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!

\

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.

Most summer activities are also halfway to being done.If not, some are finished already with the courses being offered.

Let’s face it, not everyone can afford sending their children to summer activities. Apart from the expenses these will incur (enrollment fees, transportation, food, and necessary materials to be purchased like shoes and necessary clothes), plotting the logistics regarding who and when who will bring the children to the place where they will get their summer enrichment activities also needs to be done.

Most children stay at home during these days that they don’t have to go to school.

So what could be done so that they will not feel bored and restless?

Clockwise from upper right, books that teach how they can draw things, a board game, digital scrapbooking, chess and jigsaw puzzle.

These are just some of the activities that these children can do at home aside from the usual electronic hand held video games that they get to play from morning till night time:

1. Play board games
2. Learn to draw
3. Do digital scrap booking or other photo shop applications
4. Learn to play mind games such as chess and/or sungka.
5. Do jigsaw puzzles. Challenge them to do the 300 or 500 or even the 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles
6. Learn to cook and bake simple dishes
7. Help in the gardening chores
8. Do crafts like papier mache or finger painting or origami or their own kites to fly or basket weaving using old phone books
9. Give them chores to do around the house like making their beds or grooming the pets
10. Ask them to create their own games instead of playing games that can be bought
11. Go backyard camping
12. Learn how to climb a tree

The list is endless and the possibilities are a-plenty.

I am sure parents would be able to re-create their own enjoyable summer activities with their children

I freeze the watermelon and pineapple chunks. Once frozen, I put them in the blender, add a little bit of sugar and water, and voila! We have the perfect thirst-quencher. Rich in vitamins, none of the preservatives, and guaranteed to shoo the heat away. And cheap!

Baguio has many beautiful parks that are perfect for leisurely walks. But during peak holiday seasons, the parks could easily get crowded. So, instead of doing the usual park rounds, why don’t you get away and visit the lesser-crowded attractions? Here are some:

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE, Pinsao Proper. Tam-awan Village is also called the Garden in the Sky, because it’s etched on the slope of a mountain and has a view of the South China Sea and the lower lands. “Tam-awan” literally means “to look” or “to view”, as in “look outside your window.”

The village was founded in 1996 by Chanum Foundation, a group of local artists who wish to promote Baguio City as a cultural destination. Tam-awan Village has an Art Gallery featuring the works of famous and up-and-coming local artists. One of the founders of this village is national artist Ben Cabrera. You can have your portrait drawn by the local artists for a minimal fee. Cultural dances by Igorot women clad in native costumes are held everyday during “tourist season” (summer and Christmas break). 

Tam-awan has two nature trails that go up the slope on two different directions, but end to meet at the top. The top of the trails have breath-taking views of the village. On a cloudless day, one will be able to see the South China Sea on the horizon.

The Village has several Ifugao huts that can be reserved at very reasonable rates for overnight accomodations.

After the uphill trail climb, go down and stop by the cafe. The village cafe offers organic-grown food. I love the fresh vegetable salads and the local coffee brew. 

Tam-awan Village is located at Pinsao Proper, up the hill above the Easter Weaving School. For more information, call +63 74 4462949 or 4425551. Visit the website here for map and directions.

~~~

STRAWBERRY FARM, La Trinidad, Benguet. La Trinidad, the capital of Benguet Province, is a municipality just outside the northwestern border of Baguio City. Most of Baguio’s and the low lands’ fresh ” Baguio” vegetables come from this fertile valley. Strawberries are a major crop here, so it’s the perfect place for strawberry picking.

Strawberry season is from November to about April or May, depending on the onset of the rainy season. Early rains during summer or extended rains during the 3rd quarter often cut short the strawberry season.

To get the best strawberries, go early in the morning, as in around 8 AM. The last time I went to the Strawberry Farm with my sisters and our kids, we arrived past 11 AM - we were not able to pick strawberries anymore. The kids were able to sample strawberry taho and strawberry “dirty” ice cream though, and they loved it.

From top, left to right: The vast Strawberry Farm on a fair, sunny day; a strawberry waiting for pickers; ample outdoor parking space; the kids enjoying local strawberry ice cream.

Strawberry Farm is located across the Benguet State University (BSU). Check out Go Baguio’s guide on how to get there.

~~~

MOUNT SANTO TOMAS, Green Valley. Okay, honestly I’ve never climbed Sto. Tomas. But it’s one place I’d like to go to on my next visit. Apparently, for novice climbers, it’s quite difficult and breathing could be hard at the top. (I know this because I’ve often asked my sisters to climb the mountain with me, but they refuse, saying “I’ve done that already!”) For the experienced mountaineers, Mt. Santo Tomas is a basic climb.

Shot from the car dashboard while travelling down Marcos Highway. These two radars are visible from the city. Locals often joke visitors that these circular figures are Baguio's built-in "airconditioners".

 The Mount Sto. Tomas trail can be accessed by getting to Green Valley on Marcos Highway first. From there, locals can show you to where the trails are. The trek is best done on a sunny summer morning, as early as 6 AM. It may take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the top, so bring lots of water and snacks. Doing the climb in the morning will assure you of unobscured breath-taking views, since fog and clouds settle in the afternoon.

I could imagine how wonderful it would be to take photos of the 360-degree view, while devouring a yummy picnic after a 3-hour climb. This montaintop, by the way, is the spot where my brother-in-law asked for my sister’s hand in marrige for a second time. (They got married twice to each other.) Now that’s a romantic idea, eh?

For a more comprehensive review and guide of the Mount Sto. Tomas trail, I found this very helpful blog article.

~~~

So there you have them - three destinations in Baguio to explore on your next trip. Enjoy!

To make that chore a little bit easier, why not enroll your precious ones in a summer workshop. There are lot to choose from. Be it an academically challenging one or one that requires some physical exertion, its up to you and your kiddies to choose from the myriad of classes that are being offered.

Here’s a list of some of those workshops….

MY LITTLE ART PLACE
Art Workshop
222 Wilson Street, Greenhills, San Juan
Tel. Number 409-4122

TINTA ART WORKSHOP
Painting, Digital Photography, Anime & Cartooning, Arts & Crafts
2nd Floor Bgy. Hall, Phil-Am Homes, West Ave., QC
0915-4009255 (Ryan Fernandez)

FABER-CASTELL & ALLIANCE OF QUEZON CITY HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATIONS INC. (AQCHAI) INTER-VILLAGE SUMMER ART CONTEST
Elimination Rounds : Filinivest 2 (April 17-18)
Capitol Hills Golf (April 24-25)
North Susana (May1-2)
Tivoli Royale Country Club (May 15-16)
Finals : Tivoli Royale Country Club (May 22)

FULLYBOOKED SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Winged Wonder (teaching art through history) (winged.wonder@yahoo.com)
Clay Workshop with Aba Lluch Dalena
Artify Your Flipflops and Accessories with Alex Manabat (alex_manabat@yahoo.com)
Kids Comic Book Making (brainfoodph@gmail.com)
Tel. Number 858-7000 / 858-7036 to 38 (Fullybooked BHS)

FILIPINAS HERITAGE LIBRARY WORKSHOPS
Theatre Workshop (for kids 6-11 years old)
Free Story Telling Sessions (for kids 6-11 years old)
The Filipinas Heritage Library
Makati Ave., Ayala Triangle, Makati City (across Manila Peninsula Hotel)
892-1801 (Jen Bascoguin)

PETA SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Children’s Theater, Teens Theater, Basic Acting, Creative Dance
Peta Theater Center
5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, QC
Tel. Numbers 410-0821 / 725-6244

CCP SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Theater (832-8661 / 832-1125 loc. 1620/1621)
Dance (832-8689 / 551-1003 / 551-0221 / 832-3676)
Cultural Center Of The Philippines
Roxas Blvd., Manila

DANCE MANILA SUMMER ROTATION
Hip-Hop, Breakdance, Kids Latin
2nd Floor, LIPAM’S Bldg., President’s Ave. cor Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Pque.
Tel. Number 515-1122

UP COLLEGE OF MUSIC SUMMER EXTENSION PROGRAM
Creative Music for Kids, Voice, Ballet, Musical Instruments
Abelardo Hall
University of The Philippines, Diliman Campus, QC
Tel. Number 981-8500 loc. 2628

ATENEO DE MANILA SUMMER OFFERINGS
Mandarin, Academics and Sports Lessons
For Academics : 426-6001 loc. 7106 / 7108
For Sports : loc. 7159
For Mandarin : loc. 7100

BERT LOZADA SWIM SCHOOL
Swimming Lessons for All Ages
Tel. Number: 563-5532

UP COLLEGE OF HUMAN KINETICS
Sports, Dance, Exercise Programs
2nd Floor Administrative Office
Ylanan Gymnasium, UP Diliman QC
Tel. Number : 929-6033

PAINTING WITH FERNANDO SENA AT POWERBOOKS
Powerbooks Megamall
Tel. Number: 635-2898

When you ask people how their Baguio experience was, you may hear one of these complaints -It’s so crowded, it’s not as cold anymore, the traffic is awful, there’s so much ukay-ukay!

As a true-blue Baguio girl, I sometimes find Baguio disappointing too. But home is where the heart is - and I will always love this city.

Despite these complaints, why do people still love to crowd Baguio during holidays?

Because, let’s face it, Baguio has not completely lost its charm.

Even if the weather isn’t the same as it was twenty years ago, Baguio is still about 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the country. Despite the growing population and commercialization, there are still quaint crannies - those places you might haven’t been to. And whether they will admit it or not, some people come to Baguio for the ukay-ukay!

In Baguio, the skies seem a bit bluer, and the trees a shade greener.

BAGUIO TRAVEL BASICS

1. Getting to Baguio: Thanks to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), travel time to Baguio has been significantly reduced by about an hour. From Manila, it usually takes 6 hours by bus, and less (or more, depending on the driver hehe) by private car. If travelling by car, you can choose among three ways to get to Baguio: via Kennon Road (the shortest way); via Marcos Highway (the safest way, supposedly); and Naguillian Road (the longest way if you’re coming from the south).

Kennon Road has steeper ascent and narrower roads that may be too much excitement for the novice Baguio traveller/driver. In that case, Marcos Highway should be a safer choice, though traffic could get bad during peak season as it is where most bus liners pass. The view near the top of Marcos Highway is breath-taking on a cloudless day - you’d be able to see the infinite blue of South China Sea as it unites with the horizon.

2. Getting around Baguio: Because it’s a small city, travelling around Baguio isn’t very difficult. Taxis and jeepneys abound, though there may be some shortage during peak season.

And yes, our taxi drivers give back change. Taxi drivers in Baguio City aren’t used to tips, so when they give back your change, just take it, say “thank you”, and pretend to be not surprised.

Of course, the best way to explore this beautiful city is still on foot. Pack those comfy walking shoes and be ready to walk. The wonderfully cool climate makes walking a pleasant exercise. Don’t forget to bring hooded jackets and umbrellas, though, because afternoon drizzles are common year-round.

3. Where to stay: There are many choices for accomodations - ranging from hotels, inns, and “transient” homestays. Most hotels and inns have websites for online reservation.  Transient homestays - private homes that open up to tourists during holidays - are ideal for those travelling on a budget. The most important considerations when choosing accomodations (aside from cleanliness and comfort factors):

- Is there water? (Water becomes a big issue in this high city during peak season.)

-Is there water heating? (During the colder months, tap water could feel icy!)

- How far/near is it to the city? (The advantage of hotels far away from downtown is you can have peace and quiet.)

-Is there jeepney line? (Important if you don’t have your own car.) Here’s my rule of thumb: if you can walk to Session Road or the city market within 10-15 minutes, your location is relatively near the city center.

4. What to bring: I like to travel light. But with three kids in tow, this is almost impossible. We always end up stuffing the car’s trunk. This year, I vow to travel light. These are in my Baguio trip essential-list:

-a jacket or sweater (It can still get quite chilly even during summer. If you’re travelling via Victory Liner, a jacket is a must, along with bonnets, socks and small blankets for the kids. The bus airconditioning can get too cold especially during night trips.)

-comfy walking shoes (rubber shoes are best)

-umbrella, hats or caps (for sun protection and those sudden afternoon drizzles)

-stroller for the little tike (I wouldn’t want to be carrying him around. Useful for naps anytime, anywhere.)

-sunblock

-kids’ favorite toys, DVDs, art materials and books to keep them occupied while the adults get some rest.

-the gadgets: camera, tripod, spare memory card, batteries and charger. Don’t forget your phone chargers!

Coming up next in Part 2: Places in (and around) Baguio City you may have never been to, and more travel tips. Don’t forget to come back!

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.

Why is this so?

Children would rather play than study their lessons.

Children would rather watch their favorite television show than do their home works.

Children would rather read comic books than read their reference books.

Children would rather do other things like play games on their gaming console or chat with friends or even surf the internet rather than study.

So what should parents do?

While the children are still young, it is best for the parents to “train” their children to set aside some time to sit and do tabletop activities. Have a quiet corner with the least distractions, put a table, a bookshelf and the supplies that they would need, and they are good to go.

For smaller children, it doesn’t have to be a “come-here-i-will-teach-you-how-read” time but it can be a time to color or paint pictures, make some doodles and even try their hand at doing other fine-motor activities like making play dough figures, lacing and beading.

For the preschoolers, story-telling time and coloring are good activities. Tracing lines too can now be introduced.

For the school child, completion of home works, reading their textbooks or notes if there are no home works and completing projects would be good activities.

So where do these things, play time, watching a favorite television time, playing games on electronic gadgets, listening to music, reading of books and even surfing the net come in?

After the study time, of course

_______________________________________

This is a re-post from this blog entry

Valentine’s Day has come and gone but still the feeling that love is in the air pervades.  So to further this “loving feeling” lets share more stories of love for our third week of The Love Month Meme.

For this week, lets share some of our favorite date places with our special someone.  Just to make it more exciting, how about telling us about your favorite destination when you were still going steady and when you finally got hitched.

]]> http://filipinomomblog.com/2009/02/love-month-meme-week-3/feed/ http://filipinomomblog.com/2009/02/the-love-month-meme-week-2/ http://filipinomomblog.com/2009/02/the-love-month-meme-week-2/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:02:31 +0000 kongkong622 http://filipinomomblog.com/?p=537

Its our second week for the Love Month Meme and things couldn’t be more heart-filled and romantic.  Valentine’s Day is just a few days away and love is definitely in the air.  I’m pretty sure that we’re all looking forward to spending some quality time with our significant others and even with our precious kiddies.

So for this week, lets talk about our most memorable Valentine’s experience.  Lets take a walk down memory lane and try to recall those giddy moments.

And before I forget…here’s wishing you a…

Update :

Here is this week’s round-up of entries…

Maver - “For Heart’s Sake”

Wenchie - “Memorable Valentine Experience”

Cookie - “My First And Last Valentine”