Summer is about to end.  Haaay, ang bilis talaga ng panahon.  The month of May nearly ends but before that, let me share to you one activity that my son Gabo participated in this school break.

As part of the Gender and Development (GAD) Program, a Summer Activity Package was provided this summer for the kids of the women/mother employees of our office (OPAPP). A little literature lang ha, for those of you who are not familiar to GAD, the government has embarked on gender and development as one of its priority program through Executive Order (EO) 273 to ensure that explicit, implicit, actual and potential gender biases are removed.  It is a development perspective that recognizes the unequal status and situation of women and men in society, and as an approach, GAD seeks to equalize the status and condition of and relations between them.  All government agencies, departments, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled operations, at the national level, sub-national and local levels are mandated and directed to implement this program.  


Ang ganda diba? Sana nga sa mga private companies and institution ay mayroon din nito.  It is really imperative to know that development is for all and everyone is entitled to equal opportunities to achieve a full and satisfying life. 

Owkayyy...back to the summer activity, our office have partnered with Mulberry Kids Preschool located at 25 General Malvar St. San Antonio Village, Pasig City.  This school has the perfect location since it is very near to our office.  The summer program caters kids ages 2-13 years old with the following categories:


Gabo was enrolled at the Expressive Art Play category.  Because the Mulberry Kids School does not have a local artist, they hired The Artist Madhouse Expressive Meditation to help them facilitate the art sessions.  Expressive Art Meditation is a fusion of guided meditation and art practices to freely express thoughts and emotions and use its outcome to inspire self-discovery and self-direction.  My son is very excited everytime that the class will start.  Very interactive and holistic talaga ang approach.  Their activities involves visual, dance, music, drama, and writing.















The caption says it all! =)


This is the school's evaluation with Gabo's performance:

Gabo is a very active participant and is not afraid to express himself.  There are times that he feels frustrated not ending up with his expected outcome but is never discouraged to try again.  He enthusiastically experiments with colors and new mediums.  Expressive Art Play helped Gabo improve not just his confidence in creating artworks but also the way he interacts with other children.

Good job Kuya!  I am also very thankful to our office for recognizing the importance of family life and values system.  The program was a great bonding experience for the OPAPP employees and their kids.  It promotes camaraderie not just with the kids but to fellow parents as well.  It is an excellent opportunity for the kids to mingle, play, and learn at the same time with other kids which will help them enhance their social skills. 

The teachers/staff were all kind and accommodating.  They know their programs and curriculum well enough when asked.  The two facilitators of Artist Madhouse were both competent as well in their field and were very friendly too with the kids.

Fr those of you who are interested to enroll your kids in Mulberry Kids Preschool, you can contact them here:

Landline: 634-55-87
Mobile:  0915-6101752
E-mail: mulberrykids_ph@yahoo.com

Artist Madhouse Contact
© Artist Madhouse Arts and Crafts Co.
Manila, Philippines
63 9995611112 | 63 9178547483
info@artistmadhouse.com
One of the few things that I promised to myself this year is to stay as healthy as possible. Living healthy may sound a lot but I take one step at a time.  Most people now are going to organic (may it be on the food, drinks, or supplement), but I just find it hard to just look away on those yummy pattys, fries, chocolates, ice creams, anything sweet, RICE, etc. But there is one product I discovered that made a huge change not just in my lifestyle but to my husband as well.

Introducing Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar.  




"The Mother"
Have you heard of this?  If yes, I bet you will agree with me that this Apple Cider Vinegar (AVC) has LOTS  of benefits not just to our health but to skin care as well.   My husband, Jun, really swears by it! It is our miracle bottle.  He began drinking this mid last year and the effect on him is beyond unbelievable! He is really prone to having colds and sore throats. Hindi 'yan nawawalan.  Siguro mga twice a month siya nagkakasipon.  He always complains about it because I think it's physically alarming if you have that condition.  Hindi siya normal.  And he also hates it because he cannot sing properly (he sings very well kasi). Hindi na daw niya maabot ang mga high notes.  It was very timely that a friend of ours introduces the Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar for us to use.  It will not just cure the sore throats daw but it is good for detoxing. True enough, in just 2 days on drinking it, Jun's colds dramatically lessened until finally healed! Pati sore throat niya nawala.  I swear, I am the primary witness of this.  Then when he continues to drink this, never na siya nagkasipon not unless due to extreme weather conditions or stressful and strenuous activities.  We take the ACV twice a day. Taking the first one in the morning on an empty stomach and the second before going to bed at night.  For starter, just dilute the ACV (1-2 tablespoon) into a warm glass of water (8oz). But since Jun and I have been drinking it for quite sometime, keri na namin ang taste and we are now taking 3-5 tablespoon of ACV.  Never drink it straight because it can actually yellow your teeth.  Always shake the bottle before drinking it and immediately rinse your mouth well with water after. 

Below are just some of the many benefits that Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) offers. Take note that there are a lot of ACV in the market nowadays but the Bragg has the only one that has "The Mother." What is this Mother?  It is the strand-like sediment floating at the bottom of the bottle (picture above). No, your vinegar hasn’t gone bad—that gunky-looking stuff at the bottom is the most important part! It’s called “the mother,” and it contains raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria that promote healing. 

1. Apple cider vinegar can detoxify your home.
It's made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It's then fermented a second time to become apple cider vinegar. By using ACV in lieu of other products, we instantly decrease the consumption of unnatural chemicals in our homes and daily lives.
2. It can make your hair shine.
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a rinse for your hair after shampooing, and will boost your hair's body and shine. I recommend recycling an old shampoo bottle, then filling it with 1/2 a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a cup of cold water. Pour the solution through your hair after shampooing several times a week for dramatic results.
3. Natural apple cider vinegar regulates the pH of your skin.
Dilute ACV with two parts water, and spread the concoction over your face with a cotton ball to replace your current toner. You can do this at night after washing, and in the morning before you apply your moisturizer. A dab of apple cider vinegar can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.
It's also a recommended agent for warts. For warts, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, then fasten the cotton ball over the wart with a Band-Aid overnight. The skin may swell some as it reacts with the solution. However, the wart will fall off. Once it falls off, the treatment should be continued for a few more days, to make sure the wart doesn't return.
4. It can remove stains from teeth.
Rub teeth directly with apple cider vinegar, and rinse with water.
5. It can soothe sunburnt skin.
Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes to eliminate discomfort from sunburn.
6. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural aftershave.
Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face.
7. It's an all-natural massage treatment.
Rubbing apple cider vinegar on your hands and feet will give massage-like benefits and relief to tired hands and feet.
8. Apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss.
For daily weight management, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Data shows some limited, yet significant, weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in apple cider vinegar).
In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.
9. Apple cider vinegar will balance your entire inner body system.
The body constantly strives to achieve a state of equilibrium. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Hence, my desire to sip some a few times a day for a natural boost of energy.
10. It can help you detox.
As part of balancing the body's pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.
11. ACV is great for your lymphatic system.
This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms, such as sore throats and headaches.
12. It can help your body get rid of candida.
This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida—yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.
13. ACV can help you reduce heartburn.
Though it might seem like an oxymoron to treat stomach acid with an acid-containing vinegar, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works by correcting low acid, hence reducing heartburn. Natural remedy experts say you should begin to feel relief very shortly after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. Note that apple cider vinegar will not give relief if you have an ulcer.
14. The use of apple cider vinegar is effective in repelling fleas on your pets.
One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation will surely be gone.
15. It's an all-natural room freshener.
Apple cider vinegar will clean your toilets and leave your bathroom smelling like apples! Just pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet, and allow it to sit overnight. It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and you can use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses and mirrors, too.
If you want a more detailed list of its miracles, visit this sites:
This really work wonders! I already recommended this to my friends especially to those who are health conscious and their feedbacks were all positive.  The saddest part was that before, we can buy this in selected supermarket.  As in kahit saan meron, But unfortunately, for almost 3 months now, it is still out of stock.  I heard that because of port congestion or the limited supplies of apples.
Hindi ako mapakali kaya naghanap ako ng supplier.  Since now that I considered BRAGG ACV as essential part to my healthy living, I searched and managed to find someone who is a direct supplier of the product. So, friends, if ever you want to purchase one, just let me know. The price is P500 per 32oz bottle and 350 per 16oz bottle.  The price is relatively high compared to the malls before maybe because there are limited stocks na lang talaga =(.

Takot ako maubusan that's why a ordered a box! hehe



This is a great gift to yourself. Try this and I'm sure you will thank me after you experience the amazing results.



















We were invited by my uncle to visit Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club last month.  We're happy because they sponsored our trip there since it was a membership resort.   It is another Ayala Land Premiere development situated in the tropical forest of Morong overlooking the West Philippines Sea. Since it was located at Morong, Bataan, we decided to leave in our house as early as possible and that was at 4:30am.  
                        


Awww. My baby Axxel is still sleepy here.  Ginising kasi ni Mommy eh.

Inabot na ng tirik ng araw!

It was a very long drive! Whew! But at last, after a 4-5 hours of driving, we finally made it to paradise!




This picturesque view will greet your loving face and it washed away our weariness from the long trip.  

We were greeted by their welcome cold iced tea drinks.

  
 This little fellow had his first taste of juice and he likes it very much haha.

Weeeeee!  Someone is so excited to swim na!


This is their receiving area or shall I say the reception area.  If you have any concerns or comments with the resort's service, you can approach the staff here.  This is where you also settle the bill for a Day Visit tour.


This is Anvaya's walkway.  It is the most photogenic area of the club where you can capture your pre and post photo visit.  The serene surrounding this big walkway (wooden bridge) is perfectly relaxing to the eyes.  The pond is very clean and there were actually koi fish at the other side of the walkway.




Gabo could not contain his happiness in this pic!

After placing our things at our Cabana, I immediately re-applied sunscreen to my kids because they were already running excitedly towards the kiddie pool.  I was literally running after them too!



This is the Cabanas.  Since it was just a day visit for us, we opt to stay here.  Honestly, even though the sun is very tirik na tirik, we do not feel that much heat because the whole table is actually covered by a huge and thick umbrella tent.


Daddy, may pinagdadaanan ka ba? hehe



Do not ever ever forget to put sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading to the water.

I am very excited for Axxel because this is his first swimming experience.  He has skin asthma kasi that is why we were all very cautious and most of the times wary when it comes to him exposing under the sun and in the water.  Good thing was that the Marshall manning the kiddie pool told us that they are constantly cleaning it.  I am convinced naman because the water is so clear.

This is what Axxel does in his entire stay at the pool.  Eating the balls!!!




There are a lot of balls in the pool! Ang saya lang talaga.  

This is me trying to catch Gabo for a family pic.

Gabo told me that I interrupted his floating style, giving this pose.

Parang mas nag-eenjoy ang mga matatanda kaysa sa mga bagets. Hihi.


When Axxel was done swimming, I am very happy that they also have this Toddler's area to offer a relax and sound sleep to the babies.




The room is fully air conditioned and there is an ample space for an adult who can watch for the baby.




Who does not love playgrounds? Anyava also had this play area where the kids can actually play and run when they are finished swimming.

Here are the pools for adults.  Children are not allowed here unless they have floaters with them.










The water was so clean and warm. and there were all huge.  I don't remember exactly but I think they have 4-5 pools of this size.

They also have Jacuzzi!


This is Axxel after his nap time.


Ahh, Mommy, anong meron? Haha.


Daddy!!!

Yeyyy! My food, finally.

 Good thing, my son loves nature =)

Anvaya Cove also offers a wide beach front which is perfect for families who loves outdoor activities.  The sand is powdery smooth which is in fact, very close to Boracay's sand.  




I actually fall asleep with those beach chairs (or should I say lounge chair?) under the tree.  


Who would not fall in love with those blue water?


If you got tired naman with those numerous water and beach activities, you can now relax in their Veda Spa.



   
This single photo was taken from their website.

Now here comes the Activity Area

  Axxel is with his Ate Jona =)



 I heard something.  What's that?

Good job, Axxel! You are so well behaved.


Over all, we had a fantastic and joyful experience at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club. The staff were all nice and accommodating,  the facilities are all high class, the food is very tasteful (lutong pinoy talaga!) not mentioning that it is also very affordable (restaurant price), and the nature is very much serene, peaceful, and comforting.  The place is breathtakingly beautiful, I couldn't ask for more! =)



Those happy smiles!


Just when we were about to leave, my kids saw these ducks.


And...ano pa nga ba? they run after them hihi.