Mothering a Teen

My Saturday started and ended with this guy. Kahit medyo napagod ako sa biyahe ko going north to south to east then north again, I was so happy kasi he experienced many firsts today.

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My Introduction to Essential Oils

I have recently come to appreciate the wonders of essential oils after attending the Mod Moms event with Amara Lab. There, I was able to learn more about the e.o. varieties, its uses and benefits, and even made my first oil blends using Amara Oils. 

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High School Life Away from Home

The boy has been homeschooled since fifth grade. We are currently finishing fourth quarter of our grade 7 school year. There's an overlap, but everything will be sorted out very soon. Today, he starts grade 8 "away from home" -- in a new school, meeting new friends, taking on new challenges, and entering high school in a totally different environment. I was the one feeling butterflies in my stomach while on our way to school this morning. I am getting teary-eyed and feeling emotional as I write this. Ewan ko ba! Bahala na what I will write about. Ako talaga ang may separation anxiety. I never expected I'd feel this way.

2015                                                                    2017

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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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Coding Classes for Kids and Teens

It's the digital age, and many tweens and teens are very much into YouTube and gaming. My girl has started creating her vlogs while the boy's interest in programming and gaming has grown over the past few years. Last January, he was finally able to attend a coding class at Junior Academy for Coding Knowledge (JACK) and there was no turning back. He loved it! This summer, he already picked his course and I'm actually pleased that he is serious about learning more. 

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Mangrove Planting with 3rd Graders

Second Friday of the month:  Education / Kids

My girl and her fellow third graders had the opportunity to travel to a mangrove forest in a remote area in Lian, Batangas. This educational trip was part of their unit study about “Exploring What We Can Do For the Regions” for Social Studies. The field trip was done in collaboration with the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (www.ptfcf.org) and Lian Kingfisher Association. I was one of the parent-volunteers and I'm excited to share our experience with you!

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What To Expect at the 2016 Philippine Homeschool Conference

Are you curious about homeschooling? Do you want to explore homeschooling for your family? Have you started your homeschooling journey? Are you interested to shop for educational tools and materials? Let me share with you what you can expect from the upcoming Philippine Homeschool Conference happening this October 22!

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Family Friday: Keep Calm and Carry On with Homeschool

Second Friday of the month: Parenting / Education

We just started our new school year this month and the boy is now grade 7.  I can't believe we are on our third year of homeschool! It doesn't get any easier, and to be honest, there are more days where I still find it hard to find joy in our homeschooling journey.  Kaya I continue to seek inspiration from successful homeschoolers and from online resources.

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Family Friday: Our Homeschool Journey Continues

Second Friday of the month: Parenting / Schooling

I'm giving the boy two more weeks to complete the last quarter and close the school year. I am on panic mode since end of May. We are delayed (as expected), and just like last year, his year-end testing and assessment with our academic adviser is set at the end of this month. He'll be done with grade 6. He is going to be graduating from middle school and the ceremony is scheduled at the end of September. I can't believe we will have a graduate and that we made it through two years of homeschooling!!!

At Magellan's Cross, which was part of his Philippine history lesson

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Field Trip to Hardin sa Tabing Ilog Campsite in Nasugbu, Batangas

Third Friday of the month:  Fun and Recreation / Travel

This month's Fun Friday feature is all about my girl's school culminating event for their social studies where the second graders and parents went on an exposure trip to Batangas. Hardin Sa Tabing Ilog Campsite was the venue for their year-end activity. This trip to an actual river was the perfect backdrop that allowed the kids to reflect and showcase what they've learned about Pasig River, it's surrounding communities and rehabilitation, and how it compares to rivers from around the world.

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Sharing is Caring, Teaching is Loving

Christmas season always makes me sentimental, especially when it comes to family. We had very happy Christmases and I do cherish the times I've spent with my parents and the learning moments I had with them. As a parent myself, my wish is for my kids to have good memories with me as well. I hope to pass on what I've learned from my parents while at the same time help my parents keep up with the times.

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Explore, Learn, Shop at the Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015

Are you considering homeschooling your kids?
Wanna learn more about what homeschooling is all about?

Let me invite you to the largest homeschooling conference this year:

Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015: Ready for the World!

October 17, 2015 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Samsung Hall and SMX at SM Aura

Keynote talks : Samsung Hall

Workshops and Homeschool expo : SMX Convention Center

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Fun Friday: The Artsy and The Sporty

Third Friday of the month:  School Events

This is a proud-mommy-moment kind of post. I know I don't say it enough. Oftentimes, I just say "good job" or "you did great", but rarely do I say "I'm so proud of you" whenever they accomplish something significant. Sometimes, I share their works or activities on my IG and FB. Kaya eto na lang ang short tribute ko to show how proud I am with my two highly spirited kids. Both recently had their respective culminating events -- one in the arts and the other in sports.

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What to Expect at KIDZANIA Manila

Do you remember a time when you imagine or dream of what you want to be when you grow up and role-play with siblings or friends? Did you dress up the part and take out all the props and toys you can find to pretend with? Well, level-up na ang mga kids ngayon with global edu-tainment brand KidZania opening it's doors to the public tomorrow, August 7, in Bonifacio Global City. 

KidZania Manila Main Square

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Flashback to My Most Popular Posts

You might be wondering why it's not Mom-Finds today. If you've been a loyal reader, you'd know that I have a theme for each Friday of every month, and that every last Friday of the month will be about a recent shopping find, or a newly-discovered product or service. Either I was just too busy to notice the calendar or I am really getting old and forgetful! This July pala has five Fridays, so dapat Freestyle Friday last week and today is the last Friday of the month!

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Family Friday: New Homeschooling Year

Second Friday of the month: Schooling / Parenting

We did it! First year of homeschooling is over. The boy is now grade 6. It was a rocky road for both of us since June last year and I didn't want to rant or share anything negative here. For those of you following my blog, you may have noticed that I was not blogging as much as I used to, and haven't been attending events as often. I have to make those choices to spend more time homeschooling. It was not fun at all, I tell you, but it's all worth it.

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How Kids can Learn Through Play with Ogalala

"If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn." That's coming from child development expert O. Ivar Lovaas. Being a parent-teacher, it's a continuous struggle for me to effectively teach and tutor my kids. Coming up with creative ways for the kids to learn will be easier if I have the right set of tools and materials for them. As I recently discovered, Ogalala can help parents like me in that department.

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Chef for a Day at Global Academy Cooking Workshop

One Saturday afternoon, nag-feeling chef ako...feeling lang.  =) It was an exciting, exhausting, yet super fun learning experience being in a professional kitchen with some of my fellow SoMoms. We have to thank Global Academy for this unique cooking workshop especially prepared for us. It was definitely a kitchen adventure for the six of us who took the cooking challenge.

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Engineering For Kids Summer Adventure Camps 2015

We're half way through summer season and the kids have been enjoying the break so far, especially my girl. The boy is still into the final quarter of his homeschooling year, as I've shared here, but I make sure he's also able to spend some fun times with his sister and cousins.

About two weeks ago, we got invited to the launch of the summer Adventure Camps of Engineering for Kids. We missed the event kasi the kids had their painting class that same day, but we're happy we were able to attend a trial class last Thursday.

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Mom-Finds: Wonder and Amusing Grace

Last Friday of the month: Shopping / Books

Don't judge a book by it's cover.  Literally, and figuratively. These books here will prove that. But why am I reading? I've never been a voracious reader (and that's my loss). I rarely buy novels, or anything thicker that an inch, heehee! Seriously, you can't talk to me about books, authors, or popular novels, bios, business and philosophy books.  But I have my moments. Recently, I had two!

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