The Filipino Mom Blog

When the kids found out that their mommy-bloggers were scheduled to check out the new attraction, Active Fun in SM North EDSA New Annex, there were squeals of delight. Most of them have never visited the place, but the name alone got them giddy and excited. So days before the date, homework was finished with no arguments, vegetables were eaten with a smile, and the squabbling siblings became the best of friends, just to ensure mommy would have absolutely no reason to cancel.

The children were such angels that *sigh* we moms couldn’t bear to say no despite the onslaught of rain. And so the kids got their well-deserved reward.

The colorful balloons and signage got the kids running.

It’s the perfect place for a kiddie party!

Four little monkeys, jumping on the bed…

We want a room just like this!

This is my castle!

I’ve always wanted to play the piano.

Hurry up Mommy! There’s more in there!

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You gotta try this one, Mom!

But the employee said, “For the nth time, no grown ups on the slide.”

The mommy-bloggers posed for some pictures, but really, we just needed a break!

Oh yes, even us mommies were kids again. And of course, we are going back!

*** Read more about this event from the other moms!

Teacher Julie and her three kids rave about Active Fun.

Imom reminisces our childhood days.

It was a date for Feng and Nico.

Sassy Mom’s son had a blast!

What a great treat for Maureen’s studious son!

Cookie’s fun night with her Hezzies

*Photos c/o Teacher Julie, Kongkong622, Lady Cess, Imom and Sassy Mom.

The summer season officially started in the Philippines on the last week of February.  Summer vacation for the students started around second week of March.  I am sure between these dates a lot  of us, Mommies, have started jotting down on our planners the different activities our families will enjoy for the next two months of sun and clear skies. Oh, yes, the occasional rain showers are welcome respite from the scorching heat.

Parents and children greatly anticipate vacations. For all Moms (and Dads too), whether working or stay-at-home, it means more free time with the kids and a little more free time for oneself.  Perhaps there is less hustle and bustle in the morning while preparing for work  because the kids are still sound asleep.  There is more play time the whole day and after work too with the family since there are no school assignments or projects to take care of.  It feels good to talk about things randomly without any rush.

Vacation fosters family togetherness. It is a great time to bond and enrich ourselves while having fun.  For the month of April, the Filipino Mom Blog shares with you summer tips and fun time to perk up your summer with the family.  If there is anything we need to do for the summer, plan to have loads of wonderful time!

We will be sharing summer learning activities where  your children can join for further enhancement of their skills and talents.   No pressure for the kids.  This should be fun for them.

There will also be articles on how to teach our children to be young entrepreneurs. Every centavo counts.  A part of their summer can be spent earning some money at least for a movie date with mom and dad.

FMB will also be giving you some quick recipes you will enjoy doing with your little ones.  Great for snack time and desserts!

Thinking of moving to a new house? Most parents start doing this during summer when there is no school.  It’s a good time to let the children be involved and get them excited about their new room, the new neighborhood and the new friends they will get to meet and play with.  We will walk you through house hunting on summer days.

The Dalai Lama said, “go to a place you have never been at least once a year”.  New surroundings liven up the spirits. So if you have not visited Palawan or Davao, this could be the perfect time to explore the wonders of our country.  We will be giving you travel ideas and summer destinations from the different parts of the Philippines with budget tips on the side.

A lot more is in store!  We would like to hear from you too. Let’s take time to share and exchange stories about the best days of our summer vacation.

*Image from Getty Images.

The issue on melamine-contaminated milk products coming from China has prompted neighboring countries to conduct milk products’ recall in their respective markets. As a consumer safety move, the Philippines, through the Department of Health’s Bureau of Food and Drugs has recalled late last week, milk and milk-containing products which are now subjected to testing for melamine content.

As of yesterday, BFAD has already removed four popular dairy products from the initial list of food items to be tested for possible melamine contamination. Manufactured in New Zealand and distributed locally by Fonterra Brands Philippines, these four products include Anchor Lite Milk, Anlene Milk Low Fat, Anmum Materna, and Anmum Materna Chocolate.

The delisting of the four milk products leaves 52 more that are to be tested by BFAD for melamine contamination and partial results of the tests on some other milk brands will come out hopefully this week.

This latest product recall has created somewhat of a puzzle yet to be resolved and for some panic, especially to mothers, who, according to latest market researches and studies, are said to be the most powerful consumers of all time considering their decision-making power as far as buying consumer products are concerned. And milk, being the food staple of non-breastfeeding kids is definitely one of these products.

In situations where product recall is happening, what is the best to do? How do mothers take on the issue? Debbie LaCroix, a parent and proactive consumer advocate gives us a handful of suggestions and tips on what to do if products that we happen to buy for our kids gets recalled and how to avoid buying items that may be recalled in the future: Read the rest of this entry »

That is, the Philippine Blog Awards 2.

The year’s premiere event for bloggers was held on Sunday, September 21st, at One Esplanade.

The best Philippine blogs across 36 categories were recognized on that night, and the FMB moms (minus Lynn - we missed you!) were there to support their favorites. TeacherJulie was a finalist for the Best Single Post on Family and Living Category, and our dear friend Rachel for the Blogger’s Choice Award.

The special guest of the evening was Senator Mar Roxas, whom we successfully ambushed for photo opps and chit-chat. The senator blogs too, by the way. Read the rest of this entry »