Month: May 2015

Kumusta ka?

Have you said a simple “how are you?” to anyone lately?

Such powerful words. One of the things I taught my daughter is to ask a person how he or she has been after not seeing them for quite some time. Or upon meeting an acquaintance for the first time. I get kilig when she asks me that on the phone when I am away. I am excited, meanwhile, to hear her stories as I get home and ask how her day had been. 

My friends would know it. I would send a random hi or hello or how are you via text or Facebook, and the conversation sparks up as if we just last met yesterday. I am also blessed to have a few friends checking on me, whether there is an occasion or not. These few but true friends are the ones who matter. I am glad I have them in my life. 

That’s why my husband and I have been trying to catch up with people dear to us. We hope to do more of it soon. 

The other day, a dear friend from my preschool days sent over this article. It struck me how we have been friends for life despite the academic rivalry. The distance is not a problem, we might have probably been conversing/interacting on Facebook more than my friends who are just here in the country. So, thanks, G, for the friendship we both treasure so much. 

I ask you, dear reader: Kumusta ka? How are you? Wie geht’s? Como estas? Come stai?
~Touringkitty

In search of a Mommy bag

What’s your current bag, mommies?

Mine is like this.  

 
And that’s my ONLY bag now. For any outfit regardless of colour, any occasion, any…anything! 

During my college days, I have a collection of bags. Not that much, but enough to switch for any occasion. Now that I’m a mom, I want just one bag for everything, so that I don’t have to switch bags and end up leaving stuff behind. I look for these specific qualities of a bag:

1. Spacious yet not too big. So I could dump in everything–make up kit, personal kit, even change of clothes for the little one. 

2. Sturdy. One which can stand by itself.

3. Straps, lots of it. The bag I have now I can sling on my body and on my shoulders. They should be sturdy too. 

I even hook carabiners onto straps which I use to hook grocery bags or water bottle. 

4. Storage slots or pockets in and outside for easy access. 

5. Spill proof. Against rain and water spills. 

About time to search for a new one, with a more neutral color. I always pass by Celine boutiques and been wanting to check their items. 

Good thing there’s online shopping! CLN handbags are available online at ZALORA Philippines.

What do you look for in buying your bags? 
~Touringkitty

Harana sa Dapithapon at the CCP

UPDATE: Featured performing artists on June 10 are Miguel Castro, Sweet Sisa Samaniego and Los Lipeños.

 

At this time when we are inundated with too much foreign pop music, a show like this is a welcome respite. It’s only when my husband and I rehearse some Filipino art songs at home that my daughter gets to hear them. Better than none.

Last April 8, I took my daughter and my mom to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for an afternoon of Filipino music, something we rarely hear nowadays.

We were in for a treat. The show featured Lisa Cabahug and Lemuel dela Cruz, accompanied by Augusto Espino on the piano for the first part.

 

The second part featured a guitar ensemble, called the Kabataang Gitarista (click the link for related story). This is one of the projects I have handled when I was working for the CCP. Proud of these young guitarists who played quite challenging and interesting pieces! 

Missed this show? Don’t fret, because another one’s coming our way!

Harana sa Dapit Hapon is an afternoon musicale featuring immortal kundimans, harana, balitaw, danza and unforgettable love songs by great Filipino composers. Featured performers on June 10 are performing artists Miguel Castro, Sweet Sisa Samaniego, and Los Lipeños. Succeeding performances will be held on July 8, September 9, October 7, and December 9 this year. Noted classical singers and performers have been invited for the succeeding shows.

The event is free to the public. Senior citizens, students and the general public are cordially invited.

The project is by the CCP and the Tribung Pilipino Foundation.

Source: CCP Website

 

See you at the CCP!

~ Touringkitty

Manila Workshops: Your alternative classroom experience

The very first Manila Workshop-organized workshop  I attended was with my husband! Real ways to be a WAHM workshop, which was well attended even by non-moms (husbands and singles). Photo credit: Manila Workshops Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/manilaworkshops).
The very first Manila Workshop-organized workshop I attended was with my husband! Real ways to be a WAHM workshop in 2013, which was well attended even by non-moms (husbands and singles). Photo credit: Manila Workshops Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/manilaworkshops).

 

For my husband and I, learning opportunities outside the academe are highly regarded. We both invest in attending workshops, masterclasses (in my case as a classical singer), seminars, and the like.

One of the greatest discoveries we had was Manila Workshops, which has currently a strong lineup of workshop topics, workshop series, which caters to almost everyone already. Their passionate leader, Ginger Arboleda, and her great team, curates and creates these learning opportunities that are not commonly found in the regular university classroom, with the aim to create entrepreneurs out of all of us, and ignite the love for learning.

Here’s why I think you should attend their workshops, too:

1, Unique topics. They have every topic you can think of. Current workshops include topics like make up, calligraphy, storytelling, modelling, design, apart from their usual workshops for work at home people and entrepreneurship. They offer an overall alternative classroom learning experience.

2. Intimate set-up. Who wants a classroom type venue? They hold workshops in co-working spaces or convention centers. And they physical set up of their workshops invite a learning feel everytime.

3. Credible speakers. They invite credible speakers in the workshops, some of them I am able to get in touch with even after the workshop.

4. Reasonable workshop fees. Their fees are reasonable for the value you’ll be getting from the workshops.

5. Network opportunity. I love meeting and making new connections in every event I am in. Attending workshops will widen your network of future clients and collaborators.

I believe in what they can offer, that’s why I also promote chosen workshops over at my blog (see my right sidebar?).

Curious about their current offerings? Follow their social media accounts (Facebook: Manila Workshops, Twitter: @manilaworkshops, Instagram: manilaworkshops) and subscribe to their newsletter to know more about our future events (go to Manila Workshops’ website and subscribe).

 

 

~ Touringkitty

Manila Workshops: The Art of Storytelling

For someone who grew up in the Batibot Generation (yes, 1980s, I won’t deny), Kuya Bodjie is everybody’s big brother, telling you stories, singing songs, and teaching lessons.

Wonder how he tells great stories? Then this workshop is for you.

Would you like to be a great storyteller like Kuya Bodjie of Batibot? You can through this workshop!

Workshop Details
Date: Friday, May 29, 2015
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Venue: Spaces by Babyland, 2F Babyland Baby Stores, Facilities Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
Learning Fees, inclusive of materials, lunch, snacks, and certificate:

* Early Bird Rate (on or before May 16, 2015): P1300 per participant
* Regular Rate (starts on May 17, 2015): P1500 per participant
* Teacher Rate: P1300 per participant
* Group Rate (group of 3 participants): P3000 per group

Please visit this link and please input TKEAKUYABODJIE2015 in the Referral Code box.

Early Bird rates apply until May 16th.

Pinoys shine at Asia’s Got Talent

There is no doubt, Asia’s Got Talent, but Filipinos got it four times over! Who wouldn’t be proud of that?

Four Filipino acts got in the Grand Finals of Asia’s Got Talent, and is currently up in the running of becoming the grand champion. And we can support by voting for them!

Text AGT3 to vote for Gwyneth Dorado, a ten year old pop singer who gave a soulful rendition of Titanium during the finals night.

Text AGT7 to vote for El Gamma Penumbra, a shadow play group from Batangas, who once again gave an inspiring presentation about Mother Earth during the finals.

Text AGT9 to vote for Junior New System, a hiphop dance group who gave a lively football-inspired dance show on the finals.

But my Facebook vote already went to…Gerphil Geraldine “FAME” FLORES! Text AGT8 to 2929 if you’re in the Philippines!

Good morning everyone!!! REMINDER: today is the LAST day of voting (Monday | May 11, 2015) until 11:59PM 󾍁󾍁󾍁 Time is…

Posted by Gerphil-Geraldine Flores on Sunday, May 10, 2015

I got a chance to work with Fame last year when she took on the lead role for Rusalka. Even if we didn’t belong to the same cast list, I saw how Fame worked on her role, considering it’s her first title role. Such a hardworking and humble lady.

So, please, VOTE for our Filipino acts. We have until a minute before midnight TONIGHT, May 11! Follow the guidelines to vote. More info for Facebook voting at http://fbvotenow.asiasgottalent.tv/. Whoever wins, we’ve proven already how talented our nation is.

~ Touringkitty

#DownyTimeless: Celebrating the most important woman in our lives

Downy sure knows how to pamper moms. Our own moms, no less.

The same moms who carried us in their womb for nine months, who cradled us to sleep, fed us, gave us a bath even if we so resist, who raised us up while protecting us from harm.

The very moms whose scent we will never forget.

Just in time for Mother’s Day yesterday, a celebration of mothers was held last week. The invitation said we can bring along our mom. I did bring my mom, and brought my daughter, too.

First on the agenda: for us to line up for the photo booth as we entered the Conservatory. Beautiful portrait captured by Idea Shop.
First on the agenda: line up for a photo as we entered the Conservatory. Beautiful portrait captured by Idea Shop Manila (Instagram @ideashopmanila).

The short program was hosted by Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, who shared her own experiences as a daughter to her mother and as a mother herself.

Program Host, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi.
Program Host, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi.

 

Deirdre de Padua, P&G Communications Manager talked about how love was captured in a scent which is Downy Timeless.
Deirdre de Padua, P&G Communications Manager talked about how love was captured in a scent which is Downy Timeless.

Then, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch while being serenaded by actor and singer Guji Lorenzana. Downy also prepared a simple AVP, in which they asked us to send in greetings for our moms.

Here's our contribution to the AVP.
Here’s our contribution to the AVP.
Here's another AVP of the photos taken at the photobooth, with Guji singing to "She" popularised by Elvis Costello. The same song was used in the current commercial of Downy Timeless.
Here’s another AVP of the photos taken at the photobooth, with Guji singing to “She” popularised by Elvis Costello. The same song was used in the current commercial of Downy Timeless.
They served, among other things, dessert! (Sweet tooth here) This is called Timeless, a French Silk Pie packed with, uhm, chocolate.
They served, among other things, dessert! (Sweet tooth here) This is called Timeless, a French Silk Pie packed with, uhm, chocolate.

Glad to have seen mommy friends from the blogosphere, met new friends, and to spend the day with two women I love most–my mom and my daughter.

 

Paola of Mommy Treats and Frances of Topaz Horizon and Topaz Mommy, two super moms I admire.
Paola of Mommy Treats and Frances of Topaz Horizon and Topaz Mommy, two super moms I admire.
Our table with mommy bloggers and their lovely mothers. All of them I met for the first time that day.
Our table with mommy bloggers and their lovely mothers. All of them I met for the first time that day.
CIMG0018
By the lobby of Manila Peninsula, with these beautiful women.

Thanks to Downy and Greenbulb PR for inviting us to celebrate with our own mothers.

Thank you for these gifts!
Thank you for these tokens. Downy Timeless smells fabulous!

Downy Parfum Collection Timeless is another product of Procter and Gamble, one of the most trusted brands in the world.

P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

 

~ Touringkitty