My Mom-Friday

Steamed Lapu-lapu (Grouper) in Light Soy Sauce

2020-02-19T12:33:00.006+08:00

Lapu-lapu is one of our favorite fish. It's in the top of the list when we order from Chinese restaurants since they are live and best served steamed. I used to watch my mother and my Cantonese gwa-kong (maternal grandpa) prepare this delicious dish and enjoyed by family members. So, whenever I get a chance to have fresh lapu-lapu, I try to make this recipe, no special occasion required.

It's a must that you use fresh lapu-lapu, or any fish you prefer, if you want to steam it. If it's frozen, I suggest you fry it instead.

This recipe can also work well with king fish, tilapia, pompano, dory, cod. Steaming time may vary.

If you've been a long-time reader, you know I don't measure when I cook, so measurements in my recipes are all estimates.

Steamed Lapu-lapu in Light Soy Sauce

Approx. 600g fresh lapu-lapu - scaled, gutted, cleaned and lightly salted

1 tablespoon Ginger - thinly sliced into matchsticks

Leeks, diagonally sliced

Cilantro (wansoy)

5 tablespoons peanut oil (or any vegetable oil on hand)

For the sauce (estimates):

3/4 cup hot water

4 tablespoon premium light soy sauce

1 tablespoon Kikkoman

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

some minced ginger

To prepare:

Insert a few sliced ginger inside the fish cavity and between cuts on the flesh

Steam whole lapu-lapu for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish and steamer.

While steaming, mix the sauce in a small bowl.

Taste and adjust according to your preferred saltiness - you can add more soy sauce / Kikkoman, sugar, water and sesame oil a little a time, tasting in between.

Set aside.

After steaming, carefully plate the lapu-lapu.
Top with some leeks, more ginger, and wansoy.

Searing oil:

Heat peanut oil in a small pan.

Allow it to reach smoking point.

Carefully pour over the entire fish.

The wansoy and hot oil makes all the difference. Pouring hot oil over the fish sears it a bit and wilts the aromatics, making the dish more fragrant and flavorful.

Pour the soy sauce and garnish with more wansoy and leeks before serving. It will smell so good!!! Devour immediately.

Happy steaming! :)

https://www.mymomfriday.com/2009/11/steamed-king-fish-in-light-soy.html

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Shop and Ship from the U.S. and Europe with My Shopping Box

2020-01-14T00:00:00.000+08:00

Online shopping is a hard habit to break. The ease and convenience of shopping with just a few swipes and taps make it all the more enticing and satisfying. It saves me a lot of time and effort while being free from traffic! For international purchases, I've been ordering from Amazon for almost two decades now. Items are shipped to my sister-in-law in the U.S., who consolidates all our orders in a balikbayan box. We just have to wait long since it takes at least a month by sea to get here. But I got introduced to My Shopping Box, an international parcel delivery and courier service company that ships orders from the U.S. and Europe, by air or sea, and delivers directly to our doorstep here in the Philippines.

I was excited to shop for more workout gear which I can wear this new year, hee hee, so I quickly registered for a free account at My Shopping Box, got their U.S. shipping address, and headed over to Amazon.

This time, I don't have to shop for the whole family and buy many items to fill a box. Even with just a few pieces ordered, I can have it shipped immediately to our house.

My Shopping Box (MSB) site is quite simple and easy to navigate.

Once you sign up, you can view your account details and use their U.S. or Europe shipping address for your orders from your favorite online shops. Here are some of the popular shops that cover almost every retail product you can think of -- from food to fashion items, kitchenware, home accessories, toys, books, crafts, and many more!

Follow these steps to avail of the company's excellent shipping service:

Step 1: Sign up here, for free

Step 2: Fill out the account information form

Step 3: Set your Billing and Delivery addresses in the Philippines

Step 4: Copy the U.S. or Europe shipping address of My Shopping Box (see left sidebar of the webpage)

Step 5: Start shopping! :)
Paste/use the MSB Shipping address once you checkout from the online store

The example below is my Amazon shopping details, with three out of four items I ordered.
The U.S. shipping address used is the one I copied from my MSB account dashboard.

After I checked out and paid for my orders, I simply waited for the items to be delivered to the MSB warehouse in the U.S. I track my packages through my Amazon account and MSB dashboard.

So, how much is the shipping fee?

Of course, I needed to know how much it would cost me to have items delivered door-to-door. Here's a reference from their website. You can use their calculator to guide you.

I suggest you get an estimate shipping cost first before you checkout from the online store. If the shipping cost is okay with you, then proceed to checkout and ship your orders to the MSB address in the U.S. or Europe.

"A package has both an actual weight and a volumetric weight and we charge based on whichever of the two is greater. We round up the respective weights to the nearest whole number to arrive at our final shipping cost."

For me, their rates are reasonable especially if you saved a lot on the retail price of your orders. The total shipping fee will really depend on the size and weight of your orders.

Once your items are received by MSB, it stays in their warehouse until you authorize them to deliver and pay the shipping fee. You can check your "My Shopping Box" tab -- here you'll find your Pending items for shipping and payment. Choose AIR Freight or SHIP Freight for your orders and authorize MSB to deliver.

For the three smaller and lighter items, I chose AIR since I plan to use them na this new year. The total door-to-door delivery fee is about US$60 and delivers in 12 days. Not bad at all.

This last item I chose to use SHIP freight coz it's more practical, and didn't mind waiting longer for it. It's bigger and heavier so it's more expensive to ship by air.

Track your "Packages in Transit" from your dashboard. Tracking numbers are listed.

At first, I was doubtful if the package will arrive as promised kasi nga peak season pag holidays diba, and super dami ang nag-ooder from international stores. Just like in previous years, we shop in October and we wait for our balikbayan box to arrive before December.

I am happy to announce that the first batch of my orders arrived straight to my doorstep after two weeks via air freight, considering it's peak season! Ang saya-saya! As of this writing, I have one more item in transit and is expected to arrive any day now.

Good experience overall and I'm satisfied with the service of My Shopping Box. Now I have a faster and easier way to get my orders from the U.S. and even from Europe!

Sign up here and create your My Shopping Box account na rin! :)

You can also download the My Shopping Box app on iOS and Android.

Get US$2.50 shipping credits when you use my referral code: MLIMO03R

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M Baldemor X beabi Floral Symphony Collection

2019-11-04T21:09:00.000+08:00

Fresh off the launch, I am sharing with you the latest limited edition collection from lifestyle brand beabi, who is celebrating its 10th year, in collaboration with world renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. I am familiar with Baldemor's masterpieces because I like his colorful little houses and lively geometric style in painting. Look him up to see his beautiful works of art. With his first brand collab, we saw another side of the artist with the MBaldemor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection.

The MBaldemor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection features rarely publicized floral paintings by Manuel Baldemor which have only been exhibited abroad.

Baldemor pays tribute to flowers as a “symbol of love and peace”. According to him, flowers are an indispensable element of the Filipino landscape.

Some of his beautiful floral-themed watercolor paintings were displayed at the Ronac Art Center, the venue of the unveiling which happened earlier today. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the event, and siyempre, I had my bag signed by the master himself with matching photo-opp pa, heehee! He was very warm, friendly, and accommodating.

beabi is known for it's modern, multi-functional storage bags and travel accessories. I've bought a lot of their Letter Initial bags, pouches and lunch bags, kasi they make practical gifts.

beabi owner Willin Chan shared that this idea of a collaboration came about after she bought a Baldemor painting and thought of having his works on their products. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring Baldemor's art to a wider audience. The idea was received well by the artist, and so the MBaldemor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection was born. With this special collection, we can now own and enjoy a piece of his are without breaking the bank. :)

Special guest, Ruffa Gutierrez, with M Baldemor flanked by beabi founders Winnie Go and Willin Chan.

Each bag is water repellent, lightweight, and comes with a dust bag and matching pouch.

This design below also features a zipper enclosure and detachable shoulder strap. Here's my very own autographed #MBaldemorXbeabi tote bag.

Choose from 3 designs : MBaldemor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection

Flowers Are A Joy Forever

Flowers Speak From The Heart

Amazing Grace

OOTD Photo by @kervinluy

These limited edition bags retail for Php2,495 each.
Available at all beabi stores nationwide and online at beabi.com.ph until stocks last. So, better hurry and get one (or all) for yourself or for friends and loved ones as gifts for the coming holiday season!

Grilled Keta Salmon (Yakisake)

2019-10-04T23:30:00.000+08:00

Salmon has never been a staple fish in our household. It's more pricey than other fish in the market and has a very distinct flavor that I believe is an acquired taste. Somehow, salmon intimidates me, that's why I rarely cook with it. I personally enjoy salmon dishes from restaurants, and buy smoked salmon as canape from time to time. Recently, I received a batch of frozen wild-caught Alaskan salmon to try. This is a new line from Seaking brand. I regularly buy Seaking's marinated bangus belly so I welcomed these new salmon packs and got excited to come up with something in the kitchen.

Salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense fish - high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. When I hear "salmon", I think "Alaska". Sikat sila dun eh, and natural wild-caught Alaskan salmon, not farmed, is known to be the best. Thankfully, Seaking has made them more accessible for us with these ready to cook, special cuts of salmon in frozen packs. They are beautifully cut, smells clean and fresh. More convenient na to cook salmon!

Before I tried cooking these Alaskan salmon pieces, I tried to learn about the different varieties or species of salmon. I am only familiar kasi with pink salmon, which has a mild flavor, softer and more flaky. Keta salmon, also known as chum salmon, is not as popular as the pink species. Keta is pale in color, less oily, but moist and firm. I've read that this variety is ideal for grilling or roasting, and great with sweet or spicy sauces.

I got the idea of making grilled salmon, or Japanese yakisake, from this photo of Seaking skewered salmon chunks on their packaging.

Here's my second, more successful attempt at cooking salmon a'la yakitori. Yakitori is Japanese grilled chicken with sweet-salty sauce, but the term can refer to other meats or vegetables. This is what we are used to ordering in restos. For this recipe, I am using salmon pieces = Yakisake.

Be sure your keta salmon chunks are completely thawed before you skewer.

GRILLED KETA SALMON (YAKISAKE)

1 pack SEAKING Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon Chunks

8 thin bamboo sticks

Garnish:

onion, bell pepper, asparagus, leeks, or other vegetables you prefer

Marinade / Sauce:

1 teaspoon minced ginger

4 tablespoons Kikkoman Premium Soy Sauce

2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

2 tablespoons honey

ground pepper

I want quick and easy cooking, so I simply marinated the salmon chunks in half of the sauce for 15 minutes. Set aside half of the sauce for basting.

Skewer 3 chunks of marinated salmon, alternating with bell pepper and onion pieces.
Heat the gill pan and grease with cooking oil.
Place the salmon skewers on the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, skin side first.
Flip and cook on all sides while basting with the sauce.
Add asparagus spears and other cut up veggies as side dish.

Serve immediately. Drizzle more sauce over the skewers and enjoy with steamed or fried rice.

It only took me about 30 minutes to prepare, cook, and serve these tasty yakisake for dinner, and I am happy to report that it's family-approved! :D

For short-cuts, you can skip the bamboo sticks and simply pan grill or pan fry the Keta Salmon Chunks with the veggies, a'la teppanyaki. Then drizzle with more sauce. I've used bottled teriyaki sauce the first time I tried to cook this, and it worked just as well.

Follow SEAKING PH on Facebook and Instagram for the latest product updates and recipes!

Arroz Caldo and Rice Toppings with My Tacook Ricecooker

2019-09-20T18:31:00.000+08:00

Hey all! My Mom-Friday is still alive and active, heehee... just haven't been blogging as much as I used to. So, for today, I'll be sharing something that I've been using for a few months now, and it truly deserves a blog feature. Tiger Tacook JBX Rice Cooker -- the multi-tasking, multi-use, micro computer controlled rice cooker from Japan!

Tacook is first and foremost, a rice cooker. But, this beauty can do so much more than cook rice!

What I love about Tacook JBX:

Light and sleek design
Easy to use
Different cooking settings with timer

Plain Rice
Synchro-Cooking
Steaming
Slow Cooking
Porrige

You can also set it manually, of course, but what I love most about my Tacook JBX is the Sychro-Cooking function. As the name suggests - it's synchronized cooking for the rice and the ulam you place on the tray and it steams at the same time with the rice at the bottom.

Aside from rice, here I made ulam, and even porrige -- arroz caldo to be exact. The Tacook JBX is easy to use and definitely allows me to save time and energy when preparing meals. I tried one of the recipes from the booklet that's included in the box. Find more Tacook recipes here.

Here are two examples of what I cooked with my Tacook.

VIETNAMESE-STYLE BEEF with RICE
(tap for full view of recipe)

WATCH HERE

TACOOK ARROZ CALDO

I have no exact recipe for my Arroz Caldo, but watch and see what I did here.

Ingredients:
1 cup of rice with 5 cups of water (or measure close to the level 10 in the pot)
My usual rice to water ratio for porridge is 1:5. I just add more liquid if it turns out too thick.

1 whole chicken - cut in small pieces, rub with some salt

1 small knob of ginger - cut in matchstick sizes
1 teaspoon kasubha (safflower - a local substitute for saffron) for light coloring
(I didn't have annatto seeds to soak in water, but I don't mind having a white arroz caldo, heehee)

In a pan with oil, sweat ginger and a pinch of kasubha.
Add chicken and pan sear -- half cook it before putting in the pot.

Best to use chicken stock (or water with chicken bullion) to cook the rice. Then add patis (fish sauce) for a more umami flavor.

Place everything in the pot and set to PORRIGE. Press Start. That's it!

Just wait for the timer to beep and it's ready! Serve with calamansi and patis.

If you're thinking if getting a rice cooker, I suggest you go for this Tiger Tacook JBX kasi it cooks perfectly fluffy rice, and best of all, it is multi-functional, easy and convenient to use.
Cheers to a healthier way of cooking our meals!

Do you have a Tacook? What other dishes have you prepared with it? Share naman! =)

Learn more about Tacook here at Tiger-ph.com.
Find more Tacook recipes here.

Instagram @tiger.ph

GoodFood.ph Ready-To-Drink Subscription and Delivery Service

2019-07-12T00:00:00.000+08:00

Moms and homemakers like me will always find ways to make our days more organized, productive, and less stressful, even when spending many hours a day online. Whether for work, socializing, or shopping, I try to find reliable online services that offer the best value and convenience.

From travel needs and electronics, to fashion, food and groceries -- I love the ease and time-saving elements of purchasing our needs and wants at the comfort of our home or on my mobile phone while on the road. Ultimately, we all want to be able to spend more time with family and on things that matter. Weeks ago, I attended an event that introduced us to Nestle's baon subscription service through GoodFood.ph and I was impressed by this initiative. Read on!

NESTLÉ recently launched its NESTLÉ Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Baon Subscription on goodfood.ph, the first ever subscription and delivery service of well-loved NESTLÉ Ready-To-Drink Baon Brands like CHUCKIE, MILO Ready-To-Drink, BEAR BRAND YOGU, and the range of NESTLÉ Fresh Milk.

What is GoodFood.ph?

An online food and ready-to-drink subscription service -- the first of its kind in the Philippines
Offers a convenient, efficient, and hassle-free way of purchasing your family's baon must-haves and pantry staples
Automatic monthly replenishment and door-to-door delivery of your favorite Nestle RTD baon brands and Dolce Gusto coffee
Accepts various payment options including credit cards and cash on delivery
Regular gifts, deals, and freebies for subscribers
Allows consumers to return their used beverage cartons and coffee pods for upcycling
Simply Register here and start choosing your Subscription Plan

https://subscriptions.goodfood.ph/

The GoodFood.ph Subscription Plans are very flexible and offer huge savings especially if your family consumes a lot of fresh milk and other RTD. With the monthly delivery, we don't have to worry about running out of stock of our favorite beverages.

My kids are not regular milk drinkers. I'm intolerant to cow's milk while my son has to avoid dairy and food containing casein (milk proteins). But the girl and the husband occasionally craves for Chuckie or Milo. So instead of the tetra drinks plan, I decided to try the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Home Café Starter Plan. It comes with a FREE Lumio Coffee Machine for a 12-month subscription! We also get 1 free capsule box of our choice every month! The adults here drink more coffee than milk, kaya this was a more practical plan for us.

Here are the easy steps to subscribe, as you can see on the website:

We have been using and enjoying our Dolce Gusto for almost a week now and we are hooked! Look at those layers and froth on my cappuccino! (",) Hindi na pwedeng instant coffee when we entertain guests!

We're collecting our empty capsules which will be picked-up (for upcyling) on the next scheduled delivery. With this GoodFood.ph subscription, we save time and money, and can even help the environment while enjoying our cafe-quality coffee and freebies. How awesome is that!!!

Through GoodFood.ph subscription service, NESTLÉ aims to be every household’s partner in raising a healthier and more sustainable future for our families.

Let’s all choose the pack that gives back. That's #BaonMadeSustainable and #BaonMadeEasy.

Start your GoodFood.ph RTD subscription service today!

Click here to register at goodfood.ph and enjoy your monthly hassle-free deliveries.

Note:

Official event photos from the press release

Screen shots from GoodFood.ph website

Prawns in Oyster Sauce

2019-07-05T00:00:00.000+08:00

Half the year is over and I have so much to share! I really need to get my blogging mojo back na, hahahaha... but please be patient and watch out for my upcoming features, okay. For today's Foodie Friday post, let me share this very easy and tasty Chinese-style ulam, which is one of J's favorites, kasi mahilig siya sa prawns.

I just posted on my IG Stories but got several messages asking for the recipe. So, here's a full feature na para mas maraming maka-try. Sorry, no prep photos coz I was not prepared to write about this, hehe... anyways, here's the recipe.

PRAWNS IN OYSTER SAUCE

8-10 prawns (bulik)

(Rinse, trim, butterfly and de-vein. Rinse and drain well. Add some rock salt and set aside)

1 Tbs. minced ginger
1 Tbs. minced garlic

Chopped leeks

3 Tbs. Oyster sauce diluted in 4-5 Tbs water

Drops of sesame oil

1/2 tsp sugar

cracked pepper

To cook:

Heat little oil in wok, and saute minced ginger. Over high heat, add prawns.

Cook for about 3-4 mins. on high heat, flip until cooked evenly. Remove from pan and set aside.

Lower heat.

In the same wok/pan, make sauce:

Add oil, saute the rest of the ingredients.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking (you can add oyster sauce, sugar and water little by little).

Put back prawns in the pan, saute and coat well with sauce.

Cook a few more minutes. Garnish with leeks. Serve immediately.

Previous to this, I made a different recipe - a simple Lemon-Garlic-Butter Butterflied Prawns, pan-fried on a pan.

Hope you'll try both and like it! Let me know! (",)

My Summer Beauty Finds

2019-05-17T00:00:00.000+08:00

My beauty routine is boring. But when I find a good product that suits me, I stick with it for years. This summer, I had a chance to try awesome new products that are now part of my basic skin care and beauty must-haves: A face mask, a face powder, and a lip tint.

Who doesn't want healthy looking skin? We all have to start with a good "base". That means finding the right combination of products that will become a part of our daily skin care regimen. Hindi ko talaga kaya yung 10-step Korean skin care routine that many are following. Tamad kasi ako. In my case, hanggang 5 steps lang ang kinaya ko from the current line of products that I am using on rotation at this time, aside from weekly face masks. Then, there's makeup. Again, very basic lang ang gamit ko -- face powder, eyebrow liner and lipstick... blush, eyeliner and mascara if I'm in the mood or if I have an event.

Anyhooo... Here are 3 of my summer finds that I recommend you try!

Derma C Brightening Serum Face Mask

Get that instant vitamin boost for dry and tired skin with this delicious-smelling Derma C by Poten-cee Brightening Serum Facemask. I really love the fresh scent of this mask and no sticky feeling when the serum dries up.

What to love about Derma C Brightening Serum Face Mask:

Infused with Vitamin C and Vitamin B3, 7 natural moisturizing oils, Camu camu extract
Contains Collagen
Non-sticky serum when left on the face
Fresh light citrus scent
Formulated by Koream skin specialists
SRP only Php75 per pack

Available at Mercury, Southstar Drug and Watsons stores nationwide.

VICE Duo Finish Foundation

This soft dual finish face powder from VICE Cosmetics has a wide range of natural shades that will suit every skin tone - from fair pinkish undertones to warm morena skin for that #GandangYouNaYou!

What to love about VICE Duo Finish Foundation:

8 natural shades to choose from

my shades are Kinesa or Shade ni Vice (both works for my fair Asian yellow undertones)

Contains SPF25
Paraben-free and vegan
Smooth matte finish -- perfect for oily and combination skin
Can go from light to full coverage when used dry or wet
Comes in a sleek metallic compact with mirror and sponge (medyo matigas lang to flip it open)
Formulated in the USA, dermatologist-tested
SRP only Php245

Available at VICE Cosmetics Beauty Stores nationwide, Watsons and SM Department stores, and online at vicecosmetics.com.ph .

K-Palette Lasting Semi Matte Lip Tint

Another bestseller from top Japanese cosmetics brand, K-Palette, this limited edition semi matte lip tint is lightweight and creamy. A multipurpose makeup that goes from lips to cheeks.

What to love about K-Palette Lasting Semi Matte Lip Tint

Velvety-smooth, glides easily with one swipe of the lip wand
Moisturizing, non-drying semi matte formula that protects and moisturizes the lips
Highly pigmented vivid colors

Comes in 2 shades - Rose Pink and Mauve Red (I often use the Rose Pink)

Long-lasting yet feels light on the lips - can stay up to 24 hours
Can be used as cream blush too
SRP at Php795 per tube

Available at all Beauty Bar stores, Rustan's, SM Department Stores, Watsons, Metro Gaisano, online stores like Zalora, Beauty Bar Online, BeautyMNL, and directly at shop.beautyboxcorp.com .

Have you tried any of these beauty products? How did it work out for you?

Enjoy the rest of the summer folks!!!

Mom-Grocer Shops at SYSU Food Hub

2019-05-08T12:03:00.001+08:00

I've always expressed how I enjoy grocery shopping. I consider it my me-time, and during those weekly rounds, I've discovered lots of good products that became our kitchen staples. Many of my favorite Mom-Grocer finds are from SYSU International, and it's not surprising. SYSU is a leading distributor of global brands that we have patronized for many years, such as San Remo, McCormick, Lee Kum Kee, Tabasco, and homegrown brand Clara Olé. And here's a new discovery that's worth sharing with all of you -- The Food Hub by SYSU, their retail store in Quezon City.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting The Food Hub with fellow blogger mom-grocers, Rowena of Animetric and Tina of The Phenomenal Mama. We can't hold back our excitement as we browsed through the shelves and shopped for our favorite brands to fill our pantry!

The Food Hub by SYSU, located on Panay Avenue, Quezon City, opened in late 2018. From consumer favorites to hard-to-find food service products, The Food Hub was created to showcase all SYSU brands and make them available to the public. Here are some of the products you can find at The Food Hub.

Some items here are not widely available or are on limited offer. You can also expect regular promos and special discounts from the various brands they carry.

Check out these best buys! Limited edition sets and product bundles, discounts and freebies! Super sulit mag-shop dito!

I learned that The Food Hub can prepare customized food baskets by order, for different occasions. They were swamped during the holidays! They can sell wholesale too, so you can order your favorite items by the box at the best prices. If you can't frequent the store in Q.C. like me, we can shop online at Shopee.ph/Sysufoodhub! Yay!

Aside from being a retail store, The Food Hub also features a fully-equipped kitchen to test recipes and demonstrate how to cook dishes using SYSU products. We were lucky there was an on-going cooking demo for their staff during our visit and even got to try the delicious finished product!

If you have a project or event that calls for some cooking and involves any SYSU brand, give them a ring and this kitchen can be your private food hub for a few hours.

Siyempre, we all went home smiling with our haul, thanks to The Food Hub. These are just some of the goods I stocked up on.

THE FOOD HUB by SYSU Int'l.

145 Panay Avenue cor. Sgt. Esguerra Ave. Quezon City

Tel. no.: (632) 92688852

Follow The SYSU Food Hub on Facebook and @thesysufoodhub on Instagram to get the latest updates and promos, like my Mother's Day Giveaway! So head over to @mymomfriday now for the complete mechanics!

JOIN #MomFridayxSYSUfoodhub Giveaway here: bit.ly/MomFridayxSYSUFoodHub

for a chance to WIN all these goods worth P1,000 plus P500 shopping voucher at #SYSUFoodHub!

5 lucky winners will be announced the week after Mother's Day!

Sharing is caring! (",)

#MomFridayxSYSUfoodhub IG Giveaway

Giveaway has been concluded!

Here are the 5 lucky IG winners!!! Congratulations!

Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Window on China Theme Park

2019-05-01T21:33:00.004+08:00

XIAO REN GUO Theme Park a.k.a. Window on China Theme Park was in our must-visit list while I was planning the itinerary for our holiday trip to Taiwan last December. J insisted on it. I've never heard of this until J told me about it. Childhood dream daw niya na makapunta dun, kasi he was fascinated by this miniature theme park ever since he learned about it when he was a little boy. I was reluctant at first because with all the Taiwan tour recommendations I've read, not one source have mentioned about this theme park. True enough, this Window on China (WOC) still exists and is thriving. WOC is the oldest theme park of Taiwan, located in Taoyuan City, which opened its doors in 1984.

While I was researching about this "miniature theme park in Taiwan", I read about it from this site which gave me good preview of what to expect. The WOC website was very helpful as well, so check it out after reading my post! =)

I was still skeptical about this old theme park, but it got me curious, and this was the only request of J for this trip.

WOC features several fun rides for the whole family (which we skipped altogether), and globe-trot to 5 distinct regions: Mini Taiwan, Mini China, Mini Asia, Mini Europe, Mini America.

There are 133 miniature landmarks painstakingly created on a 1:25 scale from the original building. Impressive!

I scheduled Window On China Theme Park for Day 3 of our Taiwan trip, including a visit to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and a ride up the Maokong Gondola. It was a Saturday and I booked Ownrides private car with driver to bring us around the tourist spots I planned for us to visit that day. Travel time to WOC was around 45 minutes from Taipei.

Our driver suggested we spend the whole afternoon there so we can stay longer. He was right. Bitin pa nga kami coz we left without seeing most of Mini Asia and missed all of Mini America.

Here's a photo essay of this fascinating and awesome miniature theme park. Try to guess the landmarks before you read the caption. ;)

MINI TAIWAN

Taichung Harbor

Sacred tree at Alishan Forest railway

Taipei Zoo

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial

Longshan Temple

Presidential Office

MINI CHINA

Temple of Heaven

Forbidden City

Great Wall of China

Fengxian Temple of Longmen Caves

MINI EUROPE

Arc de Triomphe - Paris

Stonehenge - England

Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy

Palais Garnier opera house - Paris

Chartes Cathedral - France

St. Basil's Cathedral - Moscow

Egyptian Obelisk

MINI ASIA

7 Storied Pagoda - Nara, Japan

Ang galing no? I took a lot of videos but didn't get around to editing them yet. Maybe I'll upload here once I'm done.

Window On China Theme Park is truly a gem. I recommend you spend at least half a day at the miniature park when you visit Taiwan. Bring a change of clothes if you want to enjoy the rides at the amusement park and Water World.

Let me know if you recognize any of them and if you've been to the actual site! Are these accurate?

WINDOW ON CHINA THEME PARK

No.891, Gaoyuan Rd., Longtan Dist., Taoyuan City 325, Taiwan

Read about our Taiwan trip, with itinerary:
Part 1 - North coast tour
Part 2 - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and Maokong

Check out @mymomfriday Instagram Stories highlights, "Fun Taiwan" for our video clips.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Auntie Arnie's Ready-to-Heat Heirloom Recipes

2019-04-05T01:42:00.000+08:00

I'm slowly getting my blogging mojo back (fingers crossed) and lately, I've been drawing inspiration from new experiences and discoveries that I cannot wait to share with you. I used to follow a weekly theme for my features, like Foodie Friday for the first Friday of every month, Family Friday for the second Friday, and so on. Today is the first Friday of April, hence this food post. I was introduced to these great-tasting meals during the event I attended yesterday. Yup, this is hot off the press! =) So, say hello to Auntie Arnie's!

In an ideal world, this mom will whip up a storm in the kitchen and serve yummy healthy meals for my family - breakfast, lunch, meriyenda, baon, dinner, every single day. But life happens, adulting is difficult enough, and some days, cooking a decent meal is just not possible. I resort to instant meals, food deliveries, fast food, and store-bought frozen ulam. We all know they're not as good as a home-cooked meal.

Kaya naman I am so, so happy that AUNTIE ARNIE'S is here! Homemakers like me can now be #savedbyAuntieA!

Auntie Arnie's Heirloom Recipes -- beloved homestyle dishes prepared by culinary experts, with select ingredients from partner farms and butchers, and preservative-free.

Each batch are immediately blast-frozen to maintain flavor and freshness.

auntiearnies.com

There are 9 heirloom recipes, frozen and ready to heat.

We got to try them all, which were prepared in minutes - from freezer to table. My friends Mish and Sab of Mothers Who Brunch, who organized this launch, showed us how easy and fast it was to serve our favorites via microwave or stove top heating. Complete heating instructions are on the label.

You have to try it to believe. Ibang level ng "instant food" ito!

They come in potluck packs; store up to 6 months in the freezer
Tastes like they're home-cooked, fresh out of the kitchen

like how our lolas, moms or favorite aunties make them

Restaurant quality
Preservative-free
Very presentable even when you have guests coming over
Each ulam can be good for 2 to 4

I tell you, lahat masarap!!! What you see on the packaging is close to how they actually look like when served! Siyempre there were some food styling involved here, but walang daya sa quality and quantity from each serving!

Here are my favorites:

CALLOS

I love this popular hearty Spanish stew, made with ox tripe, ox feet, chorizo and garbanzos.

MEATY LAING
Chicken meat stuffed in taro leaves, rolled, and cooked in coconut milk. It's not spicy.

CHICKEN BARBECUE

Grilled boneless chicken thigh fillets -- still juicy and flavorful!

ORANGE CHICKEN
Crispy chicken cubes in zesty orange glaze.

Rice lovers would enjoy their Yang Chow Fried Rice and Paella Negra (aioli not included).

Coming soon are these pasta sauces and specialty butters -- all mouthwatering when served with noodles or toast! For me, the Not Your Ordinary Butter and Cacio E Pepe are the bomb!

I am going to stock up on these frozen dishes to save me on those hectic days when I need to serve tasty comfort food in a flash. Prefect back-up when our helper goes on vacation or even when I get too lazy to make anything in the kitchen, hehe. =) Panalo talaga si Auntie Arnie's!

Auntie Arnie's food products are now available at:

La Contessa Deli
81 Xavier Residences, San Juan City
To inquire about available stocks, call (632) 6383988 / 09998-5865102

Order online: Honestbee

Note:
Photos of the callos and laing are from Auntie Arnie's.

7 Travel Planning Tips with Tweens and Teens

2019-04-01T20:27:00.001+08:00

It's summer time and I'm sure many of you are planning your vacations, if not planned out already. I have friends who made arrangements as early as last year pa! We don't travel often but when we do, I take a considerable amount of time and effort to plan each trip, whether it's to a local or an international destination. Iba kasi when traveling with kids -- major considerations would be the budget, interests, and comfort. But there's always a compromise when it comes to our itinerary.

Every family has their own style when it comes to travel planning. In our case, I plan and arrange for everything, but I don't stress too much about it anymore coz my kids are big enough to be independent (it's a different case when you travel with much younger kids). Plus, all you need are readily online now. For this post, it will be all about traveling by plane.

I'm no expert here, but having these two little adults with different interests have been a challenge for me when planning our trips, near or far. I made a lot of mistakes in the past and we all need to adjust as they grow older. In the meantime, here's what works for us, and hope this helps all the mom-planners with tweens and teens like me.

7 Travel Planning Tips with Tweens and Teens

1. CHOOSE THE SEASON
If they are all studying, and spouses have full-time jobs, you can't just pack up and leave anytime you feel like it. So, in our case my first consideration would be the WHEN. When are we all free to take a vacation?

When are the school breaks?

Summer
Sem-break
Christmas

How long can you be away?
Summer season

Holy Week

Year-end holiday

Can you be away on Christmas or New year?

My kids have different school years, so magka-iba din ang summer breaks nila. That means we only have Holy Week plus 3 full weeks between end of May to mid-June to enjoy our "summer vacation" and about two weeks during the holidays. J must file a proper leave of absence in advance before we can finalize anything. We discuss our options as a family, agree on the dates, then I research on interesting local and international destinations that would be nice to visit during those periods.

2. CHOOSE A DESTINATION
After knowing when the whole family can travel together, time to think about WHERE you wanna go. (Some would pick a destination first before fixing their schedule, and that's fine. Do what works better for you.)

Since you already know how many free days you have, choose where and how you want to spend it.

Narrow down choices to your top 3 para it's faster to decide - ask the kids for suggestions

Be sure your passports are all valid if you plan to go abroad

Prioritize the different interests of each family member and what they want to do

Take it slow and easy? Do you want an adventure? Shopping spree? Tour and sightseeing? Island-hopping? Food trip?
Visit amusement parks, beach, museums, entertainment centers, resorts, gadget shopping, etc.?

Surf online booking sites to get ideas or ask friends for recommendations

Make a rough list of the specific places of interests and have a general idea of what everybody wants out of the trip

Consider the safety, efficiency of public transport, food choices, and cost of living in that country. At this age, they can easily ride a train or taxi and pwede na rin sila mamasyal on their own or as a group.
How's the weather in that area during your stay?

Do you want to stay seaside, mountainside, warm climate or to a much colder place?
This will dictate how you will spend your days in your chosen destination
Will the climate in that place affect any health conditions of a family member

Let them research on their own about the country or place they want to go to so they can convince the parents to pick their choice, hahaha... tama naman, diba? =)

Mahirap mag-decide especially if one wants to go somewhere cooler while the other is thinking of a tropical paradise. The family has to vote on it and compromise. Since they are big enough to make decisions and know what they want, expect a friendly "debate". Prepare for another round when it's time to make the itinerary! =) At this point, once you know where you're going, start booking!

3. SET A BUDGET
Whether you go local or international, you should know how much you can and are willing to spend per trip.

Decide where you want to splurge or save - set your priorities

Budget or luxury (for hotels, airline, food, car service, etc.)?
Watch out for seat sales or hotel promos for your travel dates

Do the kids plan to purchase or experience something specific that you need to allocate a budget for?
Check the age cut-off for airlines and hotels (even amusement parks and bus rides) -- for 11 or 12 years old, it's either under "kids rate" or adult rate na
Check the exchange rate; decide if the kids get to handle their own shopping money or set a budget for them

4. BOOK FLIGHTS

After deciding on the destination, comparing rates and setting your budget for the airfare, book and confirm your flight details with your chosen airline.

Check everything online

If you are already sure about your dates, some airlines give lower rates for advance booking so confirm as early as you can

If you love to travel, it's good to have those airline travel cards for each member of the family so you can earn miles/points every time you fly
Choose flight schedules, preferred seats, other optional flight services you want

We all prefer early to mid-morning flights coz no one wants to wake up too early (but again, it will depend on the travel time per destination)
My kids prefer window seats all the time, so I make sure I get it for them

Some airlines have a surcharge for specific seats so be sure of your selection

5. BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS

There are so many choices for hotels and resorts that it can be overwhelming. Again, will this be something you want to splurge on or be more practical?

Go back to your budget and narrow the search fields based on your criteria and family preferences.

Compare packages and rates from direct booking to third party online booking services
Consider customer reviews and service ratings

Is the place family friendly?
Enough attractions to entertain the big kids?

Add or remove add-ons like breakfast, airport transfers, etc.

We have picky and light eaters so it's not worth it for us to avail of the hotel breakfast buffet (no choice if part of package)

Choose room/s that your family will be comfortable in for the duration of your stay

Check room size and bed arrangements -- are your kids adult-sized?

This is tricky especially if you have 3 or more big kids -- a separate room would be best if within the budget

Amenities -- do they have a pool? Gym? Game room? Wi-fi?
Number of people allowed per room
Availability of daybed or pull-out bed
Adjoining rooms available?

I was able to find a very good price for this resort hotel via Traveloka and the whole booking process was smooth and easy. You can also book activities and attractions through Traveloka.

After checking direct rates and comparing different hotels in the area we want, I hit the jackpot booking this two-bedroom villa with a private pool! Hopefully, the service and amenities will meet our expectations.

Dati kasi kasya pa ako and the two kids in a king-size bed, while J gets the extra pull-out bed. Since they are both much bigger now, hindi na talaga kami pwedeng magsiksikan sa isang kama. Sometimes they want their own beds pa! So finding the right sleeping arrangements would really make or break our stay.

6. PLAN THE ITINERARY

After choosing your final destination, map out a realistic itinerary for the duration for your stay.

List down all the places and activities you want to experience and work out a schedule from there. There should be a consensus.

Survey your teens and tweens on their preferences and make a priority list for your "must-see / must-do / must-eat", and a secondary list for other activities and places of interest if time permits

Amusement parks, beach, museums, public libraries, gardens, entertainment centers, concert, gadget shopping, outlet shopping, etc.
Food destinations - markets, famous restaurants, street food, etc.

Create a day to day schedule to maximize your time while still allowing you to immerse in the culture and enjoy the activities you choose to do at a relaxed pace

Avoid cramming too many activities in a day (My kids don't want to leave too early and prefer to be back at the hotel before dinner time. We usually just dine at nearby restos. They are not foodies, so they don't really plan about where to eat.)
Allow at least one request from each kid (Since they usually want to experience different things, dapat mag-bigayan sila so everyone will be happy.)
Don't get upset if they'd rather bum around at the resort or hotel room instead of going out with you (sira ang plano, but I learned to let go -- this happens every time)

You have the option to join a tour group or go on your own

Online booking sites also have special day tours -- this would be good if the whole family is willing to follow the strict schedule, otherwise, better plan your own

Allocate a "free day" where there is no specific activity or tour is scheduled (at least leave half of the day open)

You can use this time to explore the hotel/resort or nearby areas, do shopping, go to a park, or simply to relax and do nothing

Book your chosen attractions, activities, tours, and transportation services before you leave

Print vouchers as needed

When we went to Hong Kong Disney two summers ago, it was close to being an epic fail!
The kids are not big Disney fans and we knew they've outgrown this stuff na. BUT we all have never been to a Disneyland before, so we went for a day trip. It rained. No one wants to queue longer than 30 minutes. The attractions were not attractive enough for them to want to stay longer. In our case, it was not "the happiest place on earth" hahaha! So, when we went to Tokyo, we never considered going to Disney Sea anymore, kasi sayang lang ang one day namin dun if no one will be patient enough to line up for the different rides and attractions. This is something to think about the next time we plan to go to another amusement or theme park.

I will check out Traveloka again before we leave coz we all want to go to Universal Studios in Singapore. Traveloka is a leading Southeast Asia online travel company that provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform — offers flights, hotels, activities and attractions from various destinations.

For me, when traveling with children big or small, there has to be a balance of fun and learning so I try to incorporate educational tours and attractions that might interest them. I also send links to my kids so they have an idea about the different attractions and tourist spots we are planning to visit. Of course, there has to be some down time kasi we don't want to feel exhausted at the end of each fun-filled day.

7. PLAN WARDROBE and PACK

If you are going to a resort or to a country when it's their winter time, I think you know what you need to pack. Check the weather at least a week before your departure, that way you can still do some last minute purchases to complete your wardrobe. Pack light. Try.

Let the tweens and teens pack their own bags or luggage

I still give them a short of list of what to bring, but they can cover the basics already
Gadgets are allowed for use at the hotel only, they bring their own cellphones for emergency calls and for taking pictures
Footwear is as important as bringing a jacket -- at least bring a second pair appropriate for the destination

Moms, we are in charge of the first aid kit and ALL essentials, haha -- walang takas
Bring an extra foldable bag or two - so useful to carry pasalubongs and extra shopping load for hand-carry
Bring a camera and other paraphernalia - if your kids are hobbyists, then they can bring their own gear
Have each kid bring their own backpack or sling that they will carry every day

can carry small bottle of water, light snack, hand sanitizer, tissue, cell phone, key cards, tickets, travel journal, etc.

Don't forget your valid passports, and be sure to apply for any visa requirement

Print all the vouchers and e-tickets and keep in a travel case or envelope
Prepare any other travel documents or certificates you may need

We all want a memorable and stress-free vacation and getting the big kids involved during planning will help set their expectations and be more cooperative. I think they will also appreciate our efforts even more knowing that we value their choices and inputs for an enjoyable the family vacation.

How's your experience traveling with children? Do you have tweens and teens too?

Share your tips!

Easy Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry

2019-03-29T15:28:00.001+08:00

It's been ages since my last Mom-Cook blog feature and I apologize for being too lazy to write lately. Blogging has taken a back seat for me, but I will try to continue to share content that are hopefully interesting and entertaining for you. I just realized na mag- 10 years old na ang My Mom-Friday this May!!! Nakatagal din pala ako, all thanks to you who still visit and read my blog. THANK YOU!

Anyhow, today's catch-up post is all about this delicious turnover I made for the first time. It was a hit-- the girl loved it, so I thought it's worthy of a space here.

This kitchen project all started with this frozen Kawan Puff Pastry Square. M and her friend D attended a kids' yoga class one Saturday afternoon and we all went to Rustan's grocery afterwards. D's mom pointed to this puff pastry from the freezer -- it's ready to use and it's preservative- and transfat-free. Thanks to her sweet and savory filling suggestions, I got inspired and bought a pack to try.

As soon as we got home, I checked what we have in the pantry and ref. I'm thinking of something with cheese so thankfully, we had an assortment of cheese. There's also bacon, spinach, apples, bananas.

I decided on spinach-cheese turnover, and this is what came out of it.

SPINACH AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY

1 block cream cheese, at room temp.

250g spinach

2 tablespoons grated parmesan (add as much as you want)

salt and pepper

frozen puff pastry squares

flour for dusting

1 egg (optional for egg wash)

To prepare:

Pre-heat oven at 220°C

Thaw out puff pastry squares

Soften cream cheese in a bowl

Boil spinach for about 2 minutes, drain and squeeze out water

Chop spinach and mix with cheese

Add parmesan, salt and pepper to taste

Mix well.

Assembly:

Separate puff pastry squares and dust with flour

Roll out to stretch a little (use rolling pin or any cylindrical object like glass or bottle)

Spoon filling on the lower half of the pastry and fold over (made triangles and rectangles)

Press edges with a fork to seal

To bake:

Arrange in a non-stick baking sheet (or use parchment paper)

Brush egg wash on top of each pastry if you want

(I made the mistake of brushing some butter, hence, the surface got too toasted.)

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and turns golden.

Serve warm.

We made 8 pastries.

Refrigerate leftovers, and re-heat in oven toaster.

Watch how easy it is to make! Kids can do this too!

This is a perfect snack. It's actually filling enough to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Add mushrooms in this mix if you fancy them.

There are so many kinds of fillings for this puff pastry -- like apple-cinnamon, mango cream, banana-nutella, peach-mango, truffle mushroom, bacon-cheese, curried chicken and potato... endless possibilities! Try it and let me know what filling you made. =)

2019 Philippine Childhood Immunization Schedule

2019-03-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

I have just received this email about the latest immunization schedule and thought it would be best to share this information as is. In my almost 10 years of blogging, I've shied away from posting random press releases sent my way. But this time, I am making an exception so parents like me can be guided when it comes to vaccination and disease prevention. My kids have both followed their immunization scheds as recommended by their pedia, and we will continue to go for their follow-up vaccines in the coming years. Hope the information below will be helpful for your family.

* * *

The 2019 Childhood Immunization Schedule for the Philippines, which indicates the recommended vaccines for children and adolescents, has been released with a recommended indication for measles vaccine for infants as young as 6months of age.

The annual schedule is developed by the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) together with the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV).

Similar to last year, the schedule contains 13 vaccinations that Filipino children need, including:

Anti-tuberculosis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)
Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) given to children right after birth

Both the HBV and BCG, to be given from age 0 to 18 years, are included in the National Immunization Program (NIP), which identifies vaccines that are available for free at health centers.

The Childhood Immunization Schedule also covers vaccines that can protect children from infections and diseases such as:

diphtheria
tetanus
pertussis
hepatitis B
haemophilus influenzae type B
polio
pneumococcal infections
rotavirus infections
influenza
measles
Japanese encephalitis
mumps
rubella
chickenpox
hepatitis A
human papillomavirus (HPV)

Given the measles outbreak nationwide, however, pediatricians now recommend that the first measles vaccine be administered at six months old. Measles vaccines are usually given to infants at nine months old, but they can be given as early as six months of age in cases of outbreaks.

The PPS and PIDSP also reminded parents that vaccination is a safe and scientifically proven way of fighting deadly and infectious diseases. During PIDSP’s 26^th annual convention held last February 21, the doctors launched the “Save The Future” movement to restore the public’s confidence and trust in vaccination, alongside the release of the national childhood immunization schedule.

“Vaccinating our children is one of the most basic medical interventions to ensure that our children develop as healthy adults. Some fears and myths persist that vaccines could harm infants, but decades of studies have shown that vaccines prevent unnecessary child deaths instead of causing them,” said PIDSP president Dr. Anna Lisa T. Ong-Lim.

PPS President Dr. Salvacion Gatchalian also emphasized the need for collaboration between parents and doctors.

“While the Childhood Immunization Schedule contains our ideal vaccination routine, we acknowledge that some patients will require schedules that are different from our recommendations,” said Dr. Gatchalian. “That is why it is important for parents to consult their pediatricians so they can make the best possible decisions for the health and well-being of their children.”

Visit www.facebook.com/SaveTheFuturePH.

(Press Release)

* * *

For questions about immunization, please consult your doctor.

Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Part 2

2019-02-06T21:58:00.003+08:00

We spent a relaxing holiday in Taiwan last December and I'm sharing with you the simple day tours I planned for the family. Last month, I featured part 1 here where we covered the northern coast with a private car and tour guide. For day 3 of our trip, we skipped the guide and booked a car with driver via Ownrides.com. Our day started at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial.

When I planned the itinerary for this day, I was thinking of going to the farthest location first, which is the Window on China theme park. But our driver suggested go to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall first so it's less crowded, and spend more time in the afternoon at the theme park. We followed his suggestion and off we went to the most prominent historical landmark and tourist spot in Taiwan.

Day 3

Day Tour - 9:30am - 6:00pm

9:30am Ownrides private car pick-up at amba Songshan hotel

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Maokong gondola ride

Taipei Zoo (optional - but no more time for us)
lunch at one of the tea houses

Window On China Miniature World- Lungtan Hsiang, Taoyuan County
Raohe Night Market - shop and dine (walking distance from hotel)

CHIANG KAI-SHAK MEMORIAL and PARK

There were repairs and some construction work when we went to CKS Memorial Hall, as you can see in the photos, so I didn't get a clean shot of the beautiful buildings. Aside from the main hall, there's the National Concert Hall and the National Theater, both with those distinct pagoda style orange roof.

The main hall is resplendent in white with blue tiles. Inside you'll find the imposing bronze statue of the former president. We arrived just in time for the changing of guards, at around 10 in the morning. Try to catch it if you can.

"The octagon-shaped white building rises 76 meters and is covered with blue tiles and red accents, echoing the flag of the Republic of China. The eight sides represent the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with fortune and wealth. The two sets of 89 steps represent Chiang's age of death and lead up to main hall housing a large bronze statue of Chiang protected by military personnel which change every hour." - www.guidetotaipei.com

We also went inside the museum for a quick look and strolled around the park before heading to our next destination. Obviously, hindi masyadong natuwa yung mga kids dito kaya we didn't spend too much time here anymore.

MAOKONG GONDOLA

The kids wanted to ride the cable car when we went to Hong Kong two years ago. But due to bad weather, we didn't push through. This time, they want to make sure we can ride one, and by the suggestion of our friend who frequent Taiwan, I included Maokong in our itinerary for day 3.

Maokong is a quaint village with scenic views from the top of the mountain. They are also famous for their tea houses and accessible via the gondola from the Taipei Zoo MRT station.

Gondola rates are affordable and you can choose from regular or glass-bottom cars/crystal cabins. It's purely joy ride for us, enjoying the view while going up four stations -- Maokong is the last stop.

You can spend a few hours exploring the village and take your leisurely time enjoying a meal with some of their famous teas in one of the many tea houses there.

As usual, tamad na mag-ikot yung mga kids and just wanted to find a nice spot to sit and have lunch. Sih Ye Tea House wowed us with it's interiors, which you can watch here. It features an actual koi pond inside the resto! The whole place was so photogenic.

Food was just okay, flavors tasted the same with a hint of 5 spice. But their specialty tea drinks (sorry walang photo) like the guanyin and white gourd were very tasty and truly refreshing. Must-try!

After lunch, we immediately for the amusement park -- which was the highlight of the day.

WINDOW ON CHINA MINIATURE WORLD
Located in Longtan District, Taoyuan City, travel time by car is about an hour from Taipei, depending on traffic.

This is just a teaser to the theme park.
I'll write a separate feature to show you the spectacular miniature attractions -- too many pictures to include in this post. :D And to think hindi din namin nalibot lahat coz it was already too late in the day and we had to leave.

Which is which?

Which is the REAL and MINI CKS Memorial Hall?

My giant J by the shipyard :D

Traffic was a bit heavy on our way back. We requested to be dropped off at Raohe Night Market instead so we can buy some food and knick knacks. We just walked to the hotel afterwards. Our Ownrides driver Stanley was very courteous and accommodating. I recommend you book via Ownrides too when in Taiwan. Super convenient and rates are reasonable for a 10-hour rental with driver.

Day 4

Free and easy day.
I originally made this day open for a possible "out of town" destination like:

Kaohsiung - about 90 minutes by bullet train HSR (because I want to ride a bullet train!)

visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Temple and Eda World

Taichung - more sight-seeing as well

Second plan was to go to Ximending to shop, then check out Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Dongqu, or maybe catch a Double Decker Bus tour (5pm - 9pm only).

For day 4, we decided to skip any tours and allowed ourselves to wake up a bit late, have a slow breakfast, relax, eat lunch, and go shopping in Ximenting. The kids did not want to go out anymore, so as usual, tambay na lang sila sa hotel room for the afternoon with their gadgets. No more rules. Chill na lang.

Again, we spotted several temples in just one area. This one (above) is literally in the middle of a row of buildings along a busy street in Ximen!

We lugged around heavy bags of pasalubong including these fish floss (fried salmon and saltfish fiber) and pineapple cakes from Hsing Tung Yang store, and packs of wintermelon cubes (I wished I hoarded!). I have to include a photo of the seaweed rolls bought from Jiufen coz it was just too good!

Our hotel, Amba Songshan, has a sky bridge connecting to Citylink mall. We can easily cross over to buy snacks or dine in at several food outlets. Much to our delight, there's a Hawker Chan outlet in Citylink and we made sure to eat there before we leave!

We already have this Singaporean franchise in Manila but both branches are too far from our place, so dito pa sa Taiwan natikman, finally, hahaha! We loved the simplicity of the meal, and flavors of the meat and noodles. It comes with a side dish and the white gourd tea was good too. Cheap and delicious eats on our last night in Taipei.

Day 5

Dec 24. Christmas eve.
Taiwan was indeed fun, with perfect weather, good eats and cheap thrills. J said this was the only country so far where he felt "at home" -- maybe because he was comfortable with the Chinese language and the locals are very relatable. :)

One last lugaw breakfast for me. We left the hotel at 10:30 am for our 1:30 pm flight. Godiva ice cream from the airport was the perfect sweet ending before we flew out. Thank you for a chill and memorable holiday, Taiwan!

UPDATE:
Part 3 featuring Window on China Theme Park

Read Part 1 - North coast tour

Check out @mymomfriday Instagram Stories highlights, "Fun Taiwan" for our video clips.

Marketplace Now on Honestbee

2019-01-11T00:00:00.000+08:00

I am a huge fan of honestbee. HUGE! Their roster of partner merchants, the sheer convenience and efficiency of their ordering and payment process put honestbee in my top choice of online service for food and grocery deliveries.

honestbee, Asia's leading online concierge and delivery service, made a game-changing move with their newest partner for premium grocery shopping, The Marketplace by Rustan's. Their wide selection of local and international products, including exclusive brands like Waitrose and Casino, fresh produce, and deli items, now easily accessible and ready to be delivered straight to your doorstep.

“True to our promise of giving our customers the very best online grocery shopping experience, we’ve partnered with Marketplace, one of the country’s leading premium supermarkets. We’re proud and honored to have been chosen as their first online partner,” said Crystal Gonzalez, Managing Director of honestbee Philippines.

Last December, I was overjoyed (no exaggeration) when I heard the news that one of our favorite grocery stores, Marketplace, is now part of honestbee! Siyempre, I was excited to attend their launch event, being a regular customer of both honestbee and Marketplace.

Quick story:

So before I left the house to join my fellow foodies for the launch, I had to rush and order pizza from honestbee to be delivered to my girl's tutorial group that same afternoon. While at the event, I got a text that it was already delivered. That's one less chore to worry about. Kaya I super love honestbee for the fuss-free shopping and time-saving convenience I can enjoy as an on-the-go mom.

“Thanks to our partnership with honestbee, we can give our valued customers a unique grocery experience, and easier access to our extensive selection,” says Ana Punongbayan, Assistant Vice President for Marketing of The Marketplace.

It was such a happy afternoon filled with lots of surprises, food styling and tablescape challenges, and good food of course. Here with fellow honestbee fans, welcoming The Marketplace, their new grocery partner that I frequent - as in every week, minsan twice pa nga!

While I truly enjoy going to the supermarket and scan every aisle for goods, there will always be days when grocery shopping from home is the best way to go. And for my household, honestbee and Marketplace is a match made in online heaven!

DONE SHOPPING from MARKETPLACE via HONESTBEE

Download the honestbee app for free on Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up for an account now. For more information, visit www.honestbee.ph!

Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Part 1

2019-01-01T18:26:00.001+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I truly believe it is and what I always look forward to during the yuletide season is getting together with friends, relatives, and planning a family getaway, whether it's a simple staycation or a few days out of the country. Last year, we went to Tokyo. This year, we went on a 5-day vacation to Taipei, Taiwan.

The idea to go to Taiwan actually came from the girl. More than a year na yan nangungulit, coz one of her closest friends is half Taiwanese who shares stories of their family travels to Taipei. Since we decided on Tokyo muna, I told her we'll plan for Taiwan another time. So, when we were thinking of where to go for our year-ender, it was first on the list.

I know a lot of people who went to Taiwan this past year -- ang lakas ng tourism promotion nila ha! =) I heard the weather is cool in December and there are several attractions we can visit, aside from it being a foodie destination (with countless delicious street food Taiwan is known for). Plus, it's way cheaper compared to traveling to other Asian countries. We all agreed, so I quickly booked for our flight and accommodations.

VIEW OF TAIPEI 101 ON THE WAY TO AMBA SONGSHAN HOTEL

Travel period: December 20 - 24, 2018

Airline: China Airlines
Got a good deal arranged by Jeron Travel agency. Eva Air was also a good option.

Accommodations: Amba Taipei Songshan hotel

Direct booking online; availed of their special rate for a 4-night stay

1 Extra Large Twin Room with River view, plus extra bed for third adult

Booked hotel car pick-up at the airport for convenience

Many of my friends recommended amba hotels and now I know why. Ang bilis ng online transactions with the hotel and I was very happy with their service. After a few exchanges via email, everything was paid and confirmed. Find all the rates and details in their website.

amba Taipei Songshan
8 Section 7 Civic Boulevard, Taipei 11562

Quiet neighborhood with accessible location
Clean, spacious, contemporary 4-star hotel
Features a Sky Bridge from 3/F connecting to Citylink mall and Songshan Station, with direct access to Taipei Metro Songshan Station (exit 4A) and train services
2 blocks away from Raohe St. Night Market
5 minutes’ drive (free hotel shuttle) to Taipei 101 and Xinyi business and shopping district
15 minutes’ drive from Taipei Songshan Airport
45 minutes’ drive from Taiwan International Taoyuan Airport

PARTIAL VIEW OF KEELUNG RIVER FROM OUR ROOM

I'm dividing my feature in 3 parts, so here's day 1 and 2 itinerary to give you a glimpse of what you can do when you visit Taiwan.

Day 1
Arrival - p.m.

amba Taipei Songshan hotel (booked an airport pick-up service for NT1600)
Xinyi district - check out Taipei 101, Observatory, LOVE sculpture (free hotel shuttle)
Raohe Night Market - shop and dine (walking distance from hotel)

Day 2
Day Tour of Northern coast - 9:30am - 5:30pm

9:30 am - private car pick-up at hotel, with driver and tour guide (includes tickets and entrance fees to the attractions, booked via Jeron Travel)

Yehliu Geopark
Jiufen Village九份
Shifen Old Street十分老街
Shifen Waterfall
Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
Raohe St. Night Market

HOTEL LOBBY; CROSSING FROM HOTEL TO CITYLINK MALL; SKY BRIDGE BETWEEN AMBA & CITYLINK

DAY 1
Plane ride only takes about 2 hours from Manila to Taipei.

Our 10:45 am flight was delayed, so afternoon plans got pushed back by 2 hours.
We arrived at amba Songshan hotel around 3:40pm. Upon check-in, we immediately booked the 5:30pm hotel shuttle service to Xinyi district and see Taipei 101. City maps and shuttle schedule can be requested at the concierge.

At Taipei 101, we decided to skip the Observatory altogether.
I was supposed to buy tickets via Klook the day before we left. Buti na lang hindi ako bumili coz the time slots are fixed and can't be used another day. No photo either by the iconic LOVE structure kasi ang daming tao, and may pila pa. Still, all was good. Shopped for a few items at the Taipei 101 mall and had a quick dinner of street food and milk tea. Shuttle pick up was 7:30pm.

Planned visit to Raohe Night Market was moved for the next day.

STREET FOOD CHICKEN AND MILK TEA FOR DINNER; VIEW OF TAIPEI 101 FROM BELOW

DAY 2
The Northern coast of Taiwan is a must-visit.

After asking around and checking several websites, like Guide to Taipei, I finalized our itinerary for our first full day, which will cover Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen village, and Shifen old street.

At 9:30am, we were picked up by a mini van and our tour guide, Li Chee (or Lychee daw, so we can easily remember her name). On the way to our first destination, she came prepared with visual aids, personal stories and brief history of Taiwan, and recommended places of interests.

YEHLIU GEOPARK
From Taipei, travel time by car is about 30 - 45 minutes depending on traffic. By train or bus, it's around 90 minutes.

After a short orientation about the park, we proceeded to follow the trail.
We went on a Friday and there was a big crowd. Our super helpful and informative guide told us na mas marami pang tao on weekends since even locals flock to the park.

Just look, don't touch.
It's good to go over the map and guide by the entrance, and be sure to follow all park rules. Even the simple "Do not cross" the red line for safety was being ignored by many tourists so they got called out and shouted at by the park marshals. Embarrassing, but they deserved it for lack for discipline.

BY THE FAMOUS "QUEEN'S HEAD"

The rock formations were fascinating and the view of the expansive landscape was amazing. But that's it. Nothing to do there naman except to relax and enjoy the scenery. You have to use your imagination to see and appreciate the different formations. Isang ikot lang, ok na kami, with photo opps in between. Very thankful that our guide loves to direct our shots and take our family pictures, hehehe.

JIUFEN VILLAGE
An old gold mining town in Riufang district, Jiufen or Chiufen, literally means 9 portions -- for the nine families who used to reside in that quaint mountainside village north east of Taipei.

Now a famous tourist attraction, Jiufen continues to be a well-preserved town with decades-old tea houses, a multitude of food shacks and souvenir shops.

A LANDMARK OLD TEMPLE ON JISHAN ST. ON YOUR WAY UP TO JIUFEN VILLAGE

WALKED UP TO OLD JISHAN STREET; (right) M SPOTTED A MINING HOLE BEFORE WE LEFT

Sensory overload ako just by walking through the narrow alleys and sampling lots of delectable treats. You'll want to try them all! =)

I didn't take note of the names, but in case you spot any of these yummy eats, go try them and bring some home if you can:
A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (must-try!), A-Po taro balls, A-Lan Dumplings, fried crunchy assorted seafood, caramelized strawberries, dried loquat fruit candy and tea, candied nuts, assorted mochi, seaweed rolls, and fresh nougat milk candies.

Our tour guide suggested we have lunch at this old house turned restaurant - The Puppetmaster. It has the best view of the mountainside, and it does! Food was not bad - order the beef noodle soup, sea bass, and fruit tea.

The A Mei Tea House is the grandest century-old building in Jiufen that you should not miss. Sayang hindi na kami nakapasok, so before we left, we just took family pictures by the entrance.

I learned this was the inspiration behind the popular anime show Spirited Away. Kaya pala ang daming dolls and toys of Spirited Away sa mga souvenir shops in Jiufen.

Spend at least half a day in Jiufen -- loads of foodie finds, curios, traditional Taiwanese delicacies, houseware, and so much more to discover. Bitin nga ako eh! =)

SHIFEN OLD STREET
After a 45-minute drive from Jiufen to the old coal mining Pingxi District, we got off at Shifen old street and railway station.

Several stores line the sides of the railroad track where visitors can buy food and souvenirs, and get their sky lanterns to decorate and release.

When we arrived, our guide led us to one of the stores that had a red paper lantern ready for us. It was already pre-arranged as part of our tour. Write or draw whatever you like - wishes, greetings, names, anything.

Watch our lantern fly!

It was a unique experience for us all. The mood there was very festive, ang daming tao, but masaya lahat. The lighting and releasing of the sky lantern was the highlight of the day.

Part of our itinerary was to visit Shifen Waterfalls, but we were all tired and decided to skip it na rin. Around 20 minutes walk pa daw kasi dun just to see the small falls. Instead, tumawid na lang kami sa Jing'an Suspended Bridge that connects Shifen and Nanshan village, located behind the railroad station. Maganda rin naman ang view of the Keelung River from the bridge. But before that, we posed on the railroad track just for fun, hehehe.

RAOHE ST. NIGHT MARKET

Taiwan has several famous night markets, like Shi Lin and Raohe. Lucky for us, our hotel is just walking distance from Raohe st.

We got back around 5pm. Maaga pa, so instead of heading straight to the hotel, our guide and driver were kind enough to drop us off at Raohe night market so we can explore a bit before bringing us back to our hotel. It's just two blocks away, so very convenient to go back anytime.

Siyempre, for our first visit, I had to grab some fresh-baked pepper pork buns. The stall was up front as soon as you enter the street market, and laging may pila!

The day tour was a fantastic experience especially with the convenience of the private car service and guide. But you can get to these attractions by bus and train easily as well, with Taiwan's efficient public transportation system.

Did you know there are around 15,000 temples in Taiwan? We spotted one in almost every neighborhood, just like this one that will greet you as you pass Raohe street night market.

To be continued.
Watch out for part 2. :)

Update:
Holiday Fun in Taiwan - PART 2
Holiday Fun in Taiwan: Window On China - Part 3

Check out @mymomfriday Instagram Stories highlights, "Fun Taiwan" video clips.

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Pasko na, Bonus Time na!

2018-12-13T20:29:00.000+08:00

Every December, when I was still working, I always look forward to my Christmas bonus. Siyempre after 12 months of toiling, year-end bonuses are the icing on the cake talaga. While I am no longer working, I still earn from projects that come my way, and of course, ang bonus ni husband ang inaabangan namin, heehee! Having something extra to look forward to this month, I already try to plan on how we can spend wisely, and how we can surprise our family and friends as we share our blessings.

I think we can all agree na mas magastos talaga pag holiday season, so we should always find ways for our hard-earned money to go a long way. After covering all the basic needs, how do we spend our extra from year-end bonuses? Here are the usual suspects, in no particular order:

Travel
Jewelry
Gadgets
Pampering services
Fine dining
Surprise gifts for the family
Home improvements
Specialty foods and beverages

After watching this fun and entertaining video by our Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, and his lucky boy Luis, I am reminded that as a homemaker, I need to be frugal and always discerning when it comes to spending. Para laging may extra pa to save and to surprise our loved ones as we create memories with them!

You should watch and share this video to know what I mean. =) Nakakatuwa itong PUREGOLD "concert" with #ViLucky!

While there are times when we like to splurge on certain things, most often, I want value-for-money with my purchases, even with my groceries. This is always the case when we shop at PUREGOLD, always panalo! Sulit na sulit kasi when I buy our dry goods there, especially when in bulk. I know a lot of people who make PUREGOLD their shopping destination because of the amazing deals they can find. It's a one-stop-shop too. Kaya this Christmas, let's all make the most of what we have and share with our families. Pasko na! PUREGOLD na! =)

Be sure to like and follow Puregold to get updates:

Facebook Page at facebook.com/puregold.shopping

Instagram @puregold_ph

Visit Puregold online for special offers at www.puregold.com.ph

Mothering a Teen

2018-12-08T23:48:00.000+08:00

My Saturday started and ended with this guy. Kahit medyo napagod ako sa biyahe ko going north to south to east then north again, I was so happy kasi he experienced many firsts today.

His school mounts an annual Christmas musical program. This year, the high school students learned to play different instruments for their rondalla. First time for him to encounter these instruments, and to actually learn how to play! Ang galing nila! I am thankful for the school and their teachers for exposing the kids to this type of music and patiently teaching them to play these beautiful instruments. He was assigned the banduria. Frustration ko nga as a child is to learn to play an instrument. But happy talaga ako that he had this opportunity.

Here's the more exciting first.

Kung sa kids may mga playdate sila, with this teen, first time ever na may "gaming date" and malling siya with friends!

Over the past year, we've been encouraging him to invite a few friends over to hang out and play their video games. It's also a chance for to get to know his new friends. But he can't seem to decide, or maybe he was just not ready. We didn't force it. Hindi kasi siya ma-kwento unless I ask or prompt him.

Anyway, I had the whole week (and month) planned out, and today, eto dapat ang itinerary namin:

Morning appointment with his chiropractor in BGC

Lunch with my former colleagues in Makati (he needs to tag along)

Go home to rest - driver do gift deliveries

Driver brings him to school for Christmas program final rehearsal

More deliveries

Family will watch the Christmas program in his school

Late Dinner

(Daddy and girl gets to stay home all day and just chill until it's time to leave for the program -- ahhhh... kung pwede lang mag chill lang din ako.)

On this 15th birthday

Plans changed after I fetched him from school last Thursday.

On our way to his PT, he told me that his classmate invited him to go to the mall with a group before their (Saturday) afternoon call time in school. Malapit lang kasi yung mall sa school. I didn't allow him at first kasi nga we are fully booked for the day. Ayos na kasi lahat. On our way home, we talked about it again and he said really wanted to join his friends kasi may gaming daw. Hindi pa nga niya alam sino-sino ang mga kasama nila except for two the girls from class.

I realized this is gonna be his first time to be out with friends, on their own, and just have fun. So, I tried to move our schedule around. Basta I told him, as long as he gets a ride going to their school, then he can go. When we got home, I told J about it and he said papuntahin ko na. I actually want him to go too para ma-experience na niya. Naku, matututo nang gumimik ito! Waaa....

Our usual wefie before going up to the PT center

You see, growing up, he was always this socially awkward boy. He never got to build real friendships with any of his former classmates. It was also a big adjustment for him from being homeschooled for 3 years and going back to a school setting. But the move has been good for him. We are pleased with his overall progress, especially on the socio-emotional aspect at this stage. He's 15. He now has a small circle of friends. We are all happy for him, even his teachers!

This morning, I dropped him off at the mall before I headed to my lunch appointment. I was the one excited and anxious at the same time! Ang dami kong reminders since yesterday, hehehe! Siyempre I want him to be in his best behavior, to show good manners, be attentive and alert, and be mindful. When I brought him to the meeting place, lahat pala girls ang mga kasama niya! He is a nice boy and they find him funny. These are all good kids and I'm so thankful he is in their company.

You can't imagine how tempted I was to whip out my phone and take a group picture as a souvenir of his first ever "gimmik", hahahah... nag-pigil talaga ako! But I calmly said good bye and left them without looking back.

After the program, he told us they are planning another meet-up next Saturday!

Aba, nawili na! The teen is finally starting to act like one. I am not sure if I am ready....

***
P.S. I stand corrected -- there was another boy daw that went with them at the mall, late lang dumating. :)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!

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I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
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What To Expect from Saltwater Floatation

2018-10-23T12:04:00.000+08:00

I changed into my swimsuit, took a shower, opened the pod and went inside. I was kneeling as I pulled down the cover, leaving a small gap so I can still see the room. I lied down on my back and floated instantly over the saltwater. The light was changing colors as I tried to look around inside the chamber while I float. Everything was quiet, so still, and so soothing. I still can't decided if I'll leave the light on, if I'll enclose myself inside or leave the pod open. The water temperature was perfect, and I just closed my eyes and relaxed.

When I arrived at SALTWATER FLOAT CENTER with my sister-in-law, we were immediately briefed about the the float pods (some call it float tank or sensory deprivation chamber). Mark, the owner, and his staff were very accommodating and clearly explained how floatation works, what's in the pod, what we need to do, etc. The center is very new and there are still some improvements being made. I hope they can maintain the cleanliness of the facility.

Floatation therapy is relatively new in the country, but there are already many float centers abroad, like in Canada, Austratlia, and USA.

An isolation tank, usually called a sensory deprivation tank (also known as flotation tank) is a lightless, soundproof tank filled with salt water at skin temperature, in which individuals float. They were first used in 1954 to test the effects of sensory deprivation. NBA star Stephen Curry reportedly uses a sensory-deprivation tank every two weeks. - wikipedia.org

Watch how it works!

What is a float tank?

Float tanks/pods/sensory deprivation tanks allow you to cut off all sensory inputs and induce a deep state of relaxation.
Air can flow in and out, and the lid never locks or latches
8 ft. long, 5 ft. wide
Tank is saturated with 1000 lbs. of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), creating a solution more buoyant than the Dead Sea

lets you float instantly even on shallow water

Water is kept at a comfortable temperature of 34° C
The floatation tank is almost sound proof; you can switch the light off and close the lid for complete darkness
Water goes through a filtration and sanitation process after every use

Waiver:
Guests need to read and sign a waiver before the therapy. Zoom in so you can see what are the do's and don'ts when you plan to float.

Welcome Basket:

A basket with towel, water, ear plugs, and hair conditioner will be given before you enter the air-conditioned room.
There's a spray bottle of fresh water which you can use to rinse your face or eyes if saltwater gets in your eyes -- it will sting a bit.

Pods:
There are private 2 rooms, with one pod and a shower area. Each floatation lasts 90 minutes.

The center also has slippers you can borrow, a powder room with hair dryer and toiletries to make your experience more comfortable.

It was a first for both of us and we can't wait to start.

What are the benefits of floating:

Deep Relaxation
Stress Relief
Pain Relief
Treat Anxiety
Improve Mood
Deepen Meditation
Mindfulness
Improve Blood Circulation
Reduce Blood Pressure
Greatly Improve Sleep

Epsom salt, name derived from Epsom in Surrey, England where it was discovered, is actually a mineral compound believed to have many health benefits. Magnesium Sulfate is absorbed by the body when dissolved in water and used as baths or foot soak. This promotes better sleep and stress reduction, helps reduce pain and swelling especially for exercise and sports recovery. Also aids in digestion.

Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout your body. There’s no need to readjust your position to get comfortable. Research shows that about 40 minutes into your float, your brain stops producing its normal Alpha and Beta waves and starts going deeper into a Theta and even Delta state -- the deep state of relaxation only floating provides.

It was a unique sensorial experience for me, free from all the stress and worries. After floating for over an hour, I was ready to hit the sack. Try floatation therapy now!

Mark and I at the Saltwater Float Center

Call and book your session today! 2 hours per slot.

SALTEATER FLOAT CENTER

The Sapphire Bloc, Garnet Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Call/text: 0927-4990888

FB: Saltwater Float Center

IG: @saltwaterfloatcenter

Regular Float Rate:

P2,800 for 1 pod (max. 2 hours use)
Special Introductory Rate, until November 30, 2018:

P1,800 for 1 pod (max. 2 hours use)
P3,000 for 2 pods, booked at the same time slot (go by pair, max. 2 hours per pod)
You can buy GCs in advance.

My Introduction to Essential Oils

2018-10-08T22:51:00.000+08:00

I have recently come to appreciate the wonders of essential oils after attending the Mod Moms event with Amara Lab. There, I was able to learn more about the e.o. varieties, its uses and benefits, and even made my first oil blends using Amara Oils.

I actually first learned about EOs when I was pregnant with the girl in 2007. I attended an event for expectant moms which featured a demo on infant massage. During the demo (sorry, I forgot the name of the resource person), the expert stressed that we should try to use essential oil blends and not the mineral oil-based varieties that are sold commercially. She mentioned that while it is better, EOs are not readily available here and are much more expensive. After she said that, I really didn't pay much attention na and lost interest. Last year, I bought an assortment of blends in roller bottles because I was curious to try for my kids. Now I know better.

At the Mod Moms event organized by my friend Michelle Aventajado of Momma n Manila blog, the mini e.o. workshop and talk by Betty Sy of Amara Oils Phils. piqued my interest. I met Betty during our kids' art class when I was still homeschooling a few years ago. I found her very charismatic and passionate, and I was all the more impressed with her knowledge and how well she explained the uses and benefits of essential oils. I learned so much from her in that short time we were there.

AMARA is committed to partner only with the best brands that are passionate for safe green and toxin free personal care products. To source the globe for top grade essential oils in its purest form, along with the safest skin care alternatives that are natural and free from toxic ingredients to make sure your family stays healthy and beautiful.

Clockwise, from top left: Tina, Mish, Pam and I; Mish with Mesclun founders; me and Betty

Venue host Aruga Cafe by Mesclun was beautifully transformed by The Event Architects -- the perfect backdrop while we enjoy our sumptuous lunch. Aside from our Amara kits, all the mommy guests took home sweet treats from Cinq Desserts, organic personal care products from Zenutrients, and Bento party packs and cookies by Mesclun Kids.

Essential oils have become more accessible these days. Many of my friends swear by the benefits of using essential oils for their families' health remedies and overall wellness.

The popular brands they use are from multi-level marketing companies. Either buy from members, order abroad, or they become members themselves. It didn't appeal to me, but I was open to hearing them out as they share their rituals and favorite oils. This is why I am very pleased to share that Amara Oils are available to all -- no membership, no downlines, no minimum orders required. Simply buy the oils that you need directly from Amara Oils online shop.

Choose from their lineup of prestigious European brands such as Tisserand Aromatherapy, Amphora Aromatics, and Florihana, among others.

WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS:

1 AROMATIC

STEAM INHALATION
INHALATION AND DIFFUSION

"Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory. Interestingly, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories. This can partly explain why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions."

Choose your preferred diffuser and add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water.

Allow 15 to 20 minutes for inhalation. It's safe to diffuse around children.

2 TOPICAL

MASSAGE
BATH & SHOWER

"Do not apply undiluted essential oil directly to skin or drip into eyes, ears, nose and other mucous membrane as this can cause chemical burn or adverse skin reactions."

There are so many choices for carrier oils, like sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, fractionated coconut oil, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils.

Amara Oils Guide for Adult Dilution

Diluting the essential oil is key to safely use essential oils for kids.

Amara Oils guide to Kids Dilution

3 INGESTION

Be sure to use only certified food-grade quality essential oils for flavoring and cooking.

CONTRAINDICATION

Always seek the advise of a licensed & qualified aromatherapist before using or ingesting any essential oils.
If you have any skin condition, epilepsy, asthma, blood pressure irregularities or are taking prescribed medication, check with your doctors first. Certain essential oils might irritate or trigger an attack.

OTHER TIPS

Use reputable brands of essential oils to assure quality, potency, and safety
Always check the label and certifications
Avoid products with mineral oil and petrolatum
Store in cool, dry, dark area. Essential oils can generally last up to 5 years when stored properly
Lavender and Citrus oils should not be used under the sun - good for up to 2 yrs. only
Use with care -- essential oils for remedy is not intended to replace medical treatments

Basic Blends to try:

Tea tree, Lavender, Eucalyputs - for common colds
Lemon and Tea Tree - for anti molds
Lavender, roman chamomille - for better sleep

Here are the recipes we tried and took home to use. I've started with roller blends, and next will be diffusion. Thanks to Amara Oils, I now have a better understanding of how my family can benefit from using essential oils.

Below are printable cards for your convenience. Tap to print. Read instructions carefully.

I love the minty scents and soothing effects of these blends!

Watch out for AMARA Oils pop-up events this October and November.

Like and Follow AMARA Oils Philippines to get new product updates, and pop-up event details.

Facebook.com/amaraoilsph

Instagram.com @amaraoilsph

For more information, visit www.amaraoilsph.com.

Notes:

Slides and recipe cards courtesy of Amara Oils.

Third photo by Nino Aventajado.

How to Breathe Better in Any Weather

2018-08-31T00:23:00.001+08:00

I've been having on and off runny nose and uncontrollable sneezing for over a week now and I can blame it on the weather. Even my son's allergic rhinitis got worse lately. Do you notice that sneezing becomes more persistent during the rainy season and windy parts of the year? It's usually between June to October here in the Philippines. While there may be a difference in how the two can trigger allergies in our body, dry yet harsh winds and damp weather can both activate the sneezies and affect our breathing.

I can personally manage the occasional sipon at ubo, but with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), it's a type of nasal passage inflammation triggered by an excessive amount of irritants in the air which I have no complete control over. There's smoke, dust, pollen -- all irritants that can cause runny or stuffy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and eventually, a sore or scratchy throat. Dry winds and rains can make matters worse. We've all been there.

As a parent, what I don't want to happen is for my kids to experience these symptoms the entire duration of the season. Hassle if we go through this diba, especially when they need to be healthy to avoid absences in school, and always breathe easy to get a good night's sleep.

Here are my tried and tested ways to help us breathe better in any weather:

During warmer days, limit time spent outside in the heat

Try to stay in cooler areas or air-conditioned rooms, if possible
Drink lots of fluids and replenish electrolytes
Remain indoors when pollen counts are high

Prepare allergy or respiratory medications
Regular house cleaning/vacuuming to minimize dust, allergens, and pollutants
In humid and rainy season, keep humidity below 70% to avoid molds and dust mites

Ventilate rooms and closed spaces
A dehumidifier can come in handy

Use a safe and effective nasal spray like Humer

Back story:
Several years ago, my daughter often experienced nosebleeds and we got really worried. We went to an EETN doctor and he told us that the main cause is dry nasal membrane and possibly trauma (nose picking). Doc prescribed Humer Nasal Spray. It was instant relief and truly effective for her. I started using it too whenever I feel nasal dryness. At first, nakakagulat yung spray, so be extra gentle when used on babies. There's a mild, salty taste. But we got used to it na. It tickles with every spray, so we always share a good laugh whenever we use it. You can say I became a Humerific mom since then. =)

Here's why I recommend Humer for your family:

Humer is made from 100% sterile sea water

Consists of harvested seawater from Saint Malo Bay in Brittany, France well-known for the quality of its water
It's undiluted = able to retain the seawater’s marine elements and mineral salts that Saint Malo bay is famous for containing, such as: Copper, which helps protect against bacteria and viruses; Manganese, which helps fight against allergens; Sulfur, which aids in cell regeneration in the nasal passage

Can be used to clean the nose
Keeps allergic rhinitis at bay
All-natural, no preservatives

Safe for infants over 3 months and for pregnant women

Doctor-recommended
Helps us breathe better whatever the weather

As with any health-related concerns, if symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Humer is a line of natural health solutions manufactured by Laboratories Urgo in France, consisting of products that include, but are not limited to, cleaning and treating the nose from nasal discomforts.

Humer Hypertonic Seawater Nasal Spray (Humer Nasal Blocked Nose)

Gently cleans the nose
Humidifies dry mucosities
Fluidifies nasal secretions which makes blowing easier for nasal decongestion, especially for flushing out allergens

"As it is hypertonic, HUMER Blocked Nose has a higher concentration in marine salt. Therefore, it naturally unblocks the nose through osmosis, making removal of thick mucus easier, and helping to evacuate infectious agents and allergens. Thus, Humer Blocked Nose contributes to protection from infection during colds or sinusitis."

Humer Isotonic Nasal Spray (Humer Nasal Hygiene)

Promotes overall nasal hygiene
Prevents nose-related illnesses and allergies
Supports treatment of ENT related disorders -- similar to what my girl experienced
Can be used daily to keep nose clean and fresh

Humer Nose Hygiene Spray has been a part of our health care basics. We use it when our nose feels dry and itchy, when it's clogged, or when we feel the sniffles coming. Recently, I received samples including this hypertonic variant which I immediately used to combat my runny nose. Now, thanks to HumerPH, I'll be adding the Blocked Nose Hypertonic Spray to our kit as well. To all the moms, I suggest you get a bottle or two. It's very convenient to use and super effective talaga as a first line of defense. Humer is mom- and kid-approved!

Humer products are available in Mercury Drug and Watsons outlets in Metro Manila.

For more updates and info:
Visit Humer at www.humer.ph
Like Humer PH Facebook.com/HumerPH
Search for #HumerificMoms and #HumerPH for more details.

Only Good Hair Days with Himawari

2018-08-15T08:44:00.002+08:00

It's rainy season once again so expect humidity to be off the charts, thus, frizzy hair!!! Even my skin feels different in this weather so I take extra care. As much as I want to wear my hair down more often, I don't have enough patience to give too much attention to it. I know that having beautiful and healthy hair always gives a good impression. That is why I always try to keep my hair neat and in place. But my naturally buhaghag hair requires some time and effort to style. Even on a good hair day, my laziness kicks in and I end up with a ponytail just to keep hair away from my face and not have to think about it the whole day. One brand I can depend on to tame my pouffy thick hair without blow-dryng is HIMAWARI. I just brush and air-dry, then give it a few passes with my hair straightening iron and I’m good to go.

I first tried Himawari Shampoo and Conditioner two years ago and loved it immediately. I've featured the products and my experience here in detail, and below is the old snapshot of our before and after.

The girl also loves using Himwari "coz it smells so good and my hair feels smooth" daw. Nakikihati nga siya but I try to limit her use kasi the products are not cheap at Php695 per bottle, and she tends to use too much, kaya nauubos agad! =) We alternate this with a few other brands, but our top 2 are Himawari and Ichikami hair care lines under Kracie of Japan, both distributed here by Beautybox Corp.

What we love about Himawari Oil in Shampoo and Oil in Conditioner - Rich & Repair:

Silicone-free and sulfate-free
Formulated with Organic Sunflower Oil and Extract, Organic Sunflower Sprout and Seeds Extracts

Tames frizzy, coarse and unmanageable hair
Deeply conditions and restores internal lipid-moisture balance

controls volume and moisturizes hair

Improves scalp health
Provides softness and shine
Leaves hair vibrant and manageable

Protects color-treated hair
Pleasantly fresh and sunny floral scent

Me (sending the boy up to his PT) with my still smooth and tame hair yesterday

after going in and out of air-conditioned places the whole day in rainy humid weather

You have to try it to believe. I’m truly happy to share with you my love for the HIMAWARI hair care products. Their sulfate-free and silicone-free formulas help maintain hair color and reduce product build up to give me #OnlyGoodHairDays! I use the Rich & Repair variant that turns my hair from #FrizzyToSmooth.

This is #MyHairStory, what’s yours?

Get updates over at @beautyboxcorp and Facebook.com/beautyboxcorp
Shop at https://shop.beautyboxcorp.com/

First-Timer's Shopping Guide at Honestbee

2018-08-08T14:29:00.000+08:00

My shopping habits have never been the same in recent years. I can't remember my first online transaction, but I know one of my earliest purchases were from Amazon.com around fifteen years ago. Late adapter nga ako eh coz I really prefer seeing and feeling the actual merchandise before I buy. The usual items we order there are electronics, toys, clothing and footwear, and dry goods. Locally, items I shop for online are specialty foods, apparel and accessories that I may not find in stores. Nowadays, I think I spend an equal amount of time buying stuff online and in retail shops. Then last week, I was introduced to honestbee -- a game-changer in the whole online shopping experience.

honestbee, Asia’s leading online concierge and delivery service, helps you shop easily for groceries and basic household needs in the comforts of your own home.

Launched in the Philippines in 2017, honestbee gathers some of the best products around in one marketplace, and gets it to you on time, all the time.

While I continue to enjoy going to the malls and take my leisurely time doing grocery shopping, the ease and convenience of online shopping -- browsing, adding to cart, and quick payment in minutes, is such a different form of satisfaction. Shopping while eating or laying in bed, free from traffic and queueing, allowing me to have more time being productive, that's the best part.

After attending the media launch of honestbee's partnership with S&R, I got really excited to try and start my online grocery shopping. honestbee takes pride in bringing convenience with their promise of fast and reliable on-demand services.

For the first time, I did my grocery shopping online last Monday from S&R at honestbee! It was a breeze! They even called up to ask if they could deliver at an earlier time.

Adding to its extensive lineup of services, honestbee launches its partnership with S&R Membership Shopping, giving you access usually limited to its members, from fresh produce, high-quality wines and spirits, and other world-class products. Plus, you may also avail of their famous New York style pizza, churros, and roast chicken through the app.

Here's a brief first-timer shopping guide on honestbee:

Sign up and open an account here at honestbee.ph
You will receive a confirmation email
Start shopping
For S&R members, simply Add New Card and follow the prompts by entering your details

Free delivery for a minimum P2,500 purchase
Concierge fee is P120
Add 5% fee on subtotal for Non-Members, reflected before check out

You have a P500 coupon for your first order, valid for 1 month after you create an honestbee account
Shop and choose your delivery day and time

Delivery fee and Concierge fee, if any, will depend on the merchant you buy from

Place your order and you will receive an email confirmation
Sit back, relax, and wait for order to arrive

More info here about how honestbee works.
You can do everything on the computer or from your mobile device using the honestbee app (free download).

This is where you add your S&R Membership details

Sample merchants with different minimum amounts for free delivery

Schedule chart for delivery

Your total bill reflecting any coupon and applicable fees

Because honestbee is a concierge service, trained in-store concierge shopper bees ensure items we order are carefully handpicked, in good condition, and with suitable expiration dates. Products are packed properly and transported by nearby delivery bees straight to our doorstep. Goods are delivered in happy yellow honestbee reusable bags.

I pay via credit card, but they also accept cash on delivery (COD). My S&R orders all arrived in perfect condition. All the prices are the same as in stores, but best to check out goods with "Today's Best Price". One surprise for me was nag-order ako ng 1 kilo saba / plaintain banana and they delivered a bunch that weighs a little over 1 kilo, still with price tag on. But I paid for it at 1 kilo price as listed online. So, bonus na yun sa akin. :) For sure this is a common scenario especially for produce, kasi hindi naman laging eksakto yung timbang.

"The subtotal that you see on our website or mobile apps when you place your order is final.

You will not pay more, even if the in-store price of some of your items on the day when we shop for them is higher."

Aside from groceries, honestbee also offers delivery service for food, medicine, personal care products, and many more.

Thank you, honestbee and S&R for this super convenient shopping experience. I know #justhonestbee will be a regular habit!

Quickly sign up here to create an account and start shopping!
Php500 OFF for all first-time users
(with a minimum purchase of Php2500)!

Free download of honestbee app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Visit https://www.honestbee.ph/ for more information.

S&R branches are located at Bonifacio Global City, Congressional, Alabang, Aseana-Baclaran, Shaw, Imus, Nuvali, Commonwealth and Paranaque.

Hydrate Inside and Out for Healthy Skin

2018-07-29T22:15:00.000+08:00

Over the past couple of years, I've added a few steps to my very basic skin care regimen, kasi tumatanda nako, hehe. Seriously, after I hit the 40 mark, my skin drastically became drier and more prone to irritation, and worse, occasional eczema flare-ups which I never experienced in my youth. Top priority is really to keep my skin hydrated everyday. Aside from drinking more water than I'm used to, I also go with my trusted skin care brands na hiyang talaga ako. So, let me share what these #WaterfulSkincare and #PurifiedByNature brands are, plus some practical tips that can help us achieve healthy beautiful skin.

I've recently attended an intimate skin care event, hosted by my friends from Beautybox Corp. and SIP Purified Water, where they have stressed the importance of being hydrated inside and out.

Here are some basic skin care steps I try to diligently follow:

I. DRINK ENOUGH WATER

The most basic of all is to drink the right amount of water for optimal health and hydration

Ideally 8 glasses = 2 liters a day

Aids in digestion and improves metabolism
Flushes out toxins which helps keep skin clear and plumps it up to reduce fine lines

I learned that SIP Purified Water is the first volcanic purified water in the Philippines, sustainably sourced from the precipitation in Mount Makiling. Their rigorous 6-step purification process includes reverse osmosis (eliminates dirt and bacteria), UV treatment (kills germs and microbes), and ozonation (FDA-approved process that blasts away other toxins), leaving a clean and crisp-tasting water #purifiedbynature. It does "taste" better than other drinking water I've tried! I hope they can consider bottling in bigger gallon containers for home use to lessen plastic waste.

II. CLEANSE AND REMOVE MAKEUP

Aside from regular cleansing, it's a no-no to sleep with make-up on. Not only is it unhygienic, but it can also clog your pores and cause breakouts.

I have a confession: Before, I just use light baby oil to remove makeup, or sometimes, I wash it away with whatever facial cleanser I have on hand, kasi I don't use much makeup to begin with. But kulang talaga yun. Now, there are more products to remove makeup effectively that is non-greasy. One product is CREER Cleansing Water. This is the first time I've tried CREER and I can safely say that it really worked in removing stubborn dirt and make-up easily.

What I like about CREER Cleansing Water:

Formulated with spa water from the Shimane Prefecture in Japan

A place known to be home of Japanese women with the most beautiful skin, according to a survey conducted in Japan

It is a 4-in-1 product

Cleanse, removes makeup, tone, mildy exfoliate, and moisturize the skin
No need to use a facial wash before or after using CREER
No-rinse, non-greasy, non-drying formula

Cleansing Water blue variant is ideal for removing light makeup; Cleansing Water Oil In orange variant is good for removing heavy or waterproof makeup

SRP: Php545.00 / 330ml bottle

III. EXFOLIATE

Cleanse and moisturize. This may shock some skin care addicts out there, but yan lang talaga ang ginagawa ko for the longest time, except during my acne stage. Tamad din kasi ako. The closest to exfoliation I did in the past are with facial scrubs.

It's definitely not enough to simply clean our face. The upper layer of our skin is made up of dead skin cells that are naturally replaced every 2 weeks. However, as we age, this process slows down and we need to help our skin exfoliate gently. One product I love and highly recommend is Cure Natural Aqua Gel.

SRP: Php1,500 / 250g bottle

I'm a long-time user of many brands under Beautybox Corp., like K-palette, Cure, Himawari, among others. I've been happily using Cure Natural Aqua Gel for five years now and it's become my weekly ritual. You can read about my experience and comprehensive review of Cure here.

Recommended use is twice a week though, eh tamad nga ako kaya once a week lang. It's really up to you. By exfoliating, we reveal a new layer of skin. I guarantee, after you exfoliate with Cure, your skin will feel super duper fresh and squeaky clean! Just rub and rinse. Sarap ng feeling. After this step, our skin can now fully absorb whatever skin care products we will apply next.

Watch how to use Cure exfoliant

Pump, rub, and rinse. Clean, well-scrubbed face.

IV. MOISTURIZE

After proper cleansing (and toning), I'm now ready to feed my skin with serum and moisturizer.

My favorite day cream of all time is Cure Water Treatment Gel. The lightest and most refreshing moisturizing cream I've ever used, leaving skin dewy and supple. I have dry skin so I never fail to apply this water-based skin cream every morning, and every time after I wash my face during day. Even my kids like to use this during the cooler months when they feel dryness on their face. Tween and teen na kasi sila.

SRP: Php1,500 / 100g tube

What's amazing about it? Watch this clip.

When you apply and spread it on your skin, observe if water droplets appear.
If your skin is moisturized, you would see tiny droplets form, meaning your skin doesn't need any more moisturizing. But if your skin is dry, you'll see very little or no droplets at all since your skin needs moisture and the cream got easily and fully absorb. You can also feel a thin film forming on top of your skin as it locks in the moisture.

3-Step Skin Care essentials with Creer and Cure

Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and stay hydrated by drinking enough water -- the foundation to having healthier, beautiful skin. Thank you, SIP, Creer and Cure for reminding me to be more attentive to my skin needs and supplementing my skin care regimen with these awesome products.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel , Cure Water Treatment Skin Cream and Creer Cleansing Water are available in Beauty Bar stores and selected SM Department Stores, Watson’s and Rustan’s Department Stores.

Cure and Creer are imported and distributed by Beautybox Corp., the same company that brought us the famous Japanese brands such as K-Palette, Kracie, Baby Foot and Himecoto.

SIP Purified Water is available at:

SM Hypermart, 7-11, Vikings, Four Seasons, NIU, Fishermall, Hi-Top, Landmark, Family Mart, Nord's Breadhub, Super 8, Unitop, Waltermart, Lawson's, Circle K, Alfamart, Addy's Market, Budget Mart, Southstar drug.

SRP: P9 / 350ml, P11 / 500ml, and P20 / 1L

Synergy Pacific is the manufacturer of SIP purified water, a sister company of Vikings group.