Intramuros, The Walled City: Cut and Build

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Our Collection last July

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.

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. 

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.

 

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.

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. 

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: *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Give More and Save More with Lazada Philippines’ Online Revolution MANILA CITY, PHILIPPINES – Southeast Asia’s biggest online shopping event, the Online Revolution Sale, brings to the spotlight over 28 million local and international products from its most trusted brands and sellers. Customers can expect jaw-dropping offers, flash sales and exclusive launches up to 95% off. Now on its sixth year, Lazada.com.ph expects over 150 million visits combined during the sale period, which begins November 9 in the Philippines. The combination of millions of sellers and buyers makes this year’s theme: “Shop the Universe” a perfect fit. Shoppers looking for more will get more choices as items on sale during Alibaba’s single’s day (11.11) will be available through the Taobao Collection. Digital goods such as prepaid load, mobile data and restaurant & lifestyle vouchers are also available at 5% off. Christmas gift-seekers will be treated with more options at even better prices. Top deals include the Cherry Mobile OnRev smartphone for only Php 999, the Olay Night Ritual at Php 999 and the Casio G-Shock watch for only Php 2,995. Bargain hunters will also love to the 11 Peso deals and flash sales every two hours. Some flash sale items include a Matrix microwave oven for Php 1,999, an A7 Sports camera for Php 439 and Mamypoko Extra Dry Skin Tape Diapers (30 pcs) for only Php 322. Christmas shopping wouldn’t; be complete without raffle promos. Lazada has that too! Avent is giving away a cash prize of Php 1,000,000 to one lucky customer buying any Avent product. Lazada is also giving away free trips from Philippine Airlines and Star Cruises, as well as one Isuzu SUV to lucky shoppers. Each transaction entitles shoppers to an electronic raffle coupon. Through a collaboration with Freenet, the free internet platform of Voyager Innovations, customers using the Lazada mobile app can browse and shop without being charged for data consumption. To get additional discounts, sign-up for a PayMaya account and enjoy additional 20% off (max. discount of P400) with the code PYMYNOV upon checkout for the whole month of November. “With this year’s Online Revolution Sale, the best of the world is truly at everyone's fingertips. Lazada has been working closely with the top brands and sellers in the country and across the globe to offer the best products at the most affordable prices. We believe that campaigns such as Online Revolution will someday set the Philippines to be the online shopping capital of not only Southeast Asia but also the world” said Lazada Co-Founder and CEO, Inanc Balci. Christmas can’t get better than this! Visit www.lazada.com.ph/online-revolution/ and make your Christmas shopping merry and bright. The biggest sale of the year, Online Revolution, will be from November 9 to December 12, 2017. Watch out for the mega days on November 9 to 11 and December 7 to 12. About Lazada Group Lazada is the number one online shopping & selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serve the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions. Lazada offers an excellent customer experience through a wide network of logistics partners and its own first- and last-mile delivery arm.   PRESS CONTACT: CHRISTINA MILA Z. JIMENEZ Offline Marketing Head Lazada Philippines (E) c.jimenez@lazada.com.ph (M) +639178969703

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. 

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.

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.

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.

"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?

So, here's how his first written narration turned out:

First Written Narration

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. 

We discovered though that it is not for our son. Instead of dribbling the ball, he continually kicks it inside the basketball court. This brought us to a realization that he may have an inclination to a different sport, that is soccer.

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.

4 Years of Homeschooling

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.

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. 

AmblesideOnline Year 1

Here's a glimpse of our first year using the Charlotte Mason Education and Ambleside Online Curriculum.

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.

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.

Celebrating Natural Beauty with the Naturals Beauty Fair

When it comes to skincare, who doesn't want to go natural? We know the harmful effects of using too many chemicals on our skin that's why most women like me, would opt for those products that are as natural as nature. Natural beauty takes center stage as Lazada holds its Naturals Beauty Fair from Sept. 27 to 30. The nature-based campaign led by Unilever will bring out your inner glow with your most-loved naturals beauty finds at a steal. Give your hair the de-stressing it needs with TRESEMME's Detox & Nourish Range for as low as P106. TRESEMME's Detox & Nourish Shampoo 170ML will have a promo price of P106 while the conditioner will be available for P110 during the sale. Enjoy up to 30% off on ST. IVES' body wash. Both of ST. IVES'  Purifying Sea Saltand Smoothing Apricot Body Wash will be priced at P168 during the campaign period - a 30% discount from its SRP of P240. Also to launch first in Lazada is the Natural Glow Kit. For only P171, you're getting not only the 170-gram ST. IVES Apricot Scrub but also a 28-gram travel-sized Apricot Scrub tube. Other brands to participate in the Naturals Beauty Fair include DOVE which will havelimited edition gift sets for only P99 and POND'S with its limited edition Washable Cold Cream gift sets. SIMPLE will also have as much as 50% off on its products andVASELINE will offer as much as 15% off. To top it all, you will also get an extra 10% off with the voucher code NATURALBEAUTY with a minimum purchase of P700 on participating Unilever products.  So mark your calendars and visit http://www.lazada.com.ph/naturals-beauty-fair/ from Sept. 27 to 30 to take advantage of these beauty treats!

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.

Here are the stores I visited this year and what I purchased from them.

Anvil Publishing

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).

Php 65.60 (Original Price: 82php, 20% off)

Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing

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?

8 pcs for Php 295.00

If you missed this, fret not because their sale is extended until December! See details below.

Adarna House

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.

Lampara Publishing

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!