Thursday, June 30, 2016

4 Kid-Friendly Theme Parks when in Manila

1. Manila Ocean Park
Recommended place to explore and get up-close and personal with freshwater and seawater creatures. They have promo packages wherein different attractions are combined at a certain price. I just hope the management will take extra care of the animals. I know that its better to explore these marine life outside the aquarium, yet, seeing crocodiles, sharks, sting rays, corals and those rare fishes in one-time setting is probably unlikely nowadays especially with today's threat to our environment, I would still bring my kids and visit again this park to explore and learn. Read here for our Manila Ocean Park experience.



2. Enchanted Kingdom
Located down south of Manila, experience thrills and excitement through fun and mind-blowing rides for kids and kids at heart. One time payment and avail ride-all-you-can. Visit during weekdays to avoid big crowds and long queues on per rides. We have so much fun.

3. SkyRanch Tagaytay
Still down south, experience another amusement center having the largest ferris wheel in the country with nice view like Taal Volcano and Taal Lake at the background. Lots of children rides too but unlike Enchanted Kingdom, you have to pay per ride..and oh entrance fee is also a separate payment too :) We went to try the Sky Eye.

4. DreamPlay by DreamWorks
An interactive play inspired by DreamWorks movies like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon and KungFu Panda. Rather pricey yet it allow kids to play, create and learn. It is indoor activity center so you don't have to worry from the country's bipolar weather. My kids had a chance to experience DreamPlay by DreamWorks.
Have Fun! :)

Monday, June 13, 2016

May 2016 WrapUp

Seeing these tomatoes grow and multiply albeit the aphids and drought is happiness :) Home gardening becomes a therapy and I’m thinking of planting another vegetables, any ideas? | Last month was a blast as we embark our adventure to Luzon. It was tiring yet so much fun. It has been awhile so everyone was excited especially our youngest son. It is his first time to visit Luzon. Look at the excitement in his face.

Manila Ocean Park, I feel for the animals being displayed as exhibits. But if there is an assurance that these animals are properly taken cared of and ensuring the accommodation is the same if not almost close to their habitat then I’ll be assured. As much as we want to explore the the world to see these animals, yet we can’t for now so seeing my kids being captivated by these creatures especially those ginormous ones is a beautiful feeling. Closer than just seeing on books and TV shows. Read more here for our Manila Ocean Park experience.

Seeing familiar places and faces. I miss living in Calabarzon area :) Went to peek Tagaytay too but was not able to capture photos from my phone. 

Having fun with puppies and cousins and our Enchanted Kingdom experience.

Took a peek on our national hero's park. We had a hard time getting an angle without including the infamous photobomber Torre De Manila Condo. LOL! Exotic Balut anyone? And a glimpse of Dreamplay before heading home. 


Hope you have a marvelous May too :)

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Akita Japanese Restaurant Cebu - What to Expect

Really a big fan of Japanese food and culture. Something about how they meticulously prepare their food and how art is combine to present a beautifully crafted meal is interesting. It has been my favorite ever since. 

When Cebu Food Bloggers (CBC Foodies) were invited by Akita Japanese Restaurant, I make myself available and ask Kalami Cebu if I could join. The invitation was well fitting since its been awhile that my tastebuds haven't eaten on a Japanese meal

Akita Japanese Restaurant, which recently open last April 2016, is located at the ground floor of GND Building, along F. Cabuhug, Kasambagan, Cebu City 6000. GND Building is few blocks from Sykes. You'll never fail to miss it because of its bright green color. The theme color seems to attract those who are health buff as it depicts healthy food :)

So together with the Cebu Food Bloggers (CBC Foodies), here's what we feast at Akita Japanese Restaurant: 

Salad
Because of its modern vibe, they offer salads like Chicken Salad and Mediterranean Salad, both at Php180 per serving. Perfect for vegetable lovers.
Finger Foods
They also offer Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings) at Php150 and Kakiage (deep-fried vegetables) at Php200. Best eaten when dip in their tasty sauce. 
Chicken
Their Chicken Karaage (deep-fried chicken) is at Php220. Tender and juciy chicken with thinly shredded cabbage salad.

Ramen
Chashu Miso Ramen, at Php300, was the best noodle broth topped with vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots, corn and onion leaves. I like that it is less spicy yet still flavorful with al-dente noodles. Soup is not salty too considering its a miso soup. They also offer hot and spicy ramen to your liking.
Rice Bowls
The Buta Don Shoyu's thinly sliced roasted pork is so tasty and tender. At Php260, sulit for those who meat lovers.

Bento Meals
For a price of Php350, you can feast on Salad, Kakiage, Chicken Karaage and Gyoza and with a bowl of rice. 
Place
The place is a casual dining setup which can cater 20 to 30 person for intimate dining experience. 

Prices
Prices ranges from Php100 to Php380, which is cheaper, compared to other Japanese restaurants within the city.

Overall --- Akita Japanese Restaurant offers flavorful food at reasonable servings and price.
It was one big feast indeed and it was made possible by Akita's manager, Ms Jackie and staff. Thank you also to Mr. Toshiro Ishihara for sharing with us their offerings and my gratitude for Sir Carlo Olano of Kalami Cebu for letting Cebu Food Bloggers (CBC Foodies) enjoy the feast.
Akita Japanese Restaurant is open daily
Lunch Time between 12nn-2pm
Dinner Time between 5:30pm-10:30pm

SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2016
20% Discount from June 6-30, 2016 (food only)

Monday, June 6, 2016

Expo Mom 2016 Goes to Visayas & a Motherhood Journey Giveaway

Mommy Mundo, a community dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering moms with useful, relevant, and up-to-date information, shines again as it bring Expo Mom: The Motherhood Journey to all mommies around the Philippines.

After its successful run in Manila last April, Expo Mom 2016: The Motherhood Journey will make a stop on June 18, Saturday, at the Ayala Center in Cebu City and on to Negros on June 25, Saturday, at the North Point Mall in Bacolod City.

At Expo Mom, moms will be delighted to discover practical solutions as well as relevant propositions to their most pressing problems and issues. Aside from bringing in expert resource persons to facilitate workshops and group discussions, Expo Mom will also be showcasing the latest mom, baby, and child-oriented products in the market.

Additionally, Cebu and Negros mommies get a chance to win a Mommy Mundo Passport + Journey Box Bundle by sharing their #themotherhoodjourney stories.

Sharing mom stories online helps mommies learn from each other and get inspired and find comfort that every mommy sails on the same adventure called motherhhood... and fatherhood too with daddies giving help and support.

Here's the Contest Mechanics:
  1. Follow Mommy Mundo on FB, IG, and Twitter (1pt)
  2. Follow Expo Mom on IG (1pt)
  3. Share your motherhood story by posting a personal photo and telling us about your motherhood journey. Tag @mommymundo and @expomom. (3pts)
  4. Share the Expo Mom poster, and say that you are going to Expo Mom Cebu or Negros tag @mommymundo and @expomom, and invite 3 of your mom friends to come with you (2pts)
  5. In all posts, use these hashtags #themotherhoodjourney #expomom2016 #mommymundo. Make sure to set your account to public until June 25.
Terms and Conditions:
  1. 10 winners will be selected randomly via Rafflecopter. Winners can get the Mommy Mundo Passport + Journey Box Bundle!
  2. Contest is open to all residents of Cebu and Negros.
  3. Posts will be counted and awarded points manually then raffled off via Rafflecopter
  4. Winners will be asked to pick up their prizes at the event venue and will need to present 2 valid IDs. If they are unable to pick up personally, they must provide the representative with an authorization letter and the two valid IDs.
  5. Prizes must be picked up at the event venue on June 18 and 25. Prizes may be sent via courier or delivery but costs will be shouldered by the winner.
  6. Unclaimed prizes after 60 days will be re-drawn for a new winner
Expo Mom 2016: The Motherhood Journey is co-presented by Caltrate Plus and Belo Baby and supported by Sun Life and Downy Baby Gentle. Creative Juice Communications is its logistics partner.

Entrance at Expo Mom is free of charge but a donation of any amount will be accepted for the Mommy Mundo MomShare fund. Proceeds of the fund goes to literacy projects for the street children of Childhope Asia and public school kids under the Alpabasa program.

For info and queries on Expo Mom, email info@mommymundo.com

UPDATE: Winners of the ExpoMom2016 for Cebu and Negros:


Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Peekapak: Free Stories and Activities

While we, in this side of the world, are busy with school preparations, teachers and parents from the other side of the world are also busy wrapping up as school is almost done and students are giddy and excited for their summer break.

But isn't it great if we, parents, still engage our kids with educational learning even during summer break. I don't want to ruin their summer fun here but studies shows that young people "experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during summer".  Students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation vs. on the same tests at the beginning of summer. 

So to help parents engage their kids, Peekapak is here to help by making their resources of full platform of stories and lessons available for free.

What is Peekapak?

Peekapak is a digital English Language Arts-Based Character Education Program for children in Pre-K to Grade 3, designed for teachers and parents to work as partners in teaching social and emotional learning (SEL) and character skills (such as gratitude, perseverance, and empathy).

I was one of Michi Photostory readers who was able to get free access to Peekapak curriculum and I am thankful I won. Inside the site, you will see different illustrated stories that focus on certain character skill. 


Because this in a form of stories, engagement starts by letting the kids read the story aloud. In this way, they can develop their reading and comprehension skills. For us, we get to learn new words :). There are lesson plans and each lesson plans have guide questions for the next activities. 



Peekapak is passionate about the education space and are committed to helping children become successful, compassionate, caring, and empathetic citizens of the world!

Explore their site at www.peekapak.com.

When you sign up with Edmodo Connect and you’ll be upgraded to Peekapak PRO* until June 30th: http://www.peekapak.com/edmodo
*Peekapak PRO gives unrestricted access to all lessons on www.peekapak.com

Disclosure: 
Though I have access to their digital storybooks, I am not paid for this post. I just help spread the word.

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