Written by Rachel Yapchiongco as originally posted at the Philippine Online Chronicles
In this modern world, kidnapping has evolved from physical abduction to the digital form. It may sound absurd but it happens.
In this social media age, parents enjoy posting pictures of their children online on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Many of these pictures become accessible to strangers and people who have dark intentions.
I wish I had known back then as a new mom, the concept of “alone” time or “me” time. Now looking back during those days that my kids were little, it just seemed impossible to have a “me” time. I remember locking myself in the bathroom just to have a long hot shower. Thinking, I had my “alone” time, I hear my little boy wailing outside the door wondering what I am doing. Today, my kids are adults and I have a lot of “me” time on my hands. I make sure to savor my “me” time after a hectic week . While I gain gratification from the roles I play as mother, wife, and blogger , the first priority should be me.
Photo by Jay Santos. Some rights reserved
These days my “me” time is Fridays, a day at the gym followed by steam bath then relaxing at a nail and foot spa. I loved that my “me” day was also a Friday and a lovely opportunity to be with mom blogger-friends at the Sofitel. It wasn’t just a time for ourselves. We learned about the new scents and sizes of Pine-Sol® All-Purpose Cleaner and how using products in the home can make life easier for busy moms on the go.
Photo by Jay Santos. Some rights reserved
Joanne Santos, our patient Yoga instructor made Yoga look so easy. I am not used to yoga but I liked that she adjusted to most of the beginners there. I find the breathing exercises useful. Slow start—breathing deeply, in and out—fires up your prefrontal cortex, the brain’s center for higher thought.
Photo by Jay Santos. Some rights reserved
A healthy lunch was served after our Yoga Session. Tisha De Veyra, Director of Marketing for Clorox International Philippines Inc., and Renelle Revilla Delos Santos , Brand Manager for Pine-Sol talked about how new scents and sizes of Pine-Sol and how using products in the home can make life easier for busy moms on the go.
Since Pine-Sol® , it allows moms to save time and money. Instead of buying various cleaning aids for the different parts of the house and several purposes, you just purchase and use one all-purpose cleanser– Pine-Sol. There is so much you can do with Pine-Sol from getting rid of home odors, “goodbye stinky trash”, cleaning cabinets, taking away refrigerator smells, cleaning patio cushions, clean pet stains, knock out shower scum, knock out kitchen mess, disinfect hard to clean toys, de-smudge walls etc. Click here to know more ways to use Pine-sol.
Pine-Sol Cleaner Original has a distinctive crisp, clean pine scent; Pine-Sol Lemon Fresh has a smell of citrus fruits for a refreshing, invigorating, and cleaner scent; Pine-Sol Orange Energy has a freshly peeled orange scent; Pine-Sol Lavender Clean has a calming and relaxing scent; Pine-Sol Sparkling Wave leaves the bathroom smelling like a light ocean breeze.
To use, just add 1/4 cup of Pine-Sol® All-Purpose Cleaner to a gallon of water to clean kitchen floors, counter, sinks and stoves. This is great for general cleaning. A 500mL bottle gives you 8.3 gallons or 33 liters of cleaning power!
Remember , just 1/4 cup then add water to make a gallon of general cleaning power and watch the savings. You can also use it in the bathroom to clean showers, tubs, tile, floors and toilet bowls, and even for tough jobs such as deodorizing garbage cans and pet areas. You can mix Pine-Sol® All-Purpose Cleaner with water at different strengths for different household needs, unlike a premixed spray. You can tackle any challenge, adjusting your cleaning power each time.
Pine-sol gave me the five scents. I didn’t realize how heaven-scent these all-purpose cleaner was. My trusted helper took her 15 day vacation leave, but I still had an extra helper. She suddenly had to leave on Sunday due to illness. I moaned. My gosh, how do I deal with this stinky cat smell. I have four cats at home, mind you. Plus a dog! To my horror, my helper did not clean the pet area judiciously. With my face mask on, I applied concentrated lemon fresh scent, then rinsed it off with water followed by a dry mop. Voila, the stinky pee is gone. I started cleaning the surface areas of the house using a spray bottle and a dry mop (after sweeping, of course). I swear, cleaning is such a breeze. Cleaning the house has never been such a breeze. Would you believe, I was able to finish two articles in between my homemaker role. Well, I didn’t have to cook because hubby didn’t want me to wash the dishes.
Today, I just got an extra help from my sister and I will definitely use the cleaning tips I learned from Pine-sol. Surely, my helper will appreciate that her work will be so much easier. My househelp just like myself , can enjoy her “me time”, right?
(You can find the full list of the ingredients in each Pine-Sol® Cleaner here. and other FAQs)
Some rights reserved by Melanie Holtsman
My then nine year old daughter beamed at me, as she proudly held a certificate. I noted the top portion, “National Reading month” and as I scrawled to the bottom “Most number of books borrowed at the library”. Aww, my daughter loved the library so much . It was practically her hangout. All my children are avid readers. I started them as early as six months old, through picture books. Every night before they slept, I hugged them all and read them a story every night. I read with different voices to make it seem like a play. I read children books from many publishers and told them to remember “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
And so, that is how my children loved to read. They are now adults who have left our family abode and now soaring high in their respective careers. Reading is important to children . As a parent, you have the power to boost your children’s learning potential simply by making books an integral part of their lives. I also see reading as a nurturing activity that will bring your kids closer together. I loved that the school of my daughters also nurtured this love of reading.
It is just timely that Scholastic , the world’s largest publisher and distributor of over 600 original titles annually , continues to purse various initiatives in its commitment to help build a nation of readers such as the Scholastic Literacy Pro and the Literacy Pro Library
Scholastic Literacy Pro is an online monitoring program which provides teachers with accurate and timely reports on their students’ progress and performance, giving them research-based insights to make informed teaching and learning decisions. It also promotes the student’s growth in reading by developing an individualized reading plan with corresponding teacher reports. It’s three-pronged program is to create successful reads involved in the following action points: assess, inform, develop.
The Scholastic Literacy Pro Library is an ebook library which gives readers if different proficiency levels unlimited access to more than 650 fiction and non fiction ebooks. There is a guarantee of 150 new titles every three months and LitPro quizzes for titles. MGC New Life Academy in Bonifacio Global City and De La Salle-Zobel in Alabang are among the first educational institutions to implement this groundbreaking programs from Scholastic. More schools are scheduled to joined their ranks.
It takes unrelenting efforts to spread the advocacy of literacy to produce a nation that is globally competitive . Our children should be able to attain a creative, analytical and educated mind that will open doors of endless possibilities. On August 12 2015, the second Scholastic Readers Cup was held to culminate the interschool competititon recognizing the exemplary efforts of educators , from teaches and librarians to principals and schools . This year, the Readers Cup was given to a number of educational institutions including SJ- Sto. Rosario Academy, OSJ- Holy Family Academy, St. Thomas Academy, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., St, Paul College, Balayan, Iloilo Scholastic Academy, OSJ – Saint Joseph Institute, Saint Mary’s Angels College of Valenzuela, OSJ- Saint James Academy , OSJ- Joseph Marello Institute, Sta Teresa College, Notre dame of Greater Manila, MGC New Life Academy and Falcon School.
“Our teachers, librarians , principal and school administrators are doing a fine job at helping is raise a nation of readers, and we should all be grateful to them. The Scholastic Readers Cup is just one way of giving recognition to those noble educators. They are the real heroes in our quest for a more globally competitive Philippines.” says Fritzie Salem-Cruz, General Manager of Scholastic in the Philippines.
Indeed, the home and school both provide the nurturing environment for building a nation of readers.
by Cathy Dellosa-Ng, as originally published at the Philippine Online Chronicles
Every child has had to go through the phase of indulging in coloring books like there’s no tomorrow. But at some point in life, we eventually outgrow these candy-colored hobbies and move on to other stuff—grown-up stuff. Or do we?
Adult coloring books are all the rage right now, whether it’s for stress relief or simply just to satisfy our inner child. Check out why this fad is such a hit among adults, and why you should join in on the fun, too!
Coloring makes the world go round
This unusual phenomenon is already taking over the world. The international bestseller lists are filled with adult coloring books, proving that what were once kiddie activities used to cheer people up in hospitals are now legitimate hobbies that even grown-ups can get into. There’s really no shame in that. According to Dover Publishing, they haven’t “seen a phenomenon like it in our 30 years of publishing.”
Illustrator Johanna Basford has been dominating the charts with her coloring books recently, including her bestselling Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book and sophomore book Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book. But unlike our favorite coloring books from our childhood years, these adult versions feature more intricate patterns so that they can prove a better challenge for our so-called more mature minds. But even if you’re not into arts and crafts, or if you never really got over your “coloring past the lines” phase, these adult coloring books can still be extremely beneficial for you and your overall wellness.
“I’m a grown-up, but I still love coloring books,” says novelist Matt Cain. “If I switch off the phone, computer, and TV, and concentrate solely on choosing the right shade of blue, avoiding going over the lines and slowly filling up my page with color, all my other concerns, I’ve discovered, fade to nothing.”
Stop worrying—just keep coloring
While you can color anything just for the heck of it (because watching colors bursting with life from your work is rewarding as it is), this seemingly ordinary activity can promote mindfulness and relief from stress. Illustrator Farrarons says that “In mindfulness, it is encouraged to break patterns in life by introducing variation to avoid the sensation of being on autopilot. Each page has been caringly designed with this in mind, so that the person coloring can hop at random from one pattern to the next. It reminds me of hours spent filling in scenes from a coloring book as a little girl. In the digital age that we are in, surely, it can only be a good thing to pick up a pencil and feel young again.”
“You’re giving your brain some space and something to focus on that’s meditative, that’s containing,” says art therapist Saba Harouni. Because grown-ups tend to rush through life from one deadline to the next, filling in the lines on a page with colors can help them focus, meditate, and slow down. “When coloring, we activate different areas of our two cerebral hemispheres. The action involves both logic, by which we color forms, and creativity, when mixing and matching colors. This incorporates the areas of the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills,” psychologist Gloria Martínez Ayala says. “The relaxation that it provides lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected by stress. It brings out our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, a period in which we most certainly had a lot less stress.”
Psychologist Antoni Martínez also agrees. “I recommend it as a relaxation technique. We can use it to enter into a more creative, freer state. I myself have practiced that. I recommend it in a quiet environment, even with chill music. Let the color and the lines flow.”
Where to get your fill (of colors)
Our local bookstores carry treasured coloring gems like Mid-Century Modern Mania (P525, Powerbooks) and Creative Therapy: An Anti-Stress Colouring Book (P650, Fully Booked). According to National Book Store’s managing director Xandra-Ramos Padilla, a myriad of options abound in National Book Store as well. “Adult coloring books are a global phenomenon. I, myself, enjoy coloring with my daughter or girl friends. I find it very relaxing. You can be creative with your color combinations. Part of the excitement is choosing which coloring materials to use.”
Mandala Magic: Amazing Mandalas to Color (P598, Fully Booked) can help you not only to fight off your stress but also to center your mind on the positive. “Art making is a powerful intervention. Neuroscientific research has shown that through the use of art therapy, the human brain can physically change, grow, and rejuvenate,” says art therapist Susanne Fincher. “I sometimes give clients one of my mandala coloring books for homework between sessions with me. Coloring mandalas can empower a client to manage thoughts and feelings on their own with the positive activity of coloring, instead of, for example, overeating or abusing substances.”
Pretty soon, you can also buy yourself an adult coloring book version of all the drama in Westeros. The popularity of adult coloring books has reached the great George R.R. Martin, so much so that Bantam books announced they would be publishing a mature Game of Thrones coloring book. It “will feature 45 original black and white illustrations, inspired by characters, scenes, locations and other iconic images from Martin’s wildly successful ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series,” says the company. Is it ironic that one should relieve stress by diving into the bloody world of Game of Thrones? We’ll find out soon enough later this year.
Now that you know how coloring books can be good for you, it’s time to hit the shelves. Don’t worry about being a perfectionist—coloring is supposed to relieve your stress, not add to it. Just choose whatever tool feels right to you, from colored pencils (Prismacolor and Muji have some good ones), colored highlighters, gel pens (remember your Pilot Tec-Pens?), colored markers, or a box of freshly sharpened Crayola crayons. Then, when you’re all set, sit yourself down and start coloring!
Sixteen long years have passed and I miss my brother so much. It was in August of 1996 that Oscar , my brother was first diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, or AML-M4. My family worked very hard to support Oscar in his search for a cure, spanning hours and hours of research and inquiries through the internet and electronic mail. The technological advantage resulted in many blessings, especially when he qualified for a clinical trial in the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Oscar made the brave choice to undergo a stem cell transplant, knowing that there was a 50-50 chance he would survive, and that he had to take that risk. It was his second remission. Still, our family remained optimistic. My youngest sister was a perfect match.
My brother at National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, 1999
The stem cell transplant NIH, Bethesda, Maryland was a success but infection set in. Oscar died a few months after his stem cell transplant. Perhaps, my brother helped pave the way for stem cell therapy today.
Just before Oscar died, he told me “I am glad we didn’t have to spend all our inheritance”. The clinical trial in NIH was totally free except for board and lodging including plane fare. There was an option to go to Singapore and Israel but it would cost us 10 million pesos. You will have to remember that stem cell transplant was still so new then.
My brother’s struggle with leukemia, the stem cell transplant is one reason I want to share this new discovery.
Banking baby’s cord blood
I got to attend a forum about the CordLife Medical Philippines Inc. and it offers hope to those with history of cancers and other illnesses in the family. Cord Life is a private cord blood banking facility provides a full suite of cord blood and tissue banking services including the collection, processing, testing, and cryo-preservation of cord blood stem cells and tissue. When I speak of stem cells, I am not referring to controversial stem cell therapy from sheep or embryos. Cord blood is a rich source of Hematopoietic Stem cells (HSCs) which are responsible for replenishing blood and regenerating the immune system.
The list of stem cell treatable diseases continues to grow at a rapid pace and parents may want to consider saving cord blood stem cells of their baby . As a parent, we want to protect our family. At your baby’s birth, you have the unique opportunity to safeguard the health of the ones you love by storing your newborn child’s cord blood stem cells. Though there is literature on “Why Save Cord Blood?” , it would help if a doctor would explain the importance of stem cell treatment. There are a wide range of diseases that are treatable with stem cells derived from cord blood and other sources of similar type of stem cells (Haematopoietic Stem Cell), like bone marrow and peripheral blood, including stem cell disorders, acute and chronic forms of leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders, and many more.
I will not explain anymore on the importance of stem cell treatment but you can read more about it from Makati Medical Center’s work on stem cell technology . (Makati Med is an active member of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), a professional association that provides scientific and technical support for laboratories engaged in cellular therapy. It is also actively engaged in prospective clinical trials with US-based companies.)
Why store your baby’s cord blood?
If you could protect your newborn baby against these diseases in the future, would you do so? Why consider?
There are ten reasons to store your baby’s cord blood:
1. a biological protection for the whole family.
2. 100% match for your baby
3. Can treat more than 80 diseases including leukemia and lymphona
4. Benefit from future emerging treatments
5. Exclusive use for your family
6. Painless and risk-free to the baby and mother
7. Once-in-a-lifetime chance to collect
8. Higher chance to match vs. bone marrow transplants
9. Lower rejection rate in transplant
10. Peace of mind- immediate availability
The decision has to be made before the birth because the cord blood has to be stored right away after giving birth. You never know when you might need it or not. You wish you would never have to use it but at least you have something to go back to. Just like insurance.
Imagine, the possibility of looking for an exact match. It costs $30,000 and one has to be waitlisted for as long as two years. I know it might not seem so important to some parents but you might be more convinced if some of the conditions are true to you.
1. History of cancer
2. Cardiac problems
3. Difficulty having children (because getting a stem cell match might be more difficult. Out of 5 siblings, only 1 of us was a perfect match)
4. Mixed race have a unique genetic combination.
CordBlood Network protecting 3 generations
Unlike other cord blood banks that provide basic cord blood banking for only your child, CordBlood Network, a Cordlife initiated programme will assist in the search for a matching cord blood unit should the need arise for your child, his/her legal guardians and maternal and paternal grandparents. With the CordBlood Network, you can now protect three generations of your family by storing your baby’s cord blood with Cordlife.
Storing your baby’s cord blood is a means of protecting the health of your child now,and into the future including your family . Of all the decisions a parent can make for their children , choosing to store their cord blood could turn out to be the most important. You can find out the different payment modes to fit your family budget.
Before checking out Cordlife , consult with your doctor to understand more about stem cell therapy and Cord Blood Banking.
Visit their website http://www.cordlife.com/ph/ to know more about Cord Blood Banking or contact them at (02) 470-1735/332 1888 or email [email protected]
Once upon a time….
You have a stockholder’s meeting on June 29 at the Mandarin Hotel. I placed the invitation on my daughter’s tables.
Both girls suddenly got interested. “a whaat?“. I started to explain.
Remember the college funds that you invested a year ago?
We will probably be the youngest in there. They chorused.
Though M. college tuition from 2005-2009 at UP averaged only 5,800 pesos ($109.00) while Lauren’s tuition from 2003-2007 Ateneo was 10 times or 52,227.00 pesos ($1,000), each girl invested equal amounts. Their college tuition funds were placed under their names to make them financially responsible. I remember when I was still the breadwinner during the first year of our marriage. An officemate urged me to purchase a college plan for Lauren who was not even a year old. I just didn’t believe in a college plan at that time. My financial reality focused on making ends meet. Butch was still at Law school and we had two little girls. I figured that my financial status would be similar to my dad. By the time the kids are in college, our financial situation should be much improved. I was very optimistic.
Everything we had dreamed off materialized. My husband predicted that by the time the girls reached high school, he will have his own law office and we will have two homes. Life was good. I was a full time home maker never having to worry about finances. But nothing prepared us for the loss of our son . To cut the story short, by year 2004, our financial situation was at its deepest pit. With Lauren’s help, we started a small web hosting reseller account in December 2002 by investing part of the award money given to her by the Cebu Civil court (see here). Only 16 years old, she had a popular online community to support her endeavor. Seeing that it had huge income potential, I offered to help her out. We became business partners. She covered the marketing aspect while I assisted in the management and technical aspect. By the time she was in college, she had significant savings which I invested for her.
Lauren ‘s entreprenurial initiative kept us afloat during those bleak months in 2004. I promised to repay her double the loaned amounts once I recouped our financial losses. By God’s grace, I was able to repay Lauren after a year. Since she was busy in college, I took control of her webhosting and expanded the services. The modest income helped pay for the college tuition including allowance. To provide educational funds is a parental responsibility not the child. I felt that our children shouldn’t have to face that financial burden . But she also worried that if she didn’t help out, she won’t be able to finish in Ateneo, When she travelled to the states on her own last year, she felt so guilty for using up part of her savings. I told her “Treat it as an educational trip. You deserve it”
I love my children for learning to adapt to our family crisis. My second daughter helped out by reluctantly studying in UP Diliman. Her first choice was Ateneo. I felt bad at first that we could not provide the tuition money for her first year in Ateneo. Today, she is full of gratitude that she chose UP over Ateneo. See, there is always a silver lining.
Back at the family room, I lectured them on the advantages of attending this meeting, even at a young age.
“Yes, we will go for the food“, the girls chimed in.
I was too complacent during those grieving years. I left all the financial burden to my husband. Today, taking responsibility for our financial affairs improved my self-esteem and lessened anxiety. Each of us today, has a financial future. There are few future aspects of my life I can control, but one part I can play to assist our family’s future is setting goals. I don’t have to obsess about my goals. I don’t have to constantly watch and mark our progress toward them. But it is beneficial to think about my goals and write them down. What do I want to happen in our financial future? What financial problems would I like to solve? What bills would I like to be rid of? What would I like to be earning at the end of this year? The end of next year? Five years from now? I know I am willing to work for these goals and trust God to guide me.
Taking responsibility for my finances enable me to take focus off money. It frees me to do my work and live the life I want. I deserve to have the self-esteem and peace that accompanies financial responsibility.
Some of the important lessons that can benefit children as they grow can be taught at home. Teaching kids to do chores is a rewarding experience not only for children but for parents as well. One of the significant roles of parents is to set a good example for their children. Remember that young kids learn by observing and following their parents or guardians. Be a good role model to your children by leading through example.
Children who are taught to do chores at an early age are more likely to have less trouble maintaining orderliness, cleanliness and consistency in their adult lives. Being accountable for tasks builds character and develops sense of responsibility. Kids who regularly do chores learn to help out around the house on their own volition.
This chart lists down chores that are appropriate for certain age groups. Please be reminded that the chart is just a guide.
Kids mature at a different pace. As a parent, you know the capabilities of your child better than anyone. You should consider your child’s abilities and level of maturity when assigning tasks.
Here are some benefits of teaching kids to do chores.
Responsibility– It is important for children to experience a sense of responsibility and self worth by assigning tasks that are appropriate for their age. When you give your kids tasks, let them know that they are accountable to finish those chores within a specified time frame. Kids who are given a sense of responsibility are likely to grow into well-rounded and successful individuals.
Sofia, 7 years old, sweeps their dining floor area after meals. She knows that she needs to fulfill that task every day. Her parents explained to her that sweeping the floor every day after meals is very important because it prevents pests from going to their house. Sofia understands that failing to do her task might turn into an open invitation for cockroaches and mice to go inside their home.
“Eeeewww! I hate cockroaches and mice! I don’t mind sweeping the floor every day because it keeps us safe from those yucky invaders,” Sofia said.
Basic skills in life – As children grow, it is important that they learn how to handle basic tasks that will prepare them for adulthood. Learning simple things such as helping fix the bed, putting away dishes, folding the laundry, sweeping the floor, and and so on will teach kids how to eventually do these things on their own. Young kids can start with small chores. Children can be given additional responsibility as they master current chores and grow older.
Self-reliance and independence – It is normal for parents to help and protect their children. Parents should also remember that it is equally important to teach kids how to help themselves. As kids grow older, there are chores that they can do on their own. Teach children how to perform age appropriate tasks and encourage them to pursue their duties without being told.
Take note that most chores are not learned overnight. It takes practice to learn tasks. By allowing kids to perform age appropriate chores regularly, they can become self-reliant.
Rizza is a mom to 3 kids. Several weeks ago, Rizza was forced to let go of their helper. She is thankful to her young daughter for making things easier by helping her with some household chores. Rizza taught her daughter how to cook simple meals at an early age. At age 10, Reign can cook simple meals for the family. Reign also helps wash the dishes without being told. Her parents can count on her to watch over her 2 younger siblings when they are busy. Reign is a reliable daughter and big sister.
Self-esteem– When a child completes a task, he or she may feel a sense of accomplishment or pride. Parents are encouraged to acknowledge their child’s efforts for doing a certain chore, no matter how small it is.
Abigail lets her 3 year old boy help her sort out laundry. The little boy enjoys putting white clothes inside the white laundry basket and the colored ones inside the black laundry basket. He thinks it’s a game but in reality it’s a simple chore that will help prepare him for bigger chores in the future. Abigail claps each time her son completes his task. Abigail never fails to tell his son, “Good job Andre!” Then she plants a big kiss on his cheek.
Praising your child for a job well done can motivate your kid to pursue his or her duties and perform tasks better. Letting your child know that he or she is on the right track can inspire him or her to try other tasks. It’s a good way to boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Cleanliness and organization – Kids who are exposed to chores at an early age learn to appreciate the value of keeping things clean and organized. A clean and orderly environment is not only pleasing to the eyes but it is also conducive for working, studying and resting. It’s easier to do your task when there is less clutter around you.
Time management –School-aged children are faced with multiple duties. There are things that they need to do at home and in school. It is importance for a child to learn how to balance homework, projects, extracurricular activities, and house chores. Parents can help their child schedule tasks accordingly without succumbing to pressure. Teach kids how to prioritize tasks according to importance and allotted time. As children grow older, they will understand how important time management is in the real world.
Team work– Children learn to value the importance of working as a group when they work together with their parents, brothers, sisters, and other members of the household in order to fulfill a common goal. Kids realize that some tasks can be completed faster and easier when people help each other.
Reign, Mischa and Mateo share a bedroom. Together, they fix their beds when they wake up in the morning. To the delight of their parents, they also help each other put away toys and books that they used before going to sleep.
Consistency – Chores teach kids about the importance of doing things on a regular basis. For instance, kids learn that they have to perform certain tasks regularly especially if it involves a living thing such as feeding animals and watering plants.
Yohan, ten years old feeds his pet fish every day. He knows that neglecting to feed his fish will make it weak and prone to sickness. He understands that he is accountable for the life of his pet fish.
Originally written by Ma. Rachel R. Yapchiongco at the Philippine Online Chronicles.
I had so much fun at the #TravelPal Travel bug quiz night . Though my team did not win any prize, I actually won the twitter contest with my tweet on my favorite destination which is San Francisco . I love that city because two sisters live there. I left my heart in San Francisco, indeed. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the airline I actually take since it is a non-stop destination which is very convenient and less travel time. It is great that PAL are now engaging bloggers and not just travel bloggers. It was great to be recognized as a blogger who travels who is just as relevant as travel bloggers. Thank you PAL.
Speaking of those long-haul flights, moms will be delighted to know that PAL is bringing in SpongeBob SquarePants – one of the world’s most popular animated figures – to banner its Junior Jetsetter kits this year.
Now kids won’t get restless while waiting for the plane to arrive. The use of tablets can cause strain for long periods of time so it is good to have an alternative activity. The wholesome yellow sea sponge and his band of quirky friends from the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom bring their whimsical brand of humor to delight kids onboard PAL long-haul flights via the Junior Jetsetter activity kits.
Children from 2 to 11 years old will be provided these kits to keep them engaged and entertained on lengthy flights of at least eight hours.
These include PAL services between Manila and North America (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto); Oceania (Honolulu); Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane); the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam); and Europe (London).
The kits come in two variants, and both contain a set of basic items – activity book, crayons, collapsible water bottle, and dental set of tooth brush and tooth paste – all packed in a colorful, easy-to-carry bag.
But what will really kindle the kids’ imagination are creative items such as the 3D activity set with a pair of 3D glasses that allows them to watch SpongeBob come to life. There’s also the “fotobusta” puzzle game which comes with a magnifying glass to zoom in on hidden objects.
Ingenuity is further encouraged by the static cling sticker board where kids can conjure up scenes using reuseable and removable stickers. Finally, a coloring puzzle picture frame lets them make a keepsake of their in-flight creations.
The new kits started appearing onboard PAL long-haul flights on May 2015.
Those long-haul flights with kids will be less hassle for parents with these delightful new Junior Jetsetter kits.
