Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The-Fault-in-Our-Stars,John_Green,book-review,movie-The-Fault-in-Our-Stars
Photo Source: Amazon
"The world is not a wish-granting factory."

My second book for this year. The title itself made me curious - Why The The Fault in Our Stars? I initially thought that this book is a typical teen romance book. But then, after reading it, I realized that it is indeed more than that. It is actually much more!

[Think] What will you do if your time is limited though not specifically determined?

Reality is far different from our fantasies and things we want to come true often don't. What's meant to happen will happen. But we can control on how to make our life worthwhile. Just like what the character in the book says,

"You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world…but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices."

The Fault in Our Stars, a novel by John Green, shows two young people who learned to live life even as they both face death. It deals sensitively yet positively and even humorously during those difficult situations.

Hazel Grace, with her terminal cancer, and Augustus Waters who has lost a leg to osteosarcoma, met at a support group for cancer kids. They immediately hit it off, became friends and develop the bond over the "An Imperial Affliction" book (written by Hazel's favorite author, Peter Van Houten). They both desire to find out how the story in that book ends.

"Pain demands to be felt."

Like Hazel's favorite book, she worries about being a "grenade," wanting to minimize the casualties that her life will cause. She worries how her parents will cope if she's gone, etc.

In the same way, Gus also thinks about life after death. Through Hazel, he realized that not being able to do something extraordinary, does not equal being insignificant. He shares how life is experienced with her... that the current moment does matter.

It is during their trip to Amsterdam that Gus reveals a heartbreaking news to Hazel.

What happens during and after their trip to Amsterdam? Will the world fall apart around them?

[Okay.Read.The.Book]

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."

Hazel and Augustus.
Teens who are suffering from cancer, but they seemed to be wise beyond their years. Teens with humorous attitude but are filled with longing, worries, and hope. Teens who doubt their place in this world. But it was their positivity that helped them in their painful struggle to live for each other. Their resilience was both inspiring and heart-warming.

One thing that hit me - they fall in love while living on borrowed time. Such beautiful moments.

In Peter Von Houten's letter to Augustus:
"Were she better, or you sicker, then the stars would not be so terribly crossed, but it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he had Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars/But in ourselves"

Thus the title.


-----
[My take]

The Fault in Our Stars is not a book about cancer. As what Hazel Grace says, "cancer books suck." The Fault in Our Stars does not. It is a beautiful moving story filled with sadness and courage, yet brimming with hope.

It made me worry what will happen next. It is an insightful story that helps you understand life more.

Reading this book will make you see or feel all these - the realities of terminal illness, necessity of pain, depression, death, fear of oblivion, the insensitivity of the universe, and a lot more. Oh well...

Like, what you would do if you were Hazel or Augustus? Or if you're the parent of these kids?

It wasn't a happily-ever-after-ending, but it doesn't mean it's any less beautiful.

This book is simply Moving. Beautiful. Intense.

[Learnings]

+True love.
+Our relationships will continue, even if we do not.
+We will all die, and what happens next is something we don't know. Uncertain.
+We can't tell what memory we will leave behind.
+Life can be cruel and unfair yet remains to be beautiful.
+Like Hazel, be thankful for the joy within our days.
+Life is precious. Live it, don't simply exist. Enjoy the journey.

"Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book." - John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

John Green, thank you for the book. Thank you for the little infinity you created.

I choose to read this book, and I'm thankful I did. I'm thankful too for that little infinity I spend reading this book.

Even if this book is written for the young adult, read it whatever your age is. Feel the compassion, frailty, strength, love and courage.

Get moved by life.

Okay?
Okay.
I do.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

K5 Learning Review

K5 Learning,educational site,site for children,interactive,math,reading lessons

[Announcement]
K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.

Check out this site!

I initially found K5 Learning interesting, and I know my kid would enjoy it too!

This can make our kids enjoy learning essential reading and math skills and develop good study habits as well. It will make a great summertime, weekend or after-school supplemental activity, or even part of your homeschooling program.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Chili's SM Megamall: Great Birthday Dinner Celebration

Celebrated my dearest daughter's 10th birthday at Chili's SM Megamall.

Chili's, an American casual dining place, had been around for a decade, but for us, it's the first! We decided to try Chili's SM Megamall after my tita gave mama a Chili's treat at their Greenbelt 5 branch.

Chili's Philippines,Chili's-SM-Megamall,review,dinner,birthday
not in photo: my hubby, papa, sister & pamangkin, yaya's 

We want their Bottomless Tostada Chips!

These crispy and tasty tostada chips are unlimited! We had about 3 refills, and even took home the last one. Also, ordered Skillet Queso, a cheese dip to go with it.

Chilis-Restaurant_tostada-chips-unlimited
Crispy tostada chips, Php 350. Skillet Queso, Php 275

Cheese Poppers

Mini cheese poppers with green onions and cilantro rolled and lightly fried to golden brown. Served with zesty ranch dipping sauce.

We got this for Free! Mama had her guest experience survey receipt that serves as coupon for free Cheese Poppers.

My sister really enjoyed this appetizer.

Cheese-Poppers_Chilis-Philippines
We got this for Free! :)

Fire Grilled Chicken Bacon and Ranch Quesadilla

Toasted tortilla filled with fajita-marinated chicken, bacon, Ranch dressing, and mixed cheese. Served with sour cream,  pico de gallo and salsa-ranch dressing.

Take note, my son will order this on our next visit.

Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Quesadilla_Chilis-Philippines
Fire Grilled Chicken Bacon and Ranch Quesadilla Php 435

Old Timer Burger

This is their famous mouth-watering burger with mustard, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion. Served with fries and your choice of whole wheat or sesame seed bun.

Chili's sold this for only Php 175 during their Annual Big Mouth Burger Day last April  23. If you missed this trat, take note to grab this annual treat!

Old-Timer-Burger_Chilis-Philippines
medium-well Old Timer Burger Php 340

Big Mouth Burger Bites

These are four mini burgers with layers of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, onions and ranch dressing. Served with onion rings and fries. You can choose to have it well done, medium or medium-well.

My favorite! Really juicy and flavorful beef patty. Also, love the crispy onion rings which are fried to a golden brown.

Chilis-Philippines_Big-Mouth-Burger-Bites
Big Mouth Burger Bites Php 435... more onion rings please :)

Kid Honey BBQ Wings

Small-sized BBQ wings, just perfect for little kids. Served with bottomless drinks. My kids munch on these while watching cartoon show on their TV.

Chilis-Philippines_kid-menu,Honey-BBQ-Wings
all smiles... big enough for a kiddie meal :) Php 195
Sweet & Spicy Chicken

Fire-grilled chicken with Habanero glaze. Served with sauteed bell pepper. My sister opt for plain rice and fries, instead of their cilantro rice and steamed fresh veggies.

Chilis-Philippines,Sweet-Spicy-Chicken
flavorful Sweet & Spicy Chicken, Php 310

Grilled Pork Chops

Truly grilled to perfection. We opt for plain rice and fries, instead of their cilantro rice and steamed fresh veggies.
Chilis-Philippines_Pork-Chops,Chilis-SM-Megamall
Grilled Pork Chops Php 450

My Take:

Great and reasonably-priced food, generous servings, fast and efficient service and accommodating staff (special mention to Ruel for handling us), made our first Chili's experience a wonderful one!  We're fully stuffed and satisfied.

Definitely recommended!

Chili's is now officially part of our family's favorite restaurant!
Looking forward to our next Chili's Philippines experience. I know that there's a lot more to try and taste.

It's a good place for dining or hanging out with friends and families.
Child-friendly? Yes! They provide kids with activity pads and crayons.

Thank you for making my daughter's birthday dinner celebration a happy and fulfilling one.

Chilis_Philippines_customer,Chili's-SM-Megamall,happy-birthday
Thank you Chili's Philippines! :)

Chilis-SM-Megamall_birthday-treat
in "tulala-mode" while the staff were singing a birthday song :)

The manager gave us 2 kiddie meal vouchers (gave the other one to my sis)!

Chilis_coupon_free-treats
yey! we have all these :)

Other branches: Greenbelt 5, Greenhills, Tomas Morato, Rockwell, and Alabang Town Center.

Chili's Grill and Bar Restaurant
2nd level, Mega Atrium,
SM Megamall
http://www.chilisphilippines.com/

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Nido Fortified: Wear Your Love shirts for Mom

Express your love and appreciation to your Moms by wearing a personalized Nido Fortified statement shirt. Tell your Mom that she is #1 with this FREE one-of-a-kind statement shirt.

Nido Fortified Wear Your Love, Free T-shirt, Bench
Nido Fortified Wear Your Love - Bench T-shirt

 What Makes Mom #1?

Nido Fortified continues to pay tribute to moms with a personalized T-shirt from Bench. This is Nido Fortified's way of surprising moms on Mother's Day.
Nido Fortified Wear Your Love, Free T-shirt, Bench
Hurry! Only the first 2,000 statements submitted will be created.
This is Free! Nido will mail it directly to your mom.

This shirt is a great Mother's day gift for your moms!

Click HERE to create your FREE shirts!


-----
On the side -

I'm proud that my kids are Nido kids!

And I'm thankful for how Nido appreciates Mom's everywhere. I will always remember how Nido Fortified played a huge role in our lives. Remembering all these:

Nido Fortified "A Million Thanks" Billboard (2012)
Mother's Day Gift From Nestle Nido Fortified (2010)
Official Nido Fortified Video and Screenshots (2009)

Thank you so much Nido Fortified!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

BabyWorld: Baby wellness products you can trust

Having a baby?
Looking for safe yet effective baby products?
Or baby shower gifts for a pregnant mom?
Getting ready for summer vacation with your baby?

True, having a baby is exciting yet stressful. Mommies (and even daddies) really want to be prepared with their babies' needs. With the many products available in the market, it is important to know what is best in terms of safety, quality, affordability and effectiveness.

Great news!

Baby products from BabyWorld has the answer to all your needs. They have everything a mom needs to welcome her little bundle of joy.

baby-products, BabyWorld, newborn products, disposable bibs, Peristaltic Nipple
baby products
Again, I got acquainted with the complete line of baby wellness products from Baby World.  They are offering high quality yet effective, safe and affordable wellness products for moms and babies!

Some of these baby products include:
• Baby Bibs
• Baby hangers, pins, and diaper clips
• Bath Tub
• Blankets
• Cotsheet
• Feeding Bottles
• Feeding Dishes
• Kids Rider
• Potty Seats
• Puzzle Mat
• Rattle
• Teether
• Wash Cloth & Bathrobe

BabyWorld-event


baby_potty-seat, BabyWorld, newborn products, potty trainer
potty seat
puzzle-mat, BabyWorld, newborn products, baby_products
puzzle mats
cute-baby-bib, BabyWorld, newborn products
adorable baby in her disposable bib :)
baby-product-launch, BabyWorld, newborn baby products
10 years ago I was a first time mom :)
Well, everyone got to bring home this baby bath tub filled with baby products! I choose the blue one.

babyworld_baby-products, BabyWorld, newborn products, feeding_bottles, bib, nappy_liners
#babyessentials best treat for pregnant mommy bloggers :)
citrus-restaurant_renaissance_condo, pasig_restaurant, pasig_condo
Citrus Restaurant 2F Bramante Piazza, Renaissance Towers, Meralco Ave., Pasig 




Read to know more about BabyWorld.

About BabyWorld: Quality and Affordability for Mothers and Babies 

For 20 years a local company, Hilton International Philippines, had been providing a complete line of baby products that is both of excellent quality yet very affordable. Hilton International Philippines started in 1993, and since has continued to provide the best of products for your babies needs.

Under the registered brand name of "Baby World”, its products are available in all leading department stores, supermarkets & other retail shops nationwide. Presently, Baby World always sees to it that it is updated with regards to new trends in baby products. Its mission is to offer the best lifestyle but at budget friendly rates.

Disposable Nursing Pads - It has an ultra-thin but super absorbent contour for a natural fit that will not show under clothing. It also has two non-slip adhesive tapes so that the pad stays in place. This is the only polymer style breast pad that keeps it’s shape when wet.
Price:  P99.75 (box of 12), P189.75 (24's) and P269.75 (36's)

Disposable Nursing Pads, breastfeeding_pads
best for breastfeeding moms

Baby Cushion Potty Seat
– Made with soft padded, hygienic PVC, it is ideal for baby toilet training.
Price: P329.75 and P489.75 for potty seat with handle support.

potty seat, BabyWorld, baby_products, best_baby_product
potty training made easy

More interesting baby products from BabyWorld...