What I Learned from BrainFit Studio's Seminar

Last Wednesday, I attended BrainFit Studio's introductory seminar. I was excited to attend this because I have heard a lot of good things about this enrichment center. After doing some errands in the morning, including a trip to the NBI, we went to the venue, which was in Park Inn at SM Lanang. Here's what we wore:

Anyway, even after doing a couple of errands, I still arrived there early - at least earlier than most. With me were my mother and this little boy: 

My mom wanted to go, too, and I thought it was because she wanted to enroll my sister in BrainFit. Di pala. She wanted to recommend it pala to our neighbor (village president, too) and family friend whose son got diagnosed with ADHD.

While waiting, Yuri made a friend in another little child, Sophia. At first, they were not minding each other, but when the seminar began to start, they were suddenly inseparable. Or at least my son wouldn't part with her. He wouldn't even sit beside me! I wasn't able to take a photo of them because I didn't have the energy to run after them haha.

Sophia's mom told me that she found out about the seminar through my blog, but unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to get her name. (Feel free to comment if you're reading!)

Here are the things that I learned from the seminar:

What I Learned from a Homeschooling Seminar

Last Saturday, I attended a seminar on homeschooling. It was perfect because my real estate brokerage classes were cancelled that day and, even though it was alumni homecoming in UP, I didn't plan on attending it. Long story. Anyway, let's talk about the seminar.

I actually got invited to it Friday afternoon, short notice, but since I'm really into homeschooling, I immediately said yes and was determined to work around my schedule. Fortunately, my mom didn't have an appointment for Saturday afternoon so I was able to leave Yuri with them.

Must. lose. weight.

Unsolicited OOTD: 

Topshop white shirt, Bershka turquoise shorts, Gibi sandals, and kimono blazer from eBay (I think this begins my love affair with kimono blazers)

The seminar, by the way, was organized by the Lighthouse Homeschool Network. Upon arriving, I was surprised to see a full room. I know homeschooling was popular in Manila and other places (like the US), but not in big city-small town Davao. That was surprising but pleasantly surprising.

Another pleasant surprise was the fact that kids - kids - ran the program. The emcees and the speakers were all homeschooled kids. I was impressed! One of the kids was even named Yuri; I wasn't able to take a picture of him, though! The homeschooling parents only stepped in to answer the questions during the open forum.

To be honest, I think I already know a lot about homeschooling since I have read about it and studied it sooner last year. Of course, being with actual homeschooling moms taught me more things. Here are the things I learned from the seminar:

1. A homeschooling kid can finish high school in one year.

BrainFit Studio is Coming to Davao!

I have good news for everyone living in Davao City. Only I think you, guys, already know because I wrote it in the title! Still, it doesn't undermine the fact that BrainFit Studio will finally be coming to Davao!

What is BrainFit Studio?

This is the official description of the enrichment center:

"BrainFit Studio is the leading provider of neuroscience-based brain fitness programs in Asia. It originated in Singapore and is already over 10 years in the region with over 5000+ data-based results from programs conducted across Asia.

Our Brain Fitness programs seek to enhance the child's learning capacity by addressing opportunity areas across (i) attention/focus (ii) auditory processing (iii) visual processing (iv) sensory-motor (v) socio-emotions.  The key targets are children aged 3 to 18."

I think our preparation for our homeschooling journey this year (this June, to be exact) is kind of an open book here in my blog. I'm still constantly searching for materials and supplementary services that can help us. So imagine how pleased I am when the bringer of Manang's Chicken to Davao contacted me to introduce his cousin to me. His cousin, in turn, told me that she is going to open a new enrichment center in the city. Little did I know that she was referring to BrainFit Studio!

I have heard a lot of great things about BrainFit and wanted to try it; the problem was the lack of a center here. Now, it's no longer a problem and I really want to hear more about it!

BrainFit Studio wouldn't be opening until March 16, but on Wednesday, February 25, they are going to hold a free seminar for everyone interested in the program. It will be held at Park Inn (behind SM Lanang) at 9-11 am. Kids are welcome, and freebies will also be given.

So, shall I see you or shall I see you?

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Huge Discounts Await Customers at Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes

I am a Samsung user. Well, my latest phone is not a Samsung, but I'm still using my old Samsung phone for my old number and both my old and new cameras are Samsung. (My fridge is Samsung, too. Does that count?)

Anyway, I was invited again to another Samsung event last week, and because I have been using their products, I was looking forward to attending it. Do you know why? They will be announcing their... Christmas promo!

We had lunch at Cafe Laguna. Very unfortunately, I wasn't able to bring my camera with me so all I have are phone and tablet photos. Here they are:

My sinful plate at Cafe Laguna 

To know more about Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes, here's Samsung’s press release for more information:

MANILA, Philippines – Samsung gives Pinoys more reasons to love the holidays with Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes. From November 15 – December 31, 2014, customers can get a chance to take home their favorite Samsung device at a lower cost by visiting participating Samsung Experience Shops and authorized dealers nationwide.

“We are very excited to make the holidays extra special for the Pinoys with Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes," said Rhinn Piczon, Product Marketing Head for Mobile of Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation.

“We listened to what our customers want and we’re thrilled to be able to give it to them this Christmas," she added.

Included in the promo are the Samsung Galaxy V, Galaxy Tab 3 Lite, Galaxy Core 2, Galaxy Tab 4 7.0, Galaxy Grand 2, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3.

The Samsung Galaxy V is a dual SIM phone that features a 4-inch screen and runs on Android Kitkat 4.4.2.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite, on the other hand, features a super light, slim design with a 7-inch WSVGA screen, as well as a a 1.2 Ghz Dual-Core Processor and Android Jellybean OS.

Also available at the Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes is the Samsung Galaxy Core 2 which features a powerful Quad-Core processor on Android Kitkat and a 4.5-inch large screen...

Samsung Galaxy Grand 2, with a large 5.2-inch screen an 8MP camera...

Samsung S4 which boasts of a 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED Display and 13MP rear camera...

the latest Samsung S5 which has a 5.1-inch display and 16MP rear camera, and one of Samsung most powerful smartphones in the market...

And the Galaxy Note 3 which features a 5.7-inch display and a Quad Core 2.3GHz processor running on Android Jelly Bean.

At Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes, customers can avail of their very own Samsung devices for as low as Php 7,000 less than the original selling price or get a special item from Samsung upon purchase.

MODEL	RETAIL PRICE	PROMO PRICE
Galaxy V	Php 4,990.00	Free Jelly Case
Galaxy Tab 3 Lite	Php 6,990.00	Php 6,490.00
Galaxy Core 2	Php 8,990.00	Php 6,990.00
Galaxy Tab 4 7.0	Php 11,990.00	Php 10,990.00
Galaxy Grand 2	Php 13,990.00	Php 12,990.00
Galaxy S4	Php 21,990.00	Php 19,990.00
Galaxy S5	Php 34,990.00	Php 31,990.00
Galaxy Note 3	Php 36,990.00	Php 29,990.00

Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes can be found at participating Samsung Experience Shops and authorized dealers nationwide. Per DTI FTEB-SPD Permit No. 4704.

So if you're planning to buy a phone or a tablet this Christmas, I say look no further! What about a Samsung?

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GrabTaxi is Now in Davao: The Good, The Bad, and The Hungry

I'm a taxi girl.

I know folks from Manila or other places in the Philippines would be wary of riding cabs, but here, no one really hesitates to ride them (unless budget is the issue haha). That's because taxi drivers in Davao City are generally kind and courteous and honest.

H&M breton shirt | River Island jeans | CLN flats | Coach bag

I've been hailing cabs all my life. In fact, I began riding them on my own when I was 11 or 12. Again, nobody thinks twice about that here! Now, I'm generally comfortable with taxi cabs, but I'm always up for new services. You never know what you're missing, diba? That's why I immediately agreed to join the media launch of GrabTaxi last Wednesday at Saging Repablik.

I'll only be giving you a narration (chos) of my personal experience and insights about GrabTaxi. To be honest, I still haven't had the time to peruse the press kit since I've been so busy working, being a full-time yaya, and helping organize the village's Halloween party. Yada yada yada. I'm rambling na, so I'll go ahead before I ramble on some more.

Last Wednesday was a mixture of good, bad, and "hungry." Let's start with...

THE BAD

My Friends are in Amazing Race, Duterte, and Other Stories

Image: http://www.tv5.com.ph/

1. My Friends are in Amazing Race

During high school, I had two very close girlfriends: Zarah and Osang. Zarah and I were called "twins" because we looked alike daw (she's a lot prettier), while Osang and I were kindred spirits because we had a lot in common. We mostly grew apart, but I still consider them dear ones.

One thing I don't have in common with them, though, is that they are adventurous (while I'd rather stay home), so I really wasn't that surprised when I found out they got into the final teams competing in this year's Amazing Race:

Zarah and Osang, taken from Zarah's Facebook account

I don't watch a lot of TV, but I'll make sure I'll try to follow (follow talaga) Amazing Race. Woot! Go Zarah and Osang!

PS: They're the only team in the game not coming from Luzon! You can watch the trailer here.

2. Duterte for President

Del Monte Kitchenomics Calls All Cooking Divas from Davao, Cebu, and Manila!

I grew up knowing Del Monte, and by extension, Kitchenomics. Even though I rarely cook (I mean, I can cook if I try, and I think I have the palate; I just don't like fire), I love eating.

I also like reading, so much that when I was young, when I ran out of reading material (no Internet!), I'd leaf through my mother's recipe books. Occasionally, my "reading list" would include recipe cards from Del Monte Kitchenomics!

(This - and Masterchef - explains why I know a lot about food and cooking.)

Now, I know there are hundreds more of you who are truly passionate about cooking, and I have great news for you! You see, Del Monte Kitchenomics will be hosting a grand event on October 12. This is a reunion of Del Monte Kitchenomics members to celebrate their 30th anniversary. It will be held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Isn't that great? On October 12, 180 moms from all over the country - 80 from Manila, 50 from Cebu, and another 50 from Davao - will gather to cook up a Del Monte storm. There will be cooking stations where 365 recipes will be prepared for the cooking divas. It will take place in Market! Market!, Gaisano Grand Mactan, and NCCC Mall. So join us!

The highlight of the event is a big cooking activity; however, there are several more fun activities that everyone is invited to take part in, so don't hesitate to come. Bring your family along! Freebies, prizes, and a chance to try a lot of fun family activities await!

To register for the Cooking Activity, send your FULL NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, and MOBILE NUMBER via email or text to Ann Quiogue - annquiogue@gmail.com or 0915-8398582. Mention which leg you will be attending: Manila, Cebu, or Davao (I'll be here!).

I'll keep you posted about the event, so please check for updates. See you there!

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My Expo Mom 2014 Fun Finds

I try my best to be a wise shopper. If I pass by a clothing store sale, I can easily ignore it. Promise.

But I have two shopping weaknesses: food and kid's stuff. Biglang bumababa ang financial IQ ko jan. So when I received an email last week about Expo Mom coming to Davao, I knew I had to mentally prepare myself to practice restraint. Haha!

Looking back, it was a good thing that there weren't too many booths so it was not so overwhelming. Because of that, I was able to examine all products and decide 3x whether I absolutely needed to buy them or not. Which was not hard because I came with a checklist!

Yes, ako na ang prepared. Anyway, I promised to talk about my finds today so here they are:

1. Kiele Anti-Mosquito Cologne

Upon entering the expo, I made a beeline to Kiele's booth for two reasons. First, our last bottle of GIGA insect repellent is almost gone, and second, I'm curious to use a good-smelling repellent. Relate?

A bottle costs P199

Verdict: Woah I didn't know a mosquito repellent could smell this nice! And the scent lasts long ha; in fact, you can use it as an actual perfume. As for its mosquito repelling power, I'm glad to report that Yuri hasn't gotten bites since he used it last Sunday. I'm definitely buying this again!

2. Human Heart Nature Loot

My Expo Mom 2014 Experience

I admit that I always get a little jealous whenever I read about events for moms and babies held in Manila. I do not live in Manila so obviously, this is a problem for me. That's why when I found out last week that Expo Mom's going to be in Davao City for the weekend, I knew I wouldn't miss it.

Of course, ako tong si "pasama," si I dragged Yuri and my sister to Abreeza. Here's what Yuri and I wore - super kaduper casual!

 Mango sweater, Old Navy shorts, SM Department Store sneakers, Fossil bag

Crib Couture shirt, forgot the brand of the shorts, Elle kicks

Yes, I am aware I look fat and lousy in that photo, but I like Yuri's expression so...

Anyway, upon arriving at the mall, we first spent around 30 minutes in National Bookstore. Of course. After finally paying for our purchase, we went na to Expo Mom bazaar.

The bazaar was actually quite sparse because there were not very many sellers there. However, any mom would surely end up buying several items because the lack in number made up for the quality of items. No, this is not sponsored. I just really like how the stores cater to the needs of modern moms: from healthy food to organic products for the body to learning materials!

What's Up Wednesday

Yes, I have chubby, baby hands. You can say it to me - just not to my face, okay?

If I were asked what my secondary needs are, I'd probably say the first is an internet connection. If you work from home like me, you understand why!

But I lost internet connection yesterday. And my backup internet, my SmartBro, was very weak and wasn't much of a help. So even though I wanted to work, I had to be absent yesterday.

Which actually turned out to be a good thing. Not the missing-work part but the away-from-the-laptop part! Because yesterday, I was able to do three things for the first time: make moonsand, play with Yuri, watch a fun movie, and attend a focused group discussion (the details of which I won't divulge).

When I realized the SmartBro wasn't getting me anywhere, I knew I had to miss work. So I turned the TV on and tried to "relax." But even though there was an interesting show, I couldn't sit still. In other words, aligaga. I wanted something to do and remembered the sand we collected from Samal last summer. I checked our pantry and saw cornstarch. I thought I'd finally do the project I've been meaning to do all summer.

And boy do I not regret it! The moonsand was very easy and fun to make and Yuri had a blast playing with it.

Confessions of a Recluse Blogger

I've been turning down event invites left and right.

What a haughty thing to say, right? The truth is that I do get flattered that I get invitations because I'm a solo blogger who doesn't belong to any physical organization. Thus, even if I'm not a "social" blogger or an "events" blogger, whenever I do get invited, I try to honor it.

But lately, I've been turning down invitations. It's easier to say that I'm just feeling lazy, but honestly, I jump at the chance to get out of the house and try to doll up for a change! So what are my reasons?

Breastfeeding Uncovered in Davao City

Image from Wikipedia

I believe in breastfeeding, plain and simple. I hate antagonizing moms who formula-feed, mainly because I'm not in their shoes, but I'm really very very thankful that I am able to breastfeed my son. Yuri's already 2 years and 4 months now, but we're still breastfeeding! He's addicted to it; he just can't stop hehe.

(You can read my post about extended breastfeeding here.)

I've seen the benefits, too. More than the monetary savings, I think I attribute Yuri's good social and communicative skills to breastfeeding. Of course, that's just one aspect of it, but I'd like to think the close contact between us helps!

All obstacles removed, I really hope all mothers should breastfeed. What better way to celebrate the Breastfeeding Month of August then to come together as a community to listen and learn from the Breastfeeding Guru, Dr Jack Newman, himself?

BREASTFEEDING UNCOVERED 2014: MISSION POSSIBLE (DAVAO)

Date: August 11, 2014

Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Venue: SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City

Speaker: Dr. Jack Newman

Kasalang Filipino 2014 in Davao

I've always been fascinated with weddings. I seriously don't know any girl who isn't! Like many girls, I spent some hours daydreaming on what my wedding dress would look like, where I would get married (a garden!), which of my friend would be there, and of course, what my groom would look like. I kinda know most of the answers already, but I'm still waiting for that day to come! :D

So when I found out that a big wedding expo would come to the city , you bet I was interested! You see, I recently found out that it's Davao City's turn to host the Kasalang Filipino expo, which will be this weekend (July 25-27) at Abreeza Mall. To learn more about this expo, please read the press release below:

Davao’s turn has come.

After General Santos, Angeles City, and Subic have shown what they have got to be in the list of most wanted wedding destinations in the Philippines, it is now Davao’s turn to amaze everyone and showcase its local wedding industry through the fourth leg of the nationwide wedding and tourism fair roadshow—Kasalang Filipino sa Davao 2014.