Manila Children's Festival 2015 was one of my most memorable events last year. Not only that I was able to support an event that promoted the advocacy that I was promoting for which was "teaching kids the love of reading" but also it was the first time that I became one of its blogger partners. I was also tasked to conduct one activity for kids during the event.

Only one hour left before Manila Children's Festival 2015 ends! If you happen to be near or inside SM Megamall, don't hesitate to drop by because there are lots and lots of great book selections for kids, parents, and the young at heart. It's located at 5th floor, Mega B, Megatrade Hall 3. #allaroundpinaymama #aapmevents #aapmcollaboration #MCF2015 #manilachildrensfestival #mommybloggersph #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 13, 2015 at 3:07am PST

For months I helped PrimeAsia, Inc. in the online promotion of the event and I was happy to see the positive responses of friends and loved ones that they would visit the festival to support the event and I as well. 

Since my family and I were indisposed for the whole month of November, I immediately called Miss Marites and declined the invitation of conducting an activity for kids which I found regretful. It was my chance to teach a group of kids again, an activity which I truly missed. I felt relieved when Miss Marites understood my predicament. I promised her that I would definitely be there on the last day.

December 13 came and I arrived at exactly 4:00 PM. It was better late than never! It might be a very short visit but I maximized and enjoyed my two hour stay at #MCF2015!

Let me give you a gallery of the things that I loved in the event aside from the warm welcome that I received PrimeTrade Asia, Inc. staff.

I saw friends from one of my favorite publishing house, Phoenix Early Learning Systems, Inc., Miss Dhang and Sir Ed. They showcased unique educational toys and books for kids including my highly recommended, Discover English with Ben & Bella.

One of my well-loved publishing houses, Phoenix Early Learning Services, Inc. exhibits and sells the educational book that teaches the love of learning the English language, Ben and Bella, at Manila Children's Festival 2015. It's happening right at 5th Floor, Mega B, Megatrade Hall 3. It's still an hour to go before it closes. #allaroundpinaymama #aapmevents #aapmcollaboration #childrensbooks #books #bookworm #MCF2015 #manilachildrensfestival #mommybloggersph #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 13, 2015 at 3:15am PST

Gymboree had a small but strategic play area for very young children and highlighted its curriculum and various educational materials.

Jump, Bounce, & Play built a gigantic inflatable school bus where kids could slide and jump around with their hearts' delight.

Fun art activities were facilitated by Faber-Castell.

Kids and adults enjoyed the fun activities at Manila Children's Festival 2015. This coloring wall by Faber- Castell was a big hit! #allaroundpinaymama #aapmevents #aapmcollaboration #MCF2015 #manilachildrensfestival #fabercastell #coloring #mommybloggersph #momswhoblog

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 13, 2015 at 3:41am PST

Around the World with the Googely Gooeys coloring book launch by Miss Tippy Go transpired.

Well-known publishing houses exhibited and sold their books at discounted prices.

Eric Carle!!!! Happy me! @nbsalert booth #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #MCF2015 #manilachildrensfestival #mommybloggersph #childrensbook #book #bookworm #ericcarle

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 13, 2015 at 3:35am PST

I had a fruitful conversation with Sir Benjie, the accommodating and credible staff of Grolier International, Inc.

I was so impressed with how this guy, Mr. Benjie, demonstrated the different unique educational books from Grolier. He was so convincing na tipong mapapabili ka talaga given that the books were good naman talaga. I was so happy to meet him. #allaroundpinaymama #aapmcollaboration #aapmevents #mommybloggersph #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers #grolier #MCF2015 #manilachildrensfestival

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 13, 2015 at 3:27am PST

I am the type of person who finds books irresistible. Do you want to know what I purchased? I got books from WS Publishing/Learning is Fun and Lampara for the kiddos, Papa, and myself.

I got these amazing books from @learningisfunph booth at Manila Children's Festival 2015 last Sunday! They could instill the love of God and family to Bunso and good parenting to me and Papa. Nice! #allaroundpinaymama #allaroundpinaymamarecommends #childrensbook #bookworm #books #parentingbook #mommybloggersph #mommybloggersphilippines #MCF2015 #manilachildrensfestival #wspublishing #learningisfunph #aapmpracticalgifts

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 19, 2015 at 7:52pm PST

I saved Php20 to Php30 on each children's book. Wagi, 'di ba?

I had a great time reuniting with old friends, meeting new ones, being exposed to unique educational materials, and learning from the experts. I am looking forward to the next Manila Children's Festival!

Did you visit MCF2015? What is your kuwento? Sana nagkita tayo!

This holiday season, fun and learning are in store for kids and kids-at-heart at the Manila Children’s Festival, slated December 11-13 at the Megatrade Hall 3, 5^th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall EDSA, Mandaluyong City. The festival is an event that caters to parents and children through its co-located events, The Manila Children’s Book Fair and Superkids 2015. 

The Manila Children’s Book Fair gathers foreign publishers of children’s literature and reading materials using both print and electronic media, while Superkids 2015 will be the platform for families to explore educational, engaging and family-bonding activities for children with their parents.

On Friday, December 11, the Minions will entertain the kids with a film showing of “Minions” at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Children can also meet and greet the yellow stars of the film at 1:00 PM courtesy of Magnavision. Kids can get creative while filling their bellies with a Design Your Own Christmas Cookie workshop with Chef Ria Aplasca of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies at 12:00 NN. Slated at 5:00 PM, the “Parachutes: Santa’s Delivery Workshop” is a fun way to introduce engineering to kids. 

Meanwhile, to help parents get to know the digital generation, award-winning author Dr. Queena Lee-Chua will hold a session entitled “Growing Up Wired” at 1:30 pm. The session will explore proper guidance, care and caution that parents can give their children, who have never known a world without the Internet and 24/7connectivity.

On December 13, National Bookstore will also hold fun events for kids. Anvil Publishing, Inc., Adarna House, Inc., Adbox Book Distributors, Inc., Adept Corp.,  Asia Parks Amusement & Development Corp., Candy Club Party Couture, Citibank, N.A., Engineering for Kids, Grolier International, Inc., Gymboree, Jump Bounce & Play, Learning Library, Learningway Enterprises, Magnavision Home Video, Mindwerks - The Toy Shoppe, National Book Store, Inc., OMF Literature, Inc., Phoenix Early Learning Services, Inc., Precious Pages Corp., Propan TLC, Stabillo (Euro Pacific) & Okiedog (DMTE Marketing),Tiddle Tots, Tupperware Brands Philippines, Inc., UNICEF, Urban Ashram Yoga and WS Pacific Publications, Inc. 

The Manila Children’s Festival is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc.  in partnership with the Overseas Publishers’ Representatives Association of the Philippines (OPRAP). The event is sponsored by Anvil Publishing, Inc., Engineering for Kids, Selecta, and Challenge Island.