Positive Discipline

I was on my usual Facebook/Twitter/Instagram back read (what do you call it if you look back on IG photos because obviously, you don't read photos... HAHA!) when I stumbled upon this linked article on Rappler. It caught my attention for two reasons: First is that it says "Positive Discipline". Actually, whenever I read the word positive, 101% of the time, I click on the link. Second, it says "The new way of parenting". Although I did not grow up in a household that physically punishes the children for faults, psychologically, I think something went wrong not only to me but to my siblings as well and I don't want my daughter to experience something like that.

Positive Discipline is a way of disciplining kids minus the usual corporal punishment that's rampant among Filipino families. It also promotes healthy upbringing of well-rounded kids who are not only respectable of adults, but who are also aware of their basic rights as a human being. It also allows children to acquire the skills set that they will need to tread through (real) life.

I admit: There are times when I lose my cool and let go of the occasional spank on the bum but after reading this, I realized that I might be screwing up a learning child for good. Now is the ripest of times to change gears and actually discipline without hurting my daughter both physically and psychologically.

Dr.  Joan Durant, the Canadian family therapist who introduced this concept, provided the public with 7 characteristics of Positive Discipline, as stated in the Rappler article:

1. Non-violent and respectful of the child as a learner
2. About finding long-term solutions that develop children’s own self-discipline
3. Involves clear communication of parents’ expectations, rules, and limits
4. Builds a mutually respectful relationship between parent and child
5. Teaches children life-long skills
6. Increases children's competence and confidence to handle challenging situations
7. Teaches courtesy, non-violence, empathy, self-respect, human rights and respect for others.

Positive Discipline also differentiates discipline from punishment. Harsh physical and power-assertive parenting almost always result in a negative child outcome while inductive (e.g. use of reasoning) parenting is associated with positive child outcome.

What I love most about what I've learned about Positive Discipline so far is the fact that it allows the child to be heard and to be treated as an equal to the parent when it comes to being a "person". I love my family and all but I grew up in a household where the mere act of answering a question counts as "sumasagot ng pabalang" and having a different opinion means you're being a "pasaway". This new concept allows for the child to speak up without being punished for saying the wrong thing, how ever light the punishment is.

The PETA Advocates Right to Safety Zone (PETA ARTS Zone) is the one spearheading this project in the Philippines. They are calling for Positive Discipline as a way to raise the modern Filipino child.

Love does not need to hurt and that is why the PETA ARTS Zone, in partnership with Plan International, Child Rights Network, and Dakila, is inviting us supermommies and superdaddies to "Go Positive! The Celebrity Advocates" Media Launch on May 21, Thursday, 11:00 am-2:00 pm at the QC Sports Club located at E. Rodriguez Sr., Blvd., Quezon City.

Understand more about Positive Discipline and learn the reasons why the Positive Discipline Bill should be passed in the Congress in this event and let us all help eradicate the source of domestic abuse in our country.

Overnight Stay at the Llamar Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas

Alfred and I celebrated our first anniversary as a couple last May 7 and we decided to take a trip to Batangas with the baby girl.

We left Manila at around 2pm because Alfred had to bring the car to the car doctor, as Brianna calls it, to have some parts changed to make it safe for us to travel. We took the SLEx, naturally, and exited at the Calamba toll gate then headed towards the STAR Tollway. We exited at Sto. Toribio, Batangas to get to Lipa.

To those who need to know how much the toll fees at each exit are:

SLEx Brgy. Mapagong Calamba City, Laguna: Php 91.00

SLEx Brgy. Sainsin Calamba City, Laguna: Php 25.00

STAR Brgy. Sto. Toribio, Batangas: Php 29.00

STAR Brgy. Tambo Lipa City, Batangas: Php 6.00

Total: Php 151.00 (one way)

After 2 hours of driving in the vicinity of Batangas, we reached Brgy. Aplaya and headed straight to the Llamar Beach Resort. After checking in with Ate Baby - they didn't have a reception area, Ate Baby just welcomed us and led us straight to our room - we went to the beach to just walk on the shore for a bit, since the little girl wanted to play on the sand:

After a few minutes, we went back to our room - which, I don't have a photo of - and ate. We bought food at Andok's and drinks at the 7-11 in San Juan City since we weren't sure if there were such stores in Laiya (they have an Andok's shop, but no convenience store). Llamar Beach Resort doesn't require for you to pay for corkage fee for whatever you bring into the resort. Great, right?

We stayed in an apartment room, nearest the shore. It has a double-sized bed, a plastic table and stool set, a cabinet, and a basic restroom. The restroom was small but it was really clean. I just wished there was hot water because I had a toddler who isn't really used to taking a bath with cold water. 

Since we didn't bring anything from Manila except our clothes, we had warm beverage from 7-11. We had to ask Ate Baby for some ice and a bottle of Coke Light for our one-on-one drinking sesh. We also asked her for paper plates, paper cups, and plastic spoons and forks for our dinner.

A plastic of ice: Php 50.00

A bottle of Coke Light: Php 65.00

Paper plates and cups, and plastic spoons and forks: FREE! YAY!

After a good night's rest, we went to the beach after a very light breakfast to soak up the morning sun:

An hour after, Brianna asked us if we could finally eat breakfast:

We ate our leftovers, naturally, but we were told we could buy food from the resort. They had a common dining area near the pavilions where you could eat.

Anyway, after a few more hours at the beach, we headed home but not without fighting with a toddler who didn't want to leave the beach. Okay, I admit: Even I didn't want to leave yet.

The Llamar Beach Resort is quite cheap compared to all the other resorts in Laiya. Their rates start at Php 3,000 (that's the cost of our room!) Quite easy on the wallet, if you ask me.

There are 2 types of rooms in Llamar Beach Resort. There's the apartment:

And then the cottage, costing Php 6,500, at the most, and has 2 types:

They also allow daytrips in their resort. There are cabanas near the shore as well as a shower room beside the pavilion for those who chooses this option:

We haven't had the chance to see it because they were undergoing some maintenance when we were there.

Anyway, the rate for the cabanas start at Php 1,500. Quite cheap, especially if you are a group of 10 people. 150 a pop! Plus the Php 150 entrance fee for the daytrip, that's just Php 300. Of course, that's just an example. Hihi.

If you need more information about the Llamar Beach Resort, you can reach them through the following:

Contact numbers:
+639178137799 (Globe)
+639436904247 (Sun)
+639175326775 (Globe)
(02)7519863 (Landline)
Email Address: info.llamarbeachresort@gmail.com
Website: www.llamarbeachresort.com

They prefer to be contacted from 8am-5pm, Mondays to Sundays. You can also walk in, but of course, you'd have to pay in full instead of in an installment basis if you choose the reservation option.

If you are looking for a cheap place to stay in Laiya, Batangas, you should definitely give the Llamar Beach Resort a look. Pwede pang humabol sa summer vacation!

I am an #LHKid.

What's your LH experience?

Whenever people ask me what school I graduated from, I always respond with a loud (albeit mayabang) "La Salle!" I mean, it has been my dream since I was a kid, after all, to become a Lasalista. It's an automatic response, probably because that was the last school I've graduated from but it hasn't occurred to me 'til just now that I wouldn't have finished my studies in La Salle without great academic foundation.

File Photo from LH Montessori High

LH Montessori High - previously known as Little House Montessori, Inc. - is the school that provided me with the academic foundation I needed. I know that all schools (probably) have the same curriculum but the way that the teachers from this cozy little school in the heart of Fourth Estate Subdivision in Sucat, Parañaque has really helped me retain most of the lectures in my head...and to be quite honest, a whole lot of other things, too. I still know way too much teeny tiny bits of information from grade school up until now.

Not only has LH given me a strong foundation that have led me to graduate from my dream school, it's also the place that witnessed a lot of my firsts:

The first time I realized that I can never take a pretty candid photo.

The first time I got married.

The first time I realized that I eat like a guy.

The first time I met the "real" Santa.

But seriously, though, LH was the first institution that has taught me to be nationalistic. That the Philippines is my home and despite everything bad that's been happening to it, I should still be proud of the way it stands up after every knockdown. I would like to think that this school has awakened my love for Philippine history and the sense of pride I get whenever Pinoys get recognized outside of the Philippines, no matter how small their achievements are.

LH was also one of the greatest influencers when it comes to my spirituality. Although I am not a devoted Catholic, I am highly spiritual. I believe in God and I talk to him all of the time like He's my barkada and I would like to thank LH for refraining from imposing (their) religious beliefs to their students but still encouraging them to build a relationship with whoever they believe in.

The LH grounds also bore witness to what little talent I have. They helped me hone my volleyball skills as they've allowed me join the school's varsity team two years in a row. The year-round activities also helped me develop my dancing skills, since almost all presentations included a dance number.

Now that I am well into my adult life, LH Montessori High remains a huge part of me. The greatest friends I could ever ask for:

and - in a surprising turn of events, believe me - the love of my life:

all came from the very same school I spent most of my childhood in. It couldn't get any better than this.

As a mom (finally, huh?), I would want Brianna to have the same academic foundation I had as well as the support group that I've formed from this school. If God were to give me the opportunity to move back to the South now, I would, no doubt, enroll her to LH Montessori High. I've experienced it first-hand and I definitely recommend it to everyone.

File photo from LH Montessori High

LH Montessori High has a team of competent and passionate teachers whose purpose is to provide quality education to the students. With a teacher-student ratio of 1:25, you can be sure that the teachers will be able to give your child his/her undivided attention at least once a day. They offer summer classes as well as tutorial programs for students who need it.

File Photo from LH Montessori High

The LH teachers also give justice to the term "second parent", giving out sound advice to confused teens as well as support the students in their personal and academic endeavors. I studied in traditional schools in high school and in college but the care that my teachers at LH gave us was the greatest I felt. They were always there through the good times and the bad times and they continued on to become our friends as we ventured out into the real world, still offering us their encouragement every step of the way.

If I were given the chance to go back in time and choose a different school, I wouldn't take it. LH Montessori High was my home for 6 years, 1996-2001. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am Ale. I am a full-time mom, a full-time employee (yes, it's possible), and a blogger. I am a proud alumna of LH Montessori High, Grade School Batch 2001. I am an #LHKid.

For more information about LH Montessori High (Enrollment is on-going!):

Address: 39 Press Drive, Fourth Estate Subdivision, Sucat, Parañaque City

Website: http://lhmontessorihigh.edu.ph

Facebook: http://facebook.com/LHMontessoriHigh

Phone number: 826-1485, 829-6739

E-mail address: info@lhmontessorihigh.edu.ph

Currently disappointed at OLX.

I have been an OLX (previously known as Sulit.com.ph) member since 2012, according to my profile:

and I haven't experienced any problems with them...until now.

I started selling brand new stuff I haven't used as well as preloved items when I realized that they've been taking up too much space in my small room. Most of them I'm too hesitant to actually throw away because I still haven't used them or they're still too pretty to be in the trash bin.

As I've mentioned, I didn't encounter any problems with them for a full 4 years and a few months after. The problem started just last week, when I was reposting a new ad.

An ad's life is around 7 days before OLX notifies you that it will be temporarily taken off their listings. It was fine before 'cause you just update your ad and the site'll do just that. When I updated my ad a few days ago, this happened:

They were asking me to pay for new ad slots for a hundred Pesos a pop which is totally unfair because #1:

This isn't true now, is it?

and #2, PHP100? Seriously? That's way too much, I think. For people who earn as much as I do, it's way too much to ask. Plus, the reason why people like me go to sites like this is to sell our stuff online so we can earn extra income but how can we do that if we sell, say, a top for a hundred Pesos but the money we earn from it goes to OLX a number of posts from now? Balewala lang ang sale.

I've also been looking for venues where I can air my sentiments but couldn't find any e-mail address I can contact so I resorted to posting a tweet on my personal Twitter account, tagging them, but still haven't gotten any response.

Has anybody else experienced this, too, and did a person from the OLX team explain to you what's happening? Please share it in the comment section because I rely on my OLX account for additional income. I really need all the help I can get, fellow stay-at-home moms.

Day 2: #TeCasIlocosTour2015

I know I took a hella long time since I last posted about our Ilocos tour back in January but better late than never, right? Hihi!

We woke up really early January 16th for the second leg of our tour. We stayed at one of the resthouses along Saud Beach in Pagudpod. It's not much of a room, but that's to be expected in a place along the shoreline. I mean, you wouldn't spend much time in the room anyway.

We drove half an hour from the place we were staying at to visit the Patapat Bridge when we saw this pretty rainbow.

And then, the Patapat Bridge...which they also call the Patapat Viaduct.

Fun fact: The shoreline at the foot of Patapat Bridge is literally the edge of the Philippines. I would've taken a screenshot of the Google Maps app to let us know where we were but we were all Globe subscribers and Globe didn't have reception in the area. As in the whole of Pagudpod...I think. Haha!

After Patapat Bridge, we went to Paraiso ni Anton.

Paraiso ni Anton - also known as Calvario de Patapat - is a small waterfall that's believed to be magical. People who want to heal themselves or to prevent any sickness would drink or bathe water from this waterfall. Of course, I had Brianna experience this:

I just have to mention: I love Ilocos not only because it is the most beautiful place I have been to but also because their pasalubongs are really cheap! Their souvenir shirts cost PHP150 each and the quality of the shirts are great! I mean, I remember seeing shirts in Bora with the same price but the shirts would, like, melt after a few washes. But the Ilocos souvenir shirts? Pwedeng ipanglakad! The designs are classy, too!

After that miraculous waterfall, we headed to Blue Lagoon, the Boracay of the North but we just had to pass by the Timmangtang Rock - which I don't have photos of because the wind was blowing hard and no way was I risking getting sick during the trip - and the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations:

Pagbigyaaaaaaaan...

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formations was a very beautiful place and it gives a great view of the West Philippine Sea. It was quite gloomy the day we went there but the view still took my breath away. The rock formation itself, too, is something else:

We headed to the Boracay of the North for a little beach time and for lunch.

The shoreline of Blue Lagoon was where the 1980 movie starring Brooke Shields with the same title was shot. Of course, the name of the movie was where the place was named after.

Brianna is so addicted to the beach that she still went to play on the damp sand despite the very very very cold air.

We had food cooked by the locals who live by the beach. It cost us around 500 to have a kilo of crab, a kilo of shrimp, a whole clump of puki-puki (tortang talong but soooooooo much better than the way !), and like 5 kilos of rice cooked for us. The fee also included plastic spoons and forks, and paper plates and cups. Not bad, eh? You'd think I'd taken photos of the boodle table but noooooo. Everyone was so hungry, including me, that our phones hadn't made it out of our purses 'til we got back to the van.

We then headed to the Kaibigan Falls after but Brianna and I stayed behind because she was too tired, she fell asleep the moment we sat in the van. When they got back, they all were raving about how majestic the falls was, I was so jealous.

That was our last stop for the day and we headed back to Saud Beach for more beach time...

...and of course, take a photo of the sunset.

That ends our second day in the beautiful province of Ilocos. Day 3's packed, like day 1 so I might be writing it in 3 parts again. Hihi.

5 Selfish Things I Want Right Now

Ever since my daughter came into the picture, I haven't had a single time-off from anything. I am so so so thankful for having her in my life, don't get me wrong, because I wake up every single day thanking God for giving her to me. I guess it's safe to say that all moms have this feeling in their hearts for their children that the phrase "I never knew I could love someone this much" takes on a whole new meaning.

Becoming a full-time, work-from-home mom was my sole decision, too, and no matter how tempting being a career woman is, I wouldn't trade anything for the non-stop snuggles from my daughter. It's just that there are times when I want for it all - or at least, some of it - to be just about me. (To be quite honest, those "times" are usually around when I'm nearing my period. PMS galore!)

Here are 5 things I usually want whenever my selfish self comes by to say hello:

1. Quiet, alone time (!!!).

Taken way before selfies were a thing. Obvious naman sa quality ng camera. Haha.

I can't remember the last time I went into the shower without having to step out a few minutes after because my toddler can't stop asking for a bowl of cereals. I'm not even asking for much here - although, a trip to the coffee shop without getting guilty over spending half the day there like I did in college wouldn't hurt at all! - just a few minutes inside the loo without anyone knocking, asking for Coco Crunch, would be real nice.

2. Shopping spree.

At the SM Megamall Sale back in 2010, with Jake Cuenca photobombing.

Since I am also a full-time, work-from-home employee, I still get paychecks. Although it's not actually enough to sustain the lifestyle I've grown used to, I still manage to make it work. But sometimes, I just want to just splurge for myself. Like buy a new Macbook Pro or a hell lot of bags or maybe buy all the Ritz Sour Cream Crackers my money could buy. It's been a while since I actually got something for myself that I just want and don't really need.

3. Go out without guilt.

Downing tequila shots like nobody's business back in 2009.

I used to be a heavy drinker before I had Brianna. I'm not proud of it but there were times when I didn't know how I actually got home because I was so drunk. Although I am not planning to get totally hammered anytime soon ever again, it would just be nice to actually go out of the house - without my daughter - without the guilt hanging over my head like a dark cloud.

4. Go on spontaneous trips.

On a jeepney en route to Batangas. Ecstatic but real sleepy.

I would love to go on a spontaneous trip again. Like, "Tara, Baler?", pack my bags, and leave within 30 minutes. Being a mom (single, work-from-home) entails careful planning when it comes to trips. You can't just withdraw a couple thousand Pesos from your bank without thinking of its repercussions in the future. Dropping everything - ballet classes, lolo's birthday party, what-have-yous - isn't that easy anymore now that I have someone in tow.

5. Sleep.

Taken in 2006, the time when I got enough sleep.

I get to sleep, yes, but I haven't slept straight since 2011. I still live with my parents and Brianna and I share a bed. Everytime my daughter makes the smallest movements or sounds, my eyes would automatically open. I can't remember how complete sleep feels like. One night of uninterrupted sleep, that's all I ask.

How about you? If your fairy godmother were to grant you something selfish at this point in your life, what will it be?

Brianna's Moving Up Day 2015

(I would have to hold the Ilocos Tour posts and practically everything else, basically, - AGAIN - to give way to my post regarding my daughter's moving up day. Not really good with the updating the blog regularly thing. HOW DO YOU GUYS DO IT?!)

(Also, PHOTOS GALORE!!!)

Last Tuesday, March 17, the KinderCrib Learning and Childcare Center held their Moving Up Day at the Tanghalang Pasigueño main theater.

What Not To Do During Moving Up Day

Yesterday was Brianna's school's Moving Up Day presentation general rehearsals. As much as I wanted to focus on the fact that Brianna did a great job in the rehearsals, there were some annoying things I noticed which I am pretty sure a lot of parents (and yayas) were rehearsing for the event itself that they shouldn't.

Since it is Moving Up Day season, here are things I think you should avoid doing during your kid's graduation day:

1. Sit on a chair where someone else was sitting. I guess this just all boils down to scarcity thinking. In an auditorium as big as the main hall of Tanghalang Pasigueño, there'd be a huge number of empty seats especially for a preschool with a student population of about 60. If you saw someone leave their seat, don't assume they won't be back unless they haven't come back for, say, 15 minutes...maybe not even because the line to the restrooms tend to get pretty long.

2. Block the view of someone else. I guess with us being proud parents and all, we tend to take as much video as we can of our little darlings. What I am trying to say here, though, is for you to just be aware of your surroundings. If you feel you're blocking another parent's view while trying to find the perfect angle, adjust accordingly.

While we're on the subject, don't...

3. Use your iPads for taking photos and videos. Yes, I am hating specifically on iPads right now even if I, myself, have one. If you own one of the iPad units that have huge screens (iPad2, 3, iPad Air, etc), never ever EVER use this huge chunk of a gadget to record your kid's precious moments. Believe it or not, some people don't really want to watch their kids through a mobile device's screen.

4. Talk on the phone. Okay, maybe you can do this if you keep your voice low enough to not disturb everyone around you. If not, head on over to the nearest exit because no matter how loud Tomorrow's blaring through the speakers, you'd still probably disturb a mom who has super hearing powers nearby.

And lastly, don't...

5. Gossip about the kids. The women I heard talking didn't talk about Brianna but it still made me sick. It doesn't matter if the poor boy has a hideous costume or if the little girl doesn't exactly look like a movie star. Never EVER gossip. It's generally a horrible thing to do, let alone do it to kids! Just. Stop.

You'd think adults would know and master respect by the time they hit a certain age but I guess some of them haven't had the time to grow up yet.

-End of rant-

Kiss kiss kiss for Lemon Kiss!

Ever since Brianna came into my life, I've been immersing myself with little girls' apparels brands. There's not one shop that I haven't visited, to tell you the truth. Most of the time, I come out with a handful of dresses, blouses, and shoes and, of course, an empty wallet. There are no regrets, especially after seeing my daughter sport those cute clothes and getting compliments not only from family and friends but also from strangers.

That is (MOST) probably the reason why when I came across the brand, Lemon Kiss, I had to see all the clothes they have in their catalogue. And yep, you guessed it, after selecting through their lines, I fell in love with this particular dress:

You would think that I'd fall in love with a pink dress - and I did, this one - but when I opened Brianna's closet, all her clothes are in different shades of pink. Anyway, this dress is too pretty not to love. It looks classy but not too much for a child.

Their whole line actually is that: Classy. You'd think that these dresses would cost you much but they don't. The dresses' prices range from PHP700-PHP800.  Not bad, eh? Now, all you have to find are the perfect pair of shoes and your darling daughter are off!

If you're looking for the best party dresses for your little girl, head on over to Lemon Kiss' Facebook page to see their whole collection.

Basic First Aid Training for First-Time Parents

I guess it's safe to say that whenever our kids get a booboo, no matter how small, we all get a little panicky at first. We want them to learn on their own. We want them to see what hurts and what doesn't. We want them to rise back up when they fall. Yes, we want it all but at the same time, we don't want to see them hurting. #yearofthewhogoat

There are a lot of ways for us to help them with this and personally, as a first-time mom, I have no idea where to start. I even get to the point where I get all paranoid and think "Oh no, I won't be able to help my daughter. I might screw this up...I might screw HER up."

Good news to all (paranoid) parents like me: There is a workshop to help us refresh our first aid training back in highschool (where we should all start in terms of helping them recover from EVERYTHING that will hurt them deeply... #yearofthewhogoat talaga!) that - I am pretty sure - you didn't take seriously, too.

Manila Workshops, in partnership with Best for Families, Inc. and the Philippine Red Cross, is conducting a 4-hour, intensive seminar for first aid training called First Time Parents: Basic First Aid. All you need to know regarding first aid will be presented to you by professionals from the Philippine Red Cross.

First Time Parents: Basic First Aid will be held on March 14, 2015, Saturday, from 1:00 PM til 5:00 PM at the Best for Families, Inc. headquarters located in #29 1st St., New Manila, Quezon City.

Registration fee's at PHP600 for one person and PHP1000 for couples. You can pay via BPI, Unionbank, and Paypal. To register, you can visit this link and put in your details. Kindly use SMCFTPBFA1 in the referral code in the registration form to let them know you got to know about this event from Supermommy Chronicles.

For more information, you can contact Ms. Donna Donor of Manila Workshops at donna@manilaworkshops.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates regarding the workshops and seminars that they are and will be holding.