Disney Frozen Forever Meet & Greet

Oh yes, who doesn’t LOVE Frozen? 

  

My daughter and I had a special chance to meet them just this afternoon, for the by-invitation event. And of course, my little Elsa fan came prepared.

 
I wil save the event photos and stories for another post. I have some on Instagram though (follow @touringkitty). You have to visit and check the real deal! They came from Disneyland California for this special event only for Manila fans!

Meanwhile, here’s your chance to meet Princess Anna and Elsa of Arendelle on their visit to Manila and South East Asia!
 Date and Venue:

August 29 to 31, 2015 – Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia

*Queuing starts at 11:00 AM. Event ends at 7:00 PM.

Mechanics:

1. Event is open to the general public. No minimum spend required.

2. First come, first serve policy applies. Subject to availability.

3. Each group shall be issued 1 stub before the Meet & Greet session.

4. Please use own camera. Strictly one (1) photograph per family/group.

5. Food, drinks, strollers and sharp & pointed objects are not allowed in the event area. Participants can deposit their strollers to the Meet & Greet crew and claim as they exit the event area.

6. Children must be accompanied, supervised at all times and not be left unattended.

7. Please always take care of your personal belongings and valuables.
Follow Toy Kingdom online. Visit our online store at www.toykingdom.ph. Find us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Youtube: ToyKingdomPH  

#KoristaAko: Carlo Zenarosa

Korista Ako

Nurse by day, chorister by night (and perhaps weekends). This is no unusual set up, and I really admire people who can fulfill both professional and artistic aspects of their lives.

I know there are many a Filipino choral groups abroad, and it is such a great thought that Filipinos in all corners of the world don’t stop making music! Here is our next Korista Ako feature, a Filipino nurse and chorister who now resides in the US, Carlo Zenarosa. Carlo is currently a member of the United Nations Singers, composed of choristers of different nationalities, who recently had goodwill performances in Japan.

Korista of the month, Carlo Zenarosa. Photo credit: Carlo Zenarosa.
Korista of the month, Carlo Zenarosa. Photo credit: Carlo Zenarosa.

Name: Carlo Zenarosa

Current profession: Registered Nurse

Choirs joined:
1. De La Salle College Grade School Choir
2. Class choirmaster 1st year HS for inter-year Christmas choral competition.
3. Musica Armonica Youth Ensemble (with Madz alumna Bernadette de Leon choirmaster)
4. San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York 2010-current (with Leo Leal and Enrico Lagasca as choirmasters with founder-original choirmaster)
5. United Nations Singers 2015-current.

Favourite song arranged and composed for choir: He mentioned a number of songs, but among these his most favourite would be Take and Receive, an Ignatian prayer.

Hardest piece to study: Cayabyab’s Anima Christi

Choirs I look up to: Madz, UST Singers, King’s Singers, Manhattan Transfer

Most unforgettable choir moment: Impressing Cardinal Tagle at a mass presented with an honorary degree in Fordham University. Unable to get a picture while in the choir section, the archbishop leaves after mass with the crowd. The choir decides to take a group shot while the jam-packed church guests go to reception. Cardinal Tagle left his entourage, comes out of nowhere and joins the choir for the group picture. #floored #humbled #selfie

This was the photo he was talking about, with our beloved Cardinal!
This was the photo he was talking about, with our beloved Cardinal!

#KoristaAko dahil: Naniniwala ako na ang musika –sa kalawakan ng genre at classification — ay may mga kanta na mas maibabahagi lamang sa samahan at areglo ng mga boses ng iba’t ibang ranges o seksyon.

The United Nations Singers in their most recent performance in Hiroshima, Japan, August 2015.
The United Nations Singers in their most recent performance in Hiroshima, Japan, August 2015.

Thank you, Carlo for sharing your thoughts! What a great way to represent one’s nation than with song.

 

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

REVIEW: Primomo Washable Crayons

We got some new crayons to try out, and give a review on. What fun it is to write on this blog!

Ready to unbox!
Ready to unbox!

Here they are, Primomo Washable Crayons made in Japan!

So, the crayons are supposed to be non-toxic, worry-free, and keeps hands clean. They are also washable, easy to hold, scented, and erasable. Time to put it in a test!

My daughter immediately drew a rainbow and some figures. She first asked me if they were donuts. And yes, they smell good!
My daughter immediately drew a rainbow and some figures. She first asked me if they were donuts. And yes, they smell good!

She can hold it anyway she wants, but since she knows how to hold a pencil, she first found it funny to hold inside the ring. But she did well here!

Now, for the eraser test.

Red crayon sample.
Red crayon sample.
Eraser sample. The eraser came with the crayons, but I have not tried if you can use any type of eraser, though.
Eraser sample. The eraser came with the crayons, but I have not tried if you can use any type of eraser, though.

It got erased, right? Though I have not yet done it fully. I think I could have erased it more.

The product looks really safe to use and non-toxic. I also liked the texture of the crayon itself, and you won’t feel sticky after using it. Some crayons would have residue on your hands or paper after you use them.

Although, I think this crayon is just for the beginner child only. I don’t think this would work well in your adult colouring books because you might not control the grip well. This is a good product for your young child as he discovers and strengthens his fine motor skills by colouring.

Get these super safe crayons for your little ones at these branches. Available at selected Fully Booked or Toys R Us branches (click link for full list then pull down Primomo menu). It is also available online through Lazada.ph.

Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines for letting us try these!

 

Express Yourself: an afternoon of fun, games, and learning for moms and kids

Last Saturday, August 15th, we were a few of the lucky ones to witness the preview of Disney Pixar’s much anticipated movie, “Inside Out.”

But before watching the film, moms and kids were treated to an afternoon of learning and bonding through the Express Yourself Parenting Workshop, organized by SM Cinema and its official food unit, Snack Time, and the country’s top parenting magazine and website, Smart Parenting.

My little cute girl. Such a charmer!
My little cute girl. Such a charmer! Before the program started, the kids had a chance to colour Inside Out characters.
With Joy, I mean, the host for the event, Mary Viernes.
With Joy, I mean, the host for the event, Mary Viernes.

The program consisted of talks about food and colour.

With Good Housekeeping's Food Editor, Chef Roselle Miranda, who gave tips on how to make quick and easy bento lunches.
With Good Housekeeping’s Food Editor, Chef Roselle Miranda, who gave tips on how to make quick and easy bento lunches.
Since the characters of the movie, Inside Out were just colourful, the event also had Mark Dean Lim of Color Me Doodle talk about colours and their meaning.
Since the characters of the movie, Inside Out were just colourful, the event also had Mark Dean Lim of Color Me Doodle talk about colours and their meaning.

The Activity Center of SM Aura was filled with various booths and activities to choose from. Food and drinks were also served.

Moms and kids listening to the talks.
Moms and kids listening to the talks.
Photobooth to capture the happy faces. Joy indeed.
Photobooth to capture the happy faces. Joy indeed.
Kids being happy and content playing with these Krispy Kreme balloons.
Kids being happy and content playing with these Krispy Kreme balloons.

Moms got to try some pampering, too! I tried out hand paraffin and back massage from Bioessences, one of the sponsors of the event.

After which, at five in the afternoon, we went up a floor to the cinemas for the exclusive preview of Inside Out.

The movie is already showing since August 19, and I’d really recommend it for parents and kids alike. This is a good movie to teach emotions to children. And it will make us proud that a Filipino co-directed the movie. Indeed we are making waves in the arts!

So, come visit your nearest SM Cinema to watch Inside Out!

Once again, a huge thanks to Smart Parenting for the invitation, and SM Cinema and Snack Time for organizing this event! The pre-movie activities prepped us all for the movie, as we have created wonderful memories with our children. Another ball of Joy in their memory bank, or perhaps in their Core Memory! Ok, better watch before I spoil too much!

 

~ Touringkitty

 

About SM Cinema

The pioneer brand of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc, SM Cinema begun in 1986 as SM’s household brand for movie watching. Now encompassing 60% of the country’s total market share for cinema and exhibition, SM Cinema boasts of 284 fully digitized theatres in 51 branches nationwide, and three big brands under its name. As the front-runner in theatre innovation, SM Cinema will be expanding to more regions, and building more cinema screens in a branch near you. SM Cinema is the country’s leader in movie entertainment.

About Snack Time

The sole food concession unit of SM Cinema, Snack Time is also available at the Mall of Asia Arena, Exploreum, SM Bowling Center, SM Skating Rink, and in WM Cinemas. Snack Time offers a wide variety of food: from snacks such as popcorn, burgers, sandwiches, corndogs, and drinks to meals fit to be served at formal events, Snack Time is one of the biggest food operators in the entertainment and lifestyle business. Snack Time is also the merchandise arm of SMLEI.

Online Javascript Course for Beginners

Javascript is the programming language of the HTML and the web. Back then, I thought that learning Javascript was only for the gamer nerds. I felt I can never learn it.

But fret not, because there is an online course for the curious cats like I am who’d like to learn about Javascript.

javascriptforbeginnersThrough the online learning portal, Udemy,we can now take a Javascript Course for Beginners.

What’s even interesting is we can learn anytime, anywhere, because the course can be accessed in our portable devices using iOS and Android. Plus, we get a Certificate of Completion. It’s like taking a short course in a computer school without the hassle of commuting and paying high tuition fees!

Some need-to-knows before taking the course:

What are the requirements?

Some basic knowledge of HTML is required for this course.

What am I going to get from this course?

Over 47 lectures and 3 hours of content!
Extensive, informative and interesting video lecture
Complete Code demonstrated in lecture
Lab Exercises
Lab Solution Sets
All Powerpoint Demonstrations Used in Course
Instructor contact Email for questions and clarifications
Coverage of all important primary Javascript concepts

What is the target audience?

Web Designers looking to improve their skill set
Programmers who need to learn Javascript for their web applications
People looking to start programming and need a first programming language to learn
Students who want to learn Javascript
People who manage a web site as a volunteer or as a hobby
Bloggers– even if you use WordPress or another CMS!
Anyone else who wants to learn Javascript Curriculum

About the Course Instructor/Developer:

LearnToProgram Media is a leading publisher of web, mobile, and game development courses that are used by over 500,000 people in 65 countries. LearnToProgram’s valuable network of technical resources includes content on YouTube, iTunes, and Roku, as well as books, free tutorials, and online courses. The company is based outside of Hartford, Connecticut.

The course costs $49, but through the blog, Udemy is providing a “scholarship” so we could all take it for only $10! Just input Touringkitty on the “Redeem a Coupon” button.

So, let’s be classmates online and take Javascript now! Visit this link and enroll now.

Study International Education Fair 2015

SIEF2015_FINAL-02
Click the photo to register for FREE for the event.

Just like many others, I also dreamt to study abroad at one point in my life. With the many travels I’ve done, and seeing and experiencing local life in Europe, it can be possible. Though at this point, I think about my daughter, and hope and pray that she gets to experience studying abroad earlier.

Of course, we think about the expense. But knowing the returns, though not immediately, studying abroad is a good investment. This upcoming event is something to look forward to, especially those who have plans to take further studies abroad.

Study International will again be bringing to Manila, Cebu and Davao representatives from various institutions from UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia to speak to Filipinos who want to study abroad and get an internationally recognized degree and begin their future abroad.

STUDY INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FAIR 2015
Global Education = Global Success
26 September, 1:00 – 8:00 PM | MANILA | Dusit Thani Hotel
28 September, 4:00 – 8:00 PM |  CEBU | Cebu Mariott Hotel
29 September, 4:00 – 8:00 PM | DAVAO | Marco Polo Hotel 

The Fair is an opportunity to get answers to all your questions on studying abroad and the opportunities that come with it – part-time work, work after graduation, migration to name a few.

Know the variety of affordable and accessible options for you to study abroad. Through the school representatives present, attendees can be provided first-hand information on how to go about with your study plans abroad.
Know all your opportunities in all these countries so you can make an informed choice and get the best out of your investment. Register for our the fair today for FREE via http://bit.ly/SIEF2015

STUDY INTERNATIONAL is your ONE-STOP-SHOP for studying abroad. We provide education counselling and assistance for studies in MOST COUNTRIES (UK, Australia and New Zealand, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, China, Malaysia, and Singapore). With our knowledge and expertise, we help you make an INFORMED choice based on your dreams, ambition and budget. Our FREE SERVICE includes advice and support for applications to all levels of overseas education, assist with accommodation and travel options, visa application, and all other matters related to studying abroad.

We are your ethical study abroad counsellors, driven by our passion to help you become a GlobalPinoy.

PARTNERS: British Council, Education Malaysia, Embassy of Canada, CAMP Philippines, Edukasyon.ph
MEDIA PARTNERS: Acer Computers, Working Mom Magazine, Juice.ph, FEBC 702 DZAS

STUDY INTERNATIONAL provides education counselling for students, including advice and support for applications to all levels of overseas education in countries including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore.  We assist in finding accommodation and travel options, visa application, and all other matters related to studying abroad, FREE OF CHARGE.

CONCERT: Ang Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko: Voices of Healing

Poster (1)

 

One night featuring top artists in the music industry, performing for a noble cause. What more can you ask for?

Choral groups will take part as well. The Ateneo Chamber Singers (where my husband sings currently), the UP MedChoir, and Mass Appeal, along with other solo artists and performers, and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, will join forces for the UP College of Medicine Academic Center.

Hope you could support this concert! Full details below.

The University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Fund, Inc. (UPMAF) will hold a concert called “Ang SOAP Opera ng Buhay Ko” (The Concert: Voices of Healing) at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom on August 26, 2015 to raise funds to create the New UP College of Medicine Academic Center,  a 7-story multi-million peso undertaking.

The dinner concert will feature several of the biggest names in the international and local concert scene, including the 50-piece ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga, this special night will bring together Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Jed Madela, Vice Ganda, Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Bituin Escalante, Pinky Marquez, Franco Laurel, The Tux, Caisa Borromeo, Baihana, Catherine Fisher, among others, as they join the community in a collective voice of healing. A 70-strong chorus composed of The Mass Appeal, Ateneo Chamber Singers and UP Medicine Choir will also fill the grandiose ballroom.

This will be Lea Salonga’s last concert before she flies to New York to star in a show called “Allegiance,”  which previews in Broadway on October 20!

For ticket and sponsorship inquiries please contact, Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez (0917) 815-2029), Overall Chair, Dr. Karin Estepa (0922) 825-3146, Chair, Business Committee, or Ms Kareen Tapia (0923) 8568043 of UPMAF (02) 5264255, upmaf.secretariat@gmail.com.

How to Take Care of Your Skin

With the cold weather, it is so much fun to layer clothes. Are there styles and outfits that you’ve always wanted to wear, but could not because it was too hot? You can now rock that pullover and boots. However, there is something we wear that will always be in no matter what season; our skin. This is why you need to take extra care to make sure you’ll maintain a radiant, healthy, and glowing skin all year round!

Not everyone is blessed with the genetics of perfect skin. Different skin types come with different problems, but we can classify them into three common types.

Oily skin tends to have large pores, and blemishes such as pimples or blackheads. Oiliness can be caused by puberty, other hormonal imbalances, or stress. To take care of oily skin, avoid over-washing you face. Cleansing twice a day is advisable. Use a gentle cleanser to prevent irritating your skin as abrasive scrubs can open the pores and further expose them to more pollutants in the environment.

Normal skin has a good balance of moisture, small pores, and an even tone. This is the goal of most skin care regimens, and most people have this skin type. But in order to maintain it in good condition, you need to minimize its exposure to the sun and follow a proper skin care regimen.

Combination skin can have dry or normal areas along with oily parts such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This skin type can produce overly dilated pores, blackheads, and a shiny surface. Resolve these issues by using a gentle cleanser, applying a toner to repair skin, protecting it from sun damage, exfoliating to remove built-up skin cells, spot-treating, and using products loaded with antioxidants which help keep your skin clear and healthy.

The key to having clear and healthy skin is to have a reliable skincare system. White Result White & Clear, the newest skincare treatment for normal to oily skin types, fights acne and excess oil production, corrects skin blemishes, inhibits melanin production, and keeps your skin fair and young looking! The White & Clear System includes the Facial Foam, Facial Toner, Moisturizer with Sunscreen, and Spot Corrector.

Dermatologically tested, safe, and proven to clear acne and blemishes, each product is specifically formulated with Acne Buster, a multi-complex agent with 10 active ingredients that effectively fight acne and excess oil production; Papaya and Pea extract, which are effective whitening ingredients that inhibit melanin production; and Niacimide, a multifunctional B3 complex vitamin that helps reduce skin pigmentation and age spots as well as reviving and hydrating skin, leaving it supple and young-looking.

Whether your skin type is oily, normal, or a combination of both, White Result White & Clear from Tupperware Brands will give you clear and blemish-free skin. Just remember to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and treat your body’s greatest feature, and we guarantee that you’ll look your best for your next glowing radiant moment!

White Result

About Tupperware® Brands
Tupperware Brands Philippines distributes well-loved brands including Tupperware, Baby Care Plus+, Kids Plus+, Colour Collection, Ivana and White Result. For your questions and inquiries on how to be a dealer, log on to www.tupperwarebrands.ph, email us at questions@Tupperware.ph or call the hotline number 867-2222. Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/tupperwarebrandsph.

Manila Workshops: Basic Yaya Training Seminar

This is definitely one seminar I’d want my Yaya to attend to. Unfortunately, I don’t have one for my kid right now.

Do you? Your Yaya should!

SESSION 2: New Born, Infant and Toddler Care
Aug. 8, 2015 (Saturday); 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Venue: Mothercare Podium

Topics to be discussed:
Understanding and Care of:
• Newborn (0 ‐3 months)
• Infant (3 ‐12 months)
• Toddler (1- 3 years)
• Open Forum

SESSION 4: Money Management
June 20, 2015 (Saturday); 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Sept. 19, 2015 (Saturday); 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Venue: Mothercare Podium

Topics to be discussed:
A. Introduction
– About me
B. Personal Finance Mindset
– Everyone can be rich – the abundance mindset
– You don’t need to be intelligent and be good in math to be rich
C. The Habit of Saving
– Paying yourself first
– How to create a simple budget plan
D. Protection
– The concept of emergency funds
– The role of a bank savings account in your finances
E. Money and Relationships
– Rules to sending money to your family
– How to openly talk with your employer about money

About the Instructor:

Cristina M. Mendoza, RN from VentureLab Business Resource Center, Inc. for Sessions 1-3

Tina graduated BS Nursing (’10) from Southville International School and College. She passed the Nursing Licensure Exam on July 2010. She worked as a School Nurse and Preschool Teacher in The Bridge School from 2010-2012, but is still an on call Preschool Teacher in The Bridge School. She is a full time Yaya Seminar Facilitator of VentureLab Business Resource Center, Inc.

Fitz Gerard Villafuerte, RFP from ReadytoBeRich.com for Session 4

Fitz Gerard Villafuerte is a Registered Financial Planner and a book author. He is a civil engineer who decided to quit the corporate world in 2003 to pursue entrepreneurship. In 2014, he became a registered financial planner.

His blog, entitled, Ready To Be Rich, has already received several recognitions including the Best Business and Finance Blog at the Philippine Blog Awards for two years in a row. Moreover, an international finance publication, Wise Bread, has likewise ranked his website as among the Top 100 Personal Finance blogs in the world. Fitz has also been recognized by Moneysense Magazine as among the top 12 most influential people in Personal Finance in the Philippines.

Link to sign up here. Don’t forget to include the REFERRAL CODE: TKEABYT1.

Hakab Na! 2015: Bigger event for a big cause

Flash mobs are always an instant hit with people. And this is one mob our family would definitely support.

Two years ago, my family participated in the first ever breastfeeding mob organised by Breastfeeding Pinays, an online support group of families who truly support breastfeeding. The mob was supposed to be held outdoors, at the Rajah Sulayman Park. Unfortunately, that day was a heavy downpour of rain. Aristocrat Restaurant came into the rescue, and gave a venue to a roomful of participants, mostly with babies to toddlers. We brought our own toddler, about to turn three years old at this time, who is still breastfeeding.

My husband wrote our experience during that very first breastfeeding mob here.

My daughter is turning five in August. She still breastfeeds, occasionally. I even thought she’d wean already as I was out of the country for two weeks last June. But then, she told me that she missed me, therefore she missed breastfeeding, too. There, she’s back at it, most often during sleepytime.

I never regretted any second spent on breastfeeding her, mainly because of the following reasons:

Economical. I don’t even want to compute IF we chose to give formula at any point in her five years. Sure, I’d give some fresh milk every now and then (or soy or hemp or whatever milk that’s NOT in powder form) but for the past year I rarely give her any milk. She eats more, and she eats everything, hardly gets sick, and is very healthy. Speaking of healthy…

Healthy baby, healthy mommy. Breastmilk gives both medical and health benefits for mom and baby. Baby gets her first immunization on the onset of breastfeeding as a newborn because of that very healthy colostrum. Mother, meanwhile, gets protection against certain cancer types, and exchanges immunity with baby. I’ve proven this because we rarely get sick, or we recover from sickness faster. The longer baby breastfeeds, the longer benefits for both mother and child. And I’d say, the father, too, who gets to sleep longer and therefore healthier.

Creating a healthier, wiser future generation. This perhaps is the most important to me right now. That’s why more work has to be done by breastfeeding advocates and support groups to be able to accomplish this. And this is one of my reasons why I trained to be a breastfeeding counselor–to pay forward the past five years of investing my time in breastfeeding my daughter (and the lifetime of benefits this will surely bring to our family).

Handa ka na ba humakab? (Are you ready to latch?)

This year, the global Big Latch On, locally known as Hakab Na!, will happen on August 1. The even aims to do a simultaneous latching all over the world, to emphasize that a world who breastfeeds is a healthier and stronger world. Here in our country, multiple locations are holding similar events, I will be attending the one in Pasig City.

Whether you breastfeed or not, we call on your support. Visit www.hakabna.com to join.

Hataw na! I mean, Hakab na!

 

~ Touringkitty