Grand Baby Fair

Buying items for babies is truly enjoyable even if I'm not on the family-way and my toddlers are now kids.

Last Sunday, we dropped by Baby Company's Grand Baby Fair at SM Megatrade Hall. Pregnant mommies with their hubbies and little kids filled the place. There are fantastic deals for baby supplies and lots of discounted items! It's great to see moms and dads filling their shopping baskets and carts with baby needs.

I bought Chicco bottle sterilizer, at a 20% discount, for my kuya and sis-in-law (the expecting their third baby this March), and Johnson baby products for my kids. My youngest sister grabbed a Chicco toy for our cute nephew.

We got this Swag Bag which is given free upon purchase of P 2,000. Its loaded with product samples and useful freebies. I lost my Mom Card which I got from last year’s Baby Fair, so I didn’t get to have the free cellphone holder.

 Inside my Swag bag are:

Magazines (Mom’s Today, Total Girl, K-zone), Mimiflo baby hangers, Toy Story bath sponge, diapers (Pampers Active Baby, Huggies Newborn), Chicco Pacifiers, Hello Dolly Mittens, Ceelin vitamins, Mini Notebook, Ainon burp cloth, St. Patrick bib, Philips Avent VIA cup, Oilatum Bar, Disney Baby keychain, Pigeon Baby’s Pocketbook, Ascof Forte tablets, Charlie’s Soap hypoallergenic laundry powder, vouchers and coupons (Great Image and Tiny Love).

I also got to pick these prizes - two Philips Avent VIA cup and bib from the Avent booth (sad that one of the cup and bib got lost) and a Johnson's baby soap from Johnson's booth. Goldilocks booth handed us three Mickey Mouse choco-lollipops.

It's good that the payment system is now much better compared to last year! There are also learning segments, interactive activities and games, play area of Gymboree and Wilkins drinking water stations.

This Grand Baby Fair only comes once in a year, so pregnant moms and moms with toddlers should watch out for the next baby fair.

Pusong Wagas and Remembering Sleeping Beauty

Ballet Philippines' 42nd Season will end with undying love as it stage "Pusong Wagas." This all-new contemporary ballet will be shown on February 17 to 19 at the CCP Little Theater.

Pusong Wagas

"Set in pre-colonial Manila, the story highlights the exemplary love of Luyong, a gifted carpenter, and Manda, a tribal princess, and their sacrifice in the face of the coming foreign invaders. This work is co-produced by the City of Mandaluyong and Hon. Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. "

Schedule:
February 17 at 3PM & 8PM, February 18 at 3PM & 8PM and February 19 at 10AM & 3PM
Venue: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)
Tickets: P1000 and P600

For tickets call:
Ticketworld at  891-9999
Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 551-7919
CCP Box Office at 832-3704

This would be a great show to see this coming Valentine's Day weekend!

+ Remembering Sleeping Beauty

"A ballet in a prologue and three acts."

Last December, my daughter and I watched Ballet Philippines performance of the Sleeping Beauty, one of the most beloved classical ballets.

I am thankful for the tickets from Ballet Philippines and the good seats as well. We were given the 3rd row front seats, making my daughter enjoyed the show even more.

Based on the popular story, the ballet begins with the Christening of the newborn Princess Aurora. She receives gifts from fairy godmothers and  guests from all over the land.  When the  dark evil fairy Carabosse makes a sudden appearance, the royal festivity comes to a halt. Carabosse was furious because she was not invited. She cast an  evil curse on the Princess. Lilac Fairy  softens the curse. Princess Aurora will not die but sleep for a hundred years and the curse will only be broken by the kiss of true love.

with Caraboose

with Lilac Fairy

Sleeping Beauty had truly enchanted everyone. Aside from the dances, the sets, costumes, live  orchestral music and international guest performers were truly magnificent.  The royalties, fairies, cavaliers and all the royal guests in the halls of the grand palace were spectacular. The Bluebird pas de deux dance is equally amazing. Some well-loved fairy tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and Puss n’ Boots and the White Cat were also present to brighten the festivities.

with The White Cat

with Red Riding Hood and The White Cat

After the Lilac Fairy led Prince Desire to where Seeping Beauty is, and the prophecy was fulfilled, the rest of the royals and courts awaken. The great hall was then filled with the grand wedding of Princess Aurora to Prince Desire.

with Sleeping Beauty

Again, thank you Ballet Philippines for the show tickets!

Changing Look

The Year of the Dragon started!

It's about time to change my blog template. So here! My blog had gone haywire for quite some time (that I don't even want to check my blog!) Maybe it's one way of telling me to change my blog template. So I just picked another free blog template created by Deluxe Templates | Blogger Styles that I can use for the meantime (or should I say, a year).

Sad that I failed to save all the blogs I've added on my blogroll.

There's still a few things that needs to be fixed. I've neglected this blog, hopefully, I'll get back soonest. Maybe giving it a fresh look would be a good start.

Save With Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone wants affordable prescription medication and the convenience of getting medication is also a major concern.

When the news that Walgreens and Express Scripts were no longer in partnership, it brought shock and irks to many. Their negotiations were unsuccessful and the contract expired last December 31. It means that Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network.

Walgreens value their customers and understand that getting prescriptions are necessary. They helped eased the  burden of affected  members by coming up with a special discount on annual membership for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions.

The benefits that you could get includes:
- Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
- Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
- Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services

Its a great savings program and its a good plan to take advantage of this limited time offer through January 31st. Also take note that the Prescription Savings Club membership is risk free.

Keep yourself updated by following Walgreens on Twitter and liking Walgreens on Facebook.

Ipanema Raids Southern Luzon

Great news for Ipanema fans from Southern Luzon!

This fashionable and hip Brazilian flip-flop brand opened its new retail concept store called “SANDALIAS" at SM City Lucena last December 21.

Ipanema never failed to exhibit its chic and stylish designs in the new store as they featured the latest collection shown in the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week. Aside from the popular Ipanema Women’s Collection, the store also offers the Ipanema Men’s line and kids line; a shopping experience for the whole family. The store is also surrounded by the luxe Ipanema Gisele Bundchen collection. The intricate designs and colourful collection of each Ipanema flip flop complimented the Rio inspired store where the decor and store design mimicked the tiles of Ipanema Beach giving shoppers that relaxing yet modern vibe.

The grand opening and blessing was held with the presence of ELRO Corporation’s Managing Director Patxi Elizalde, Marketing Manager Cecille Loretizo and "SANDALIAS" Retail Operations Supervisor Jason Gonzales, together with Managers from SM.

Visit “SANDALIAS” store at the ground floor of SM City Lucena.
For more details check out www.facebook/IpanemaPhils.com
(Press Release)

Chinese New Year in the Year of the Dragon 2012

January 23 marks the start of the Year of the Dragon. This 2012, the Chinese New Year is officially declared by the  Philippine government as a special non-working holiday. (Read Proclamation No. 295)

Since the Chinese population and its influence is very large, the Chinese New Year is often celebrated by both Filipino-Chinese and ordinary Filipinos as well.

I've read these General Predictions for the Year of the Dragon, and found it very interesting.

The year of the dragon is traditionally associated with new beginnings and good fortune.

Those with entrepreneurial spirit are particularly favored to see much success in the coming year.

Generally, it's predicted that any new venture may benefit from the outstanding luck often associated with the dragon. Therefore, 2012 will be a very good year to get married, have children, or start a new business. (Source: Chiff)

The dragon is a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power. Those born during the dragon year are describes as charismatic, tempestuous, and lucky. Hopefully, we would all attract good luck this year and fill it with good fortune.

Enjoy the upcoming Chinese New Year and greet everyone  "Kung Hei Fat Choi!"  or you can also say, "Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!"

[Philippine Holidays 2012 Official List]

This year, we have 6 long weekends to look forward to.

A. Regular Holidays
January 1 (Sunday) :  New Year's Day
April 5 (Thursday) :  Maundy Thursday
April 6 (Friday) :  Good Friday
April 9 (Monday) :  Araw ng Kagitingan
May 1 (Tuesday) :  Labor Day
June 12 (Tuesday) :  Independence Day
August 27 (Monday) :  National Heroes Day
November 30 (Friday) :  Bonifacio Day
December 25 (Tuesday) :  Christmas Day
December 30 (Sunday) :  Rizal Day

B. Special (Non-Working) Days
January 23 (Monday) :  Chinese New Year
August 21 (Tuesday) :  Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 (Thursday) :  All Saints Day
November 2 (Friday) :  Additional special (non-working) day
December 31 (Monday) :  Last Day of the Year

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)        
February 25 (Saturday) :  EDSA Revolution Anniversary

The observance of Eid’l Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eidul Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) are national holidays as well.

What to Consider When Buying Real Estate

Everyone dreams of having their own homes and is considered as the ultimate lifetime goals for most people.

Purchasing real estate can really be overwhelming, especially for first time home buyers. There are many homes available in the market, from houses, townhouses, bungalows, apartments, condominium units and others.

When purchasing a home, always think of your family's safety and security. Location is very important and the neighborhood should be safe for your kids. Choose homes with easy access to schools, hospitals and public transportation. Price is important, but quality should not be compromised.

If you don't have an idea where to begin, use the Internet to jump-start your search. Online searching allows you to look for properties based on the type of home and the location you want. Explore all the financing options to get the best possible deal. You can also consider hiring a real estate agent to guide you in buying a property.

Owning a home will always be one of the best investments that we can make. It is a very rewarding experience and a life-changing event. Having your own home will always give the family a sense of stability and security.

My family appreciates the condominium we're living in right now. It's a place where we feel safe and protected. Having gated access and 24-hour security is very essential. Added to this are the recreational facilities and amenities that we are enjoying. We have easy access to the swimming pools, basketball courts, playground, clubhouse and gym. Even the village chapel is just a few walk away. Still, having a bigger space and a big house will always be in the future plan. 

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Disclaimer: I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for St Louis county real estate and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Thank You 2011, Welcome 2012

Thank you 2011,

For making our year a memorably-great one.
You filled our year with happiness, blessings and success.
You make life worth living.
You fully opened our eyes, our minds and our hearts.

Each day, you made it one better than yesterday.
Life is indeed getting better.
The storms kept our faith and the bumpy ride makes us stronger.

I won't wish for the "back-to-December"-thing
You made my favorite month happier.
I'll simply remember and be more grateful.

Welcome 2012!

Resolutions aren't part of me, I simply allow a better life to happen.
Looking forward to more life experiences and wonderful moments.

More challenges awaits me, I believe that I can surpass it all.
May you continue to hear the prayers in our hearts.
We need faith and strength in thousand folds.

Each day will be filled with thankfulness.
Believing whole-heartedly in His will and
Making prayers our best companion.

Fill our life with infinite possibilities
Hoping that it would be as fruitful and amazing as the year that was.
May we laugh more and love more.
Let me cherish life even more!

"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back." - Arthur Rubinstein