Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Window on China Theme Park

XIAO REN GUO Theme Park a.k.a. Window on China Theme Park was in our must-visit list while I was planning the itinerary for our holiday trip to Taiwan last December. J insisted on it. I've never heard of this until J told me about it. Childhood dream daw niya na makapunta dun, kasi he was fascinated by this miniature theme park ever since he learned about it when he was a little boy. I was reluctant at first because with all the Taiwan tour recommendations I've read, not one source have mentioned about this theme park. True enough, this Window on China (WOC) still exists and is thriving. WOC is the oldest theme park of Taiwan, located in Taoyuan City, which opened its doors in 1984.

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7 Travel Planning Tips with Tweens and Teens

It's summer time and I'm sure many of you are planning your vacations, if not planned out already. I have friends who made arrangements as early as last year pa! We don't travel often but when we do, I take a considerable amount of time and effort to plan each trip, whether it's to a local or an international destination. Iba kasi when traveling with kids -- major considerations would be the budget, interests, and comfort. But there's always a compromise when it comes to our itinerary.

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Escape to El Nido (part 3)

Monday, June 4, was our last day in El Nido and I didn't want to leave. Bitin eh, and it rained pa the first two days. We wanted to stay for four days, but Lagen island resort was fully booked before and after our three-day stay, so too bad for us. But we are still so thankful that everything went well, and the sun finally shone brightly that morning, with the bluest of skies and fluffy white clouds.

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Escape to El Nido (part 2)

Our amazing first day in El Nido has set the tone for the rest of our stay on this island paradise. Everything was booked with Lagen Island resort's activities coordinator upon our arrival, so we all know what to expect during our stay. Despite the rain showers during the island-hopping on day one, we still had a great afternoon and was looking forward to Tour 2 the next morning. The half-day tour will cover the most awaited visit to the small and big lagoons, snorkeling in Miniloc Island resort, and beach side lunch.

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Escape to El Nido (part 1)

El Nido is in my wish list of travel destinations for the longest time, and last weekend, I got my wish and was able to experience the beauty and wonders of the islands with my family. After our first day, gusto na namin agad mag plan for our next trip! It's a different world out there! While my photos don't do justice to how beautiful El Nido is, I will just let my pictures do the talking and briefly share what we did over the three glorious days in this little piece of paradise.

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Up and Away on the Flying Trapeze

I never imagined I would be able to do flying trapeze. I wasn't even aware there's a rig here in the metro until recently. If I wasn't doing pilates, baka hindi ko kinaya ito, hehehe. But I did suspension pilates, and I know I can hang and do inversions, so I literally took the leap and went for it.  Together with my pilates buddies and our kids, we booked a private class last week and had a nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience.

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Tokyo Winter Holiday, part 3: Shizuoka - Mt. Fuji and Snow Town Yeti

The closest to snow we ever got to experience was at Star City Snow World several years ago. When the kids tried ice skating, nag-collect sila ng shaved ice, formed into balls and pretended it was snow, hahaha! Since then, they kept asking when we can exerience actual snow. It was only last December that we got the chance to visit a ski resort in Tokyo, saw the snow-capped Mt. Fuji, and witnessed a (light) snow fall on our last day. Swerte! Very memorable talaga especially for the children.

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Tokyo Winter Holiday, part 2: Tsukiji - Akihabara - Ikebukuro

When we were planning our trip to Tokyo late last year, one of the must-see places I included in our itinerary is the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. My foodie brother and I really wanted to visit the market and sample the freshest seafood we can try, even if we had to drag the kids there early in the morning.

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Tokyo Winter Holiday, part 1: Shinjuku - Shibuya - Harajuku

We loved Tokyo! It was my family's first trip to Japan last December and I wished we could have stayed longer. Bitin talaga ang 5 days. My brother and his family joined us on this winter holiday vacation and one of the objectives of this trip was to visit a ski resort for the snow, as requested by the kids. Well, lahat naman kami gusto rin maka-experience ng snow =). 

There's so much to explore in Tokyo alone, so ang hirap gumawa ng itinerary that will accommodate the different interests of the adults, teens, tweens and toddler. I've asked some friends who've been to Tokyo for their recommendations and travel tips. Lots of research too from online resources, some of which I included at the end of this post. Eventually, I was able to come up with a feasible list of activities and places to visit for our group. I would have wanted more sight-seeing though.

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7 Things to Love About Hotel H2O

Who doesn't love a staycation? It's a mini vacation without going too far away from home and we're so fortunate to have experienced different accommodations from top hotels in and out of the metro. One such memorable weekend for us was spent at Hotel H2O in Luneta, Manila and that was four years ago. While we've stayed in other hotels since then, Hotel H2O remains to be unforgettable especially for the kids, and let me share with you again why. Some weeks ago, we were invited to revisit this unique establishment. Perfect timing, kasi it was the last weekend before school starts for the girl, so one last hurrah to close the summer break.

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Coding for Kids and Teens - Junior and Master Coder Classes

While many from my generation would not understand what this is all about, the digital natives -- our children, can quickly grasp the concepts of coding.  It is the language of the present and the future. If you've been following me on social media, you may have seen some snapshots of my son during his coding classes and from my blog feature on JACK - Junior Academy for Coding Knowledge, published last summer. He already finished three different courses and he's asking for more.

Google Tilt Brush summer program at JACK

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Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort in Bataan

Third Friday of the month: Fun Friday / Travel / Recreation

Take a peek into a bygone era -- 18th century Philippines, reconstructed on a 400-hectare property development in Bagac, Bataan. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a "heritage resort by the sea", a living museum with over twenty colonial houses and buildings from different parts of the country that were transported and rebuilt to recreate old towns back in the day.  When I learned about Las Casas a few years ago, I was already intrigued and wanted to bring the family there. We finally got to stay for two nights last weekend and the sights left me in awe.

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Our Preview Stay at Okada Manila

I first learned about Okada Manila late last year as they prepared to welcome delegates from the Miss Universe pageant. What really made me took notice was how they described their rooms and amenities. Touted as the biggest integrated resort development in Manila, each luxurious room and suite in Okada features a Jacuzzi and advanced in-room technology. They also house the world's largest dancing water fountain and soon, an indoor beach club with white sand!

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Senti Summer

Earlier today, we took out M's old Instax to check if the films are still usable. I got to take selfies with each one and got the prints immediately. Iba yung feeling na hawak mo na yung picture compared to scrolling through files and photos from albums in our phones or computer. It's been years since I had our digital photos printed. Holding and looking at these prints brought me back to their toddler years. Ewan ko ba kung anong nakain ko at bigla ako naging senti today. Hence, I blog.

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Okada Manila Unveils Grand Dancing Water Fountain

Dubbed as Manila’s biggest and most lavish integrated resort development, Okada Manila is set to unveil the world’s largest multicolor dancing water fountain, plus many of its key amenities and facilities on March 31 with live musical performances.

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Off-Road Birthday Adventure in Jungle Base, Tanay

Third Friday of the month: Recreation / Leisure / Celebration 

A day spent outdoors, in the mountains of Sierra Madre, communing with nature and merry-making with friends, unplugged...welcome break from the usual weekends in the city. This was one memorable birthday celebration for M's classmates two weeks ago and we're thankful that we got to tag along on this awesome adventure.

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Fun Friday: Build and Bond Doll Houses and Crafts

Third Friday of the month: Toys  / Hobbies

If there's one thing I have in common with the girl when I was her age, it's arts and crafts. I think I picked up the hobby from my mother who is very skilled in this department, which includes sewing as well. When I was younger, I didn't get to buy dresses and accessories for my Barbie doll so I ended up sewing ponchos and skirts, fashion accessories, and creating furniture out of match boxes, buttons and scraps. M is into these stuff right now and when my friend showed me a Mishka Build and Bond toy, I knew she'll love this and it will be a good activity for both of us.

M has been into micro crafts and toys since last year, and I featured some of her creations here. She's been stitching and sewing more often lately to create clothes and accessories for her LPS toys. When I saw these "doll houses" from Mishka Build and Bond, I wanted them for myself too, heehee... nakaka-aliw and I thought to surprise her with this. It's awesome! This Sakura Sushi Shop was sent as a gift and it was so cool even J wanted to join and start building with us. We should have started with a smaller kit first coz we found this too daunting with all the materials and steps, hahahaha! This remains an unfinished project.

I ordered several smaller sets as gifts and an extra for us to build. This will take days, or weeks to finish.  Which also means more gadget-free days with the kid!

This bedroom with a bunk beds is our current project and we are in the middle of building it. So kahit hindi pa tapos, I wanted to show it na and couldn't wait 'til my Mom-Finds feature to share this with you so you can also order for your family or get them as gifts. The top photo is the expected outcome of our toy bedroom. 

Actually, ang main purpose talaga ni M is to use this as a room for her LPS toys! =) We've been having petty quarrels over this coz with some pieces she doesn't want to try to measure and cut. Anyway, here's the kit complete with all the materials, and even the glue and wires for the bedroom light!

Some bigger sets like the Sushi shop includes scissors, but this one doesn't.

For this set, we needed:

Cutter, scissors

No-nail adhesive for wood and boards

(coz the white glue included is only good for sealing wall paper and lighter materials)

Glue gun/glue

Plastic knife or old plastic cards - use to spread glue evenly

Ruler or tape measure

Needle and thread

Tray (act as work surface to keep tiny materials from getting lost)

Two nights palang kami and we've only set up the walls and floor, plus the main furniture. The manual shows all the materials included, and illustrated instruction for each part of the house. No english translation but the item code and photos are enough to show you the step-by-step procedure. It's very meticulously designed kaya you need time to concentrate! Meron din room designs for boys. 

Kailangan kong mag-salamin sa liit ng ibang pictures that needed to be cut. This is ideal for 10 years old and above, but even smaller kids can do this with parents' help, especially when using the cutter and adhesive. A light and steady hand would be an advantage to piece them all together without damaging the pieces, hehehe. We'll continue building over the weekend. Nakakatuwa, I can't wait for this to be completed!

You can order from: Instagram.com/mishkabuildandbond.

(To be updated once we complete the room.)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Family Friday: All About J & M's Painting and Anime Drawings

Second Friday of the month: Hobbies / Recreation / Kids

Ever since my kids were little, drawing has been one of their hobbies and a favorite activity for quiet time. I've featured some of their past works years ago on the blog and on Instagram as #ArtOfJandM. It's only recently that I've started taking notice again of what they've been creating. Please indulge me as I share some of their more current artworks that triggered some proud mommy moments for me. I am hard to please when it comes to my kids' works, but napabilib din nila ako with their latest artworks. :)

THE BOY

His doodling got less and less over the years, and homeschooling made it possible for him to explore art again. Noon puro robots and original game characters ang drawing niya. This year, he began taking painting classes at Art Smart. They teach him basic painting techniques and use acrylic on canvas.

Teacher said he is skilled, but sometimes tends to rush his projects. I've observed that he needs to be more meticulous and patient, and should work more neatly. Minsan ang daming patak ng paint on the sides and teacher will help him cover and clean it pa! Here are some of his works so far and I am looking for a spot in the house for each of them. =)

This painting below is for me. I'll claim this. =) He initially chose a blue and orange photo of a different jelly fish, but I wanted this more colorful version. It took me some time to convince him and told him to paint it for me, hehehe. Eventually, he obliged but did not quite finish... he missed some shading and shadows, but tinamad na kasi time is up na daw! Haaay!

He's currently working on this cupcake. Once he's done, I'll share the finished work on Instagram. =)

THE GIRL

Drawing cartoons was always her favorite and she knows she's getting better at it. Pero she has her moods -- sometimes she will hide her work coz it's private daw, and there are days when she will request me to take a picture agad and let me post it on Instagram. She still prefers pencil drawings and rarely colors her works.

From creating her own animal characters to animé illustrations, she now gained the confidence to teach her classmates who are interested to learn and draw anime. Here are two mystical characters from a series she made last month.

M's latest drawings are all about anime girls. Since school started last June, she's been bringing home some of her doodles and comics. Earlier today, she created another original character named Necko Chan. Her characters all have "Chan" daw at the end of their names... don't ask me why! I can't understand her explanation, heehee.  

Here's a sample. May frontal rendition and side view. Mahirap daw yung side view, she is still practicing.

Their school is now on their term break, so she asked me if she can invite friends over and they can draw. Kaya bigla tuloy ako napa-organize ng "anime drawing workshop" dito sa bahay! M and another classmate with be the "teachers" for beginners and advanced levels.

Everything is almost set, and I am all out to support this hobby coz I also enjoyed drawing even as a kid. In this digital era, drawing with a pencil on paper is as organic as you can get when it comes to expressing one's creativity. Especially for the younger generation, it makes them appreciate art even more since it's their original work, drawn by hand. No gadgets, no complicated or high-tech materials needed. Just pure inspired drawings that spark their imagination.

"This is you, mommy. I copied the exact shirt and shorts you're wearing now, see...?" 

I look so young in that drawing diba, hahahaha. But at least she got the ponytail right.

"I can't do boys. Ok... I'm going to draw our family..."  

This was a stolen shot, kasi hindi pa ata tapos, but I love it already. =)

More of our family's art:

fun-friday-art-of-j-m.html

fun-friday-whats-your-favorite-hobby.html

fun-friday-micro-toys-and-crafts-for-lps.html

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again! 
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From PokemonGo to Instagram Stories

Third Friday of the month: Hobbies / Recreation

When August came around, there have been so many new stuff to try, and the hottest of which is the worldwide phenomenon -- PokemonGo.  Naturally, J and the kids immediately got the app as soon as it was launched in the country last August 6. It was a Saturday, so the kids were too happy to be able to register their own accounts and started playing with the rest of the world. Two days earlier, I was the one excited to try Instagram Stories, the latest feature on this popular social media platform.

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Create and Broadcast YouTube Videos from SMART Launchpad Upload Stations

"I want to be a famous YouTuber."  That's what my son tells me. Aside from wanting to be an artist when he grows up, he also wants to create his own video games and share them online. But he still needs to learn how to create better-quality content and learn coding. Even the girl is into YouTube tutorials and toy shows. Nung panahon ko, TV is our main medium when it comes to entertainment and information. Nowadays, YouTube and other social media channels rule. Good thing, SMART recognizes the creativity of the Filipino youth kaya they recently unveiled #OwnIt -- a campaign to empower the youth to pursue their passions, channel their creativity, and broadcast their talents to the world via SMART Launchpad.

With fellow #SMARTmoms @mommyfleur, @mommymundo, @manilamommy

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