For these Mompreneurs, Independence Day takes on Several Meanings

     As we commemorate the country’s 126th Independence Day, we also reflect on its meaning and relevance in today's world. Just as we had inspiring heroes fighting for the Philippines’ right to self-government and freedom from colonial rule in 1898, we have modern-day heroes that continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and to individual self-sufficiency today. These are Filipinos who overcome hardships to achieve personal and financial empowerment through entrepreneurship. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, MSMEs “generate 62.4 percent of the country's total employment, contribute 36 percent of gross value added, and account for 25 percent of total exports.”

     Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community that supports starting and established mompreneurs, exemplifies the enduring spirit of Filipinos whose businesses create opportunities for our people. By creating products using materials and designs that are Filipino-centric impacts everyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It creates direct and indirect employment for suppliers and communities. If there is any modern-day example of heroes, it is Filipino mothers who are smart to realize that it doesn’t takes a huge capital to start a business. When they changed their mindset that it could be done, they did it. After all, when you’re fighting for your family’s future, you become brave like the hero you can be.

For these Mompreneurs, Independence Day takes on Several Meanings

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

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood

     In this motherhood journey, I learned and still learning the ups and downs every single day. When I discovered that I was pregnant with my only child, fears, worries, and questions kept swirling on my mind. Growing up in a big family, I said to myself that despite the challenges and hardships that will come along the way, I have my mother and my family who will always be there to support me. 

     Lo and behold, when I gave birth to Kenzo, the first person that guided me on what and what not to do was my mother. She gave instructions, reminders, and advises on minor mishaps and how to handle them. My sister-in-law was also there to check me from time to time. It's a very challenging role for first time mothers to do all the tasks by herself. From staying up late in the wee hours of night to check if  it's time to change the diaper, to feed a crying baby, and to find ways on how to tame a colic-y one. But all these sacrifices are worth it seeing the baby smile and feel loved through the gestures of this precious one. A decade and a half has passed and I'm still experiencing the ups and downs of motherhood but I'm loving the journey. Indeed,  “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill. Sharing more why there are no “on/of” and “pause” mode on motherhood after the jump.

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood 

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

Celebrate 100 years of Disney with PLDT Home as Disney On Ice returns to SM MOA Arena

     This holiday season, SM Mall of Asia Arena and PLDT Home join families as Disney On Ice returns to Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Hosted by your favorite pals, Mickey and Minnie, go on an adventure through timeless stories, be in awe of dazzling ice skating and make magical memories at Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder from December 22, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

     Families are in for a treat as they make meaningful memories together this Christmas as Disney’s favorite cast of iconic characters come back to the Philippines. Experience the fantastic Disney adventures of Mary Poppins Returns, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Aladdin, Moana, and Frozen all in one ice show.

Celebrate 100 years of Disney with PLDT Home as Disney On Ice returns to SM MOA Arena

From Sunrise to Sunset: The Advantages of Flexible Childcare for Busy Filipina Mothers

     Filipina mothers have long been known for their incredible strength and resilience. From sunrise to sunset, these women juggle multiple responsibilities – from caring for their families to excelling at work. However, the demands of modern life often make it challenging for them to find reliable and flexible childcare options. That's where the concept of flexible childcare comes in, providing a lifeline for these busy mothers.

From Sunrise to Sunset: The Advantages of Flexible Childcare for Busy Filipina Mothers

Check Out these Four Interesting Handmade Products by Madiskarte Moms

     Small business owners, especially women entrepreneurs, are important to both their immediate communities and the local economy. Research shows that there are around 28,000 Women’s SMEs (WSMEs) in the country or around one in four of all SMEs in the Philippines.

     Entrepreneurs who are also mothers at home—the so-called mompreneurs—founded their businesses with the goal of improving their family’s lives. These businesses encourage creativity and empower women to be financially independent.

Check Out these Four Interesting Handmade Products by Madiskarte Moms

Ways Tech and AI Can Help Parents Raise Digitally Responsible Kids

     Kids today have access to information in a way that previous generations never had growing up. The challenge for parents is to help them learn how to be responsible digital citizens.

     Thankfully, parents also have access to AI-powered apps and devices that can help them safeguard their kids’ online and real-life safety. Tech and AI can provide valuable, accessible, and round-the-clock assistance in safeguarding their children’s wellbeing. Here are 7 ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids and make parenting a little easier.

Eight Ways Tech and AI Can Help Parents Raise Digitally Responsible Kids

foodpanda's pandamart Pop-Up Booth

     foodpanda has launched its first-ever physical pop-up store in the country where consumers can physically experience the items sold in their online grocery arm, pandamart. Offering a one-stop shop for all food and essential needs, pandamart is foodpanda’s online grocery store which offers a wide assortment of fresh, frozen, snacks, drinks, pantry essentials, pharmaceuticals, and other household items to be delivered to your doorsteps in less than an hour. 

     However, pandamart does not have a physical store open to the public but only serves consumers who buy from the foodpanda app. To allow shoppers to fully immerse in the pandamart shopping experience, the new pandamart Pop-Up store, located in Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, will allow them to browse through the displayed products in the kiosk, order conveniently in the foodpanda app, and pick up the items on the same day.

foodpanda's pandamart Pop-Up Booth at Trinoma Mall

Online Trading as a Side Hustle for Moms

     As a mother, finding ways to support one’s family financially can be quite challenging. While some choose to work full-time or part-time, others decide to work from home to be more present in their children’s lives. Fortunately, with the advent of the internet, there are now many opportunities for mothers to generate income as a sideline or while being a stay-at-home mom. One way is by venturing into online trading.

     Online trading has made it easier for anyone with an internet access to grow their money by trading foreign currencies and other financial products literally anytime and anywhere. Considering the risks involved, it is however a must for anyone, including moms looking to start their trading journey, to be properly educated before dipping their toes in online trading.

Online Trading as a Side Hustle for Moms 

Coping Up with Co-Parenting? We Got You!

     Raising a child is no easy feat. What more can be challenging for couples when their relationship issues get in the way of parenting?

      Whether in a solo or co-parenting situation, moms would naturally take the huge responsibility in ensuring their child’s welfare. They are innately independent, strong and reliable. But when it comes to raising a child, the strongest moms know that they need a reliable support system to make things work. PLDT Home delves into the reality of co-parenting in a new video released in celebration of Mother’s Day.

Coping Up with Co-Parenting? We Got You!

Timezone Ayala Fairview Terraces Now Open

     Northern Quezon City residents of all ages can treat themselves to a new, sprawling entertainment destination with a host of fun activities, as the premiere family entertainment center brand, Timezone, opens its largest venue in the Philippines at Ayala Fairview Terraces. The new Timezone location is a spalling 2,800 square meters and packed with thrilling attractions, classic and trending high-octane arcade games, and immersive VR zones that are sure to bring out the child in everyone, no matter their gaming style.

     This newest entertainment zone is the first-ever venue in the Philippines to have more than 160 of the latest arcade games, the famous Hologate VR attraction, the ever-popular Spin Zone Bumper Cars, and much more—ensuring maximum enjoyment for all age groups and cementing Timezone as the destination to have a great time together with family and friends.

Timezone Ayala Fairview Terraces Now Open

6 Tips to Become Internet Smart

     The internet offers kids wonderful new ways to discover the world - a tool for learning, exploring, being creative, and connecting with the people who matter. However, with longer screen time, this has made them more vulnerable to risks such as inappropriate content, online bullying, and even exploitation.

     Parents play a big role in keeping their children safe online, and there are practical internet safety precautions that can protect children from potentially harmful or inappropriate content and activities.

6 Tips to Become Internet Smart

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?
image from pexels.com

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.

Let's Play and Learn Online

     Kids these days are always online that's why instead of worrying about the negative effects, take advantage of the positive ones. I'm thankful that technology has brought a lot of favorable things into our daily life and being online has helped me teach my son some of his school subjects, especially math. We all know that some kids fear math. They find numbers overwhelming and solving problems confusing. 

     I was surfing the internet months ago to look for resources and I stumbled upon a website named Calculators.org. At first, I thought it was a website about calculators but lo and behold, it's a math and educational website. I browsed the page and saw that aside from math and numbers, the gaming section of their site has some of the board games that I usually play when I was a child. It's nice to know that they offer a variety of other fun games for kids & people like me who are fond of playing these games during our childhood days.

Let's Play and Learn Online 

PLDT Home, Google Launches Be Internet Awesome Online Series

     Following its partnership announcement to further strengthen efforts in educating Filipino kids and families about internet safety and digital responsibility, the Philippines’ leading home broadband and digital service provider PLDT Home and Google joined forces in creating a kid-oriented video series online.

     The Be Internet Awesome online series combines animation and live action — featuring Gen Alpha whiz Sam and his trusty friend Robo-berto in fun-filled yet enlightening adventures on how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online. The series is based on the values of Google’s Be Internet Awesome global program and is directed by Manny Angeles, an award-winning director and producer of kid-oriented and animated shows.

PLDT Home, Google Launches Be Internet Awesome Online Series

Doubling your Child’s Immunity from the Lens of the #Promil4iShine Masters

     Does your daughter sing in tune after hearing a song play just a couple of times? Or does your son perform a Tiktok dance routine flawlessly after watching the steps on your mobile phone? Children are gifted in their own ways, and these normally manifest at an early age. Parents who spot these gifts early on can nurture them to help them reach their full potential.

     There are a lot of ways in which parents can support and nurture their gifts, but the most basic and important way to help them nowadays is to ensure they have fewer sick days and more healthy days, more opportunities to practice, rehearse and give their full commitment.

Doubling your Child’s Immunity from the Lens of the #Promil4iShine Masters

L-R: Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, Theatre Veteran Audie Gemora, Director and Founder of The School of Academic and Arts, Craftmaster Robert Alejandro, President of Papemelroti, Celebrity Choreographer Georcell Dapat-Sy, Founder G-force Dance Center, Arts Director Kara Escay, co-founder of Masterpiece Movement

Meet Madiskarte Moms PH

     The current economic condition has undoubtedly given rise to more home-based “mompreneurs,” or full-time moms wanting to start or grow an online business to earn additional income for their families. But as every entrepreneur knows, starting a business is not always easy, and it helps to have a community of fellow business-minded mommies for much-needed support and encouragement.

     This is where Madiskarte Moms PH finds its purpose. A Facebook community launched in the thick of the pandemic, Madiskarte Moms PH encourages entrepreneurship among mommies wanting to earn from home through side hustles while still enjoying quality time with their families. Together with its highly engaging YouTube channel, Madiskarte Moms PH is a safe, friendly space where beginners can interact with more seasoned sellers for tried and tested tips on growing a business while attending to their duties at home.

Meet Madiskarte Moms PH