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.
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.
I am looking forward to watch my first ever Cirque du Soleil show in a few weeks! Cirque du Soleil is known to be the biggest theatrical producer in the world and they will hold the Asian premiere of TORUK – The First Flight in Manila this June 23rd!
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!
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.
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.
Toys are not just for kids, but for the big boys (and girls) too! Comics, cosplay, anime, collectibles, gaming -- these are just some of the things we can expect at a comic or toy convention. And believe me when I say that my collector-husband and anime-addicted kids are most excited to attend the upcoming ToyCon 2016 + Pop Life FanXperience happening on June 10 - 12 at SMX-MOA!
A few years ago, I actually featured some of hubby's toy collections here (samples below). He dreams of attending a comic con in the US if given a chance, while the kids naman wish to visit the Pokemon Center in Tokyo. Some cousins are also into toy collecting and cosplay. I'm sure they're highly anticipating this event as well. Ako lang at a ang walang hilig sa mga ganyan, hehehe! But they have my support on this, that's why I'm taking them to ToyCon Philippines this weekend, thanks to Smart! Yay!!!
"TOYCON Philippines is proud to announce it's partnership with Pop! Life Entertainment to create the ultimate FanXperience for the Filipino pop-culture fans.
Celebrating 15 years, ToyCon Philippines 2016 will be the biggest culmination of all things associated with pop-culture such as toys, games, movies, cosplay, anime and collectibles." - www.toyconph.com
What to expect at TOYCON 2016:
International cosplay competition
Special appearances by celebrities, comic artists: Hollywood actors including Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman); Daniel Logan (Star Wars), and many others!
Show merchandise and exhibitions featuring some of the world’s biggest brands in entertainment and gaming
DC, Marvel, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Cartoon Network, NBA, and more
Capcom, Namco, DOTA, etc.
Contests and prizes
Visit the SMART Zone booth for instant prizes and surprises
Register for a chance to win prizes such as: Smart Bro Pocket WiFis, limited edition jackets, toys and gaming gears
You can also purchase a Smart SIM, load or subscribe to a new Smart Postpaid Plan for a chance to win
Get instant photo-souvenirs: Pose with Smart’s larger-than-life toy boxes of iconic shows like Game of Thrones, Lego and X-Men, and use #SmartTOYCON for your Instagram posts
Be sure to get your tickets asap from www.toyconph.com and experience the biggest celebration in toys and pop-culture! Or...
WIN ToyCon 2016 tickets from SMART!
Here's how:
Post a photo on Instagram: Your toy collection, a favorite video, or dress up in your fave character
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 onTwitter,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! (Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
Jump, bounce, jump, dunk, jump, climb, jump, eat, party! You can do them all at the first and biggest indoor trampoline park in the Philippines. I am so excited to announce that JUMP YARD is now open for the whole family to enjoy a one-of-a-kind high-flying experience!
It's not the last Friday of the month yet but I'm already sharing my latest Mom-Finds with you, kasi I am not yet done with Christmas shopping and I'm sure many of you are still on the hunt for that perfect present to give to your kids or inaanaks, nieces or nephews. I can't wait for end of the month to post this new discovery, and given my history on blogging in December, my regular Friday theme is out the window. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to the newest toy on the block - MAGFORMERS!
It was a fun family affair for us at KidZania last September 19. The kids were so excited to be invited by McDonald's to be among the first to "work" at the kid-sized kitchen of the newly opened McDonald's Burger Shop. When my boy and I went to KidZania during the pre opening, he peeked through the burger shop which was not open yet. He told me he wants to try it out the next time he visits. Well, he got his wish! Kids can now enjoy and learn how to make their favorite McDonald's cheeseburger at KidZania!
McDonald’s President and CEO Kenneth Yang, Alonzo Muhlach, Play Innovations Industry Partner Director Cecille Mariño, and Play Innovations President and CEO Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas formally open McDonald’s Burger Shop with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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.
Stress-relieving, therapeutic, addicting. Coloring these elaborate patterns and prints actually relaxes me. Once I start on a new print, it's so hard to stop. I just take a break once my hand hurts and get blurry vision altogether, heeheehee! Lately, I found myself going offline and moving away from my laptop and other gadgets longer than usual just to keep coloring. And that's a good thing. Even my girl wants to color with me!
Ahhh...DreamPlay! Three weeks ago, we brought the kids and their cousins to the newest interactive entertainment and play center in town. DreamPlay, located at the Retail Avenue of City of Dreams Manila, allows the kids to play, create, and learn in a fantasy world with the larger-than-life DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Toothless, the Madacascar animals, and Kung Fu Panda.
I am not a boxing fan. My lolo was. Back in the 80s, I see him watching boxing matches on TV. I never really got interested in this sport coz I feel it's just too violent. But ever since Manny Pacquiao became popular, I learned to appreciate it just a bit, and admired the man. I know that every Filipino is rooting for him in each match, and I'm pretty sure my lolo would be the first to grab a front row seat if he were still here with us.
This is Manny's biggest fight and even if I'm not a big fan of boxing, my family and I admire Manny Pacquiao. The whole country is behind Manny!
If you follow me, @mymomfriday on Instagram, you might have seen my MomFridayVideogram showing our "knockout moves" which I posted last week. :) Here's a screen grab.
I joined the movement initiated by Smart to unite everyone in supporting our pambansang kamao by posting photos or videos and tag #SugodManny.
Join me and rest of the country on social media to rally behind Manny Pacquiao on his upcoming fight this May 2 in Las Vegas. Use #SugodManny and post your own knockout move -- it can be funny, fierce, cute, it doesn't have to be a boxing move.
I still don't know where we'll be watching the fight Usually, we watch his fights at home, but for sure there will be a lot of venues with pay-per-view offers. There's also mobile video streaming.
If you want a front row seat for the May 2 event but can't go to Las Vegas like us, then look no further -- SMART is offering LIVE and commercial‐free video streaming of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight through the Viewstream app on your mobile device for PhP499 only!
PhP499 offer is for a limited time only for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers
Charge your subscription to your Smart postpaid bill or deduct from your prepaid load
No credit card needed
Bonus - watch exclusive training footage shot in the US plus more videos of previous fights, also on Viewstream
Are you excited for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight? How about you -- where do you watch Manny's boxing matches? =)
Spread the love and support the pambansang kamao with #SugodManny!
Enjoy exclusive Manny Pacquiao stickers on Pico Candy, Viber, Line, and WeChat. There are also Manny Pacquiao-themed camera templates on the Camera 360 app.
You can view more exclusive videos on Smart’s social media channels:
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 onTwitterandInstagram 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! (Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
We've been planning to go a museum since last month, but didn't get the time to do so. There were several choices in mind, and this newly opened Sansó museum in our neighborhood was the most convenient. We don't know what to expect from this place, and not one of my friends have visited yet. In line with the boy's art subject, we are trying to get to know a few world-renowned artists. He already read about the father of cubism, Pablo Picasso. This time, it's master Juvenal Sansó.
I grew up with Walt Disney's lovable characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, watching classic princess movies from Cinderella to The Little Mermaid. Before, we eagerly wait for the movies and CDs, books and toys to experience our favorite Disney characters in our homes. With the digital age, my generation can now join our kids as the internet brings in more ways to enjoy our favorite Disney characters in just a click of a button.
The bigger news is that Smart Communications has partnered with The Walt Disney Company to bring us unprecedented access to Disney’s digital entertainment content!
Exciting diba?! My kids (and husband) will love this!
Here are some of our favorites, among many other Disney characters and heroes. Naka-pila na for sure yung games that the kids would want to download on their gadgets.
Marvel heroes
Anna and Elsa from Frozen
It's very easy to purchase and download Disney games via GameX.
Once your account has been verified, you can now begin to purchase via GameX.
Start downloading your favorite Disney games and in-app items.
Pay using your Smart Prepaid load or charge it to your Smart Postpaid account (no credit card needed).
Grabbed from GameX site
I think it's really cool that online innovations like this from Smart are just a click away! That's truly #SmartInternetForAll.
Expect more Disney content like e-books, wallpapers, and other activities in the coming weeks, all at affordable rates, so sign up now! Smart-Disney homepage: http://smart.com.ph/disney
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 onTwitterandInstagram 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! (Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
I've only seen and heard of Jollitown at the kiddie parties of Jollibee. It's a fantasy playland with mascots having fun in a bright and colorful world. Well, imagine no more. Jollitown came to life last October 26 at SMX to celebrate National Children's Month. Let me show you what welcomed us at the event.
My family is still on an #OreoTransformers high. Last June 27, I had an awesome #OreoBetterTogether movie date with my parents as we were treated by Oreo to an exclusive screening of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Meanwhile, my kids are enjoying the limited edition Oreo Transformers cookie flavors and collecting the stickers. Oreo also launched the experience of a lifetime contest where a family of 4 can win an all-expense paid trip to Universal Studios, Hollywood, USA!
I've been a Q.C. resident until I had my second child. I am guilty of not exploring the city where I grew up in. For sure there are so many wonderful sites and destinations that I may have enjoyed. Two weeks ago, we went to Quezon City Memorial Circle for the kids' last "field trip" before they go back to school. It was their first time, while it's the second for me. My first time was for a location shoot when I was still working in advertising. Today, the place looks so much better.
I don't know anyone without cable TV these days. All homes I know have at least 1 cable subscription. With our household hooked on TV- and movie-watching, having one is a must. Before I got married, my family used to be with another cable TV service provider, which was eventually bought by SKYcable. We've now been with SKYcable for more than a decade.
"Only SKYcable gives you a world of limitless possibilities with its widest selection of channels and different ways to enjoy it." It has the most varied and relevant cable TV programs with great value-added services for your family’s viewing enjoyment, #TheWayYouWantIt.
Currently, our SKYcable subscription is under Dual Def Bronze 499, plus NBA Premium HD. Their after-sale service is quite efficient, and anything we need can be called in. Of course, we also experienced minor technical issues in the past but were quickly resolved with a visit by their technicians. Overall, we are very happy and satisfied customers. SKYcable even assigned a personal concierge to attend to our cable TV service needs! Bongga! =)
Before we go to our instant blog raffle courtesy of SKYcable, let me share some of their innovative features and services, which made our subscription package more flexible, making SKYcable the leading cable TV service provider.
Did you know.... SKYcable has the most number of standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels
Over 180 channels for the entire family - genres include Movies, Sports, Kids, Learning, Music, News, Lifestyle, and more
Most number of high definition (HD) channels - this is one of the features we love most, with 42 HD channels to choose from - the most in the country!
Subscribers have ability to add channels and packs to your basic plan
Choose and add channels and packs to your basic subscription plan to suit the family’s viewing preferences - we avail of this flexible add-on service especially during NBA season =)
Some Select Packs include:
FOX Pack (P299/month); HBO Pack (both SD and HD at P350/month); Movie Pack (P550/month); Sports Pack (P550/month); Kids Pack (P249/month); Korean Pack 1 or 2 (P199 or 900/month); HD 40 Pack (P1999/month) which airs Cartoon Network, Cinemax, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, E!, Food Network, Fox channels, HBO channels, History Channel, Nat Geo channels, Adventure HD, Nat Geo channels, NBA Premium, Star World, and many more!
SKYcable enables you to take control of your TV viewing with iRecord
iRecord allows you to pause, record, and rewind live TV - now you can't miss your favorite shows
First and only Personal Video Recorder (PVR) feature in the country
Subscribers get access to special shows and events through SKYcable Pay-Per-View and Free View
Get FREE access to special shows and programs - like last year’s boxing event between Mayweather and Canelo Alvares
Get access to the widest variety of live entertainment with Pay-Per-View - from sporting matches, blockbuster movies to live coverage of special events and concerts.
This 60-sec. video sums it up:
Are you a SKYcable subscriber? How's your experience?
Now let's have a little fun with my first blog raffle of the year!
SKYcable is giving away these cool premium items to one (1) lucky My Mom-Friday blog reader!
WIN this PRIZE PACKAGE:
SKYcable iPad sleeve
Warner TV notebook
Warner TV tissue holder
Lifetime fortune cookie
Breaking Bad stress ball
E! Tumbler
Discovery Kids notebook
Madagascar HBO notebook
It's so easy to join. Just follow the simple Rafflecopter steps for instant entries! a Rafflecopter giveaway
A confirmation email will be sent to the winner with instructions to claim the prize.
This raffle is open to all blog readers, as long as you can claim the SKYcable prize package at: Unit 2E03 & 2E05, Building 5, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.
Blog raffle runs until January 24, midnight.
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 onTwitterandInstagram 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! (Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
