Everyday Adventures

Pampers' Online App for Baby's Wonder Journey of Firsts

By Mommy Donna and Kib - May 07, 2015

Mommies--and even daddies--love flooding their own Facebook accounts with photos and videos of their children. I am also guilty of this, haha. Some might say you are violating your child's privacy in posting photos of your child, but hey, I guess parents are just proud of their children to tell the Facebook community how cute and adorable and smart their kids are.

It was during the era of Friendster when my son was born. At that time, I only posted few baby photos of my son. But whenever I go out, I always bring my digicam with me and proudly show my son's photos saved there. I am proud to say that I was able to document everything, from his delivery day (I asked the nurse if it's okay to take delivery pictures and she said yes, so I asked the nurse to get the digicam from my mom who's waiting outside the delivery room, haha) until the present day. He has thousands of pictures all saved on my portable drive; however, I really need to spare a budget for the printing of my son's photos.

It's a joy for every parents to witness each milestone of their baby. From the very first time they held their babies in their arms to their babies' first laugh and first crawl, parents for sure know that every single milestone is truly precious and worth sharing to the rest of the world.

Pampers, the world's leading diaper brand, has recently launched a digital scrapbook made for both moms and babies. FirstBook, an online Facebook app that allows moms to create and preserve a visual journey of all baby's developmental milestones. After posting the baby's 12 first milestones on Facebook, moms can also publish their very own FirstBook movie, a personalized video of all baby's firsts.

Pampers recently launched a digital scrapbook made for both moms and babies--FirstBook.ph, an online Facebook app that allows moms to create and share baby's many first milestones

The app was recently launched during the introduction of Pampers Baby Dry (see previous blog). Pampers Baby Dry is the best and driest diaper in 10 years. It features new core technology to deliver a thinner and drier diaper; a Soft Touch-Dry Layer which quickly absorbs wetness to keep it away from baby's skin and Magic Gel which locks in wetness for up to 12 hours of skin dryness, so babies can enjoy continuous sleep to help them achieve their many firsts in life.

Andi Manzano, Pampers' newest brand ambassador said that Pampers FirstBook is truly a great gift for mommies. Andi has already shared some photos of her newborn baby Pilar Olivia (Andi gave birth few days after the launch of Pampers Baby Dry). "With this newest online app from Pampers, we can greet each morning with smiles on our faces and celebrate our journey of firsts with our precious ones," she added.

Friends and family, create your own FirstBook now! It is both available in PC and mobile versions, just go to http://www.firstbook.ph and post the first 12 milestones of your child. This app is not only for new parents, even parents with older kids can still use this app. I have created an account already but I haven't posted any milestone photos of Kib, haha. I still have to scour through my digital albums for all of Kib's milestones.

Kib's First Book. Still a work in progress

Great news! For those who will share their baby's FirstBook movie from now until June 2015, Pampers has a special treat for you! Just upload the video will the official hashtag #FirstsWithPampers and stand a chance to win one (1) year's worth of all-new Pampers Baby Dry!

This is how the cover of the First Movie will look like

I can't wait to see your FirstBook, share it with me, okay?!

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Medicard

Burning Facts About Sunscreen

By Mommy Donna and Kib - May 04, 2015

My son and I love outdoors. I always bring sunscreen lotion with me whenever we go on a trip. I reapply sunscreen lotion as often as necessary to protect ourselves from the burning heat of the sun.

It is true that most of us are aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen. Philippines is a tropical country where the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels are usually high. But with sunscreen options available in the market today, it can be confusing to choose the right product.

"Sunscreens shield our skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. However, not all products labeled with sunscreen claims effectively do their job. Some can also irritate the skin and trigger allergies. People need to pay attention to the sunscreen's ingredients and labels to ensure safety," says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

Here are some essential facts:

1. SPF ratings affect sunscreen effectiveness. SPF means "Sun Protection Factor", which refers to the sunscreen's ability to block ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation over a period of time. Overexposure to UVB rays can cause sunburn. A sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 94% of UVB rays while SPF 30 can block about 97% UVB. Higher SPF rating means higher UVB protection. However, SPF ratings do not make that much of a difference as they increase--SPF 50 can block about 98% of UVB, which is just faintly lower to the 98.9% UVB protection of SPF 90. No sunscreen product can also provide 100% protection from UV rays.

2. Sunscreens with Broad Spectrum SPF protect against UVB and UVA rays. A sunscreen with SPF may be effective in shielding the skin from UVB rays but it may not be strong enough to block UVA rays, which are linked to deeper skin damage, like skin cancer and early skin aging. Sunscreens that provide protection from both UVB and UVA rays have Broad Spectrum SPF. These products pass the FDA's broad spectrum test, which measures the sunscreen's magnitude of overall protection. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreens with a Broad Spectrum SPF rating of 15 or higher.

3. Sunscreens may contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or trigger allergies. Dermatologists discourage the use of sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones, which are linked to skin discoloration and skin cancer. Products with alcohol, fragrances and preservatives must also be avoided by people who have sensitive skin, especially toddlers and babies. Children six months or older are also advised to use kid-friendly sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher.

4. "Water-resistant" is different from waterproof. The sun's UV rays can damage the skin even during rainy season. Although people are not directly exposed to the sun, its UV rays can also come through the clouds.

"Sunscreens don't necessarily provide protection from the sun but from the UV rays that are emitted by the sun. People should make it a habit to wear sunscreens regularly to keep themselves protected from sunburn, melanoma, and other skin diseases. It will also help them prevent premature skin aging," advises Dr. Montoya.

Even with sunscreen, I believe it is still better to stay on shaded areas to protect ourselves from the direct heat of the sun. Bring an umbrella if ever or do not swim between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Protect our skin and enjoy summer holiday with our family!

MediCard Skin and Body offers modern aesthetic treatments for a healthy, glowing and younger looking skin. Visit its Skin and Body Clinics at The MediCard Lifestyle Center, Festival Mall and Centris. For more information, visit http://medicardphils.com.

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homeschool

My Son Plays With Dolls

By Mommy Donna and Kib - April 27, 2015

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555 Tuna

KumpleTuna! 555 Tuna Introduces Marian Rivera as Endorser

By Mommy Donna and Kib - April 20, 2015

These days, I’ve been very busy. I feel that my time is not enough for me to accomplish so much in a day that I don’t have much time to cook complicated dishes anymore. There are times that my son and I will just eat outside or just eat ready-to-eat food that I have on stock at home. I feel guilty at times that I cannot cook for my son. Sometimes he would tell me that he misses me cooking food for both of us. Please don’t judge me for not being able to serve my son well. If you have been constantly following my blog, you will know that I’m a single mom who juggles a lot of stuff, trying to balance motherhood and work on a daily basis.

Let’s put the guilt away….even if there are times that we just eat ready-to-eat food at home, I still make it to a point that it is healthy and it satisfies our daily nutritional needs. When we do grocery shopping, I read labels first before putting it in my shopping cart. I always have canned tuna on my grocery list because I sometimes use it for my pasta dishes or just simply sautee it in garlic and onion and it’s an instant viand for us already.

Tuna is considered a healthy food by many people, including me. It is known to have Omega 3, DHA, Vitamin D, low cholesterol, and a good belly trimmer.

Last April 14, 2015, I attended the launch of Ms. Marian Rivera as the new endorser of 555 Tuna. Most of us will remember the brand 555 for their sardines.

555 Tuna is available in 12 delicious variants: The best-selling blue line includes Afritada, Caldereta, Adobo, and Mechado; the green line includes Bicol Express, Lechon Paksiw and Sisig; the orange line features Flakes in Oil, Hot and Spicy, Corned Tuna and Chili Corned Tuna. 555 Tuna also comes in easy-open can.

Some of the variants of 555 Tuna

Marian Rivera as the New Endorser

Marian, who got married in a highly anticipated ceremony last December 30, 2014, is obviously glowing with happiness in the new TVC of 555 Tuna which will air very soon. The new TVC shows Marian enjoying wedded bliss. She is seen preparing a meal for two using 555 Tuna, the brand that is complete given its delicious mix of tuna and vegetables in a flavorful sauce. It is also complete in offering a wide range of lutong-bahay flavors. In short, ‘Kumple-Tuna!’

Ms. Marian Rivera looked blooming and complete during the event

Greg Banzon, General Manager of Century Pacific Food Inc., the company behind 555 Tuna, also expressed his joy of having Marian as the newest brand ambassador of 555 Tuna. “555 Tuna has found the perfect endorser in Marian Rivera, who is famous not only for her beauty and sass, but also for her genuine love for cooking,” said Mr. Banzon.

During the event, we were given an opportunity to taste 555 Tuna. My son gave thumbs up that he wanted to eat 555 Tuna for dinner on that day already! For sure one of these days we will have 555 Tuna on our dinner table.

Thumbs-up!

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Essilor

Seeing the World Better: Essilor’s Campaign for Healthy Vision

By Mommy Donna and Kib - April 16, 2015

I have been wearing eyeglasses since I started my first job. It was a prerequisite that all new hires to undergo medical check-up and there, it was discovered that I no longer have a 20/20 vision. I need to wear eyeglasses for astigmatism. Thank God that my eye problem did not progress that much all these years; however, one of my eyes (I can’t remember if it’s left or right) suffer from myopia (nearsightedness) now.

I tried wearing ordinary lenses before, but it just made my eyes very tired. I’d rather have no eyeglasses at all than wear my eyeglasses all day long and yet feel uncomfortable all throughout. When I started investing on multicoated/transition lenses, surprisingly, I can wear my eyeglasses for a long time without having eye strain. The next lenses that I used were made of polycarbonate material, tougher than transition lens because I have a tendency to be careless at times. My eyeglasses let me work in front of the computer for longer hours and even drive at night confidently without the glare from the bright headlights.

Sad to say, I am one of the 20 million Filipinos who needs visual correction. Most of the time, people ignore the signs of eye disorder until it becomes worse and irreversible. Parents don’t even bring their children to the doctor for a comprehensive eye check up. These concerns led to Essilor’s launch of a public awareness campaign on the importance of good vision.

During the event, we were given free eye check-up. Happy to know that my eye grade hasn't changed but since my current eyeglasses have lots of scratch on the lenses, I opted to have it changed to Essilor lenses.

I also let Kib experience having his eye check-up; however he kept on blinking so his eye grade wasn't checked very well. Kids should have their eyes checked by an opthalmologist.

Essilor is the world leader for corrective lenses. The success of the company, which is present in more than 100 countries, is the result of a strategy that has been driven by innovation for more than 160 countries. It has been awarded by Forbes magazine as “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” for four consecutive years.

Last Monday, February 16^th, 2015, Essilor launched its latest campaign, “Seeing the World Better”. This is the company’s way of helping the world see better by raising awareness about the importance of healthy vision and address the alarming number of visual impairment cases in the country. Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor’s general manager in the Philippines said with this campaign, Filipinos will start paying more attention to their eyes so that they can see the world in a clearer and brighter view.

The campaign will drive three important messages:

1. Prevention – Essilor lenses help prevent age-related eye diseases;

2. Protection – Essilor helps provide everyday protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays and harmful blue light

3. Correction – to promote the initial purpose of Essilor, which is to correct eyesight

Piolo Pascual, Essilor’s brand ambassador

During the launch of the campaign, Essilor has also presented to the press its brand ambassador, top celebrity Piolo Pascual. A sportsman and a known health buff, Piolo believes prevention is the first step towards healthy vision. He advised that everyone should get an eye check-up at least once a year eye check-up to prevent any eye disorder from worsening. He has perfect vision but he wears protective lenses because his eyes get tired from long hours of filming and taping. He even had an eye check-up during the event.

Piolo Pascual having his eyes checked during the event

Essilor has also launched its latest infomercial, which was aired starting March 1^st on selected cable channels. It features Piolo Pascual performing various activities (swimming, reading, driving) and how good vision helps him accomplish these tasks effectively.

Essilor’s line of products

Essilor has different types of lenses that will cater to your specific needs and match your lifestyle.

Crizal Prevencia -- the only clear lens that selectively filters harmful blue light from gadgets, LED, and UV light while letting it through the healthy blue light.

Crizal Forte UV – protects eyes from harmful UV rays. UV rays contribute to the development of cataracts in the old age.

Essilor Varilux – progressive lens that offer a smooth transition from distance vision through intermediate vision to near vision. This means that instead of having two different viewing zones (near and distant), like with bifocals, Varilux provides the most natural vision correction.

Crizal Transitions – adaptive lens that automatically adjust from clear to dark and every shade in between.

Essilor Experia – polarized sun lens recommended for any kind of outdoor activity, whatever the season.

My experience on wearing Essilor lenses

I feel fortunate to be one of the people who will be able to experience Essilor lenses. After the media event, I left my eyeglasses already to have it changed to Essilor lenses. I can still manage to see without wearing my eyeglasses but it makes my eyes extra tired because my eyes do extra work. I have extra pair of eyeglasses at home but the grade is no longer compatible with my current grade (actually, same grade but different degree of astigmatism). For the time being that I don't have my eyeglasses, I wore my old one.

I was able to get my eyeglasses with Essilor lenses recently.

First thing I noticed was the lens was very clear. When I wore the eyeglasses, I feel comfortable. I can wear my eyeglasses for a long period of time. It seems that I am not wearing eyeglasses at all because of the clear lenses. Essilor didn't fail me.

Me wearing my eyeglasses with Essilor lens. I can even take clear pictures of myself without the light bouncing back on my eyeglasses.

Next time you visit your favorite optical shop, ask for Essilor lens. Surely, Essilor has lens that will fit your lifestyle.

To know more about Essilor, you may visit their website at http://www.essilor.com.ph/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EssilorPH

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acrylic and oil workshop

Boost Your Creativity at Tuscany at McKinley Hill’s Summer Art Sessions

By Mommy Donna and Kib - April 15, 2015

Creativity is one of the skills that I believe is innate to each and every person. It just needs to be tapped by engaging in some activities and brain exercises that will awaken the creative part of our brain.

When I was in graduate school, one of the subjects that I took was Creative Teaching Techniques. My professor in this course really challenged all of us to be really creative in terms of submitting projects and doing teaching demonstrations and reports. He won’t accept so-so presentations; it should be unique and well-thought of. I’m glad that our professor really emphasized the value of creativity in everything we do.

Now that I have a son, I also wanted my son to have high creative thinking ability. I do not stop him for doing things inside the house as long as his imagination and creativity is concerned. He likes drawing different characters, creating stories, building communities, and even doing role play.

I’m so glad to learn that this summer, Megaworld LifestyleMalls will be coming up with a series of workshops, inviting all aspiring artists, hobbyists, and art enthusiasts in the Metro and nearby areas. Entitled ‘Summer Art Sessions’, the series of weekend arts and crafts workshop series will be held in Tuscany at McKinley Hills, which will commence on April 19^th, 2015 until May 10^th, 2015, from 1PM-5PM. The workshops will be held in various restaurants along the dining strip of Tuscany.

This event is organized together with Manila Workshops (the company that I also work with).

I feel blessed to be chosen to be part of the media launch of this event last April 13, 2015 held at Marciano’s in Tuscany. During the media launch, we were given an opportunity to have an experience on what to expect during the summer workshops on April 19^th.

Check out our photos during the media launch below:

Mimai Cabugnason teaching us the basics of brush calligraphy

Kib trying out brush calligraphy too

Yeah I know, my calligraphy skills need a lot of work!

Nelz Yumul of WeeWillDoodle tells us about the beauty of doodling

While the talk on doodling is ongoing, this little boy is already busy doing his own doodles

Nelz showing us some of his doodles...so nice!

The Artologist's Managing Partner, Mr. Ronald de Castro telling us about their art workshops

A live painting session during the event

My son and I had a wonderful time during the event that is why I’m inviting YOU to also experience these workshops! Check out all the workshop offerings on April 19^th listed below!

Basic Brush Calligraphy – calligraphy is now becoming a popular hobby these days, from basics to modern to colorful handwriting. Mimai Cabugnason, also known as Sharkmaine in the art scene, will be teaching the basics, tricks, and tips of brush calligraphy. This workshop will be held in Marciano’s.
Rubber Stamping – learn to make your own stamps for your scrapbooking and decorating needs! This workshop will be held at Sophie’s Mom.
DIY Tote Bag Designing – want to personalize your canvas tote bag, to be unique and a standout? DIY guru Nica Cosio will be sharing tips on how to spruce up your tote bag. DIY Tote Bag Designing will happen at Milky Way.
The Art of Doodling – remember the days when we will just draw and write anything at the back of our notebooks when we were bored in class? Turn your doodles into a magnificent work of art! Nelz Yumul of WeeWillDoodle will teach the techniques of turning basic doodle into a wonderful masterpiece. This workshop will be held at Lucky’s Burger Bar.
Basic Paper Cutting – create a wonderful piece of art by just cutting paper! Hey Kessy will be conducting this workshop at Banapple Pies and Cheesecakes.
Acrylic and Oil Workshop – learn the basics of painting from The Artologist. Open to ages 3-60 years old. Sauceria will be the venue for this workshop.

So many choices for you and your kids! Each workshop costs P2000 per head inclusive of food, workshop kit, handouts and other goodies! Only 10 slots per workshop so hurry and reserve a slot! This is a wonderful way of spending summer with our loved ones, added to that is Tuscany is such a wonderful place to bond too!

*To register for Basic Brush Calligraphy, Rubber Stamping, DIY Tote Bag Designing, and The Art of Doodling, kindly visit Manila Workshops’ website at http://manilaworkshops.com/events/summer-art-sessions

*To register for Basic Paper Cutting, go to Hey Kessy’s website at http://heykessy.com/register/

*To register for Oil and Acrylic Workshop, kindly send an email to theartologist@yahoo.com or call 0916-5673351.

*For more information about Tuscany’s Summer Art Sessions, please call Megaworld Lifestyle Concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888 or 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.