We got the book by Adrian Panadero's Cut and Build Your Own Model Fort during the Tea time with Wendi from The Learning Basket. I was not Ok with it at first because I am thinking it might be just another busy work. But my son really begged for it and said he'll pay me once we got home using his savings. So, I agreed. Besides, I know it will not be a forced work for him.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Intramuros, The Walled City: Cut and Build
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Friday, December 22, 2017
Things to do in Palaya Natural Farm
We witnessed the breathtaking beauty of Pitahaya Plantation in Palaya Natural Farm as we celebrated our eldest son's 10th birthday last December 10. We initially planned on visiting a zoo, but we were not disappointed in picking Palaya instead.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 7:08:00 PM 5 comments:
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Travels and Adventures
Thursday, December 21, 2017
My First HMUA Experience
I volunteered as a Hair and Make-up Artist (HMUA) during the CCF Mass Wedding last December 02, 2017.
CCF Mass Wedding is a single ceremony where numerous couples are married simultaneously whose primary goal is to bring families closer to Jesus.
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Health and Beauty,
Makeup
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Lazada Extends Record-breaking Streak with USD 250 million GMV Haul in the Grand Finale Sale of Online Revolution
MANILA, Philippines – Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce company, Lazada Group, wrapped up its month-long Online Revolution campaign by crushing the region’s online sales record. The 12.12 final sale rang in USD 250 million in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), more than doubling last year’s sale. It also shattered the 11.11 record of USD 123 million, set only a month ago.
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Friday, December 8, 2017
Our Growing Family Living Books Collection
I didn't grow up with a love of reading (sigh). I don't remember any favorite book in my childhood. I wasn't exposed to good literature and great writings. I only knew textbooks we used in school but have no relationship with them.
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Wednesday, December 6, 2017
REVIEW: Blushing Beauty Aqua White BB Cream
For this post, I'll be reviewing BB Cream from Blushing Beauty which I got from SkinStation Grand Opening at Venice Grand Canal Mall. It took me some time to finally made a review. In fact, the bottle that I have is almost empty as of writing. I'm a fan of BB cream ever since because it hides some of my skin imperfections and I'm always in search of the best one to suit me and the weather here in our country.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 8:17:00 AM No comments:
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Makeup,
Reviews and Recommendations
Monday, December 4, 2017
Mother Culture: Tree Embroidery Project
Charlotte Mason Education is not just for the children but for mother's alike. As parents, we should also feed and cultivate our minds with ideas in order to grow.
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Busy Hands,
Charlotte Mason Education,
Handicraft,
Life Skills,
Mother Culture,
Parenting and Homeschooling
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Tea Time with Wendi Capehart
I am one of the CM Mommas who did not miss the opportunity to meet Wendi Capehart in person during the Tea Time with Wendi organized by Gina of Our Living Learning.
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Thursday, November 23, 2017
Mga Kwento ni Nanay: A Storytelling Workshop by Adarna House
The Gateway Gallery, managed by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) - the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Araneta Group, strongly believes in the importance of reading and literacy. In June 12 this year, the Gallery unveiled its “Liwanag Reading Corner”, a 7-piece mobile wooden sculpture inspired by the story of the Lamp and the Moth told by Teodora Alonzo to the young boy Jose Rizal. This one-of-a-kind art piece aims to promote our Filipino heritage and encourage reading by showcasing select books on Philippine history, culture, and arts for all ages.
GATEWAY GALLERY PROGRAM BRIEF
Reading has insurmountable benefits that cannot be neglected. It fosters individual growth that can spur national development. Encouragingly, the Philippines do not log behind on basic literacy. In 2013, 96.5 percent of 74 million Filipinos 10 years old and over was basically literate. Basic or simple literacy – is the ability of a person to read and write with understanding a simple message in any language or dialect. Furthermore, nine out of every ten Filipinos 10 to 64 years were functionally literate. Functional literacy includes not only reading and writing but also numeracy skills. The skills must be sufficiently advanced to enable the individual to participate fully and efficiently in activities commonly occurring in his life situation that require a reasonable capability of communicating by written language. A functional literate person is one who can at least read, write, compute and/or comprehend. Also, persons who graduated from high school or completed a higher level of education are classified as functionally literate.
Though the statistics look good, the number significantly drops when comprehension or higher level of literacy is considered. Only 5 out of 10 elementary graduates can read, write, compute and comprehend. While this number improves as the students reach high school, only about 60% of the population actually reaches high school thus, attaining this level of literacy. Employment/ looking for work (28.8%), Family income not sufficient to send child to school (15.7), and lack of personal interest (14.9) are top 3 reasons for not attending school/ dropping out.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
The Gateway Gallery Reading Program aims to foster literacy or love for reading and books among Filipino children. It supplements the current DepEd programs on improving the literacy rate in the country with an emphasis on promotion of Filipino history, arts, and culture.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
LIWANAG Reading Corner Unveiled during the Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2017, the “Liwanag Reading Corner” is a 7-piece mobile wooden sculpture inspired by the story of the Lamp and the Moth told by Teodora Alonzo to the young boy Jose Rizal. The one of a kind art piece aims to promote our Filipino heritage and encourage reading by showcasing select books on Philippine history, culture, and arts for all ages in the gallery.
Kuwentuhang Adarna sa Gateway Gallery is a monthly storytelling session for community children. The activity aims to promote book enjoyment through animated storytelling and activities. The stories are told by storytellers from Adarna House using Adarna books. The session ends with distribution of snacks and educational gifts.
The Liwanag Reading Caravan is a storytelling – school campaign where celebrity storytellers visit nearby schools to promote the value and habit of reading. It also encourages the students to visit Gateway Gallery’s Liwanag Reading Corner for some “after-school reading”.
Mga Kwento ni Nanay is a one-day storytelling workshop designed to strengthen the reading campaign of the Gallery by enlisting parents, guardian, teachers, and volunteers in the community. Participants are briefed on the value of reading and helpful techniques to become effective storytellers. The activity not only
emphasizes the benefits of reading but espouses spending quality time with the children for their overall development.
In the last 5 months since they launched their reading program, they were able to reach 230 children, trained nearly 100 storytellers and distributed more than 150 books.
This November 24 & 25, as we celebrate the National Reading Month, the Gateway Gallery is holding its 2nd Mga Kwento ni Nanay: A Storytelling Workshop in partnership with Adarna House. The workshop is designed to strengthen the reading campaign of the Gallery by involving parents, guardian, teachers, and volunteers in the community. Participants are briefed on the value of reading and helpful techniques to become effective storytellers. The activity not only emphasizes the benefits of reading but espouses spending quality time with children for their overall development.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 9:39:00 AM 4 comments:
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Parenting and Homeschooling,
Storytelling
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
9 Lessons from 9 Years of Marriage

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
~ Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
Human love is really flawed, conditional and selfish, but God's love is unconditional. I learned a great deal from our nine years of marriage, from my past mistakes and wrong choices in life. I cannot say that I am an expert, I still make mistakes and I am still a work in progress. Our love story is not yet over and God has been teaching us a lot of things. I am grateful that He has been so gracious in our marriage and very patient with us.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 4:20:00 PM 2 comments:
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Marriage and Family,
Partner in Life
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Give More and Save More with Lazada Philippines’ Online Revolution
Who wants an "out of this world sale" with discounts of up to 95%! Yes, 95% off on items exclusive only at lazada.com.ph! No Sign-ups needed, read on:
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What 7 Year-old Gabi thinks about Mom
I was cleaning my MS OneNote and found this:
WITHOUT ANY prompting, ask your child these questions and write down EXACTLY what they say. It is a great way to find out what they really think.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 11:35:00 AM No comments:
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Chronicles,
Parenting and Homeschooling
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Bible Reading Challenge
When I was a new Christian, I was elated to read the bible, I was able to finish it because I was really on fire and very anxious to know the Lord.
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Bible,
Parenting and Homeschooling
Friday, November 3, 2017
Charlotte Mason Immersion: The Early Years
I attended another talk given by Gina of Our Living Learning about The Early Years. The talk was very insightful. It gave me an idea on what to do during these years. I got a peek at how the Early Years should look like in a CM perspective.
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AmblesideOnline,
Charlotte Mason Education,
Charlotte Mason PH,
Early Years,
Parenting and Homeschooling
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Written Narration
This year, we started including one written narration a week since my dear son (ds) is turning 10 this December.
Back when I was using grammar textbooks in our homeschooling, my ds dreaded writing assignments. He often writes a very short paragraph and if I asked him to add more, it ends up in frustration. He would rather draw what's in his mind rather than writing it down.
I'm delighted to know that CM doesn't start with formal writing at the age of 10. Grammar is best saved for later years, and there should be minimal written work in the elementary years, phew! What a great relief for me.
Before, I thought if you want to be a good writer, you must practice writing. You need to write and write and write. But I was completely wrong! I've learned that in order to be a good one, you need to fill your minds with great and stimulating "ideas". Ideas that will make us think and sparks with great mins. The ideas they get from the book once they own it can then be put in writing.
We read about Benjamin Franklin and we've learned that he loves to read a lot. He worked as an apprentice in his brother's printing shop and would love to read all the books around him. He also bought books from his savings. Aside from that, he wanted very much to become a writer.
We read about Benjamin Franklin and we've learned that he loves to read a lot. He worked as an apprentice in his brother's printing shop and would love to read all the books around him. He also bought books from his savings. Aside from that, he wanted very much to become a writer.
"When he read something he liked especially well, he rewrote it in his own words." ~ Benjamin Frankin by D'Aulaire
Sounds like written narration, isn't it?
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 1:38:00 PM No comments:
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Our Goalie
My husband loves basketball, so much so that he wanted to pass on his passion in this sport to our eldest son. I remember from time to time, he will bring Gabi along with him during his games or if not to watch a game in the nearest basketball court.
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Parenting and Homeschooling,
Sports
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
BioCair Disinfectant Pocket Spray Review + Giveaway
I previously posted on my Instagram account about the new product that our friend from Koofty Enterprise sent me. By the way, Koofy is the same carrier of the Euky Bearub.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 2:45:00 PM 22 comments:
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Reviews and Recommendations
Monday, October 2, 2017
4 Years of Homeschooling
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Living Books that we are going to read |
This is our 4th year as a homeschooling family. I always say that no homeschooling year is the same. Last year, we started our journey to Charlotte Mason Education and we fell in love with it that we want to continue on this method for the years to come.
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Saturday, September 30, 2017
Sinigang na Mackerel + Uni-Pak Giveaway
When it comes to the kitchen, Tsep Dad is our "bida" and I'm glad to be his assistant. I usually help with the preparation. We cook together for me to learn and also this is our "us" time. But the Tsep usually gives the instructions and determine the final taste.
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 2:17:00 PM 41 comments:
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Cooking,
Food,
Food and Restaurants,
Recipes
AmblesideOnline Year 1
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Friday, September 29, 2017
Treat Your Feet: What to Expect on Your First Pedicure
Would you agree that our feet deserve to be spoiled and pampered once in a while?
Statistics shows, women are more susceptible to experience severe foot pain than men. That is mostly because of high-heeled shoes. As for me, I gave up on those shoes a long time ago. Especially now that I always have my kids around me. But it doesn't exempt me from having a tired, aching feet.
Pedicures are a common treatment in beauty salons, but if you have never had your feet pampered before, your first appointment can be a little daunting. However, a pedicure can be the ultimate form of pampering, soothing aching feet and boosting your mood. So, what can you expect from your first pedicure?
Be Prepared:
It is always a good idea to schedule your appointment in advance at the beauty salon. Melbourne CBD businesses will often allow “walk-in” clients, but to get the best out of your pedicure, you need to be prepared. You will need to wear open-toed shoes such as sandals or thongs and if you prefer your own nail polish. You need to allow at least an hour for your pedicure. Your appointment may be completed in 30 minutes, but it is a good idea to wait in the salon to ensure your polish is completely dry before putting on your shoes and leaving.
Remember, that you may be seated in an open area, so wear clothing that you feel comfortable in when your feet are in the air. Short skirts or tight leg pants can prove problematic, so give your wardrobe a little thought.
Remember, that you may be seated in an open area, so wear clothing that you feel comfortable in when your feet are in the air. Short skirts or tight leg pants can prove problematic, so give your wardrobe a little thought.
The Stages of Your Pedicure:
When it comes to beauty services, Melbourne salons often have their own techniques, but there are some common elements of a pedicure. The first step will be to remove any nail polish you have on your toes. Your feet will be soaked in soothing warm water before the nails are cut and shaped using emery boards and clippers. This is my favorite part! Most technicians will offer you a choice of whether you prefer a squared or rounded shape. I always go for a square shape.
Once the nails are shaped, the technician will treat your cuticles. A cuticle lotion will be applied to the edges of your toenails, and the technician will use a wand and trimmers to push back the cuticle and trim any dead skin.
The technician will now use a pumice stone to remove any dead skin and callouses from your feet. Your feet will be given a final soak before being patted dry with a fluffy, clean towel.
Most salons will apply lotion to the feet and legs, massaging the skin. The technician will separate the toes using inserts or cotton, so nail polish can be applied. Typically, two coats of colour will be applied before a final topcoat. You will be asked to sit for ten minutes until the polish is dry enough to remove the dividers. You can then sit in the waiting area until you are fully dry and you can ease on your footwear and show off your beautiful toes.
If you are interested in beauty services, Melbourne’s Totally Skin & Beauty is here to help. They offer a wide range of services to enhance your beauty. Melbourne CBD visitors will find it easy to locate or call them for salon details.
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Health and Beauty
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Celebrating Natural Beauty with the Naturals Beauty Fair
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Health and Beauty
Monday, September 18, 2017
Manila International Book Fair 2017
I went to MIBF yesterday, It was a last-minute shopping because I don't have time on weekdays to go there. Thankfully, hubby was so supportive when I requested to drop by. This was my second year going to this Book Fair (read my first year experience here).
Unlike last year, I know which store to go this time and I have a list of books that I wanted to buy. I went there alone while my boys are in the car. I have a ticket printed and a map which is very helpful especially if you have no plans of staying there for long hours. I'm also on a strict budget that's why I don't want to roam around. No blog events also for me because I cannot commit my time.
The good thing with last-minute shopping is people are already heading home, some are tired and already resting and/or eating. I arrived there past 5:00PM and it wasn't too crowded.
Unlike last year, I know which store to go this time and I have a list of books that I wanted to buy. I went there alone while my boys are in the car. I have a ticket printed and a map which is very helpful especially if you have no plans of staying there for long hours. I'm also on a strict budget that's why I don't want to roam around. No blog events also for me because I cannot commit my time.
The good thing with last-minute shopping is people are already heading home, some are tired and already resting and/or eating. I arrived there past 5:00PM and it wasn't too crowded.
Here are the stores I visited this year and what I purchased from them.
I went to Anvil to buy Alamat books from Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes. Unfortunately, there's only one Alamat left, the downside of last-minute buying (sigh).
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Php 65.60 (Original Price: 82php, 20% off) |
I got the best deal here at Tahanan! My heart was sooo happy and leaping with joy for this set of Great Filipino Lives. It costs Php 295 for 8 pcs! Mind you, the regular price of each book is Php 100. Sulit diba?
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8 pcs for Php 295.00 |
If you missed this, fret not because their sale is extended until December! See details below.
I went to Adarna to buy Buwan, Buwang, Bulawan - a collection of poetry for kids. Unfortunately, they run out of stocks, again, the downside of late buying.
Since I only got one Alamat from Anvil, I decided to peek at Lamapara Books. They have a wide selection of alamats priced at Php 84.75. The lady who was assisting me said they offer 20% off on those books plus you can have it signed by the author who was present that day.
However, when I was in the cashier, they did not give me the 20% off for the three books I took. I asked the cashier after she handed me the receipt. She said you need to have an app first to avail the off. She was referring to the Precious Shop app. Well, I didn't know that I needed to download it, so I asked if I can download it even though I paid already and she said no. It was very disappointing because I was not informed ahead of time and there's no sign whatsoever on the stall of the books. So I bought these books at their regular price.
I passed by MSA Booth and I got these Singapore Math Sample Problems for FREE.
Although my experience was not all pleasant, I chose to focus on the good and happy things. I'm happy with the books I got and I'm excited to immerse ourselves to Philippine Literature as we build our stacks little by little. We also experienced the MOA Eye after going to MIBF.
Thank you MIBF, see you next year!
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Posted by Evelyn Marfa at 3:36:00 PM No comments:
Labels:
Book Fair,
MIBF,
Parenting and Homeschooling
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