Living Life to the Fullest!

Social Problem issues no more?

2013-03-07T05:51:00.000-08:00

Before, my son doesn't want to be with other people and greet anybody. He doesn't want to play with other kids, he doesn't care if someone arrived or is knocking on the door, he doesn't even look at anybody.

Now, he feels happy and excited every time he sees kids at the neighborhood. He always say "Hi!" "Hello!" to everybody. And I mean anybody!!! From the Janitors, Security Guards, Delivery Boys, Construction Workers, kids at playground, vendors, passengers, even the tambays at the corner.

Our problem before was to encourage him to talk to other people, now we tell him not to say Hi and Hello to every one he sees outside our home.

He has improved a lot in his social awareness. He even talks to the vendor by himself without me telling him what to say. I am so proud of him. He is even more sociable than his father.

I hope soon he will understand that saying Hi and Hello is fine but then again it has it's limitations.

McDonalds Kiddie Crew 2013

2013-03-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

Hey Kids, if you don't want to stay at home and do nothing this summer, why don't you join the McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2013.

The Kiddie Crew workshop period will be in batches spanning from April 1 to May 30, 2013. Per batch will be asked to go to the restaurant for 5 days, for 2 hours per day.

Registration Fee is only P550 and is inclusive of the following:

Activities will be:

Values-formation Lecture
On-floor Restaurant Training
Song and Dance Sessions
Art Workshop (Burger Making and Color Your Own Apron)

Meals for the kids will also be served throughout the 5-day workshop:

Day of Workshop	Meals
1	Spaghetti with Regular Iced Tea
2	Burger McDo with Regular Iced Tea
3	Cheeseburger with Regular Iced Tea
4	Burger McDo with Regular Iced Tea
5	1-pc Chicken McDo with Regular Iced Tea

To cap off the workshop, all restaurants will have their own graduations for the week’s batches, on the 5^th day of the workshops. There will also be a Grand Graduation for all McDo Kiddie Crew program participants at the end of summer.

Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation Schedule:

·      MANILA - June 1 & 2 | World Trade Center
·      BACOLOD – May 11 | SM Bacolod
·      CEBU – May 18 | Ayala Center
·      DAVAO – May 25 | Abreeza Mall

McDonald’s stores participating for the Kiddie Crew are as follows:

MARIKINA SPORTS CENTER (SUMULONG)	TAYTAY	CNP MARIKINA
SAN MATEO	MASINAG	C5 METROPOLI
SM MARIKINA	Q-PLAZA	VICTORY PARK N SHOP (VICTORY MALL ANTIPOLO)
KARANGALAN	COMMONWEALTH	E. RODRIGUEZ
EVER GOTESCO	MINDANAO AVENUE	TIERRA PURA
JACKMAN	WALTERMART MUNOZ	VICTORY CENTER MALL
ZABARTE	WEST FAIRVIEW	CONGRESSIONAL AVENUE
GRANADA	DAGUPAN - RENOV	SAN FERNANDO BAYAN
BALIWAG PLAZA	ANGELES	SAN FERNANDO LA UNION
URDANETA	SM PAMPANGA	BALANGA BATAAN
CSI LUCAO	ALAMINOS	OLONGAPO RIZAL
MARQUE MALL	CSI LA UNION	WALTERMART GAPAN
SM CITY CLARK	CSI SAN CARLOS	OLONGAPO-GAPAN ROAD
OLONGAPO MAGSAYSAY	LAKESHORE	CSI BAYAMBANG
MCARTHUR'S FIELD	SM CITY BALIWAG	SM CARMEN ROSALES
NEPO ANGELES	PNB LA UNION	HARBOR PT. AYALA
CABANATUAN BURGOS	SUBIC BAY RIZAL	BAGUIO SESSION
MEYCAUAYAN	VALENZUELA SOUTH	BAGUIO CENTERMALL
PETRON BALAGTAS (NORTH)	SUNSHINE MALL-BAGUIO	VIGAN
SANTIAGO ISABELA	TUGUEGARAO	LA TRINIDAD
SM BAGUIO	SM MARILAO	SM VALENZUELA
SOLANO	BAGUIO INSULAR CITY HALL	NORTH STAR MALL ILAGAN ISABELA
BONIFACIO BAGUIO	PUREGOLD PASO DE BLAS	SUPIMA
XENTRO MALL SANTIAGO	ROXAS BOULEVARD	BACLARAN TAFT
THE PASEO CENTER	FORBES TOWN CENTER	MARKET-MARKET
SHELL MACAPAGAL	JAKA	SM MOA
GISELLE PLAZA	AYALA MADRIGAL	MCKINLEY
E-COM ONE	CYBERZONE TWO	NEWPORT
PIAZZA	NEWPORT MALL	REMINGTON
VITO CRUZ BENILDE	DONADA	LA SALLE
AURORA	ANONAS	PASIG 2 PLAZA
MARKETPLACE	GUADALUPE - RENOV	ROB. PLACE PIONEER
SUPER 8	UPLB VEGA MALL	BATANGAS CITY
WALTERMART CALAMBA	LUCENA-QUEZON AVENUE	STA. CRUZ LAGUNA
BAUAN	PACIFIC MALL-LUCENA	SM LUCENA
SM CITY BATANGAS	SM STA. ROSA	CALTEX HUB
DARAGA	SM NAGA	WALTERMART TANAUAN
BURGOS - BATANGAS	SM CALAMBA	PACIFIC MALL LEGASPI
NAGA MAGSAYSAY	CALAMBA HALANG / HiWay	METROPOLIS
RFC MOLINO	TANZA	GENERAL TRIAS
SM DASMARINAS	CALTEX SLEX (MAMPLASAN)	IMUS CAVITE
SM MUNTINLUPA	CASIMIRO	SM ROSARIO
NUENO	BINAKAYAN	IMUS AYALA
MORAYTA	MASANGKAY	KP TOWER
BACLARAN ROTONDA	HARRISON PLAZA	MENDIOLA LA CONSOLACION
SM SAN LAZARO	BINONDO	168 MALL
SM STA MESA	BUSTILLOS	STA. ANA
TAGUM	ILIGAN	COTABATO
SM CDO	XAVIER CDO	SAN MIGUEL ILIGAN
ATRIUM ILO-ILO	MARYMART	TACLOBAN
BOHOL	SM ILO-ILO	DUMAGUETE 1
DUMAGUETE 2	BUTUAN	OZAMIS
LA PURISIMA	PAGADIAN	DOWNTOWN BUTUAN
MACTAN NEW TOWN CEBU	SURIGAO

Caroline's Cart should be in Philippine's Supermarket

2013-03-06T22:39:00.001-08:00

I saw the Caroline's Cart in one of the FB page I am following. I thought that it would be great to have something like this here in the Philippines.

Caroline's Cart was invented by a stay-at-home Mom from Alabaster, Alabama who found it hard to bring her daughter who has physical needs with her when shopping.

According to Caroline's Mom - Drew Ann Long "When Caroline was small, I was able to use the shopping carts that retailers provided. As she grew older and bigger, it was clear that I would soon have to find another option because she would no longer fit in the cart. When I needed to shop, I felt a sense of frustration due to my limited options. Pushing both Caroline in a wheelchair and a grocery cart at the same time was not feasible. I would have to find a sitter for Caroline, bring someone with me to push her wheelchair, or take her shopping with me and only purchase what I could carry while pushing her wheelchair. Eventually, my frustration turned to innovation. I made up my mind that Caroline and other kids with special needs deserved the same opportunity as other children – a specialized shopping cart that would enable them to more easily participate with their families in the shopping experience."

That is the reason why she decided to invent a shopping cart that cater to kids with special needs. It has a special front-facing seat (with a safety belt) that is reclined at a 12-degree angle for people with low muscle tone, a brake to lock the cart and a loading/unloading mechanism.

Even adult can seat on the cart because it can carry at least 250 pounds. The handles swing open to allow the parent or caregiver to load and unload the passenger safely.

Because of the Caroline's Cart, kids and adult with special needs can now come with their parents/guardian when they are doing the grocery shopping (which can help them see the world more). It will also save you from hiring someone to push the wheelchair if you can't let your child stay at home.

This invention is a big help to kids with special needs and to their parents. I hope that it will be able in the Philippines soon.

Living a Mom's life to the Fullest will change it's home!

2013-03-06T22:37:00.001-08:00

As I said in my about page, this blog started as a general blog and the Title just came from nowhere. Now, since I decided to make it as a parenting/kids and home and living blog, I now want to change it's domain name.

Two years ago, some online friends kept on telling me to have a dot com domain name. They said that if I want to earn through blogging, be active and be serious about it then a dot com domain is highly recommended.

Dot com domain looks more presentable to advertisers (especially the foreign ones). I didn't followed their advise since at that time I am not that aware of the things I can earn thru blogging. At that time, I only wanted to write about my thoughts and the things that were happening in my life. Back then, I was happy to have a monthly earnings of $5 to $10.

But now, I realize why not do both at the same time, and hit 2 birds with one stone - blog personal stuffs and earn at the same time.

Blogging involves a lot of expenses. My sister in law had a blog post about it. To summarize what she have mentioned on her blog, blogging expenses includes:

Equipment Costs (that includes reliable desktop/laptop or android phone)
Utility Costs (includes electricity and internet)
Upgrade Costs (includes the service fee if you want to transfer domain)
Domain and Hosting Costs
SEO and Marketing Costs
On attending events- transportation and food costs
Cost of time and opportunity

You can read more about her Guide to Blogging Expenses here: http://teresay.com/a-guide-to-blogging-expenses/

See? There are lots of expenses in serious blogging. I would be hypocrite if I'll tell you that I don't want to earn here. You know that I have a unique one of a kind child and supporting his needs, of course involves a lot of moolah.

This blog will be open for partnership. I will publish brands that I think is a good item to try, something that I already trust or a brand that I've known for a very long time.

I am so excited about this blog's transformation. And I know this is just the first step in it to soar new heights.

Where can you celebrate your kid's jolliest parties?

2013-03-06T01:09:00.001-08:00

My son never had the chance to have a party at any food chain in the country. I know that having a party in another place is more convenient than doing it at home because first of all, I don't need to worry about the space, games, food, and most of all, the washing the dishes and cleaning of the house after the party. The stores will provide everything for you.

He will be 7 years old by next year, and I think he deserves to have a party.

As early as now, I am already searching the net on where to celebrate his birthday party. I am glad that Jollibee now has a website that you can use to plan your kids party, book and pay online. Imagine you don't need to go to the stores to talk to the staff and fill up any forms. It will surely save you time and energy.

I tried to explore the site and here is what I had to do to book for a birthday package:

Choose your Location
Choose the date and time
Choose the party theme (My Best Friend Jollibee/ Magical Jollitown/ Barbie/ Batman)
Choose the party favors (loots, name tag, party hat, etc.)
Choose the foods that you want
Choose the party cake
Choose the mascot
Pay Online (you can choose to reserved first or pay in full)

That's it! It's so easy to do. So give your child the happiest celebration, visit www.jollibeeparty.com to learn more.

2013 Weekly Topics of this blog-Living a Mom's Life to the Fullest!

2013-02-26T22:29:00.001-08:00

When the year started, I decided to let everyone know what kind of family we have (we are a special family). And because of that, I want to transform this blog to something where families (typical or special like us) can relate to. So, I have decided to put a niche on my posts by having a weekly theme. I love this blog so much because it was my very first blog (as of this writing I now have 7 blogs). This is the instrument where I got lots of online friends that I can rely on until today. It is also the one who opened good opportunities for me online.

I am allocating a day to summarized all my articles about Autism and/or any related articles about this condition. I will put a links in my sidebar to easily access it.

This year, I am planning to follow this weekly theme:

Advocacies
Featured Schools
Featured Mommies/Families
Cool Finds for Home
Food for little ones
Kids activities at Home/ Family Activities
Places for family bonding

I am excited that I now have a direction on what to post here (yey may direction na buhay ko hahaha).
I'll start this on March so stay tuned everyone!

What makes me busy nowadays?

2013-02-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

Aside from everyday activities because my son is homeschooled, I also have other activities to earn an extra income both online and offline which makes me super busy nowadays. As of now, we are also thinking of sending Ren to school this year as advised by his Developmental Pediatrician.

I am now busy visiting schools near our place to check their tuition fees and facilities. I am not surprised how high is the tuition fee for SPED classes, but I hope I can find a good reliable school with a reasonable tuition fee.

I have visited 2 schools already. The 1st school I have visited has a tuition fee of Php 53,000 exclusive of miscellaneous fee and other materials. It is near our place, but unfortunately my husband and I agreed that the look of their place is not suitable for our child. It's dark and secluded.

Yesterday, I have visited another school around Alabang and the tuition fee was Php 72,000 (miscellaneous included). The location is farther than the1st school I have visited, and it is more expensive but the place and teaching method is way better than the first one.

Hays life (with a deep inhale and exhale)! It's not a joke to bring a child with different needs to this world. May the Lord help us and support all our needs.

Join Happy Walk: In celebration of the Down Syndrome Consciousness Month

2013-02-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Walk is in celebration of the Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. It will be held tomorrow, February 24, 2013 at The Block around 9:00 A.M

The activity promotes awareness of the condition of the people affected by it.
For more information about the program, please contact Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines at (02) 895-3606.

Seminar: Building & Strengthening Language Skills & Managing Behavior Problems Through Applied Behavior Analysis

2013-02-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing about ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) from some mommies at my son's therapy center for some time now. Those mommies that tried it said that ABA have helped improve the speech and behavior of their kids with Developmental delays and Autism. But I have some doubt in letting my son undergo this program.

Why?

I am not yet that familiar about their work on kids development
Our DevPed said that we can't be sure that we will be getting a professional ABA, since there are lot who are practicing this job and there is no exam to know if they are following the standards.
I don't know where to get an accredited ABA.

It's a good thing that I learned about a seminar entitled " Building & Strengthening Language Skills & Managing Behavior Problems Through Applied Behavior Analysis ".

It will be held on March 8 and 9 at the Ateneo de Manila University. This seminar were organized by ABC ( Applied Behavior Consultants) Center Philippines. Their Clinical Supervisors from ABC USA and ABC Singapore will be flying to the Philippines to conduct this seminar.

ABC Center is a world-renowned institution that specializes in helping children with Autism. According to them, they are one of the world’s most experienced centers – having significantly helped and improved the lives of over 2000 individuals with autism for the past 25 years. ABC’s global network spans 4 continents globally and they are proud to finally open in the Philippines.

click to enlarge

I want to know more and increase my knowledge about ABA, so I will attend the 2 days event on March 8 and 9. It's every parent dream to give everything that our kids need. My husband and I are in full support with our son, and we will not stop to find ways to help him cope up in this world so that he can take care of himself well even though we are not around.

If you want to learn more about ABA just like me, then I advise you to come and attend this seminar. Slots are limited so register NOW by calling their mobile # (+63) 919 992 4388 or contact them at admin@abccenterphilippines.com.ph.

Deadline of Registration is on March 1, 2013

ABC Center Philippines

Unit 1801, 20th Drive Corporate Center,
20th Drive, McKinley Business Park,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, PH
Telephone/Fax: (+632) 401-00-10/ 478-98-11

Mobile: (+63) 919 992 4388
Email: admin@abccenterphilippines.com.ph

Mommy Mundo's Expo Kid 2013

2013-02-19T18:47:00.002-08:00

WHAT: Expo Kid 2013
WHERE: 500 Shaw Events Pavilion
WHEN: March 2 (Saturday)
TIME: 10am-7pm

For the past 5 years, Mommy Mundo has been actively promoting enriching summer activities for kids through our annual Expo Kids Summer Activity Fair.

This year, Expo Kid Year 5, tagged as The Ultimate Summer Activity Fair, will showcase various exhibits filled with wonderful activities, demos, and programs for kids from their valued event sponsors, partners, and exhibitors.

With this year’s partners, Jakenpoy.com, Craft MNL, 500 Shaw and Kids Klub along with more than 40+ exhibitors and vendors, they hope to make this another memorable occasion.

Here are key event features:

Interactive activity stations from Jakenpoy.com, Craft MNL, Kids Klub, Provenance Art, and other exhibitors
All day onstage program featuring performances such as ballet, sports, arts and crafts and more!
Mommy Mundo’s trademark mompreneur market where moms can shop for the latest finds for moms and kids.

The event is open to the public and attendees will be charged a minimal entrance fee of 20 pesos per person, which will benefit MomShare outreach projects.

For more info on Mommy Mundo events, sign up for the mailing list at www.mommymundo.com, like Mommy Mundo on Facebook) or email info@mommymundo.com.

How to get to the location?

Calling all kids 7-15 yrs old! Auditions for Trumpets’ production of ‘The Bluebird’ on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013

2013-02-18T15:25:00.001-08:00

Hey mommies, do you have kids who idolized Lea Salonga and want to try theater acting? Here is a good opportunity for them to show their talent.

Trumpets, Asia's first professional gospel theater group announces open auditions for “The Bluebird: A Magical Musical”, a brand new original Filipino musical based on the play "The Bluebird" by Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck which was also popularized by the Shirley Temple film of the same title. Filled with spectacle, song, dance, colorful sets, costumes and a solid moral message, Bluebird tells the story of two poor children named Mytyl and Tyltyl and their search for the Bluebird of Happiness.

The theater group is seeking for 7- to 15-year-old little girls, 7- to 13-year-old little boys, and male & female adults aged 20 or older who are able to SING, ACT and DANCE. All auditionees must bring a minus one or sheet music of an ENGLISH song, preferably from a musical, and a headshot (at least 3R in size).

The open auditions will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Talent School of Academics and Arts, 1157 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.

With book and lyrics by Jaime del Mundo and music by Rony Fortich, “The Bluebird: A Magical Musical” is scheduled to open in September 2013 and is much anticipated to become another stage classic for the whole family.

For details, call the Trumpets office at 901-4364 or visit the musical's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdbyTrumpets) for more information and updates.

Good luck!

The haircut dilemma of my son!

2013-02-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last Valentine's day, my husband decided to have his haircut. Since Ren also had a long hair, we decided to have his hair cut too.

We decided to have their hair cut in the mall because the barber shops there are less crowded. My son doesn't like his hair to be cut especially when they are using the electric razor. His ears are quite sensitive to noise and he doesn't like others to touch it. It's even harder on my part when we are cleaning his ears because he is so ticklish.

I heard that other mommies at my son's therapy center that their sons also have this kind of problem with their kids with ASD. It seems that this a common issue to all of us.

The reasons?

They have sensory problems that makes them sensitive to sounds. The electric razor, among other things, I think is very noisy for them.

Some solutions that I did were:

When we were in Manila, there is a barber shop near our place with a TV. We let him watch the TV to distract his attention from the scissor or razor. But it is only effective if he likes the show.
I also tried to bring a gadget that he can play with while he is having his hair done.
I tell him that we will go to his favorite Toy store if he behaves, or tell him that he will get his favorite food after the haircut session. I need to remind it to him over and over again to get his attention.
Some mommies with kids with ASD, hire a barber and do the hair cutting at home. This way, the meltdown are only seen by a few people and only those who can understand the child more.

I hope that there would be a barber shop here that will cater to kids with sensory problem issues. Ren's OT has this idea, and I hope that it will push through soon.

Sparkle and Customization for Your Big Day

2013-02-17T16:08:00.002-08:00

Wedded Glitz offers a variety of rhinestone and crystal items that can spruce up your wedding day. Offering cake toppers, jewelry, and bouquet embellishments, the site is sure to offer something that will add an extra special touch to your big day. You can add style to every part of your event, from your wardrobe, to the ceremony, reception, and even the invitations.

Weddedglitz.com offers monogram cake toppers that are fully encrusted on one side with Swarovski Crystals. A wedding cake is a big part of your special day, and the perfect cake topper can add just the right touch to personalize and glamorize your confection. You can choose your colors, and of course, you’re initial, for a personal touch on your cake. These toppers are perfect for weddings, but also work for other events, such as birthday parties or other celebration cakes.

You can visit here, where you will have a wide variety of choices for bouquet jewelry to choose from, which add extra sparkle to any arrangement. A variety of sizes for self-adhesive crystals are offered here, which can be added to any flower, stem wrap, ribbon, paper product, or any other part of your wedding that needs some extra glamor. The small size is offered in clear, while the larger size can be color customized. If you are looking for embellishments for your stem wrap, including a stylish stockpile of buckles and bracelets that can be used to encircle your stems .

There are simple shapes, such as circles and squares, to choose from, in addition to beautiful butterflies and dragonflies that can adorn your bouquet. Again, you can choose to add personalization to your event by choosing the customized monogram bouquet jewels for your flowers.

Any couple would love to shine on their wedding day, and you can find everything that you need here to add a special sparkle to your plans. Your guests will be wowed by the high-end jewels that you can use to embellish any part of your style or ceremony. Find something that will add that personal touch that you have been looking for to your big day!

DM Healthcare Foundation: Big heart for small hearts!

2013-02-16T20:15:00.002-08:00

Last Thursday, at Makati Shangrila Hotel, I was able to witness and be a part of the turn over of Dr Moopen’s Foundation donation to the Philippines (presented to the Board of Trustees of DM Healthcare Philippines) for the less fortunate kids who have heart problems.

The estimated cost of the donation is worth 5 million pesos (AED 451,508) to provide FREE pediatric cardiac surgery operations to 50 kids with Congenital heart disease (CHD).

Why did they do this? Dr. Moopen's want to give back to the society, he said that they believe that it is very important to reach out to people across geographies and extent their services to those who really need it. Their staff at Dubai was composed of almost 20% Pinoys who helped them succeed and grow, so Filipinos are close to their hearts.

Dr Moopen’s Foundation will work closely with some government hospitals in the Philippines to select young patients with heart diseases based on their critical need for treatment and financial capabilities. The patients will be recommended for treatment at a hospital under the DM Healthcare network based on the critical condition of their disease. Minor surgeries that can be treated within the Philippines will be carried out under complete supervision and funding by Dr Moopen’s Foundation. Patients sent to India will be rendered comprehensive medical care at a hospital under the DM Healthcare network. The initiative is already under process with two patients already successfully treated for Congenial Heart Defects (CHD) at the Philippine General Hospital and a list of patients selected and approved for DM Healthcare’s underwriting of the cardiac surgery.

The 2 patients were:

Nathalie, center, and (from left to right) her parents, Karen and Rexes; Dr. Sanjiv Malik, DM Healthcare CEO; and Joyce Socao-Alumno, Country Representative of DM Healthcare Foundation; photo was taken before Nathalie's successful heart surgery sponsored by DM Foundation. read her story HERE

Danica Santos and Dr. Jonas Del Rosario before Danica's Heart Surgery at PGH. Read her touching story HERE

I was very touched during the event and I was controlling my tears to fall down especially when a video was shown (I would like to show it to you but I can't find a link at YouTube).

Nathalie, had also read a touching speech with the help of her mother. This is a copy of what she have said during the event.

I got this from Save a Little Heart FB page

I commend DM Healthcare for doing this initiative of helping other countries who really need help. I wish that more companies and individuals who are financially blessed will also do the same.

To DM Heathcare, more power to your business, and may the Lord Bless your good heart.

Dear readers, I hope you can support the 1Like, 1Heart to save campaign on Facebook.
Just LIKE this page: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheLittleHearts.

We can't decide if we will have another baby!

2013-02-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

Ren is already 5 years old, every one is asking me why is it that he doesn't have a sibling yet. Here in the Philippines, those who are advised to follow the family planning code should have the 2nd baby after 4 years gap. My sister and brother in law have followed this code and both of them had their 2nd child after 4 years of age. But, we have a different situation and hubby and I don't know if we want to have a 2nd child.

Here's why:

Since my son needs a lot of attention because he has ASD, we think that we can't take care of another one. It would be unfair to the 2nd child if we will not give the same care and attention to him or her.
There is a possibility that the 2nd child will also have a special condition. I don't think I can handle 2 kids with the same or related conditions. Honestly, I am not that capable to do that. I salute all moms who are in this situation, I don't think I can do it.
We can't support 2 kids financially as of the moment. We are not rich, the therapy sessions and consultation with DevPed plus other educational needs are expensive for kids with special needs. It's hard to support one, what more if it's two.

On the other hand, we know that Ren needs someone close to him to help and guide him when we are not around. Only a sibling can do that for him. A sibling can also help him in socialization.

As of now, our only hope to help Ren in case something happens to us are my siblings and my in-laws. We are just doing our best that if that time happens we hope that we will be able to leave Ren with a huge amount of money so that he will not be a burden to others.

I saw these baby pictures while browsing the computer (ang cute nya di ba?)

Ren's 2nd day at the Manila Doctors Hospital

at 3 months old

at 4 months old (this is his 1st Christmas).... he is so big!

I am worried for my son!

2013-02-12T19:08:00.001-08:00

Last night hubby and I watched the movie The Impossible (spanish Lo Impossible).

It was based on a true story of a family who had went on a vacation on Christmas Eve at Thailand. That year, Indonesia, India, Sri-Lanka and Thailand was hit by the dreaded Tsunami (more info HERE).

They were 5 in the family: The Mom and Dad plus 3 young kids (all boys). While watching it, hubby and I thought what will happen when we were in their situation. I don't know how to swim that is why I am afraid of the ocean, Noel is afraid of the sight of blood while my son has socialization problems.

I am not afraid for myself, I know what to do in case I'm lucky to be alive, but the what ifs were pouring in my mind. My husband, though shy and quiet, I know can handle himself too. But, what if my son a 5 years old with special needs was lost, what will he do?

People might not understand him easily. He might not be able to tell his name when someone will ask for it. He can't understand other languages besides English as of the moment. He may not ask for help. He can't express himself fully yet. So, what will happen to him?

I am controlling myself not to burst in tears just thinking of those things. I know we can't be there for him all the time. We were trying our best to teach him EVERYTHING that he need. But what if the worst thing would happen and we are not there for him? Ohhh I felt very sad just thinking of it!

At the back of my mind, I know God is telling me not to worry that He has a good plan for him. I have faith and I know He won't let us down if we believe in Him. I entrust my family to Him and I know He will take good care of us.

There are lot of people who love my son no matter what he is, but I know that only God can love him more than we can ever love him.

My deal with Ren

2013-02-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

This year, Ren is being homeschooled. We have a deal that he can't play his gadgets or watch his favorite shows if he will not finish his works. I need to be tough, because he will manipulate me and try to make pa-cute and then we will not finish anything.

It is effective, because it's his reward or motivation to finish the tasks given to him. To be fair, I told him (whether he understand it or not) that I will not use the computer unless I exercised. I gained a lot of weight after the holiday so I need to lose it again or else I will feel miserable.

If you can see me online on facebook or on my email that means I did exercise hahaha!

So that's our deal. I need to be fair with him so I am swearing to myself.

Do you think the deal is fair?

It's hard that we don't have our own car

2013-02-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Ren had a social group therapy session at Manila. We rode a shuttle going out of the subdivision, it is not that full (there were only 4 passengers inside). We decided to sit beside an old woman since it was nearer to the door of the shuttle. I asked the old woman if she can move a little bit since I am thinking that my son might accidentally step on her shoes or that she might get annoyed because Ren is so fidgety. She moved a little bit, but I didn't noticed that she has a foreigner husband in front of me and asked her to just moved beside him (we have lots of foreigner neighbors in our place huh!).

He spoke in a different language (not english), so I thought he was just talking to his wife in a loud voice. What I didn't realize was that he got mad of what I did (I just knew it because he is making gestures). He thought that I was pushing her wife to the side of the vehicle. The Filipina wife was trying to calm him down by tapping his legs. I am just waiting for him to confront me and tell it to my face his dismay so that I can defend myself and my son, but part of me is also afraid that he might hit me (ohh he's so big).

When they went down the shuttle, the foreigner suddenly kicked the door of the shuttle and as if he's telling me to go down. He even accidentally hit his wife when he banged the door. I was SHOCKED!!!!

The other passengers (Pinoys), asked me what happened so I explained, I was glad that they found the situation was too shallow and the driver assured me that the foreigner really has a problem and it wasn't the first time he did it.

The shuttle looked like this:

Now, I am thinking do we need our own car to avoid these kind of situations or those people that do not want to be near other people should ride in a private car so that they can do whatever they want?

I want my son to be comfortable and see the world around him by riding on public vehicles so that when he grows up, it will be easy for him to get his way home. I am teaching him to pay for our fare by saying "bayad" and to say "para" when it's time to go down. I am teaching him to watch out for other passenger's feet when climbing the jeep. I am teaching him to sit properly and I am exposing him to the noise of the outside world to overcome his sensitive hearing. But, the world is cruel.

Sigh, I hope we can afford to have our own car, or at least the other passengers are more considerate.

On chatting with Juday and exciting contest from Lactum

2013-02-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

Did you miss me? I am quite busy these past few days so I haven't posted here. I have a new offline sideline and it is keeping me busy for a while. To update you on what happened last Sunday when I announced here that I would be meeting Juday and have a video chat with her, well it did happen and here is some proof.

Yes! I need to show some proof since some of my friends and relatives didn't saw me in ASAP hahaha...

that is Juday on the 2nd thumbnail from my left. Thanks to my sister in law who made a screen shot of this. This was taken from Lactum's FB page since the video chat is also LIVE there!

after the video chat, we were given an opportunity to meet Juday in person. Here are some of my fellow mommies that participated during the discussion.

What did we discussed on the video chat you may ask? We asked Juday for some advise on our kids feeding problems. Some mommies shared that their kids have a favorite food that they only eat. They are worried that the nutrition of their kids are at stake because of that. Juday advised them to try to cook their favorite food in a different way.

Other mommies shared that their kid's attention are on watching TV or playing with their toys, so Juday told them that based on her experience with Yohan, she makes sure that everything is turned off when it's meal time. She said that we should be firm about this rules and its okay to show them tough love once in a while.

As I have said, I don't have a problem with my son on what kind of food to eat, since he like everything that was being served on the table. So, what concerns me is that like the other mommies who have problems with their kid's attention, my son is also one of them. He always wants to play with his ipod first, so what he does is that he eats his food fast so that he can come and play with his toy already. So, I think I will follow her advise to be firm and tough on making rules when it's meal time.

Lactum is currently hosting a contest on their fan page entitled: 100% Real Stories and Recipes Facebook promo.

The contest is open to parents or guardians of kids aged 37 months and above as of contest date. Simply upload a photo of your child showing your mealtime story and own recipe as a solution to your kid’s feeding problems.

Winners will get a chance to win these exciting prizes from Lactum:

To know more, visit:

http://www.facebook.com/LactumPhilippines

https://apps.facebook.com/lactumrealstories/

Also, watch out for a separate promo for you dear readers here. I am still asking Lactum for some prizes :)

I will have a video chat with Judy Ann Santos on Sunday!

2013-01-31T03:35:00.002-08:00

I am soooo excited this coming Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. I am very lucky to be chosen as one of the mommies who will have a video chat with Ms. Judy Ann Santos, and it will be featured at ASAP LIVE! This will be the 1st ever video that Lactum have sponsored. The expected time of appearance is around 12:30 noon until maybe 2PM.

So, what is the video chat all about? We will talk about some problems that moms and kids encounter every meal time. I have mentioned here that my son is not that choosy in eating foods, and he eats anything that was given to him (from fish, chicken and vegetables). But, that does not necessary means I don't have a feeding problem. Find out what is my dilemma on Sunday. I hope Juday will help me solve this problem.

Anyway, do you have some feeding problem questions that you want to raise up to Juday to answer? Just comment here and let's see if I can ask her about it or visit apps.facebook.com/lactumlivechat to be part of this event.

SM Department Store launched SM Babies at the Manila Peninsula

2013-01-29T05:28:00.000-08:00

I have received a very cute invitation from SM Babies and ARC Public Relations the other week.

It was about the launching of SM Babies at the Manila Peninsula at Makati. During the event, I felt that I wanted to have another baby in the house hahaha.

If you are curious if this is a new product of SM, well it's not. The line has been around for a while under SM Kid's Fashion but SM wanted to give it its own identity and focus on a complete line of apparel that caters specifically to children ages 0-2 years old.

This is a good news for every new mommies out there. Now, you don't need to shop anywhere else since SM will provide everything that you need. To celebrate this milestone, SM Kid's Fashion came up with a photo exhibit that was taken by one of the country's most renowned photographer- Pilar Tuason.

14 beautiful mommies with their oh so cute and adorable little babies featured some of the clothes from SM Babies. It was broken down into 4 categories: bedtime, playtime, baptismal and yeah even party time. Isn't that great?

The mommies that are included in the exhibit were:


visit my FB page for bigger picture- Click HERE Emilie Yupangco and Emila for Baptismal wear RosanaOcampo-Rodriguez and Alejandro Nicole-Hernandez-de Los Angeles and Jaime Rose Monetnegro-Boonpongsa and Manu Delamar Arias and Cooper for Bedtime Wear


visit my FB page for bigger pictures- Click HERE MaiaMartirez-Hing and Matt Juana Manahan- Yupangco and Rosanna Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario and Katia Marta Araneta and Tristan for Play Time wear Angela Yeo and Helena Tin Dychiao and Xavi Isabel Olondriz-Murd and Brooke Grace Barbers-Baja and Alessi Andi Eigenmann and Elle for Party Time wear

Ms. Issa Litton hosted the said event. She also interviewed 3 celebrity moms: Lexi Schulze, Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Andi Eigenmann. They talked about how convenient that SM now caters everything that every mom needs, from diapers to feeding bottles and of course clothes.

After the talk, Christian Bautista serenaded the mommies, guests, and media at the event.

While her mommy was being interviewed, baby Ella is making "pa-cute" with the guests. Isn't she lovely!!! Oh how I want a baby girl for my own :)

Avoid Lice with LiceAliz shampoo!

2013-01-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

Girls are not the only one who gets lice, my son also had it before. I don't know if he got it from me or from his classmates or maybe from the surroundings. I saw the lice on the bottom part of his hair when I was brushing it.

I also observed that he can't go to sleep quickly and soundly every night because he keeps on scratching his head. It's a good thing I found out about Licealiz.

Licealiz is a head lice treatment shampoo with conditioning formula manufactured by Lamoiyan Corporation. An active ingredient found in it is pyrethrin which kills lice and nits fast. Licealiz is non-toxic and is safe to use regularly to keep lice from coming back. It is cheaper than other brands that are available in drugstores.

Its main component is Pyrethrin, an all natural ingredient from the Chrysantimum Flowers, which is proven effective in killing lice.

What I like about this shampoo besides the cheap price is that it smells really good. My son and I have used it, until the itchiness and lice was all gone.

It is very effective, that now, every time I go to the drugstore I would buy some and give it to my niece. (Also read some tips here on how to avoid getting lice- http://livinglifetodfullest.blogspot.com/2009/10/deped-bought-overprice-anti-head-lice.html)

Here is the commercial to know more about the benefits of using this shampoo

I was ashamed of myself to have judged a kid

2013-01-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I attended an event at Acacia Hotel at Alabang (will post about it on my other blog -levyousa.com), it is near Alabang Town Center so I decided to drop by and buy some food for dinner. I decided to use my GC at TGIF (will post about this on my food blog -foodquest.levyousa.com).

Before I entered the restaurant, I found a boy outside wearing a white sando, a simple short and a pair of slippers. He was silently watching a movie at the glass outside the store. When my order arrived, I went to the boy and gave him some drinks, but I was surprised that he refused.

I thought that he was just shy, so I said that it was okay and showed him that I have some more, but he still refused and he looked teary eyed. I was ashamed for the refusal so I went ahead.

While on my way home, I kept on thinking why the boy refused my offer. Didn't he liked what I offered to him? Did I offended him? Or is he just shy?

Then I remembered my mom, when we were young she always reminded us not to take any candies, foods or drinks from strangers. Yes I think we also looked dirty and hungry, but we never begged or get something from anybody since we were afraid that some strangers might do more harm than good.

I realized that maybe this boy was also taught by his mother the same thing. Maybe he is just really enjoying and watching a movie, and he doesn't need any thing from anybody.

I had good intentions but had wrong execution. I learned my lesson that day, that is to never judge someone based on what you see from the outside and also if you want to help someone, do it the proper way that is by donating in institutions.

Have a great weekend readers!

Come and join AJINOMOTO® Umami Culinary Challenge 2013

2013-01-25T02:30:00.000-08:00

On February 2, 2013 at Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Center, 450 HRM and Nutrition students from 43 universities and colleges in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are set to showcase their culinary skills and mastery of the umami taste at the Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge (UCC) 2013.

Now on its fourth year, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has established UCC as the first of its kind, interschool, multi-category culinary competition that focuses on umami, the 5th basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter and salty. UCC is growing bigger each year. “We want more aspiring chefs to discover how deep understanding of umami effectively develop their skills to attain culinary excellence.” says Chef Russell Bautista, Project Head of UCC.

Participants exhibit their cooking skills during the competition

Contestants will be engaged in five (5) competition categories: 1) Umami Bento Meal, 2) Healthy Asian Umami Dish, 3) Best Filipino Umami Dish, 4) My own Umami Creation and 5) Umami Potter. Criteria for selecting the winning dishes are intensity of umami taste, culinary technique and creativity, dish preparation, plate presentation and Eat Well, Live Well.® Cooking, which refers to the integration of culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to create a delicious and nourishing umami dish.

Culinary luminaries like Chef Seiji Kamura (Executive Chef Mana Clinary Fusion), Chef Joey Herrera (ISCAHM Chef), Chef Ed Quimson (Chef Patron M Catering & Fine Foods), Chef Eugene

Raymundo (Food stylist and part owner of Five Cows Restaurant and Kitch Café), Chef Babes Austria (Executive Chef, Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay), to name a few, will serve as competition judges.

Foodies and other guests will enjoy seminars on food safety and food processing, umami cooking demonstrations, interactive booths from sponsors and other exciting activities. UCC also welcomes caterers and meat processors as the event is staged in partnership with the Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

The Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge 2013 is presented by Ajinomoto Philippines
Corporation and sponsored by La Germania, Solane, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo and Masflex.

Press Release

Josh Aquino's (son of Kris) Fab Transformation

2013-01-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

I was reading Pep.ph (my online source of what's happening in showbiz-ness) when I saw this article about Joshua's transformation from a heavy 320 pounds boy to about 225 pounds teen. This was revealed by Kris Aquino last Jan.7, 2013 through her daily morning program Kris TV. Josh's fitness coach is Chappy Callanta, head coach of 360 Fitness Club in Makati

Here are some photos from Pep.ph

I am happy to see him looking healthy, I hope that he will continue to lose more pounds and reach his goal soon. Good luck Josh!