Alaska Crema wishes you a very #MerryCremas2014!

I didn't know I had an actual sweet tooth until I've attended the #MerryCremas2014 at the Eastwood Central Plaza yesterday. I'm more of a salty treats kind of gal so, naturally, this is the first-ever "sweets event" I've ever attended.

Maaga (nga) Ang Pasko

This year has been especially hard on me. Emotionally, psychologically, financially. This holiday season, despite the big bully that is this year, I still want to keep my chin up and actually move forward. What better way to do that than to make those who are much more in need than I smile even in the littlest of ways?

Brianna has a lot of toys. Not like some kids I know but, still, a lot. Some of it, she doesn't even get to play with even just once. I gathered all those toys and picked out those that still look decent enough to give to other kids and put them inside a bag.

I told Brianna why we were doing it- to give to the poor kids as gifts for Christmas - when suddenly, she wanted to put all her toys in the bag. It was so funny but, at the same time, heartwarming to know that my daughter would be willing to give everything she's got to put a smile on a kid's face.

We went to SM Megamall to drop it off at the Jollibee Maaga Ang Pasko box:

A few pointers on this branch's Maaga Ang Pasko box

• The flap used as a cover keeps on falling down.
• There wasn't anyone attending to those dropping off donations so it kinda looks like a garbage bin when you take a peek inside (sabog-sabog yung puzzles na dinonate, etc).
• Some people have definitely used the box as some sort of trash can because I saw several candy wrappers and a plastic cup inside it.

Anyway, Brianna was super excited to put the bag in the box "para gifts natin sa poor kids, Mommy", I can't get a decent enough picture of her in front of it. That one above was the best among 5 consecutive shots.

No matter how hard this year's been for me, I don't think it would be fair for me to just want this year to be over with without lending a helping hand - kahit na wala rin masyadong maibibigay - or just making a kid smile through small gestures. Doing so makes everything that much bearable, having known that you are helping someone despite how useless you feel inside.

How To Deal: Kids that throw tantrums

I admit, I have a lot to learn about motherhood and parenting. I've gone a long, long way from that 22-year-old young mom who can't even carry a small baby without wincing before she settles into breastfeeding position but I am so so sooooooooo far from being a perfect mom. There's always a lot to learn, especially when you're trying to raise a child so I am opening an avenue for moms to share their thoughts, tips, and tricks on some parenting issues that we all have.

I want to kick this section of the blog off by asking this question:

How do you deal with your kids when they throw tantrums?

I see a lot of kids throwing tantrums in public, most especially in toy stores. Even my precious Brianna has her moments. It usually gets annoyed stares from everyone else but a part of me thinks that these people don't know how hard it is to pacify a kid who seems to be on a crying spree.

My approach to this is to talk to Brianna beforehand. Let's say we're going to the toy store. A conversation like this usually takes place while I give her a bath.

Me: Honey, we're going to Toy Kingdom later ah pero we're not buying any toys.
Brianna: Okay Mommy. Pwede play?
Me: Play lang pwede.

When we get to the mall, I remind her constantly - like, every 10 minutes. If my mom did that to me, I would've lost my mind - that we're not there to buy toys and usually that does it for her.

Now, if that doesn't work, I give her a timeout. When we're at home, it's usually in a corner. When we're out, I carry her and whisper things to her like how it's not something she should be crying about, etc.

I'm pretty lucky that's all it takes for her to calm down - well, that, and the tiger look which I swear, scares the beejesus out of her - but I would want to know how other parents do it so maybe I can tweak my approach a bit for it to be more effective...or so that I can prevent it to happen altogether.

Zoo World in Caltex...it's ZOO unexpected!

We spent my sister's birthday weekend at Fontana in Clark and on our way home, we stopped over at one of the many gasoline stations along the North Luzon Expressway (Caltex station in San Fernando, Pampanga) for late lunch. We love spending time in this particular gasoline station because of the Nike, Adidas, and Fashion Rack Designer outlet stores here. The entire Tejada family goes bonkers here.

Usually, the kids and I would just wait for everyone else in the mini playground near the Jollibee branch here - I don't get to shop huhuhuhuhu - but last Sunday was different since we learned that there's an actual zoo in this gasoline station: Zoo World.

Zoomanity Group Christmas Giving in Paradizoo and Residence Inn, Tagaytay

On December 14, 2014, the Zoomanity Group team, together with Zoomanity Group (ZG) CEO Robert Laurel Yupangco, will be at Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite and Residence Inn, Tagaytay. Headed by JB Badon, the group deputy operating manager, the group as well as some bloggers will celebrate the Christmas season by welcoming indigent children in the said zoos.

The indigent children will get to experience some activities that Brianna, the fambam, and I experienced in Residence Inn, Tagaytay exactly a year ago:

1. Farm animal feeding:

2. Animal show:

3. Horseback riding:

They will also experience the zipline - which I can't ride because of my C-section - and the cable car that almost everyone in the family forgot to ride:

As for Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, we still haven't been there but what I know is that the children can get to experience the zoo's 12-hectare property that houses farm animals and a mini zip line.

This yearly event with Zoomanity Group allows for volunteers to give gifts and for the leader in zoo management to open the zoos and theme parks' doors to less fortunate, indigent kids and give them an experience they will never forget.

The Zoomanity Group is currently operating 5 theme parks in the Philippines: Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, Residence Inn, Tagaytay, Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zambales, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga, and Zoocolate Thrills in Loboc, Bohol.

Brick Adventure at Adventure Jungle

Adventure Jungle, the 2000-square meter zoo and private facility inside Manila Zoo, has a new and exciting activity area that was launched last November 30, 2014.

The Brick Adventure is a place for young-at-heart to play this famous toy building brick (Lego). The bricks can be assembled in different ways to breathe any object your mind desires. In adventure jungle, there are a lot of different animals from Lego blocks, like a 6-feet high giraffe and even Andrea, the amazing seating lady taking care of the Lego animals. The exhibit truly is a sight to see and not just your ordinary brick construction because of the gigantic construction of the toys from the usual 3 to 4-inch miniatures.

In the zoo area, you can see 58 different species of animals. Some of them are the 50-year-old tortoise Mr. T, Blu, a Hyacinth Macaw like the one from the movie Rio, and Gabbie the gibbon.

This holiday season, let's check out The Brick Adventure with Lego, and meet out amazing animal friends only at the Adventure Jungle.

For more information, check the Kinder Zoo Adventure Jungle page on Facebook, @Kinder_Zoo on Twitter, or send an SMS to Neng at +63 928 834 3476.

Zoomanity Group Christmas Gift Giving 2014

I've been a fan of the Zoomanity Group even before I had Brianna. We used to visit Residence Inn in Tagaytay when I was a kid way too often:

I asked my mom and she confirmed that these were all taken at the Residence Inn in Tagaytay. I can't post any photos of the animals because there weren't any. I understand. I mean, films for cameras then probably cost a lot so taking photos of animals without us was just too much for my average-income parents.

Of course, after I had Brianna, there were more trips to the different zoos here in Manila as well as in the provinces. We got to visit Zoobic Safari for the first time ever, two years ago:

Zoobic Safari - the only Tiger Safari in the Philippines - is a 50 hectares zoo with different activities; Zip Line, 4D realto, Tiger and Lion encounter, crocodile feeding and a lot more. And I am happy to tell you that I have tons of photos during this trip because unlike back in the 90s, I used my trusty Blackberry with 64gig of free storage space to take photos of that weekend instead of a disposable camera with 32 shots worth of film.

Zoomanity Group, the leader in theme part and zoo management, is inviting everyone to experience and visit their animal friends this December. They are also excited about the new activities coming that they will launch by the end of 2014 or early 2015 that will surely amaze the youngsters or any young-at-heart.

The Christmas gift-giving to indigent children - started by Zoomanity Group honcho, Robert Laurel Yupangco - will be held at four different locations this December 13, 2014: Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zambales, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga, Residence Inn in Tagaytay & at Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite.

This event for the indigent children is a way to give back the wonderful blessings they have received from the previous and current years. Since zoos are mostly for children, this is the time of the year that they would like to share these happy places to kids who are not fortunate enough to experience these kinds of activities all the time. Participating in this event won't only give you a great time at the zoo; it will also teach you the real meaning of Christmas.

Supermommy Ale's Bagyo Tips

Back in 2009, I, myself, was stranded in the office when Ondoy struck Metro Manila. I saw how people struggled during the storm and how everything looked like after the water subsided. I was pretty much homeless for hours as I can't go back home, literally, 'cause I had, like, 5 pesos in my wallet...

I won't bore you with the gory victim details I have but I will tell you this: It made me paranoid. Even more so now that I have Brianna (I had her in 2011). Every time the rain pours, there are 5 things that enter my mind and I would love to share it with everyone, especially now that #RubyPH will make landfall this weekend. Without further ado, I bring to you:

Let's get down to business, shall we?

I am not hating on Twitter. In fact, I love the thing so much, I am actually talking to myself here. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, whatever... Stop checking it every 5 minutes especially while the rain's pouring. It won't do you any good - nakakapraning ang tweets pag bumabagyo, swear - and your battery will run out pretty quickly and you'll need all your phones/gadgets' juices during the storm. Which brings us to...

Charge everything. Your cellphone, your tablet, your laptop, your portable charger, your portable WiFi, your radio, your rechargeable batteries, everything! When there's a storm, there is an 80% chance that power will be out and you will need every drop of battery juice to last you until power comes back on. This is especially important for your mobile phones and your radio. Mobile phones because - most probably - telephone lines will be cut off, too, so for you to reach your loved ones and emergency response teams, you'll need a fully charged phone. Radio because it's the only thing that can keep you updated with what's happening that consumes the least energy among all of your gadgets. While social media can keep you more updated with what's happening, it also drains your battery like a faucet. Radio. Tried and tested.

Yes. Get your grocery shopping on. Buy everything you need: food, deodorant, tissue papers, everything! Just don't get more than what you really need. There are people who need them, too, and we don't want for them to arrive to empty shelves. I've realized this when I was walking inside the Landmark supermarket, September 29, 2009. I felt so bad watching people actually shoving each other to get the last loaf of bread on the shelf. Yes, we need to stock up our pantries for times of calamities but we can be nice while doing it.

My everyday bag is some sort of mini emergency bag because of its contents. I don't know what the actual requirements are by government agencies but for me, here are the essentials:

• Canned goods (na matagal pa ang expiration dates)
• Can opener or better yet, a Swiss army knife
• Bottles of water (2 gallons per person)
• A small radio
• Flash light (preferably the one that uses up kinetic energy)
• Extra batteries
• Chargers
• Whistle
• A bottle of isopropyl alcohol
• Deodorant
• Tissue (facial and wet wipes)
• Change of clothes good for 2 days
• First aid kit
• Towels
• A heavy duty, fully charged phone - I suggest a basic Nokia phone - or a 2 way radio
• Sanitary napkins for women
• A couple of thousand pesos
• Blanket
• Toys, books, stuffed animals

Now, I have a toddler so this list that I came up with is for parents who has toddlers or older kids in the family. If you have infants, there's an entirely different list for you.

Take note of all the emergency hotlines and social media hashtags that you need in times of disasters. Print a list of them out and post it on your cork board and/or refrigerators. This way, you can get more information, updates, and help, if ever, when you need it.

So there you have it. Hope this list helps you with getting ready for the landfall of #RubyPH this coming days. It's just kinda weird - and sad - to be getting ready for a storm during the Christmas season. Global warming... Tsktsktsk.

A December weekend to remember with Medela

Ah Christmas time. The time of the year when practically each and everyone of us has someplace else to be not only because they want to but also because they need to. Christmas shopping, reunions, trips, what-have-yous will practically make your December calendar full so it's high time you include these Medela activities to the upcoming weekend:

Breastfeeding: A Crash Course for the Busy Mom

I am a breastfeeding advocate. I've breastfed Brianna for 2 years, 7 months before I weaned her off it and I highly encourage new moms to do it. It was easy for me, being a work-from-home mom but if you're a working mom, it can get quite tricky. Medela has teamed up with Babyland to organize a free seminar on Saturday, December 6, from 8am to 12nn called Breastfeeding: A Crash Course for the Busy Mom to help raise awareness for breastfeeding for busy moms. It will be held at the Babyland at Facilities Center, 548 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

The (1st ever!) Medela House Christmas Sale

After the seminar, you might want to drop by the first ever Medela House Christmas Sale on the same date to tick off all the items in your Christmas shopping list. Doors will open at 10am for regular customers and it will be held at the Medela House at 29 First Street, New Manila in Quezon City. Enjoy discounted items from brands such as TippyToes, HipSeats, Tummy Tub, and more! will If you pre-register to the event, you'll receive a lootbag c/o Medela!

The Learning Basket Community Fair

Kids can join in the weekend fun, too! The Learning Basket Community Fair - which will be held on December 7, Sunday - has all sorts of books available for kids and kids-at-heart alike. There will also be a storytelling session with Jomike Tejido and KaHone Art, Ma'am and Mom's Educational Hub, and many more will join in the merriment as well. The community fair will be held at the Best for Families Inc. headquarters located at 29 First Street, New Manila in Quezon City.

Have a fun weekend!

Brianna on a Monster High...high.

Early November's Happy Meal toy happened to be one of Brianna's favorites: Monster High. Personally, I am not so fond of these characters because they look like witches but Brianna adores them so much, I let her have some items with the Monster High characters. I don't let her watch the series, though.

Lucky for her, 4 toys have been released by McDonald's for early November's Happy Meal (which, apparently, already ended because I just checked the McDonald's app and they now have the penguins from the movie Madagascar):

And the bebe couldn't be any more happier (and arte-er):

Chilling Chamber Keeper

The first one we got was the Chilling Chamber Keeper. It's my favorite among the set. It came with 2 sheets of stickers, a few sheets of notepads, and some activity sheets which Brianna used, like, within 2 hours upon opening the package. The box was made of plastic and is pretty roomy for the way it looks. It won't fit a standard pen/pencil but it can fit Crayolas and colored pencils the size of the pencil that came with it (which was pink, by the way).

Ghoulfriend Locket

Brianna's favorite, the Ghoulfriend Locket, came with cardboard photos of the 3 characters and their pets (probably...I wouldn't know because I haven't seen the series). It's made of plastic, too, and I love the details on the locket itself. Obviously, Brianna loves this so much, she wants to bring it with her to school everyday.

Clawsome Magnet Clip

The Clawsome Magnet Clip, I have to admit, is cute although I can't stick it on anything in our room. It came with 2 sheets of stickers - looooove the cat with an attitude - and a few sheets with the Monster High logo, I assume: a skill with a fuchsia pink ribbon like a gothic Hello Kitty.

Spooky Specs

This red plastic Spooky Specs is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. The temple parts (I had to find what they were called!) could be opened as wide as you want to. They can be snapped on and off, most probably anticipating kids to somehow break it on the hinge part (huhuhuhu my Firmoo aviators). The specs also don't have any glasses on them for safety purposes, too, I assume. Anyway, I had to take a photo of Brianna wearing it because she was too cute!

See? I told you she's too cute!

This Monster High set is pretty cool, considering the McDonald's Happy Meal toys that came before this one and I can safely assume that both Brianna and I are hoping that the next toys will be as good as this set. We'll be more than willing to collect the set in one sitting, if that's the case.

(Please, McDonald's, My Little Pony and/or Hello Kitty - again! My Little Pony for Brianna and Hello Kitty for me. Hehe.)