Viber joins Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 #AdMe

Kristian Melquiades, the General Manager of Viber will be one of the panelist/speakers to the upcoming Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 #AdMe on July 26, 2015 at SMX Convention Center at BGC Taguig, Philippines.

Kristian will be sharing latest insights as to how Viber transformed the call and

messaging landscape in the Philippines. He will also discuss how fun and creative stickers have become the new form of messaging. 

At Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015, different top executives will join together to share the future of Online Marketing in the Philippines and in Asia Pacific region with the following points:

•       The digital economy of the Philippines

•       Positioning the Philippines as a gateway from East to West and West to East

•       Is the Philippines ready to be a cashless society?

•       Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation

•       Technology and Entrepreneurship driving inclusive growth

•       Micro - multinationals E-commerce connecting SMEs to ASEAN and beyond

Partial list of speakers are as follows;

Constantin Roberts - Managing Director, Zalora Philippines

Kristian Melquiades- General Manager, Viber Philippines

Richard Upton- President, John Robert Powers Asia

Donald Lim- Chief Digital Officer, ABS CBN

Janette Toral- E Commerce Advocate, Digital Club Filipino

Robert Yupangco- President, Yupangco Group of Companies

Chinkee Tan- Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Radio Host and Wealth & Wellness Coach

Rebecca Bustamante Mills- CEO, Chalre Associates & President, Asia CEO Awards

Mikel Yaw- CEO, Elabram Systems Group

Carlos Celdran- Brand Ambassador, Tour Guide

Maria Camille Montejo- CEO, NWSteel Technologies & Tree Top Adventure Inc.

Pocholo Gonzales- CEO, Creative Voices Productions

Tanya Llana- Marketing & Sales Director, Victoria Court & General Manager, Hotel La Corona De Lipa

James Jimenez- Director, Commission On Elections

Lloyd Luna- CEO, Lloyd Luna Corporation

For more information, you may visit www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph. For partnership and sponsorship, you may contact TAG Media & PR at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph

Diksyunaryo Atbp's 2015 Summer Reading Camp

It’s the time of the year once again! Project Diksyonaryo will have its Summer Reading Camp to be held on May 23 (Luneta) and May 30 (Quezon City Circle). This is an advocacy project from one of my fellow mommy bloggers and journalist Lia Manalac Del Castillo.

There will be teepees set-up for the reading camp where kids can participate in any or all of the following:

• READING CORNER –read all the books they want from DiksyonaryoAtbp’s mobile library

• ART CORNER – unleash their inner artist by engaging in art activities related to stories read to them

• STORYTELLING CORNER – listen as children’s stories come alive via The Storytelling Project team

Aside from participating in these events, parents/ children can also avail of books from National Bookstore on site, which they can donate for DiksyonaryoAtbp’s future projects or take home for themselves.

This event aims to rekindle and encourage a genuine love for reading in Filipino children, by spending one whole day doing reading related activities, ALL FOR FREE.

To register your child, please click HERE or click http://projectdiksyonaryo.com/camp-registration/.

The event is in partnership with The Storytelling Project, Pottly and Tubby, CanvasPH, National Bookstore and Mcdonalds.

For more inquiries, you may text 0917-5361783 or tweet @diksyonaryoatbp.

PR Source: The Diva Journalist   

Tula Baby Carrier

Shriek! I just received a happy mail this afternoon from CEO Emporium! If you’re an advocate of babywearing, most likely you’d be familiar with Tula Baby Carriers. I’ve always wanted to have this carrier since then and I couldn’t believe that my baby and I can use it already. Geez, I can’t explain the happiness I feel right now. Such  a perfect gift for my upcoming birthday and Mother’s day celebration J

 My husband and I discussed the benefits of buying another carrier for my baby; and after checking our budget and careful deliberation, we decided to buy a new one. It’s actually my first time to use a soft structured carrier (SSC), and I can easily compare the differences among my carriers. My daughter loves babywearing as much as I do, so I believe this is worth the investment. J

I have 2 different carriers before I got our Tula. One is the Suppori Sling which I bought from Cudsly, and the next 9 ring sling that I bought when my baby was only 2 weeks old. I’ve had a love and hate relationship with my ring sling because I’ve always had difficulties setting it up. So when I found out that Suppori doesn’t need to be tied and threaded, I was compelled to buy it. Unfortunately, my daughter doesn’t like it as much as she appreciates being in the ring sling. So the sling was left unused and the ring sling got abused. Haha! Ring sling has been my go to most especially that my daughter has been at her crankiest these days. She started teething and it’s only the ring sling and me who can pacify her.

But now that my daughter is starting to become heavier, my right shoulder and back start to get hurt while strolling at the mall.  Right there and then, I knew that I needed wanted a new carrier and own another type which is the SSC.

Like other moms, I was never familiar of Tula until I read it from Babywearing Philippines. I even told myself before that I have no plans of buying it most especially with its price tag. Yes, it may be expensive but I’m telling you, it really is worth the investment. Most mom's would recommend tula if you're looking for an SSC type of carrier. This isn't a status carrier but they highly recommend it because of its benefits and quality. Also, have you checked their designs yet? They have one of the best and unique prints. 

I got myself the little Rascals. 

Here's an action shot. I will try to share more pictures as we road test it. ♥ 

Lil Rascals

I got mine from CEO Emporium for 7,000 plus 150 pesos shipping fee. BaoBao babies also sell Tula Baby Carriers and these shops also provide installment/layaway plans. 

Tula is an ergonomic baby carrier and here are its features: 

• can be used in both front and back carries
• can be used from 15-45 pounds (toddler carrier is approved for 25-50 lbs)
• can be used from birth with the use of the revolutionary Tula Infant Insert (not included), and into toddlerhood with Tula Free to Grow Extenders (not included)
• is easy to use and comfortable
• provides an ergonomic M-position seat supporting optimal development for baby’s body
• is easy to care for and machine washable
• is made by hand from 100% Öko-Tex Standard 100 certified cotton
• is made with the highest quality Duraflex buckles available
• includes features such as dual-adjustment straps to allow for the perfect fit, additional leg-opening and shoulder padding, and a large pocket on the contouring hip belt
• includes a removable hood to support baby’s head while asleep, protect from sun
•  or wind, and allow for comfortable breastfeeding

http://www.tulababycarriers.com/collections/ergonomic-baby-carriers

If you have an extra budget, you can never go wrong with Tula. Talk about benefits and the comfort it can give you and your baby. Or, if you want to try other SSC carriers, you can also check these brands: 

Ergo (just be careful, because I've read that there are a lot of counterfeit Ergo's in the market) 

Moby Go 

Again, if you plan to wear you baby, don't forget to check these guidelines. ♥ 

http://www.schoolofbabywearing.com/Images/TICKS.pdf

http://www.babywearinginternational.org/what-is-babywearing/choosing-a-baby-carrier/

Milly's 1st birthday party venue

Few days from now, my daughter will turn 10-months; which reminds me that her first birthday is almost near and I should start booking some suppliers. Well, actually, I’ve already pencil booked some suppliers but booking the venue is my number one priority.

My husband and I initially wanted to celebrate my daughter’s birthday party at Tom’s World in Robinsons Galleria, but since she hates noise and we wanted it to be an intimate celebration (plus I am a fan of “all-things-girly), we came into a mutual decision to hold the celebration in J.Cuppacakes. Yay for me!  I’ve been eyeing this venue even before Milly was baptized. I actually tried to book this venue for her baptism, but due to the ballooning number of guests, we opted to celebrate it in Shakeys.

Okay, so going back - we went to J.Cuppacakes last Sunday to pay the reservation fee and to block our date.

While on our way to J. Cuppacakes. That's lola mama carrying Milly. 

And now that we have already a date and time, I can start planning and booking the rest of our suppliers.

If you’re a fan of Shabby Chic and you plan to host a birthday, tea party, or baby shower, J.cuppacakes is a highly recommended venue. The place is really nice and well decorated so there is no need for you to book a separate supplier to revamp the venue. Everything in the shop is just breathtaking and stunning. See for yourself.  

The place is so INSTAGRAM worthy. haha! ♥ 

Milly and her lolo papa (hubby's side)

What I also loved about the venue is that their clients can even use their decors. We asked if we can use their candy jars for our DIY candy buffet and they agreed with it. We can even use their "wishing tree" and hang some of Milly's pictures on it to make it even more personalized. 

The maximum seating capacity is 50-60pax; which already includes their mezzanine, bistro and alfresco.

They have several mouth watering food packages you can choose from and you can even customize your own meal. Their packages ranges from 420 pesos/pax up to 750 pesos/pax. Reservation fee to block your date is only 1,500 and the balance is payable upon the confirmation of your event. For more details you may check their website at http://www.jcuppacakes.com/

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and check out their store and art in your cravings.

PS: Their cupcakes are really to die for. Oh-so-yummy ♥

Review: Baby Comfy Nose

“BabyComfyNose is simply the most effective, best-designed nasal aspirator for babies on the market today.”

I finally got the chance to use our Baby Comfy Nose yesterday! (Not that I am happy using it, most especially that my daughter’s so fussy due to runny nose) I purchased this 3 months ago when Nose Frida was out of stock, but my daughter was already free from runny nose when I received the package.

The bulb-like nasal aspirator I bought before I gave birth didn’t work for us. My daughter hated it and would cry every time she sees me holding it. After a couple of attempts on using this bulb aspirator, I know this isn’t the best way to remove her snot. It actually triggers more mucus because my daughter keeps on crying every time I insert it on her nose. That’s why I am so thankful with this snot sucker because it can actually really suck snot. Down side is that, she also do not like it every time I use it to her, I don’t know if she’s just uncomfortable with it or she’s just irritable due to colds but at least, she feels relieve after using it. This works best if you spray salinase before sucking the mucous. Mind you, I actually enjoyed using it. haha! :D 

Baby Comfy Nose nasal aspirator uses your own suction to quickly and hygienically remove children’s nasal mucus.  Significantly more effective than bulb and battery aspirators because your natural lung suction is so much stronger.  The design of the aspirator eliminates any possibility of contact with mucus and germs.  Insert a tissue into the aspirator as a filter so there’s nothing else to buy.  The unit comes with two nose tips: standard and newborn. Medical grade soft nose tip and mouth piece.  The mesh storage pouch keeps all the pieces together in the dishwasher, then hang to dry and it’s ready for the diaper bag.  Three colors options are ideal for siblings and multiples.  BPA and phthalate-free.  https://www.babycomfycare.com/product/baby-comfy-nose-nasal-aspirator/

What I loved about BabyComfyNose is that you don’t have to buy the filters. All you need is some tissue and you’re good to go. There are also 3 available colors and 2 types of tips. (one is for newborn babies and the standard size). My 9 month old baby is still using the newborn size since she has a button nose. Haha! It’s pretty easy to use and clean too. It has its own mesh bag that you can put inside your dishwasher and just let it dry.

I got my baby comfy nose from BabyComfyNose Philippines (from Facebook). Retail price is at P750.00. Or you may text Karen (seller) at 09177083163.

PS: Fret not, no snot or mucous will go directly inside your mouth. It stays in the filter.

Here's a good instructional video that you can watch in case you plan to get your own baby comfy nose 

Your Baby Can Read

Nope, my baby can’t read yet, but as early as 9 months, she can already recognize some words and animals on flash cards.

Last week, I ordered a complete set of Your Baby Can Read from OhBabyPh. I was actually hesitant to buy it because I have read mixed reviews about the product. Actually, if you check Your Baby Can Read online, you’d surely bump into negative reviews claiming that this product is actually a fraud and the company is already going out of business. Well, actually most of them are negative reviews, but what convinced me to buy this whole set are the actual videos that I see from the seller's account. ♥ 

After weighing the pros and cons, my husband and I decided to try it to our daughter and to tell you honestly, we both loved the results. We just started the “program” last Saturday and my daughter who I think is a fast learner can already recognize some words, animals and gestures. She can’t read yet, but at least we are seeing positive results. As early as 9 months, she can already recognize the word “hi”, pictures of “clap”, “wave” and some animals like: “dog” “gorilla” & “cat”. Take a look at the videos below. I thought everything was just a tsamba, so I changed the positions of the cards and yet she was able to get the correct one.

👏👏👏 Milly recognizes the word "Hi"

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on Apr 22, 2015 at 2:14pm PDT

Good job baby girl! 😍😍😍

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on Apr 22, 2015 at 2:29am PDT

Good job Milly 😍 she can already recognize some animals and words as early as 9 months. 👏 @ohbabyph 😊 my husband and i couldn't believe to see positive results as early as 4 days.

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on Apr 22, 2015 at 1:03am PDT

They say that in order for the program to be effective, the parent should let their babies watch the videos 1-2 x day and should lessen watching cartoons. It’s actually an advantage for us, because my daughter isn’t fond of watching TV shows. She actually does not like watching cartoons. It’s advisable to let your babies watch this program while they are still young, because if they are already fond of watching cartoons, most likely they wouldn’t appreciate watching this. Imagine, plain words flashing your screen with a little bit of song in between; no animated characters or cartoons. A lot of perseverance and patience is needed when you want your babies to learn the program. You need to watch with them, demo some actions and read the words aloud too. This has been a part of our morning routine just before she takes her morning siesta. (Actually, memorize ko na nga yung sequence ng mga words) haha!

Your baby can read is actually worth the purchase - for 3,980 pesos you get all these items: 

* 5-dvd set of Your Baby Can Read 

* 5 sets of the sliding double sided word and picture cards 

* 5 lift the flap books 

* Game CardsSet

* Word Cards Set

* Paren'ts Guide book and DVD

* 6 small My First Words Books: Kitchen, Home, Play, Bathroom, Garden & Bedroom 

* My First Words Book: 30 Words for Growing Minds 

* 5-dvd set of Your Child Can Read

* Blank Flash Cards 

* 1 music CD 

* 1 pen

I am not relying on this program alone to teach my baby how to read (and I think she's too young for that haha). I know mommies would agree if I say, if we want our kids to acquire a love for reading, we should introduce them to books while they are still young. I still read her a book everyday, and let her play with it every now and then. I still let her watch her favorite Sesame Street and Baby Einstein and do not limit her play time. Babies will be babies and we cannot force them to learn how to READ and recognize things as early as 3 months and up. Let them enjoy and explore, but there's no harm in introducing them in such programs like these. 

Babypalooza Bazaar

Good news for budget-friendly moms and dads!

The Babypalooza Bazaar is back! Babypalooza brings back sellers with pre-loved and brand new products and gear for babies, young kids and pregnant moms.

Shop comfortably in the event's air-conditioned selling hall. Bring your kids and let them hang out at the air-conditioned Babypalooza Family Room where they can hang out at the Vivre Fort play area. The Babypalooza Family Room will also have areas for breastfeeding, diaper changes and rest.  Entrance to both our main selling hall and the Babypalooza Family Room are FREE for all visitors! While supplies last, visitors can also look forward to freebies upon registration such as Huggies diapers, Celesty Shinagawa products, Guard Insect Repellant and Lactacyd Toddler Tubs. 

For a minimum total spend of P1,000, get a chance to win a prize from the Babypalooza Rewards Corner.

If you wanna pre-register you can use this link to do so: http://goo.gl/forms/dhfYd8E4Ld. Need directions? Use this link to see how to get to Babypalooza. For moms with momnesia, you can sign up for our Mommy Minder service. We’ll send you a text message and/or an email a few days before the event to remind you of the event to make sure you don’t miss it! :)

Follow the Babypalooza Bazaar on Facebook to join giveaways and see event updates, www.facebook.com/babypalooza.com.ph. For inquiries: 0917 609 14 72, 0917 814 8447 or babypalooza.info@gmail.com

Event Summary:

Babypalooza Bazaar

April 25, 2015

10 am to 7 pm

Walter Hogan Conference Center, Ateneo de Manila University, QC

Free entrance and parking

Links:

Pre-registration: http://goo.gl/forms/dhfYd8E4Ld

Mommy Minder:  https://www.facebook.com/Babypalooza.com.ph/app_190322544333196

Directions to Babypalooza: https://www.facebook.com/notes/babypalooza-bazaar/directions-to-babypalooza/490277234419962

My daughter's mini collection

When I was a child, I’ve always dreamed of having my own book shelf and my own “set” of encyclopedia. But since our budget that time was very limited, my mom wasn’t able to fulfill that "dream" for me. Mababaw na kung sa mababaw, (haha), but I have so much passion in reading that’s why I treat every book with so much love.

I remember encyclopedia those days were so heavy and thick but since I never had to chance to own one, my only resort to researching stuff are my text books. I always got worried during my elementary and high school days most especially if we have to research something because my resources that time were very limited. (That’s why kids nowadays are so lucky because research is just one click away). To be honest, I even envied my classmates who used to bring those thick educational books at schools because I’ve always wanted to own one. I can still remember that I used to rent pocketbooks so I can update myself with the latest stories of Sweet Valley Kids and Goosebumps. :D

 And so I promised myself that as soon as I get my own job, I will buy any books that I want. No more rentals, no more getting envious. J

Fast forward to present -  Now that I have my own job,  I am able to buy any books that I like, but ever since the dawn of Internet and e-readers, I only read books thru e-books. (but no e-book can ever replace the happiness it gives me every time I read a story from a “real Book”. The smell of books give me so much joy. ahhh!  

I also want my daughter to have the passion in reading. I know every mom would love it if their child grows up to be a book worm and smart. And if we want our kids to be smart, they need to embrace and acquire a love for reading. That’s why as early as now, my daughter and I are taking our baby steps to read books together. i am showering her with so many books and I want her to know the importance of reading a book.

I’ve already started working on her mini-library, and I hope when she grows up, she would appreciate and love reading as much as I do.  

Here is a good article regarding the benefits of reading a book to your child:

http://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/14-the-benefits-of-reading-to-your-child

My digital chalkboard arts

I've been on hiatus lately because I have already started planning for my daughter's first birthday party. Yep I still have 3 months to prepare her 1^st year, but since I am so OC in party preps, I opted to start as early as now. I love diy-ing most stuff and to tell you honestly, I am such a hands-on person when it comes to big events like this. (Most especially that it’s my daughter’s first birthday) i have already contacted a bunch of suppliers for my party ideas, and for me, planning my daughter’s birthday is more stressful than planning our wedding he he he.

With only a limited budget in our hands, I need to make sure to trim down expenses and find the least expensive suppliers that do not forgo quality. I also plan to DIY a lot of things to make the event even more memorable for us, and for our daughter (even if I know she wouldn’t remember any details from it) Now, this led me to find and unleash the creativity that I didn’t know I have in me.

Are you familiar with the chalkboard posters that most party planners/decorators use in the venue? I’ve always wanted that for each of our events but I do not know where to find someone who can do it for me.  And so I researched and found some suppliers who can customize any theme but I do not find their rates really reasonable. That's when I decided to try if I can make these chalkboards. 

I am still the in process of practicing the digital chalkboard art, but a lot of my friends are telling me that my designs are really beautiful. I didn’t know I have an artistic side until I tried making these.

Here are my sample works: ( I decided to make these for my friends to build my own portfolio, because if work permits, I’d start offering my “services”. Haha!

These will be my introductory prices:

150/layout only (file will be sent to their e-mail) and if with cold lamination print, its 300 pesos, free shipping within Metro Manila. 

Are you planning for a birthday party, or simply want to have your own chalkboard and display it on your kid's room? Comment down your details, and I'll try making you your own layout :)