SmartParenting.com.ph with co-presenter Elica, major sponsors, Calpol, and Insular Life, and minor sponsor, Scott's.

Get access to vital parenting information and relevant content 24/7, visit www.smartparenting.com.ph, and follow Smart Parenting on Facebook via /smartparenting.ph, and @_smartparenting on Twitter, and @smartparenting on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Smart Parenting

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ABOUT SUMMIT MEDIA
Summit Media is the largest magazine publishing company in the Philippines, with over 20 magazines, 13 websites and counting, book imprints, and a thriving out-of-home business. Today, it has become the leading lifestyle and entertainment digital network in the country. For more information, visit www.summitmedia.com.ph.

Our One of a Kind Bento Workshop by Frabelle Foods Corporation

July 21, 2016

Kuya liked our The Maya Kitchen Baking Workshop experience so much that he was looking forward to another mom and kid workshop to be organized by Mommy Bloggers Philippines. A few weeks after, we learned that there would be another, a Bento Workshop by Frabelle Foods Corporation, which Kuya would like to attend because it would be all about food preparation.

I discovered that Kuya would prefer cooking activities so I immediately signed up. An opportunity like this should never be ignored. It was also timely because Kuya was requesting me for the longest time to prepare BENTO (noun: a lacquered or decorated wooden Japanese lunchbox; a Japanese-style packed lunch, consisting of such items as rice, vegetables, and sashimi or raw fish with condiments- Source: Google) lunch and snacks as baon for school. I was already gifted with bento tools by my good blogger friend, Krisna Mesa of Stuffify PH. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, I failed to put my heart into creating bento because I had no first hand training to do it. I knew for a fact that there were so many video tutorials in YouTube about bento but due to mom duties, I couldn’t find time watching some to get more ideas.

I am a combination of kinesthetic, auditory, and visual learner. I learn effectively through hands-on activities. Frabelle Bento Workshop was the perfect venue for me to do it.

It turned out to be fun and exciting because Kuya and I learned once more with our mommy blogger friends and their kids.

My sincerest thanks to Frabelle Foods Corporation Marketing Team, including Chef Donne, for the well-prepared and organized workshop. There was never a dull moment.

The bento design ideas that we learned looked so difficult to do but they weren’t. They were quick and easy to do and #SadyangPinasarap. Let me share the ingredients and steps so that you could do them too in the comforts of your home. Take note that all the veggies except lettuce were boiled/blanched/steamed while the Frabelle products were either fried or steamed. We used uncooked spaghetti noodles to bind ham flowers.

Captain’s Catch Cheezy Tuna Nuggets Seascape Bento Box

Ingredients

Captain’s Catch Cheezy Tuna Nuggets

Frabelle Foods Sweet Ham

apple

lettuce

carrots

broccoli

cheese

fried egg

fried rice

Procedure

1. Using a butterfly cutter, cut out butterfly-shaped cheese and Frabelle Foods Sweet Ham.

2. Stick the cheese and ham on the Captain’s Catch Cheezy Tuna Nuggets.

3. Arrange the apple, lettuce, rice, egg, and Frabelle Foods Sweet Ham in the lunch box.

4. Using a fish-shaped cutter, cut out fish-shaped carrots. Lay the “fish carrots” on top of the egg.

5. Finish the bento by laying the Captain’s Catch Cheexy Tuna Nuggets on top of the lettuce.

Frabelle Bossing Burger Lady Bug in Paradise Bento Box

Ingredients

Frabelle Foods Bossing Burger

Frabelle Foods Bossing Sweet Ham

pandesal

cheese

grapes

orange

carrots

broccoli

fried egg

lettuce

nori paper or black sesame seeds

Procedure

1. Using a knife, slice the pandesal at the center but leave an inch uncut.

2. Add lettuce and Bossing Burger patty.

3. Add cheese for the arms and carrots for the head of the lady bug before putting the sliced pandesal on top.

4. For the eyes, cut out cheese using a straw and add sesame seeds or cut nori wrapper.

5. Cut out Bossing Sweet Ham using the round end of an icing tip and put on top of the pandesal.

6. In the bento box, place the nori wrapper, lettuce, grapes, and burger.

7. For the final touch, try to add rolled Bossing Sweet ham, egg, and orange.

Frabelle Yummy! Jumbo Hotdogs Piggy in a Bun Bento Box

Ingredients

Frabelle Foods Yummy! Jumbo Hotdogs

Frabelle Foods Bossing Sweet Ham

buns

scrambled eggs

black sesame seeds

slices of orange

broccoli

nori wrapper

watermelon

slice of cheese

mixed vegetables

Procedure

1. Cut the end of the hotdog to about 1 inch.

2. Cut the sliced hotdog diagonally to about the size of the bun.

3. Form the cheese using the raindrop food cutter.

4. Position the cut cheese to resemble ears and paste it using mayonnaise on the first cut hotdog. For the eyes, cut the nori wrapper into small circles. Make an oblong shape from the cheese and add two black sesame seeds or nori wrapper to resemble a pig’s nose.

5. Use uncooked spaghetti noodle to position the head to the diagonally sliced body. Put inside a bun with lettuce.

6. Use Bossing Sweet Ham, scrambled egg, fruits and mixed veggies to liven up your bento.

Frabelle Foods Seaglow Baymax Bento Box

Ingredients

Frabelle Seaglow Squid Ball

Frabelle Seaglow Orlian

Frabelle Bossing Sweet Ham

lettuce

omelet

nori wrapper

apple slices

orange slices

steamed rice

Procedure

1. Start with Baymax’s head. Using Frabelle Squid Ball, place two small nori wrapper circles and connect them with a thin line cut from nori. Brush the squid ball with mayonnaise or oil to make nori cut-outs stick, if necessary.

2. To make Baymax’s body, put steamed rice in a plastic wrapper and form it into a ball.

3. Place the shaped Steamed Rice below Baymax’s head.

4. Place the scrambles egg on the steamed rice. Of course, don’t forget Baymax’s shoulders and arms! Shape another set of Steamed Rice for these.

5. Place punched small stars from nori wrapper on the omelet blanket. You may decorate Baymax’s Sleeping Bento with orange and apple slices and Frabelle Seaglow Orlian.

Not just the fruitful learning experience that made an impact on the kids but the thoughtfulness of Richprime Global, exclusive distributor of Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Qixels in the Philippines. Miss Paula Apostol of Richprime Global Marketing Department, surprised our kids with toys! Kuya was fortunate to be given an opportunity to choose after answering Miss Paula's question correctly.

Frabelle also made sure that we would bring home a bagful of delicious goodies that we could use in our bento preparation at home.

Our brains were filled with bento knowledge and happy memories while our tummies were filled with scrumptious lunch prepared by Frabelle using its own products.

We were treated like VIPs. We were fetched and dropped off to a designated area by Frabelle and this was the opportunity for mommies to chat while kids play.

After posting some photos of this workshop on Instagram, some of you were asking me when would be the next bento workshop? I will keep you posted, promise!

Some photos that I used above were taken and owned by my super favorite food blogger, Joy Gurtiza of Joybites. More photos of our Frabelle Bento Workshop experience were posted on this LINK.

All-Around Pinay Mama's Top Picks at #GHMUMSofManila

June 14, 2016

On the 28th of May, Good Housekeeping, the leading family and home magazine in the Philippines, in partnership with www.smartparenting.com.ph and Yummy Magazine, gathered modern urban moms at the first Modern Urban Moms (MUMS) of Manila in SM Mall of Asia, Main Mall Atrium from 1:00 to 6:00 PM.

According to Miss Tisha Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief of Good Housekeeping Philippines, holding events like #GHMUMSofManila was their way of reaching out to the magazine's readers and giving back to them for their unending support. It was just a coincidence that May was a very special month for Good Housekeeping not only because Mother's Day fell on this month but also due to the magazine's 18th anniversary.

To give you a backgrounder, Good Housekeeping MUMS of Manila was a whole-day event where moms could SHOP, LEARN and ENJOY.

Moms who attended were able to SHOP from 30 concessionaires offering the latest products covering beauty and wellness, food, kids, and home, among others; LEARN from a series of talks from Good Housekeeping editors and experts; and ENJOY games, raffles, prizes, entertainment, and booth activities.

Kuya and I arrived just on time and we were given a passport and the schedule of events. What was nice about this passport was all the exhibitors would sign on their slots after we visited their booths. When it was completely signed, a surprise would be given by the organizer.

We had so much fun doing booth hopping. I must say that good Housekeeping did very well in curating its exhibitors. All brands were unique and useful, perfect for moms and their kids. We also learned so much from each of them because they were so accommodating in answering our questions.

Let me give you my top picks. I chose them based on my needs aside from their uniqueness, relevance, and usefulness.You may click the company names to get directed to their websites for you to see more details and their other products as well.

1 Southern Folk

Kuya and I loved Southern Folk Cacao, Kalamansi and Honey Iced Tea, the drink that we could keep on craving for.

All Southern Folk products are made with quality ingredients, with no artificial additives, and are naturally preservative free.

For orders, inquiries or collaborations, please contact:
• southernfolkph@gmail.com
• 0920-964-7618

2 Pufft

Pufft is the creator's ode to the marshmallow---a fresh and grown-up take on the kiddie party classic, hand-made, home-tested, and lovingly prepared.

Pufft Marshmallows can be given as gifts or souvenirs for all occasions. They are also perfect for candy buffets. For orders and inquiries, you may send an email at pufftmarshmallows@gmail.com or send a text message at 0916-400-9764.

3 Sevilla & Sons Sausage Co.

For good food and real great-tasting sausages that are traditional, all meat and without extenders, Sevillas & Sons Sausages are the best among the rest of the sausages that I've tried so far. Each pack contains six large sausages for only Php355.00. Serving them on feasts and gatherings can make your guests feel more special.

Sevilla & Sons Sausage Co. delivers on Mondays and Thursdays within Metro Manila. You may contact them through the following contact details:

Email: SevillaSausages@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 0917-888-5600

You may also go directly to its commissary and store:

Sevilla & Sons Sausage Co.
Commissary & Fine Foods
259-A P. Guevarra corner Ibuna Streets
Barangay Little Baguio, San Juan City
Open Daily 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM

4 Chorizo de Cebu PH

Chorizo de Cebu PH processes high quality sausages made with tender love by the finest fingers. Its Chorizo was so good that I ate more than one piece!

For inquiries, you may send an email at chorizodecebuph@gmail.com.

5 TSG Clothing

According to its company description, "TwentySomethingGirls (TSG Clothing Company) is the urban-fashionista's destination for streamline high-end-inspired design pieces, may it be the corporate-chic look, the carefree casual feel, or even the edgy mod.
TSG Clothing Company has that timeless, minimal appeal for the everyday woman in her everyday lifestyle at a shopper-friendly price!"

The super fashionable TSG Clothing Eternity Scarf and Head Wrap can be used in different ways. They are real value for money. These two are must-haves.

Visit TSG Clothing at Pop Culture, located at the 2nd Floor of ATC, Alabang; at the 2nd Floor Fashion Market of Market!Market! Fort Bonifacio Global City; and Robinsons Ermita and Galleria.

6 Venus & Mars Naturals

All V&M Naturals products are made from scratch using only the finest oils and herbs to create an all natural experiennce. The company claims that no pre-made bases, sulfates, surfactants, alcohol, sugar solutions, and parabens are used. It only follows 100% pure and premium oil recipes.

All products are impressive especially its Pure Actives EMU OIL that heals/removes acne, arthritis, age spots, seborrhea, eczema, spider veins, stretch marks, sunburn, sore muscles, wounds, itchy dry skin, blisters and cold sores, cuts and lacerations, razor burns and nicks, scars and keloids, rosacea, falling hair, skin asthma, insect bites and stings, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bruises, dark rough skin, rashes, foot fungus, joint pain, aging skin and wrinkles, calluses and cracked skin, swelling and stiffness, sciatica, and cellulites.

7 Home Suite

"Home Suite is a furniture brand best-known for its locally manufactured high quality metal beds at very competitive prices. It has been in the market for more than 30 years and its products can be found in known malls, as well as, some stand-alone furniture shops all over the Philippines."

"With its dedication of providing durable yet affordable furniture, its customers are guaranteed with peace of mind and value for money that other low-cost furniture cannot offer. Through its capability of manufacturing its own merchandise spliced with its broad and strong connections with international suppliers, Home Suite is able to offer a wide variety of its market’s furniture needs. And to ensure that the brand remains updated in furniture trend, from time to time it changes its merchandise or at the very least replaces the fabrics of some of its items such as sala sets and sofa beds."

Home Suite's bunker can be converted into two separate beds . How innovative!

These stool has storage that promotes a clutter-free space.

"To date, the brand maintains a good mix of locally manufactured and imported items, wherein the former remains as its core products. As it seeks total customer satisfaction, buyers and users of the brand are given the assurance that each Home Suite item bought has passed the critique of its dedicated experts who ensures durability and affordability without necessarily sacrificing elegance."

Source: www.clcmv.com.ph

Customer Service Hotline: (02) 361-11-27

8 Cusina Dishwashing Liquid

Cusina Dishwashing Liquid is a natural antibacterial dishwashing liquid that is wonderfully concentrated; has natural antibacterial oils, refreshing scents from real fruits and plants, powerful degreasing formula, and moisturizer for soft hands.

I've tried and tested it and I am satisfied with the results. For orders, you may contact
0917-5748008 or
marketing@boosterfoods.com

9 Beauty and Butter

Beauty & Butter won the Best Exbitor/Booth at #GHMUMSof Manila! All moms who availed its pampering services felt rejuvenated!

Beauty & Butter claims that it is the hippest one-stop pampering destination to hit the Metropolis. Offering the ultimate in self-expression and luxury pampering by way of beautification.

Services include instant gratification via nail care services, facials, and spa treatments. You may also book for an appointment and reserve for a Spa party through the following contact details:

5F, Megamall Bridgeway (470-4239 or 0917-5925230)
2F, Mall of Asia’s Entertainment Wing (556-9383 or 0917-5925226)
LGF, SM San Lazaro (353-7576 or 0917-5925228)
2F, SM Cebu (236-9133 or 0917-5925331)
Basement Level, Bldg. B, SM Taytay (650-2041 or 0917-8804832)
Ground Floor, SM Jazz Mall (556-7059 or 0917-7178516)
3F, Ayala Fairview Terraces Mall (361-1093 or 0917-8239681)
3F, SM Bacolod (0917-6489840)
2F, Eastwood Cyber & Fashion Mall

Store Hours:
Weekdays - 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Weekends - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

10 Maquillage Professionel School of Make-Up Artistry

"MP School of Make Up Artistry provides technical training for individuals who seek to become professional make-up artists. Its academic format has been designed to offer training in make-up artistry for both the novice and the experienced artist. MP also offers personal programs for those who wish to upgrade their personal make-up skills. Its modules and methodology afford each trainee an understanding and mastery of the craft through lectures and demonstrations by the instructor, hands-on exercises, projects, and opportunities for practical work application. MP also provide quality make-up services ranging from the vigorous backstage requirements of the most prestigious fashion and television shows to the highly demanding rigors of the bridal industry."

Source: http://www.mpschool.com.ph/

I dream of becoming a professional make-up artist someday and this make-up school is one of the institutions to consider studying in.

Location

2nd Floor, Shoppes at Bellagio

Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Metro Manila, Philippines 1634

Contact Details

Phone: +63 2 8464647

Telefax: +63 2 8468920

Email: info@mpschool.com.ph

11 P.S. Crafts with Soul

I loved the personalized stuff and functional handcrafted items of P.S. Crafts with Soul.
Among its products, the Personalized Memory Board was my ultimate favorite.

In a 17" x 7" wooden board, we may put 14 picture tiles that P.S. Crafts with Soul is going to make for us through decoupage. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Decoupage is the art of decorating surfaces by applying paper cut-outs and then coating with usually several layers of finish (as lacquer or varnish).

Aside from discovering very promising products and services, I also feel happy because I was able to meet my online friends in person including Miss Jensine Bolinao of Summit Media.

Jenina Tuazon was one of the five winners of the #GHMUMSofManila Ticket Giveaway that I hosted.

Mommy blogger, Michelle, and her friend, Vicenta are my long-time online friends like Jenina. Look how adorable their kids are.

This event was huge success! I am looking forward to the next GH MUMS of Manila!

I am going to write about the LEARNING part of the event soon so stay tuned.

Good Housekeeping MUMS of Manila was presented by SM Supermalls and Scotch Brite. The major sponsors were Pioneer Epoxyclay and Baby Company while the minor sponsors were Downy Baby Gentle and Goldilocks.

For more details, follow Good Housekeeping on Facebook , on Twitter and Instagram.

Good Housekeeping is available on newsstands, in bookstores, convenience stores, and supermarkets nationwide. A digital edition of Good Housekeeping is also available for download through Apple Newsstand, Buqo, and Zinio.

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ABOUT SUMMIT MEDIA

Summit Media is the largest magazine publishing company in the Philippines, with over 20 magazines, 13 websites and counting, book imprints, and a thriving out-of-home business. Today, it has become the leading lifestyle and entertainment digital network in the country. For more information, visit www.summitmedia.com.ph.

Are You Ready for the Manila International Book Fair 2016?

Rekindling My Passion for Watercolor Painting

Smart Parenting Mom Workshops 2: All About School-Aged Kids

Our One of a Kind Bento Workshop by Frabelle Foods Corporation

All-Around Pinay Mama's Top Picks at #GHMUMSofManila

Pufft is the creator's ode to the marshmallow---a fresh and grown-up take on the kiddie party classic, hand-made, home-tested, and lovingly prepared.

Pufft Marshmallows can be given as gifts or souvenirs for all occasions. They are also perfect for candy buffets. For orders and inquiries, you may send an email at pufftmarshmallows@gmail.com or send a text message at 0916-400-9764.

Location

SJ Valdez

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