Feature: Sounds Kradle Makes Musical Dreams Come Through

     Growing up in a family of karaoke singers, I've been hearing different song genres during family gatherings and occasions. At a very young age, I was also introduced to musical instruments because my father is a frustrated musician. Thinking that I'm musically inclined, they enrolled me in different music schools but I was not able to finish the courses as I've lost interest after a few sessions. Despite the on and off interest in piano, drums and voice lessons, dreaming of playing a musical instrument in a band is still on my once in a lifetime bucket list.

     Fast forward today, I believed that my son will make my musical dreams into reality. At a very young age, he showed interest in playing the guitar. My husband was a band guitarist before that's why he was able to teach my son the basics of playing the guitar. But learning should not be confined in the four corners of home that's why enrolling in a music school is a must. Yes, it's the right thing to do especially if you want to learn more than the basics. Music fans and aficionados are fortunate these days as music schools here in the country are easily accessible and the leading music school in the country, Sounds Kradle is here to let you or your kids achieve musical dreams into reality. Get to know more about Sounds Kradle and what's in store for you when you enroll in their classes after the jump.

Feature: Sounds Kradle Makes Musical Dreams Come Through

Power Mac Center Creativity Camp: Kids and Teens Workshop

     There are two things that kids and teens get excited about these days: summer vacation and more time to play their favorite online games or do their hobbies online. We cannot deny the fact that their gadgets are already part of their lives. Given that the advancement of technology has a big impact on our lives, even though there are disadvantages associated with the use of gadgets, playing online games, or simply watching YouTube videos, it has a remarkable advantage when used properly and responsibly.

     Kids and teens nowadays exhibit remarkable proficiency in digital technology. Their natural adaptability and early exposure to screens significantly contribute to their digital fluency. To nurture their skills further, Power Mac Center (PMC), through its official training arm Basecamp, has launched Creativity Camp: Workshop for Kids & Teens.

Power Mac Center Creativity Camp: Kids and Teens Workshop

Embracing Individuality in Education

     The age-old debate of nature versus nurture has long puzzled educators. But despite the arguments on both sides, it's generally agreed upon that a child's environment significantly shapes the development of their inherent abilities and talents. Among these environments, schools emerge as a major variable in a student's path towards success.

     Gillian Lynne, a celebrated choreographer renowned for her work on "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera", provides a compelling example for the premise of nurture. In her youth, her teachers often labeled her as a troublemaker, being unable to sit still during class discussion.

Embracing Individuality in Education

Is a Web Development Course for You?

     As parents, one of the things that we look forward to when it comes to our son's education is the tertiary level. Aside from the career path that he will choose, we also consider other factors like the location of the school and the expenses that will incur. That's why choosing a course that is in demand and relevant five or ten years from now will always be at top of the list. Living in a modern world, surrounded by computers and gadgets, we need skilled individuals who are well-versed in the field of computers and technology. 

     If my memory serves me right, the in-demand course when I graduated from secondary school was B.S. Computer Science and twenty years later, computer-related courses are the most sought courses in college. Fast forward to today, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Web Development provides students with the technical and design-related skills needed for a career in the web, software development, and computer science industries. Why take up BS in IT with a specialization in web development? Click continue to read more.

Is Web Development Course for You?
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How to Choose the Best School for your Child

     Where your child goes to school is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Given how their education can impact their future, you might be tempted to take control and decide for them. However, you might be doing more damage than helping them in the long run.

     Your job as parents is to support them throughout the process so they can choose their path and find an educational institution that will not only make them happy, but also bring out the best in them as they prepare for real life. Here are helpful ways you can help determine the best school for your child without going overboard:

How to Choose the Best School for your Child

Rex Education Launches “Little Explorers” to Educate and Empower Homes on Early Childhood Education

     Scientific studies have shown that 90% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of five. From 1 to 2 years old, babies begin to explore and discover things. At 2.5 to 3 years old, toddlers start to develop their personality and expand their vocabulary. When they turn 3.5 years old, they start to interact with other kids and adults.

     This underscores how vital early childhood education (ECE) is for every child’s lifelong learning development. In fact, a 2019 study published by Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) found that learners who were reported to perform early literacy and numeracy tasks very well scored over one standard deviation higher than their peers who could not do these tasks well. This is proof that the urgency of calling attention to ECE is not just a local conversation, but something that is being championed in the international scene.

Rex Education Launches “Little Explorers” to Educate and Empower Homes on Early Childhood Education

(L-R) Don Timothy Buhain - Chief Executive Officer, Rex Education, Atty. Dominador Buhain - Chairman, Rex Education, Maye Yao Co Say - Chief Operating Officer, Richwell Phils. Group of Companies, Stephanie Alviso - Representative from Woop Mama Club Philippines and Cornelio Robert Briz General Manager, Rex Education- Early Chidlhood Education Unit.

PLDT turns over Home WiFi Prepaid units to DepEd for teachers’ online classes

     PLDT Home, through the PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF), recently turned over to the Department of Education (DepEd) one thousand units of Home WiFi Prepaid to enable public school teachers to experience a faster and more reliable internet connection as they conduct online classes, part of the DepEd’s blended learning strategy in these pandemic times.

     “We are happy to assist the DepEd and its teachers in conducting online classes and facilitating learning among students amid the restrictions brought about by the current pandemic. Our support to the country’s dedicated and hardworking teachers has always been profound. Our gratitude to them, immeasurable. The PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid will definitely help them manage digital education and reliably connect with their students,” said PSF President Ma. Esther O. Santos.

PLDT turns over Home WiFi Prepaid units to DepEd for teachers’ online classes

Shown in photo during the turn-over of PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid units to the Department of Education are, from left, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, PLDT-Smart Foundation President Ma. Esther Santos and PLDT Home Product Manager Kristine Rementilla.

How To Keep Your Mind Sharp

    Walking into a room again because you forgot what you came for the first time is the common “elderly” moment we have all felt. But is it alarming enough to assume you have a cognitive decline? Various studies prove that weak memory is not a sign of growing age but neural decline. In the words of a layman, if you do not engage in memory-based practices for your brain, it will lose its charm.

     However, there are several basic habits that you can change to improve memory. The age-old remedy of having seven almonds a day might actually have some truth to it. Diet, exercise, active cognitive functions, and your stress levels affect your memory. Memory weakness is as frustrating as it can get. Whether it is failing to recall a familiar name in a conversation or forgetting the kettle on the stove. If you, too, are going through such cognitive changes, then here are some strategies you might try!

How To Keep Your Mind Sharp

V-DOSE Education Guided Singapore Math with Michelle Reyes

     Let's talk about one subject that everyone hates- M.A.T.H. Yes, this subject has been dreaded since time immemorial. Even yours truly is frightened whenever my son tells me that he has homework in Math. I'm not a fan of this subject, in fact, I hate it too or should I say it's my waterloo. Lol! Fast forward today, I was shocked when I discovered that he'll be studying this subject in distance learning using the Singapore Math approach. As a parent who feels uneasy teaching Math, I'm having second thoughts if my son will understand the lesson properly online.

     I believe that in order for the child to understand the lesson, parents must know the lesson. The pandemic has caused anxiety and stress to all and it continues to change states of living across the world. We need to adjust in academics, hygiene, modern workplace, habits and behaviors. In line with these developments, the instructional video platform, V-DOSE Education, was created. In order to enhance learning and satisfy the curiosity of thousands of people experiencing the world through the Internet, V-DOSE Education brings the craft and knowledge of educators across various fields unto a visual storytelling stage. I got relieved when I attended the virtual conference weeks ago because this kind of platform is a big help for parents who are also struggling to teach their child, especially in Mathematics. More information about V-Dose Education after the jump!

V-DOSE Education Guided Singapore Math with Michelle Reyes
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Northern Moms Philippines Christmas 2019 at Tinker House

     Last December 10, 2019,  Northern Moms Philippines had an afternoon of learning while having fun at Tinker House SM City Fairview branch with our dear readers and their little kids. We had an afternoon full of arts and crafts activities from Tinker House and the experience is one for the books.

     It's my first time to step inside a playhouse full of art materials, building tools, and science equipment. Their tagline "where curiosity grows" empowers kids to design, build and discover and Tinker House is on a mission to help nurture the next generation of creatives, innovators, scientists, inventors, and artists- one tinker project at a time! The kids were already doing the first activity when I arrived at the venue and the curious cat in me decided to join the fun!

Northern Moms Philippines Christmas 2019
Louisa and yours truly with our dear readers and their awesome kids!

National Gifted Week 2019 Kite Flying Event with Promil Four

     In this digital age, technology has shaped and changed our lives in so many ways. We are living in an era where learning and information are easily accessible in just one tap or click. These advancements make our life easy but it comes with pros and cons in every aspect of living. As a parent, I'm thankful that my son has developed fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination early because of his iPad and other gadgets at home.

     On the other hand, I'm worried now that he is becoming addicted to online games and the adult-child conversations and interactions have been limited unlike before that the parents of my generation taught us the importance of learning in physical play. Mommies and daddies, what childhood activity you miss the most? Is kite-flying one of your afternoon bonding moments with your family and friends? This tradition is still alive and Promil Four invited us last month to join the biggest celebration that aims to nurture the gift of every child- National Gifted Week 2019 Kite Flying Event. Sharing some highlights of the event and the importance of this activity in nurturing your child's gift.

National Gifted Week 2019 Kite Flying Event with Promil Four
Burnham Green Park- all set for the kite-flying event

Northern Moms Philippines Christmas 2019

     Northern Moms Philippines has prepared something special for the holidays! We'll be having an intimate activity at Tinker House and I'm inviting 1 lucky mommy to join me!

     Win a chance to join me and Northern Moms Philippines on December 4 at Tinker House SM Fairview for some arts and crafts, snacks and more!

Northern Moms Philippines Christmas 2019

Congw. Florida Robes on Motherhood and Women Empowerment

     Unconditional love, utmost care, unending patience, compassion, consideration, and so on. These are one of the few non-negotiable traits of a mother. I believe that all mothers possess these characteristics but only a few can extend these outside her home. I call these mothers, empowered moms. They are the superheroes of this generation and I'm honored to meet one- the beautiful and hardworking representative of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan- Congw. Florida Perez Robes.

     Last week, we had a short but meaningful meet and greet with the working Congresswoman of San Jose del Monte Bulacan- "Ate Rida or "Ate Cong" to her second family or the residents of her town. She is the wife of Mayor Arthur Robes who also has been serving the San Joseños for years now. Both of them are working hand-in-hand to serve over 1 million constituents in San Jose Del Monte Bulacan in the hopes of improving and making their lives meaningful through realistic projects that are pro-family and pro-women. Sharing more of the promising projects Ate Cong has envisioned for the San Joseños after the jump!

Congw. Florida Robes on Motherhood and Women Empowerment
Ate Cong in a brown dress with mommy bloggers 

Promil Four Spot The Gift App

     It sounds cliche but it's true that we have asked our child a couple of times what they wanted to become when they grow up. I presume you've heard different answers too like "I'm not sure, maybe a doctor?" or a resounding "I'll be a race car driver". It's too early to tell what they really want that's why we base this matter on the talents and the skills they're trying to show.

     I believe that there's a hidden talent waiting to be discovered in our children. We parents need to spot and nurture the gifts while they are growing up. How do we spot their talents and gifts that are waiting to be discovered? It will only take 15 minutes or less with the help of Promil Four Spot The Gift App. We took the test and were surprised that the results were accurate to what talents my son is showing now.

Promil Four Spot The Gift App
Kenzo loves race cars! 

Manila Mini Faire Maker 2019

     Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, projects.

     It is called the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Glimpse the future and get inspired. Now on its 3rd year, the Manila Maker Faire 2019 will be happening on June 22-23, 2019 at The Mind Museum Canopy Plaza, Bonifacio Global City Taguig. This is a free event for the public :) Read more below what you can expect from Manila Maker Faire 2019:)

Manila Mini Faire Maker 2019

Promil Four i-Shine 7 Celebrate the Gift Grand Recital

     I'm still on a high note! I can't believe that it has been a week since we celebrated the gift- my son's talent in dancing. We are so proud of Kenzo. He showed us that he can dance in front of a big audience, no stage fright or act of being shy. He is enjoying every step that was taught to him by one of the best choreographers in the country today, teacher Ishii of GForce.

     How did it all happen? Well, it all started on the first day of Promil Four i-Shine Talent Camp 7. A  summer talent development program in partnership with experts to help kids 6-11 years old become their very best. It is a talent camp that will help discover and develop your child's talent and passion because the kids will be enhancing their skills in performing and visual arts through mental, physical and social stimulation workshops. Sharing below the highlights of Promil Four i-Shine Dance Camp (Day 1-6), and the very successful grand recital after the jump.

Promil Four i-Shine 7 Celebrate the Gift Grand Recital
After the recital, great job Ken!

Panasonic Manila Fashion Festival x iACADEMY

     One of the important investments in life is education that's why parents are working hard to enroll their children in the best schools in the metro. From Kindergarten to Grade School, Senior High, and College, parents are scrutinizing different academic institution first before entrusting their child's education to them. If your child is into computing, business and design, it's a no-brainer that you will look for the best school in those fields. Is your child into fashion and design but you are not sure where to enroll him/her? 

     I recently discovered a school where the students in the fashion and design department showed how to be different by being a game changer. I was truly amazed by what they have accomplished during their senior high school and college years when they showcased outputs from their Project-Based Learning and college theses at the Panasonic Manila Fashion Festival x iACADEMY last week. Sharing the highlights of the event and why study at iACADEMY below.

Panasonic Manila Fashion Festival x iACADEMY

Dance Camp for Promil Four iShine Talent Camp 7

     I'm a frustrated dancer. If my memory serves me right, I've dreamed of becoming a gymnast too. I envy girls who are very flexible doing backbends and an almost perfect cartwheel. If my parents are not busy in our bakery business back then, I think I'm a professional dancer now or an Olympian. Hahaha! Kidding aside, if  I can only turn back the time to pursue this dream of mine I will. I know it's impossible now so instead of having regrets, why not support and encourage my son to develop his budding talent in dancing too. 

     Yes and guess what?! My son, Kenzo is joining the dance camp at the Promil 4 i-Shine Talent Camp 7 this April 22-26. Now is the right time to get excited but before that, I would like to share a little story about the little boy and why I'm confident that Promil 4iShine Talent Camp 7 will bring out the best in him.

Dance Camp for Promil 4 iShine Talent Camp 7

How to Join Promil Four i-Shine Talent Camp 7

     Who's excited to enroll their kids in Promil 4 i-Shine Talent Camp 7? Raise your hands if you do! I can't contain my excitement because this will be my son's first dance class with the one and only Teacher Georcelle of GForce. Of course, this is made possible by Promil 4 i-Shine Talent Camp. Only less than a month to go and Kenzo will be learning new dance steps and overcome his shyness because of this talent camp.

     I'm a frustrated dancer and to see my son dance inside the studio of Philippines' premiere dance group will be a dream come true. Aside from the dance camp, there are other exciting camps offered like arts, ballet, music, and theater. If you are living outside Metro Manila fret not because some of the camps are also available in Batangas, Cebu, and Davao. Are you ready to enroll your kids in one of the camps this summer? Read more after the jump.

How to Join Promil Four i-Shine Talent Camp 7

Activities for Kids this Summer

     Summer is one of the happiest seasons for the kids and kids at heart! Think about not waking up early, staying at home and playing! I presume that parents are thinking of ways on how to make their kids' summer vacation productive and lots of fun by now.

     What is your child doing this summer? There are so many activities, workshops, and camps to join to make your child's summer exciting and full of learnings at the same time. My son joined sports clinic last year and he enjoyed it so much that why he's excited what's in store for him this year. Sharing some summer activities that your kids should try and the importance of this experience in developing their talents.

Activities for Kids this Summer
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