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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you Chili's Philippines! :)

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)!

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/

Bridging the Fertility Gap

Do you know that 1 in 10 couples suffer from infertility issues? I received this information and I know that it is worth sharing.

Read to know more about Fertility Awareness Hope for Starting Families campaign.

[Press Release]
Forming new life brings unfamiliar excitement and challenge to couples that seek to build a family. However, the decline of fertility rates brings forth a rising concern that couples in Asia are increasingly having difficulty in conceiving. Among the many pressing factors that contribute to infertility are the personal and social issues, and inadequate knowledge about the condition and treatments options.

Aimed at extending knowledge on infertility and its treatments in the Philippines and encouraging couples to seek medical help, the Hope for Starting Families campaign of the local medical community and leading biopharmaceutical company Merck Serono recently led a session that featured expert insights on the common causes of the condition and various methods that couples can take to improve chances of conception.

The Roots of Infertility

During the forum, fertility specialist Dr. Anthony Ancheta, FPOGS (Fellow, Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society), FPSREI (Fellow, Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility, Inc.) shared that men and women are faced with a variety of biological and non-biological factors that contribute to infertility. There are male and female characteristics that separately influence the likelihood of conceiving a child as well as undetermined causes that prevent couples from achieving their goal of parenthood.

Female factors that affect infertility, which include ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine factors, and poor egg quality because of age contribute 35-40 percent to the inability of a couple to conceive. Another 35-40 percent account for the male factors that result to infertility include the sperm count, activity and quality, and male tube blockage.

The other 25 percent makes for multiple facets of unexplained fertility. In some cases, men and women undergo necessary tests to determine the cause of their inability to bear a child but results suggest that male and female factors are normal. This prompts a closer look at other sources of the problem such as medical illnesses, family history of infertility, previous surgery, sexual dysfunction, lifestyle factors, and work stress.


Hope for Starting Families campaign

In line with its Hope for Starting Families campaign, Merck Serono and the medical community joined hands to provide the online platform www.fertilityphilippines.com. The website aims to serve as a vehicle for information on infertility, its causes, and treatment options for Filipino couples.

From August 25 to 31, www.fertilityphilippines.com will host a microsite for the region wide effort Fertility Awareness Week 2013. The weeklong event will feature a series of web congresses on the nature of infertility, barriers to understanding the condition, and treatment options available in the Philippines for Filipino couples seeking to conceive. With Asia holding one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, each session ultimately aims to address infertility and create a path for couples in the region to openly talk about their difficulties with conceiving. Fertility Awareness Week 2013 is endorsed by the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) and the Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (PSREI) in partnership with Merck Serono.

For more information on Fertility Awareness Week 2013, visit the official Hope for Starting Families website www.fertilityphilippines.com.

Find a Local Dentist

"Do I need to wear braces?" Both my kids asked me this question before they brush their teeth. They still have their baby milk teeth but they are already concerned with how their teeth look. I just told them to brush their teeth properly and regularly since we still don't know if they need to wear braces. We haven't checked with the dentist yet. If there's an overlapping and misaligned teeth needs to be fixed, they would be wearing orthodontic braces in year’s time.

During the kid's early age, it is important that they visit a pediatric dentist so their oral health would be taken care of. It is good to remind them to brush their teeth properly after meals. If they already know how to spit, teach them how to use the mouthwash. There are several dental clinics that you can visit to get a regular check-up. You can also ask for referrals from family members and friends if they know of a good family dentist. If you're living around Salt Lake City there is good Salt Lake City Dentist that would take care of your oral health.

I remember the last time that we visited the dentist. My son's tooth was moving and was about to fall. Before visiting the dentist, we told him that his tooth would be extracted. But since the tooth fell off while his eating his hamburger, so the dentist just gives him an oral prophylaxis. That was also the first time when my son got his fluoride treatment. The incident removed my son's anxiety towards his pediatric dentist. Now, he's looking forward to visit the dental clinic again.

My kids usually brush their teeth together. They would usually ask me if their teeth is clean enough after brushing well. But most of the time my son is in a hurry to finish. My daughter would usually check if his brother brushes his teeth properly and remind him about the brushing time needed to have clean teeth. She would remind his brother about proper brushing and using the mouthwash. They also get to buy their toothbrushes at the same time.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Schedule Your Kid's Dentist Appointment

My children's baby teeth had started to fall out by the time they reach Grade 1. In their early age, I have to instil in them the importance of dental care. As they grow, I keep on reminding them to brush their teeth after every meal and before going to bed. They also enjoy using a mouthwash. Right now, I'm checking if there's a difference if they use a mouthwash specifically made for kids or if a normal mouthwash would do.

At school, they are required to have their own toothbrush, toothpaste, a glass and a mouthwash which they keep in their health kit. They brush their teeth after eating their lunch. Though, most of the time, my son forgot to do this habit.

It is recommended that a child first see the dentist by after his or her first tooth comes in or by the time the child reaches age 1. To be sure, you can always consult a pediatric dentist near your area. You can check also check out Orem Dentist to find more information on taking care of your children's teeth.

Both my children's first dental visit had been a great experience. They get to interact with the dentist in a friendly way. The dentist showed them around the clinic. They get to know how a dental chair works and the different dental tools the dentist would be using. They enjoyed rising their mouth in the dental chair water system.

Finding a good dentist that meets your children's oral health need is very important. You have to make sure that your children would get to receive the necessary care and treatment appropriate for their age. It's good to have a pediatric dentist that interacts with their patients during every dental visit. They keep the kids calm and make them comply with all the dental procedures and orders. During a dental visit, the dentist would check the child's teeth, their bite and look for tooth decay and other potential problems in the gums, jaw and oral tissues.

Always make your child practice good oral hygiene. Proper nutrition is also important. Also, keep a schedule of your dental checkups.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post however; all the points and views are my own.

Ace Water Spa Pasig

excited for their spa experience :)

After school, our family decided to visit Ace Water Spa in Pasig City for mama's pre-birthday celebration. We spent hours at trying different Hydrotherapy massages. The kids enjoyed the kid's pool with the elephant slide and the lazy river where they lied down on floating foams.

The Rainfall Acupuncture is my favorite. I love how the raindrops massage different parts of my body while lying down. My daughter loved being there too, while my son enjoyed the Bubble Pool.

The Head and Shoulder Massage, Waist Jet Massage and Jet Chair Massage are great as well. Mom enjoyed the Water Falls massage that much.

We also tried the hot Herbal Pools. Kids below 12 years old are not allowed in this area because of the hot temperature. These hot herbal pools have natural herbs like lavender, jasmine and mint.

After immersing in the hot herbal pool, you have to plunge into the ice cold pool. This is needed to keep the body temperature and heart rate at normal level. Or you can take the Eight Nozzle Shower instead, which is an alternative way of cooling down.

There are also Steam and Sauna rooms which we've tried for just a few seconds.

We left the place before 10 p.m. We really enjoyed our first visit at Ace Water Spa and we're planning of coming back soon. It relaxes and soothes our tired muscles, and we felt great the morning after. 

The different kind of Hydrotherapy Massage experience with its soft, moderate and hard intensities is really therapeutic. You can choose which massages would benefit specific areas of your body.

Fitted swimwear is strictly followed. Swim caps are provided courtesy of Ace. You only need to bring your own bath towel. Toiletries like shampoo, liquid soap, hair dryer, gel, and cotton buds are also provided.

The place has spacious locker room to keep your belongings, shower area and changing area. It is also best to go on a weekday and during the non-peak hours. Cameras are not allowed inside the wet area.

Rate:
Php 550.00/adult and P250.00/kid (4 ft. and below)
This is good for 4 hours of stay.

Ace Water Spa Pasig
D´ ACE Suites
United St., cor. Brixton St. near Pioneer, Pasig City

Bring Home the Playset Fun

Spending time in the playground is a fun physical exercise. In this age of technology and video games, some kids would rather keep themselves busy with the latest gadget or games.

It's great to see kids spending time in outdoor playground. They can spend hours playing in the swing or see-saw, sliding down the tube slides and hanging on monkey bars.

A playset is safe source of enjoyment for kids. It also enhances their physical skills and motor development. They also learn to share and take turns. It will burn their energies positively and stimulates creativity too.

I love this wooden playsets in charlotte. It's an outdoor wooden playset created for many years of use. Kids would surely have fun in the sling swings, horse glider, wave slide, and in the trapeze. They can get more adventurous with the rock climb plank and cargo net. The quality and safety provided is superb.

Childhood memories last a lifetime. If you have a space in your background, take time to consider buying a playset for it would help create that wonderful memory. These playsets are created to revive enhance kid's childhood spirit and imagination. Nothing can match the pleasure of playing outdoors where kids can have the grandest time of their lives.

Leaving Preschool Behind

congrats Brent! :)

Preschool had been very great for my son. His development and of course, his achievements makes me a proud mom. I'm happy for this wonderful start. It makes him enjoy learning and value the importance of having a good education in one's life.

Seeing him on stage wearing his toga keeps my family smiling. More than that, we're proud that he was able to deliver the Welcome Speech during their school's graduation exercises. Delivering that 2-minute speech in front of everyone wasn't easy, but he finished it well.

He also received a medal for ranking second in the graduating class. He earned the 2nd Honors Award (which is equivalent to being a class salutatorian). Aside from this academic achievement, he also received the Best in Conduct and Most Humble awards. These character awards are truly worth mentioning.

Here's the video of his opening speech.

Graduation Opening Remarks

Time indeed flies so fast. I remember his first few days in toddler class (in a different preschool). He was still a little baby back then, being carried by their teachers in their arms. Now, I bet his previous teachers won't try carrying him anymore! He has grown so big and healthy!

He would be in Grade 1 this coming school year. I know that there would be lots of things he would miss from preschool. There'll be lesser playtime at home. And because he would spend more time in school, I'll miss our daily bonding time together.

Praying that the next school year would be another fruitful learning experience for my son.

Ready For Summer Swim

Most are surely anticipating the summer season. It's the time when resorts, beaches and pools get crowded. Summer is also the best time for kids to enrol in swimming lessons.

Having a swimming pool inside our village is a good thing. We won't have to travel and spend more if the kids wanted to take a dip in the pool. But it also gets jam-packed during the summer it’s a school vacation. Sometimes, we also took advantage of taking a swim at the place where my sister resides. We make sure that they take a shower in the changing room or in the shower bath before they dip in the pool. It's hard to understand why some people really find it hard to follow this "Shower-Before-Swim" rule.

Swimming pools are life savers especially during a hot day. It's also an avenue for exercise and relaxation.

Water infections in public pools and water parks are very risky. It is important to make sure that the swimming pool is well cleaned before taking a dip. Nothing looks better than a clean and healthy pool. It should always be debris fee and safe for everyone.

In Phoenix, some people also make use of their swimming pools frequently. African Suns, a company based in the area, guarantees the best pool maintenance, repair and tile cleaning services. Check it for your next pool tile cleaning phoenix need.

Family Moment: Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay

It's Ocean Adventure day once again!



This had been our family's second visit to Ocean Adventure. Aside from the Dolphin Friends Show and Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show we've enjoyed years ago, the place had other interesting attractions such as the Walk on The Wild Side Show, and The Adventures of Olongapo Jones.

Dolphin and Friends Show

"This presentation is packed with action, smiles, interesting information, and an important conservation message. "

Great to see the dolphins and the false killer whale as they showcase their intelligence and ability with such amazing stunts - back flipping, waving their fins, flying high up into the air and surfing with their trainers. They leave a very strong message to conserve these animals.

Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show

"It’s filled with lots of action, and a strong environmental message. In between the laughter and fun, there’s a lot to be learned!"

It's enjoyable to see the South American Sea Lions entertain the people with their tricks at the Nautilus Theater. Being true conservationists, the Sea Lion Marine Patrol practices the three R’s - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The most important thing is the tips they shared on how to help save the environment and the message that they leave to everyone.

Walk on The Wild Side Show

"Move from sea to land and take a Walk on the Wild Side. "

It started with showing how indigenous Aetas cook rice and create utensils out from bamboo and their ability to make fire without matches.



The show features animals from the Wildife in Need Rescue Center like a variety of birds, mammals, bats, and reptiles. They leave an important message to everyone, and that is, To Love Animals.






Adventures of Olongapo Jones

"This high energy show follows Olongapo Jones and his Eco-Rangers, Pawee and Leila, as they track down the Bouncing Basura Boys, a gang of eco-bandits who leave a trail of cut down trees and discarded trash in their wake. "

This is an entertaining show that features the Ocean Adventure mascots and trampoline acrobats. It shares Olongapo Joe's adventure and his quest to save Mother Nature. We had a great time watching this show! It's about environmental education presented in a humorous and enjoyable way.



Ocean Discovery Aquarium

"Bright colors! Strange shapes! Mysterious creatures!"

Although the species inside the air-conditioned aquaries are limited, this gives guests an experience of seeing upclose some deep sea and fresh water creatures, and diverse marine resources.

Ocean Treasures Souvenirs Shop

Our adventure ended as the kids get to buy these huge cuddly killer whales and dolphins, and a turtle.






Ocean Adventure is an open-water marine park plenty of attractions. It's more than an entertainment hub, it's more of an enjoyable and educational adventure for the young and young-at-heart. They are working hand-in-hand with the Wildlife in Need to rescue in injured animals and release them back into the wild.

Spending a day would make you appreciate the importance of wildlife conservation, appreciate environmental awareness and the welfare of animals.

my family

Ocean Adventure
Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic
http://oceanadventure.com.ph/
Park Hours: 9am to 6 pm everyday
Admission Prices :
Adult - Php 550
Children 12 years old and below - Php 440
Senior Citizen - Php 440

What Life Had Been

For weeks, my Facebook and my blog had taken a backseat. I miss visiting blogs, joining online contests and getting updated with Facebook friends. The only thing I did online is to work on my online projects.

My time was well-engaged on family activities, summer classes, school preparations, and a lot more!

My sister had also given birth to an angelic little baby boy. I spend time assisting her in taking care of her new baby.

Congratulations to my sister and my bro-in-law! I wish baby JABE a life full of love, health, happiness and more!

Welcome to the world, baby!

Amidst all these "busyness", I thank God for the wonderful blessings!

Have a great day everyone!

Summer Starts Early

It's Summer time!

It's the season when almost everyone enjoys taking a long vacation, either to escape the summer heat or have fun under the hot sun.

My family lives in a community where the swimming pool is just a few steps away. I can even see the clubhouse from our window. It means that we can always spend time at the pool everyday! Or we can drop by at my sister's place for another swimming pool enjoyment. Still, nothing compares to spending time with other family members and relatives.

Our summer started early this year! Our family and relatives already had a great time swimming at a private pool in Laguna. Not everyone were around though, but spending time with relatives - especially those living and working abroad - is worth it.

breakfast at Burger King



getting ready



swimming



...and more swimming



billiards game



videoke singing



endless happy, funny, and picture perfect moments



Have a great and fun-filled summer everyone!

The Two Weeks That Was

I never realized that the past two weeks could be so hectic. I neglected my blog, missed joining contests and a lot more.

It started with my kid's 2nd quarter school exam. Hopefully the did well even if we failed to review for the exams. Stressed. My daughter had been absent for a week because of severe stomach pain. She even failed to take her exam in computer. Good thing, the school allowed her to take a special exam.

Their school's United Nations presentation followed after. Each grade level presented on stage, while the preschoolers wore different costumes. We're all proud seeing them as they perform on stage!

It was followed by the school's Halloween party where everyone got to wear their funniest, scariest or unique costumes. The kids had a great time wearing their costumes.

Our week ended with a Halloween Trick or Treat at Riverfront Residences, a residential community at Pasig City where my sister and bro-in-law are living. The kids enjoyed the trick or treating at the buildings, as they say "Happy Halloween!"

Yes, it had been such a hectic and busy two weeks of my kids. Nonetheless, knowing that they had a wonderful time makes it all worth it.

Thanks to everyone who still keeps on dropping by my blog. Hopefully, I could share with you some pictures from all these events. Have a great Halloween week!

Never Miss a Show with Charter on Demand

Many are not aware of the feature that if you have Charter digital, you have On Demand. This is free to access. It is often an overlooked gem and is much better that the cable TV subscription you currently have.

The best thing that interests me about this is that with Charter Cable's On Demand, you do not have to watch your favorite shows exactly on their scheduled time. Instead, you can watch your favorite show anytime you want. There's no waiting and missing a TV show or episode..

Charter Cable's On Demand will also satisfy your cinematic cravings. There are over 6,000 movies and shows available at your fingertips. You can choose from the classics to the latest blockbuster movies that are available every day. You won't feel bad if you missed watching a movie in the theater. You also won't need to wait for the DVD in the mail or buy DVDs from the video store.

Everyone in the family will really benefit from On Demand. Even the kids would get to enjoy watching their favorite cartoons like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants all the time. They can watch it during the day or with the entire family at night.

This is perfect for everyone's lifestyle as it suits their time in watching their favorite TV programs and movies. Once you subscribe from Charter, you will enjoy all the benefits from their On Demand service. If you are not a Charter cable customer, you can learn more at charter.net/ondemand. You can also get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page.