Ang Pasko ay sumapit , tayo ay magsi-awit ng magagandang himig dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag- ibig… the famous and most requested song during the Christmas season in the Philippines.

One of the longest and eventful celebrations in the Philippines, it brings to life the Filipino tradition of hanging “parol” (colorful lantern), and attending “simbang gabi” ( novena dawn masses), noche buena ( a family gathering after the midnight mass with gift giving or just family bonding). On Christmas day, a visit to ninangs and ninongs (god parents) and family elders for their “aguinaldo’ (gifts in cash or in kind). Holding Christmas parties has been part of the celebration, where activities would be parlor games, raffle prizes, dancing contests, the kris kringle, food and booze all done for the fun and camaraderie.

My thoughts on Christmas:
It might be a lot different today on how I spend my Christmas. This is the time that I’ll be at home most of the time, lots of rest and bond with my children. The food will just be the same, fruit salad, ham, drinks, fruitcake, pasta carbonara and the newest addition the ginger bread house.

I would complain that Christmas is so stressful, for you have to prepare a lot of things, buy groceries, spend for gifts, cook ,arrange the house etc, but this Christmas I did forgo a lot of the usual activities and I’m relieved, I promise my self, enough of those activities but not necessary to break the essence of Christmas itself.

I’ll make my wish list instead for me alone … my own lightweight laptop that I can carry around whenever I go so that I can enhance more my writing needs, good health for the whole year, being able to regulate by PMS tantrums. At the same time a cheerful disposition in the face of whatever I may feel physically or emotionally. More leisure time, do things that I enjoy and let go of unnecessary activities.

The worst events in my life happen during the Christmas season. Each year I try to make it better and different from the previous year. I am sure I am more relaxed and this is a merry Christmas for me.

Tonight as a family tradition, we will attend the mass. Greet the One who have made everything possible. Glory to the NEWBORN KING!

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS IS JESUS

Fifty-three fights, 48 wins, two draws and three losses (1996, 1999 and 2005). Thirty-six of his 48 wins or 75 % were by knock out. He has won 9 times since his last loss to Erik Morales in March 2005. He has been the unbeatable champion for the last 4 years. His 33 fights out of 53 or 62 % were against foreigners (Mexican Americans, Thais, and Japanese etc). Since the year 2000, his twenty-three ring encounters had foreign opponents. He is the first Filipino boxer to win four world titles in different weight divisions (currently WBC Lightweight Champion, former WBC Super Featherweight Champion, IBF Super Bantamweight, WBC Flyweight).

When he trains, he trains hard. As depicted in news report about his training, he always shows the determination and the willingness to learn and focus on what he does best, boxing. Maybe his mentors, his coach and trainer did influence him a lot but still it is still his eagerness and determination that always prevail. Coupled with his spirituality, as shown in every round and at the end of his game, wherein he pause for a while at his ringside to kneel down and offer a prayer of thanks.

Manny Pacquiao, “Pambansang Kamao” & “People’s Champ” or simply “Pacman”made us proud as Filipinos. Some people were against him in fighting dela Hoya for the reason that it was a mismatch. He reasoned out that when he was younger he used to fight for fifty pesos, now that he is an accomplished fighter, he had no reason to back out, not with a 10 million dollars guarantee on his cap. He was right, he hurdles the fight very well.

Luck and fate maybe really on Pacman , but his perseverance, determination, and hard work when he trains put him to where he is now. Manny Pacquiao, Filipino, Champion Boxer.

Bloggers had their day at Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street in Global City last November 28, 2008. It was the launching of the Fully Booked Bloggers Book Club (BBC). Exciting activities await its members, such as book launches, author meet and as exclusive contributors to a book review section “Spotlight Review”. Fully Booked will award the best Blog book reviews submitted by BBC members. There will also be a website forum, in which online book discussions with other booklovers and bloggers can take place.

The Fully Booked branch at Bonifacio High Street is the biggest and a building of five stories. The basement boost of U-view, a fully functional movie theater, with a sitting capacity of 50 people, perfect place for screenings, movie premier and corporate events. At the Atrium, a showcase of what is in every floor. At the second floor, one can see children’s books and lifestyle titles. Up the third floor, there is Starbucks, business and professional selections as well as inspiration books. For the hype ones, the fourth floor has music and videos and Forum , a venue for book launches , workshops and classes. At the roof deck is Top shelf, which offers a panoramic view of Bonifacio Global City and an ideal venue for events.

Moments at Fully booked:

My children have always been fond of Fully Booked. There would never be a stroll at any mall without going to a bookstore and that’s Fully Booked. We frequent the branch at Gateway Mall in Cubao and at Bonifacio High Street almost every week.

My youngest Roxanne would go for Manga books and now, the Twilight collectibles, Dianne collects Paulo Coelho books and bestselling fiction books, Jeric for his Moleskin and me for my lifestyle magazines. I would sit at Starbucks for a round of coffee while reading my magazines as they roam around for their book finds.

“Books are better than T.V”

Fully Booked has eight stores, Rockwell Power Plant. Promenade in Greenhills, Gateway Mall. SM Mall of Asia. SM North The Block, Bonifacio High Street, EDSA Shangri-la and Ayala Center Cebu.

Visit them at www.fullybookedonline.com

A new branch of Bratpack opened its store at Greenbelt 5, Makati City. It carries many branded bags for the young and the old. The bag store has evolved, its not just bags the store is offering but a lifestyle. Also available are Skate brand DC and Sector9, Sanuk the surfers and beach bums, Skull Candy for music lovers, as well as Eastpak and Life is Good, Bratpack is conquering a new territory, more people and of course, much more personalities.

We have been customers of Brat pack way back because of the daughter‘s fancy for backpacks., particularly Jansport. My sister used to say that it is very convenient to carry backpacks specially when one is travelling abroad, most white men would carry backpacks.

Physically it is good for the body’s posture especially when one carries something heavy; there is balance along the central line of the body.

With the new and distinct designs, one can find bags to your liking.The bags are pricey but definitely, these bags can last a lifetime. Its color will not change through the years, and they are fashionable too through time. Mom and Dad, your kids deserve to have these bags this especially this season, it will never go out of style .

Bratpack is a member of the Primer Group that carries global brands that makes for a practical and personal billboard of expression for urban dwellers, promoted through collaborations with the indie art and music scenes’ finest. Inspire. Interpret. Express. For inquiries email bratpack@primergrp.com or visit their website at http:/packsforbrats.multiply.com.

Bratpack has branches at Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Davao, SM The Block, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall and Ayala Cebu.

Bloggers and their friends came in black, not to mourn but to celebrate the last day of October The Clear Black Night Halloween Dance event at Taste Asia, SM Hypermart Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

It was a party night of dancing sponsored by Taste Asia , SM Hypermart and Clear Shampoo, the latest shampoo product of Unilever. Clear contains revolutionary Zinc Vitanol complex, composed of Zinc mineral complex, Amino Acids, Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil that nourish the scalp and prevent dandruff from returning. (In 90% of consumers who used Clear on a regular basis).

Dandruff can be a problem with sudden changes in weather. Prolonged exposure to cold temperature (as staying in an air-conditioned room the whole day or wearing your hat or helmet for too long under the sun), expect flakes and some form of itchiness from your scalp.

Thoughts on Halloween:
When we were kids, we used to associate Halloween such as something creepy and scary. We would go all the way to San Miguel Bulacan to visit my “lola’s” parents or my great maternal grandmother and dead relatives in the local cemetery. My maternal grandfather was a gueriila officer during the Filipino Japanese war and his remains was in an unknown place for he was missing in action during the war in 1945.

It was an event that my lola would always look forward to. Weeks before that, she would always be busy regarding preparations for “undas”. She used to bring those big yellow candles. As kids, we would collect the candle droppings and formed these in different shapes.

At night, kids from the neighborhood would visit different households and do “nangangaluluwa” in scary costumes. This sort of like the “treat or trick “ but with the Filipino flavor. Of course I like the native delicacies served, halo-halo, all kinds of “bibingka” (galapong, kanin), original pastillas and espasol.

Some woman would gather around the altar and recite those long prayers for the dead. I used to feel sleepy, hearing them reciting (memorized!) the litany and calling all the saints to save the souls of the dead. Those Filipino traditions I surely miss!

...Teacher Anna...

Pocketful of Kids , the very first toy village in the Philippines is opening on October 25, 2008. The toy store carries only top-of-the-line developmental toys from reputable American and European brands.

Learning Resources, Educational Insights (Hot Dots pens, Playfoam and GeoSafari), Alex, Tatiri,

Melissa & Doug (Number One in wooden educational toys in the US)

Pocketful of Kids allows children to try out and experience the featured branded toys; there are also books (from Fully Booked), health food section, and playground with a “Know It All Tree” (a lighted talking tree).

From 0 to 99 years old, from simple colorful blocks to complex puzzles, Pocketful of Kids would have something for you! Pocketful of Kids toys can enhance a child to be :

Word Smart , People Smart, Music Smart, Nature Smart, Picture Smart, Number Smart, Body Smart

POCKETFUL OF KIDS encourages children to wonder, discover and learn through play.
POCKETFUL OF KIDS PLAYING AND LEARNING PUT TOGETHER!
Visit 15th Floor Strata 2000, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas
Tel # (02) 634-7888 or (02) 634-2888.

Store Hours: 10:00 AM - 7 :00 pm
email : pocketfulofkids@yahoo.com

Notes on Play:

Play, often described as “ the work of children”… is any voluntary activity engaged in for the purpose of enjoyment… it is not something a child does when he or she has nothing else to do , it is something the child has to do.
-Adele Pillitteri, PhD, RN, PNP
Author of the Maternal and Child Health Nursing

From being an infant, toddler, preschooler and school-age children, play is as an integral part of their life. Even if one reached adulthood, we want to play, we always feel at ease after we play. How can one forget his or her first toy? I will always remember my first “walking doll” given to me by my “lola”. Up to this time I would always recall how I played with it, how I used to change her dresses, combed her curly hair etc.

I enjoyed being a passenger in any automobile, it feels like a cradle at times, especially when the aircon is so cold and music is relaxing. When we were kids, my uncle would always tagged as along and have a have a “joy ride” in his car along Dewey Boulevard now Roxas Boulevard.

Nowadays, as I passenger, I’m a bit bored along the road . I passed the stretch of Edsa 4x a week from Edsa Extension to Monumento, either by MRT, taxi, or private car. To kill boredom, I used to memorize all the billboards along every intersection. 4 years ago, Kris Aquino was the Queen of EDSA, from Monumento to Magallanes, she used to have a billboard advertisement in every intersection. I do not know who are the queen and King of EDsa Billboards; it is a toss between Actress Judy Ann Santos , Dawn Zulueta and Actor Richard Gutierrez. However, nobody can beat Kris Aquino then.

I’m excited about the Manila Outdoor Gallery Art Route a project of the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP). It aims to display artworks from 10 of the most promising Filipino artists along key locations across the metro, in support of the ongoing international movement rallying for nature conservation. Painting and photographs depicting varied interest will be placed along South Luzon Expressway , North Luzon Expressway and EDSA.

Here’s a glimpse of the biggest outdoor gallery in Asia.

Unending thanks to the people who organized the Pantene bloggers night at Taste Asia , SM Hypermart last night October 17, 2008.

It was a mixture of fun, entertainment and “showbiz flavor” for bloggers with Ms Judy Ann Santos as the very special celebrity guest. The event introduces Pantene 3 minute miracle treatment with actual demonstration of how it works in 3 minutes.

If only Pantene was there during my college days, which I really have split ends problems due to frequent cold wave procedure (“kulot”, the hair trend during the 80’s))done in parlors.

The rest of the night even got me hooked to watch the performance of Ministix band. Why? Because they sang songs with gusto and songs of the 80’s was sound of the night ( the likes of Earth Wind and Fire, Hotdog, VST and Co.).

MAKING HAIR Miracles Happen- Pantene’s 3- minute Miracle Treatment.
Experience it and reverse 3 months of damage in just 3 minutes

As we were traversing EDSA . ads posted along MRT were billboards announcing first ever Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2008. The celebration hopes to mobilize millions of people to wash their hands with soap.

The surface of our skin contains over 2 million microbes per square inch (that’s according to my microbiology lessons way back). WOW that’s really a lot! Since our elementary years, we were taught on the importance of hand washing before and after eating and after using the toilet.

How long does one wash his hands? As I would teach younger children, I always tell them that the average time would be the length of time when you sing the “Happy Birthday Song” . As you are doing your hand washing, try to sing the birthday song. And when it’s done, your hands are clean.

Lets us support the first ever-Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2008. Promote hand washing and prevent infection!

For more information visit the WHO website:
http://www.who.int/gpsc/events/2008/15_10_08/en/index.html
www.globalhandwashing.org

My kids and I had a chance to experience RED BOX, a World Class Leisure and Recreation Haven, located in Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati City. Its main feature is a karaoke room with big screen TV, cozy sofas, ambient lights, suited room temperature and polite service crew. The place is chic and classy, ideal for the young and old who want to shun away from places with irritating sounds.

An added feature of the place is Nintendo Wii consoles where karaoke lovers can alternate between the microphone and nunchuck controllers. One can also play a game of pool or poker or simply lounged in the comfy sofa to feel lazy and just enjoy the night with the “barkada” or someone who is so special.

From Wikipedia

Whether playing a game of pool, battling it out on the poker table or simply lounging in the karaoke bar’s comfy sofa, Red Box makes sure that nobody is left out of the fun.

Hey Dad and Mom, why not celebrate an important occasion at RED BOX with your kids (specially if they are in their adolescent years) , its clean fun , and I m sure it will make you a “cool mom and dad”! I did have a grand time with my kids.

Here we are, Jeric, Dianne and me after enjoying our night out at RED BOX, will surely go back there again. Thank you RED BOX, it was FUN!

Experience a different level of karaoke high. Red Box has branches in Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma. For more information and inquiries, please call 757-6188 or visit www.redbox.com.ph.