More than skin deep

Next year, I will be turning the big 3-0, and by then I already have two daughters in tow.  I used to think that by the time I reach that age, I wouldn’t care much of how I look.  But as I am about to give birth to my second daughter in a month’s time, I look at the mirror and see not an almost 29- year- old lady, but someone who looks harassed and stressed.  In short, I don’t look my age.

I was never really concerned about physical attributes.  After all, I thought it was quite superficial to even think of physical appearance when I have kids to take care of.  But then I realized that my physical appearance serves as my indicators of good health.  Lately I have seen people spend much of their hard earned money in antioxidants and glutathione. At first I thought that they use it just to have beautiful skin, like that of an anti-aging beauty product.  But then I realized that these products actually keep you healthy, and beautiful skin is just a side effect.  

And if you would like to invest in quality, I suggest that you go for Oxis International.  They offer products that range from dietary supplements, personal care, to food and beverage.  Their products help address major health issues on oxidative stress and inflammation.  Antioxidants in their products fight free radicals that harm our body.  And it’s really a good way to start caring for your body. 

Every day, we continue to face stress and challenges that build up and let us age faster.  By using antioxidants and similar products, we save up for our good health.  Think of it as penny stocks, one that you don’t need to invest much but will still gain a lot.

Explore with Eric Carle's books

As a mother, you always want to get the best for your child. Education is highly subjective, that's why when we started choosing educational materials for our child it was a constant research and understanding what your child wants.

 

Of the many books that my daughter reads daily, Eric Carle's books top the list. Currently, she has 8 of the many books of Eric Carle. The very first book she owned was surprisingly also the very first book that Eric Carle published--- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Immediately, she requested this book to be read to her every single day. She was only 11 months when she first read it, until this very day and she is now almost 20 months, she continues to pick this book from the lot.

 

If you are wondering why I highly regard Eric Carle's books, it's really simple. He has a great way of telling stories. The words do not come as intimidating, and rhymes are easy on the tongue. The stories can be converted in games or something interactive with your child, it makes reading and learning more fun. It also helps that the art he uses is not complicated and less crowded. Eric Carle does not need to disguise his books as "too educational" for you to buy it.

 

It's amazing how Eric Carle was able to capture the attention of children through his beautiful art and wonderful stories. He had his first book published in 1967, and four decades later, he continues to give our children, and even us, remarkable arts and stories.

The Tube

I am a stay at home mom and pretty much have the time to play, read, and run around with my toddler. In her almost 20 months of life, I never really relied on tv as a source of entertainment for my daughter.

I have nothing against educational dvds, my daughter actually has a collection of Brainy Baby DVD, at one point, she actually liked watching it.  It's just that as she grew older, her love for books and play overshadows her interest in watching tv.

However, recently, I noticed that she has started to sit in front of the tv when watching an entire episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Playhouse Disney.  This show is interactive so there are times that she would answer the questions with yes or no, and point to the part of the screen where an item is being asked.  I suddenly found myself having a good 30-minute uninterrupted rest.  It was then that I realized that having tv time is not really bad.  My daughter gets an alternative learning and I also get my break.

Insure to be SURE

After my role shifted from being single to being a wife and a mother, my priorities also took another turn.  Suddenly, my concerns were no longer confined to what I want and need.  Now, I am after the necessities of my family.

Before I got married, my aunt offered me something that I have never thought of before when I was still single.  She offered me to invest in insurance.  I was really hesitant at first because for one, I was very young then.  And besides, I wanted to spend my money on tangible things that would have immediate use.  I politely declined her offer.

Fast forward to a few years later, as I look at my daughter and my growing tummy, I now understand what she meant when she offered me to invest my money in insurance.  Life is too unpredictable and no one is exempted from the “what ifs” that life can bring.  Whether it is insurancefor family, home, medical, mortgage, or even retirement, it’s better to be insured.  At least whatever situation life throws at you, you know you are well prepared for it.

BRAINS!!!

Seriously, who has not been hooked to this game?  Released last year by PopCap Games, PLANTS vs ZOMBIES has made everyone in our family addicted.  I spend 2 to 3 hours a day in front of out computer just playing this.  I have finished the adventure games, unlocked all mini-games, and now playing for as many flags as I can in the endless zombies in the survival mode.  Yes, this game has really taken over too much of my time.  As if playing is not enough, I also maintain 3 zen gardens and the tree of wisdom, where you need to give tree food and it would disclose secrets and tips to defeat zombies.  Crazy, isn't it?

It is very interesting to note also that this game was actually made by a guy who wanted to teach his girlfriend how to play Magic: The Gathering. My husband long tried to teach me how to understand playing those cards, but I really never got to understand it.  If you ask me what those deck of cards are, I don't think I'd be able to explain.

Plants vs Zombies (PVZ) is my way of de-stressing.  Unbelievably, the sight of mean looking plants destroying those ugly zombies just appeals to me.

GLEEK!!

Just like everyone else, I am a GLEE addict, Gleek if you will, waiting for its season 2 pilot.. the minutes couldn't come sooner!!

This show that premiered last year took so many countries by storm. Unbelievably amazing how songs can improve simple plots.

While the minutes before the new episodes go dragging by, I will watch promo videos that will just probably make me excite all the more!

Want to be more excited for Glee? Wait till you see Sue do a VOGUE!!

*credit to GleePodcast

To the ARK AVILON ZOO

To celebrate a decade of togetherness (cheesy), the husband and I decided to take our little one to an indoor zoo just inside the very hot metro, Ark Avilon Zoo.

I really wasn't expecting much, since this is an indoor zoo, the goal was only for our daughter to personally see the animals she gets to read from her books. However, I was still pleasantly surprised by the animals and facilities they have. Which I think is relatively fair for the fee that we paid. Standard entrance fee is P300 per person, and if your height doesn't reach their ticketing table top, you only pay P200. Not bad considering we didn't have to travel far south just to see the animals. Ark Avilon Zoo is located in the very urban centre of Ortigas, Metro Manila, right beside Tiendesitas.

The Ark Avilon Zoo, from its name, is designed and shaped like Noah's Ark. It houses more than 30 species, living in air, land, and water. The "wild" animals, i.e. tiger, lion, puma, jaguar, tapir, and bear, were the first animals to greet us. They were housed inside glass cages, with only cement formed like mountain rocks to remind them of their real home. I actually felt sad for them. Down at the end of the ark are the animals that live in water and air. At one side of the ark, we saw the mini-horse, donkey, and deer. My little one was especially happy to see the donkey. The donkey reminded me so much of Shrek's own Donkey.

The second floor of Ark Avilon Zoo showcases different fishes, birds, and snakes (don't worry, they were all well caged. We just didn't stay too long in that area). The best part of the trip to the zoo, which my daughter enjoyed the most, was the petting area near the goats and sheep. For P20 per half a carrot stick, my little one was able to experience feeding a group of hungry guinea pigs and rabbits. She really enjoyed every minute of it.

The good thing about Ark Avilon Zoo is that you can return to the zoo even after you have left. This gives you the option to eat elsewhere and not be tied to dine in their restaurants, in case you're craving for other food, just like me.

And so upon our return, we met and had a photo op with the zoo's very cute animal resident, Collin. He is the very friendly 2- year old orang-utan who just loves to hold hands with people. Interacting with Collin was also another fun activity to do at the zoo.

Ark Avilon Zoo is a good alternative to distract kids from tv and other gadgets that make up most of their day. A good 2 hours of being around animals can really be refreshing treat this very hot summer.

Ni Hao. Annyeonghaseyo. Konichiwa. Mabuhay!
(Asian dramas galore minus the legacy of Jackie Chan's drunken master)

I remember that the only time that I watched a show that I couldn't comprehend was Pinpin--- a children's show who tried to put up a fight with Pong paggong and the gang, however catering to a quarter of Philippines' population, the Tsinoys. I wasn't really big with shows that gives language barrier a big thrust. I just felt, at that time, that Filipino and US shows were enough to satisfy my viewing pleasure.

I started watching Asian series in 2003, because like most people here who got fascinated with Meteor Garden (oh good Lord i have them all, even the spin offs), it showcased something new and different from what we usually see. After having watched the series more than what is usually perceived as normal, it was then that the company that I am working for now showed the very first Korean drama on Philippine primetime, Autumn in my Heart or Endless Love1. This was followed by more series from Korea that are worth of the time and energy of doing both reading the English subtitle and watching the facial expressions of the actors. After exhausting the K-dramas in the market, I also chanced upon J-doramas or the Japanese dramas and found the plots very intelligent, short, and straight to the point (the usual length is 9-12 episodes per series). As the years passed by, I found myself more inclined to watching these series rather than those locally produced (as to why I have worked for over 2 years with the leading local network, let's not go there).

I also have my share of favorite Asian movies. The first Asian movie that I watched and loved was the Korean movie, My Sassy Girl. It was the most hilarious film I have ever seen. The leads were just amazingly good at acting weird and crazy. I seriously suggest that if you haven't tried any Asian movie, this should be your first.

To simply put it, I see more of reality's ironies in those dramas that I have come to love. People like to laugh and have a good cry sometimes and they offer just that.

BLOGGING AGAIN

A lot of things have happened since my last post.

In a span of 3 years, I got married, raised a toddler, and pregnant again with the second child. But I thought of blogging again because I only do mini-blogs lately, and sometimes it's not really enough for the very talkative me.

So here I go.

i believe in miracles

I went to Baclaran with Mama early morning (12:30am) today. I'm a proclaimed Marian devotee and I only get to pray at home... When we arrived at the church, I knelt down and prayed. I was very emotional because it has been awhile since I went to Baclaran church. Tears started to stream down my face even before I could open the novena booklet to pray. I wiped my tears and looked up to the image of our Mother of Perpetual Help. There I saw, right in front of me--- on the back shirt of a man, in golden yellow script writing these very words--- Thy Will Be Done. I smiled immediately. I haven't even started my prayer and God is already talking to me. I nodded in obedience.

After lighting candles, Mama and I walked for awhile. As soon as we got inside the car, the opening bars of this song reminded me the most important thing of our journey for Papa...

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seemed like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
My heart's so full, I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fears
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way clear through the rain
A small, but still, resilient voice
Says help is very near

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

TO BELIEVE that MIRACLES HAPPEN has been one of the things that keep our family going through all these trials.

TO BELIEVE that MIRACLES HAPPEN gives us hope that tomorrow is a better day than today.

TO BELIEVE that MIRACLES HAPPEN puts the smile on my face everyday as I embrace my Papa lovingly every night.