Sweepstakes and Contests

Joining online contest can really be enjoyable. I'm amazed for there are many ongoing contests on Facebook, blog sites and other websites - from writing, video and photo contest.

Contests on Facebook are actually fun and the easiest to enter. Well, those "like" or voting contest is a different thing, which I always hope won't be the basis for winning.

If I have a few minutes left, I take time to join contest that interests me. But sometimes a week would pass where I won't get to join one since I get too busy with work and other responsibilites. It just feels great whenever my luck would strike and get to win from time to time. Knowing that my online friends are winning keeps me happy too!

Love sweepstakes and joining contests?

If you also enjoy joining contests and entering sweepstakes, Sweepsadvantage.com is a site that you might want to visit. It’s the largest directory of contests and free sweepstakes that I've seen where you can enter in every online contest as you want. They've got lists of cash sweepstakes, as well as giveaways, instant prizes, freebies and lot more. You can always join in these contests for free and you can get a chance to win fantastic prizes!

Actually, sweepstakes are different that contests, but these terms are often used interchangeably. Sweepstake is more of a game of chance, and most people say that the odds of winning depend on pure luck. It's a game wherein the more you enter, the more likely you're going to win.

Keep on joining and hope for more winning moments!

Daughter's First Declamation Piece: "Sa Aking Mga Kababata"

getting ready

My daughter took part in their school's "Masining na Pagbigkas ng Tula." Four students in each grade level where selected by their teachers to participate for this Buwan ng Wika activity.

Skylah declaimed the poem "Sa Aking Mga Kababata," which was written by our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

"Sa Aking Mga Kababata"

Kapagka ang baya’y sadyang umiibig
Sa kanyang salitang kaloob ng langit,
Sanglang kalayaan nasa ring masapit
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid.

Pagka’t ang salita’y isang kahatulan
Sa bayan, sa nayo’t mga kaharian,
At ang isang tao’y katulad, kabagay
Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita
Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda,
Kaya ang marapat pagyamaning kusa
Na tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin
Sa Ingles, Kastila at salitang anghel,
Sapagka’t ang Poong maalam tumingin
Ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin.

Ang salita nati’y huwad din sa iba
Na may alfabeto at sariling letra,
Na kaya nawala’y dinatnan ng sigwa
Ang lunday sa lawa noong dakong una.

My daughter practice at home without putting in her mind that it is a competition. I could feel her nervousness and excitement.

Well, being nervous before a competition is really normal. Standing there on stage, with hundreds of people watching and eyes glued on you can really be a nerve-wracking experience.

We're proud that she was able to recite her piece well on stage.She did not win, but she realizes that this is something that she can be good at.

For us, it's not just about winning, but it is a good experience that develops her skills and confidence.

Happily accepting and proud of the certificate she received on their Buwan ng Wika's final day.

proud of her certificate

Buwan ng Wika

stage

My kid's school celebrated Buwan ng Wika with the theme "Wika: Susi ng Kultura!" It's a one whole week program full of activities!

They had several activities, competitions and performances that showcases the students (and teachers) talents and skills, from - 'Himig Pinoy,' 'Patinikan sa Panitikan,' 'Pista sa Nayon,' at 'Kulturang Pilipino.'

Bukod dito ay ang mga kasiyahan katulad ng 'Palarong Pinoy,' 'Kaining Bayan,' at mga iba't-ibang natatanging bilang sa pagsayaw at pagkanta.

I was at their school on the second and fourth day to witness my kids' presentation.

My daughter was a participant in the 'Masining na Pagbigkasng Tula.' That's the first time that she joined a declamation contest. Their class also performed a dance number - Subli, a traditional folkdance from Batangas.

My son joined the preschoolers (with my niece and nephew) in presenting well-known Filipino folksongs - Bahay Kubo, Leron Leron Sinta and Magtanim ay Di Biro.

My youngest sister was part of the 'Sabayang Pagbasa ng Maikling Kwento' where they presented the story of 'Si Emang Engkantada at ang Tatlong Haragan' full of zest and spirit.

I'll be sharing some photos from their Buwan ng Wika activities in a few days.

Bags Filled With Books

We've got two bags full of books from Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale!

Since it's a book buffet we stuffed our bags with books from their bag-all-you-can section. My kids really enjoyed picking from the piles of books. We only paid Php 998 for all these!

This is my kids' bag. We we're able to pick 41 books.

This is my sister's bag. She grabbed a total of 42 books.

That's a total of 83 books! Books overload!

Good news! I received a text message from Scholastic Warehouse informing me that their Book Sale is extended until August 31.

So if you want to grab some books, you can still drop by and enjoy the book sale. They have lots of books for kids, teens and adults too!

Scholastic Warehouse Sale
No. 70 C. Raymundo Ave. Brgy. Rosario Pasig City.

For inquiries, pls call 900-1537

Thai Massage Day With Hubby

After doing our Friday errands, my hubby and I dropped by Nuat Thai Libis for our much needed massage.

Photo: Nuat Thai Facebook page

I love the relaxing ambience as soon as we entered the place. It's small yet cozy. We were given clean flip flops and were led to the foot wash area afterwards.

We had our Thai massage inside the dimly lit room. We were asked to change in a clean set of pajamas. I appreciate wearing it for the entire massage session since it’s more comfortable. The soothing music and scented oils that surrounds the place also keeps me at ease.

There are individual massage cubicles separated by drapes so it's really great being pampered with that kind of privacy. 

Photo: Nuat Thai Facebook page

The stretching technique was good enough and I got the massage pressure that I asked from their therapist. It releases my stresses and my muscle tensions. I felt relaxed and energized afterwards.

We didn't take photos as all we needed that time is to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

I use the 2 Gift Certificates from MomFriday (which I won from her previous blog anniversary contest). Thanks MomFriday, we had a great treatment.

Thanks Nuat Thai for the good massage and courteous service.
I would want to have a foot massage and a Swedish massage soon! Their rates are really affordable! 

Click on the photo to see their rates.

Nuat Thai Libis
2nd Flr, 90 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.
(across Shopwise, above RCBC and Allied Banks), QC
Contact # 477-5004
Open daily from 12 noon to 2pm

Scholastic Warehouse Book Buffet

We always get excited with Scholastic Warehouse's Book Sale! This is one book sale that my family looks forward to. You can see some books we've got from the previous Scholastic Warehouse sale here and here!

Great news - the Scholastic Book Buffet is back!

See, a buffet is not just for foods, its for books too! We had our first book buffet experience two years ago. It's like a grab-all-you-can-thing without time limit. See the photos and read about it here.

This book buffet is where you can grab a book buffet bag and stuff as many books as you can! You'll just pay Php 499 for all the books that would fit in the book bag!

Aside from this book buffet, you'll also get to enjoy as much as 70% discount on activity books, picture books, award winning titles, educational kits and more! Hardbound books are priced at Php 999/ 4 pcs.

Enjoy the book sale from August 17 - 23, 2011 from 8 am - 8pm.

Scholastic Warehouse Sale
No. 70 C. Raymundo Ave. Brgy. Rosario Pasig City.
For inquiries, pls call 900-1537

Best Medic For Your Home

Our home needs regular maintenance to keep it cozy for a long time. Aside from the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most used room in the house. We should always keep it clean and hygienic all the time. It should be well-maintained and free from any faulty plumbing. Any leaks can waste water and damage the flooring, the furniture and even the entire house.

There are times when house problems like plumbing, leaks, paint, insulation and electrical wiring occurs. In these instances, hiring a handyman to do the major repair is needed. It is better to trust these skilled people than do these repairs on our own.

Any home problems and maintenance can be solved with the best handyman. Experts in home matters like House Medic specialize in small and medium size repair for residential and commercial properties. They are considered to be the leader in home repairs and renovation projects.

So, whether you need to have your house repaired or remodeled some areas of your house, get the best professional team who can do the repair works for you. Residents living in Beaverton and in Tigard are assured of getting quality service from handyman Tigard House Medic.

Home improvements and maintenance will keep our homes functional, safe and cozy for a long time.

Kid's Never-Ending Wish List

The start of August feels like Christmas for my kids. As an early rewards, they already get to receive items from their never-ending wish list.

My Mama bought these toys for my kids during her last business trip to Singapore. My kids have been wishing, praying and talking about these things for more than months!

My son is thrilled with his red Sony PSP Slim and Transformer toys.

My daughter is happy with her Baby Alive doll and Barbie "I Can Be" a dentist doll. 

I'm keeping these toys for a while since they'll be reviewing for their exams this week.

Thanks Ma for these and a lot more! :)

Buying Shoes on Sale

Last week was SM Megamall's Shoes and Bags Sale. Yes, we didn't miss this one!

My kids enjoy shopping for shoes since they wear shoes every day. They wear black school shoes twice a week, PE rubber shoes twice a week also, and any casual shoes on Friday and weekends.

It is always preferable to buy shoes in the late afternoon but we drop by in the morning so we can shop better, avoid the crowd and the long lines at the cashier. We usually tag the kids along so they can choose the pairs that they really want. 

Even though their shoes don't last for more than a year since they usually outgrow their shoes, it is still very important to choose the right ones.We picked a size with enough space of at least three-fourth inch allowance. 

When buying shoes for kids, we always buy ones that are light-weight and flexible to ensure that their comfortable with what they're wearing. 

Buying shoes on sale can be great too. Since it's on sale, we need to triple check the items and ask for newer stocks. Sometimes there are really stocks that are still in their storage. 

Disney, Pitterpat and Hardy Togs from Php 399 - Php 400

Elle shoes at Php 399

Not all items on sale are great finds, but my kids are happy with what they've bought!

Since we only have less than two hours to finish shopping, my hubby and I didn't get our pairs. Well, maybe some other time.

Learning Mandarin Chinese

Ni hao!
This is the first Chinese word that my kids learned.

Then they learned to count from one to ten.
yi èr san sì wu lìu qi ba jiu shí

And the words are followed by greetings, polite expressions and more!

This school year, my kids have weekly Mandarin Chinese classes. My daughter, who's in Grade 2, will have Mandarin exams next week. Since I can't assist my daughter in reviewing for her Mandarin exam, I'll just remind her to go over her notes and practice writing the basic words.

In their school, Mandarin is already part of the curriculum, but the good thing is, it's not part of their grading system. At least, they'll get to learn and understand the language without feeling pressured. 

My kids are enjoying their Mandarin classes. They’re even practicing at home the words that they’ve learned and sharing it with me!

I know that learning the Chinese language can enrich their academic experience and enhance their cognitive development. It allows them to appreciate the multicultural world that we live in. 

Hopefully they'll be able to converse well in Chinese or perhaps write Chinese letters in years’ time. Maybe they'll be able to use the language when they get to work with Chinese businessmen or visit China in the future. 

Family Meals at Its Finest

I'd rather enjoy eating healthy foods than spend years going on a diet. Casual or fine dining eat-all-you-can buffet never fails to satisfy my hearty appetite and please my palate to the fullest.  

Still, nothing beats sharing a meal with my family and spending time together at the dinner table. Everyone sitting around the table, eating our favorite food and sharing stories with another makes the best food experience!

It is like experiencing the best buffet in town and the world's finest food everyday!

There's more to food than just eating and satisfying our stomach, for me and my family, every meal time is a nourishment of the soul. They make the food more scrumptious, the dessert more sweeter, and keeps me fully satisfied. 

Enjoying each other's company over crepes and frappucino.

Weekend merienda moments over pancit and cake.

And of course, simple family celebrations or just-because-we-love-to-eat-day with our all-time favorite food - pizza and pasta!

Our family mealtime no matter how simple it is continue to build pleasant family memories. It fosters warmth, security and love. It's a unifying experience for us all, as well as continue traditions and memories that can truly last a lifetime.

Even if its just a simple meal, a recycled food from yesterday's menu, a take-out dish or a street-food. Every food becomes a heavenly blessing when shared with loved ones!  


This is my official entry to Certified Foodies First Anniversary Giveaway!


Join Certified Foodies’ First Anniversary Giveway where you can win gift certificates, food gift packs, cash prizes and even a food trip date with the foodie siblings! To join, click on the banner above. And we’d like to thank their partners…

Partners:

Hot Fun Stuffs / Food and Fashion Blog / Baguio Girl / Mahlzeit / Ruthilicious / jared’s little corner / Stay at Home Blessings / Shy Girls Own / Travel Monologue / Delight My Appetite / Vector Dad / Pinoy Holistic Healthcare / {cherry} everyday / Jefrox News / The Misis Chronicles

The Cookie Jar / Familia Foodie / NomNom Club / Let’s Go Sago / Noob Foodie / Philippine Travel Promos / GEORYL: Welcome to Our World / Techie She / Wentot’s Thoughts / LEVYousa / Living Life to the Fullest! / Food and Happy Things / Impulsive Buyer Goes Organic / YipeeMedia / Filipino Blog / Kizuna / The Life Encounters / My bric-a-brac / The Food Encounters / The Geek Side of blankPixels / A Woman Remembers / Adventuring Foodie / Nash Goes Chenelyn / Deej Speaks / Certified Pinoy Reviewer / Kwento Ni Toto / MAG of My Life / Delectable Ideas / Joy’s Flair / Home Buddies / Mike Mamaril / Fedhz on the Go / Easy on Yz / Yz Little Steps / Samu’t Sari Online Store / Your Filipino Virtual Assistants / Filipino Virtual Assistant / Ken Avenue / Shop Pinay / Day Dreaming Mommy

Join now! Lots of prizes are at stake! Giveaway ends August 12, 2011 is extended until August 31.

Nokia E72 Wraps Up My July Month

Our July month was filled with lots of celebrations - from celebrating family birthdays, welcoming my nephew in the Christian world to attending kiddie parties, and a lot more! All these occasions means choosing and buying gifts that they would appreciate.

In this eventful-July month, I too celebrated it with a new cellphone - a Nokia E72 in Topaz brown.

What I initially like most about it?

• -Its slim, classy, distinctive look with bright-chrome accents around the edges.
• -The full QWERTY keyboard with the Optical Navi Key
• -The Ovi Maps where I can locate nearby restaurants and other interesting landmarks
• -Its Quick Office application where I can read and edit documents anywhere
• -Of course, getting to access the Internet quickly when I need to
• -Its 5MP digital camera, GPRS navigation, email functionality, among others!

Geez! I haven't bought a Nokia phone in years! There are really a lot of cellphones to choose from. I’ve been wanting either an HTC or Samsung phone, but I still can't go with the whole touchscreen-train and this conservative business handset fits our budget and suits me best.

This Nokia E72 phone is July-month's gift for me. It's just good enough for my work and personal communication needs.

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 at Rockwell Tent

Support the Yabang Pinoy - Filipino Pride movement and celebrate Filipino Love and Pride!

Yabang Pinoy will once again stage the 7th Global Pinoy Bazaar this November 5-6, 2011. This Pinoy bazaar aims to showcase Filipino products made with 100% Filipino Love and Pride. It also aims to motivate Filipino entrepreneurs to believe in their ideas and to always aspire for excellence at all times.

This is good way of patronizing our fellow Filipino artists and crafters and look for Christmas gifts at the same time. There would be a showcase of ladies’, men’s & children’s apparel, accessories, jewelries, bags & shoes, home decor, beachwear, home and wellness products, as well as Pinoy art and design.

For more information, you can visit www.yabangpinoy.com. If you are a Filipino entrepreneur who want to be part of Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011, you may email bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com.

Patronize Filipino products made with 100% Filipino love and pride!Save the Date!

7th Global Pinoy Bazaar
November 5-6, 2011 at 10am-10pm

Rockwell tent, Makati