IDP Australian Education Exhibition 2013

Ever wanted to study abroad specifically in Australia? Well you're just in luck because IDP Philippines is bringing to Davao,Manila and Cebu the Australian Education Exhibition 2013. 

IDP Education is a global company offering student placement and English language testing services. It is one of the world's largest student placement firms with a network of over 80 offices in more than 30 countries. IDP Education is a co-owner of IELTS. , IDP Philippines has become a trusted name for students looking for an education in Australia, USA and UK.

So what is the Australian Education Exhibition 2013? It is an exhibition of Australian Schools and Universities wherein they will be showcasing their courses and programs to us. It is a good opportunity for interested students, who want to pursue college or post graduate degrees, to know more about the schools and requirements. 
Dabawenyos, let us grab this rare opportunity on May 17,2013 (Friday) at Jade Room, Marco Polo Hotel from 11:00 am to 5:00pm. This is absolutely FREE! All you have to do is register at this site(http://idpdavao.eventzilla.net/)  and check IDP Facebook Page for more details.

Below is the list of schools participating in IDP Philippines’ Australian Education Exhibition Davao Leg:

• Le Cordon Bleu Australia
• Whitefriars College Inc.
• Australian Catholic University
• Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
• University of Queensland
• Central Queensland University
• Flinders University
• Wide Bay Institute of TAFE
• Queensland Unviersity of Technology
• UTS Insearch
• Academia International
• AICL/ AIH
• Perth Education City
• Charles Darwin University
• Canberra Institute of Technology
• Murdoch University
• The University of Newcastle
• Victoria University
• ACU – Manila

Kulay's POV: Davao Bloggers Acquaintance Party 2013 !

Hi I am Kulay and I am 2 years and 5 months old. I am not a blogger but Mom and Dad made me attend the Davao Bloggers Acquaintance Party 2013.  They were really excited about it and I don’t know why. They just told me that we will be going to SM Lanang Premier and that there will be donuts and games. Well I got excited too because SM Lanang Premier means waterworks show and I love watching the lights and water dance and ran around the fountain court.

When we got there, I saw lots of familiar faces from previous blogger events. You see, Mom and Dad let me tag along every now then when Lola and Lolo can’t babysit me. Mom and Dad got busy chatting with old friends and meeting the faces behind the blogs. I was busy kissing some pretty ladies.

I was happy to spot my friend Miel, I attended her first birthday last March. Mom knew her Mommy Miah through blogging. Mom said that the greatest thing about blogging is you meet a lot of people and  you develop real friendships on and offline.

I also saw Dear Daniel (Hello Kitty's friend) at the atrium I thought he was a blogger too!

Miel wasn't in the mood to have our photos taken but Dear Daniel is so game

Mommapalooza Davao 2013: Color Run and More

It is finally the month of May and we have two special days this month, Labor Day and Mother's Day! Mmmm I think both events can be celebrated in one day ...since Moms do the hardest labor of them all right? ;) Anyway I am really looking forward to this Mother's Day because I will be joining the Mommapalooza on May 12 at Fuente de Villa Abrille Club House in Tulip Drive.



This is an event spearhead by Carve in partnership with Lifecasting Philippines to create funds for Ezra Renewal Ministries movement for Teenage Moms. It is a day to celebrate supermoms all over Davao City with fun-filled events such as Color Run, Arts and Crafts by Secuya Art House, Momba and Zumba sessions, Caricaturing and Bubble Shows, Film Showing, Informational and Educational talks by experts, shopping and many more!

The Color Run is a 300 meter dash  marathon where you will be blasted with Color Dust (natural and safe) at every corner.Registration prices: PHP 200 pesos for Mom and 1 kid and PHP 50 per additional kid for a maximum of 3. if you wish to add more or if daddy or another family member wishes to join, PHP 100/person.  Singles are welcome too! You may register at this link. See below photos for more details.

You may check the FB Event Page for more details. 

A Birthday Rant

Today is my birthday and I felt like ranting so here goes…

In my 33 years of existence, I have gained a few droplets of wisdom and pounds of weight. I also gained lots of friends and zero enemies as far as I know(except for that pesky neighbor who plays loud music, that tricycle driver who doesn’t give exact change, that conceited lady who cuts in lines and other morons). I have also given birth to Kulay which is the greatest achievement in my life, the second achievement was that time I scored 100 in the Videoke machine. I have loved only one man in my life and that is Legolas from the Lord of the Rings. I live with a man who happens to be my best friend, my cook, my driver and the father of my son whom I also love but only second to Legolas.  I have traveled to quite a few places but I’ve never been abroad but I Have Been To Me. I have not much money, I am only rich during payday and during Kulay’s birthday (the “ampao” goes to my pocket). We have a house and a restored Volkswagen called Kapitan, thanks to my father and aunt.  All in all I am Happy and Loved felt really2x blessed with all the good and not so good things that happened to me.

That was just the intro…this is the main part :)

In my existence I am only sure of one thing, NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHIING thus nobody is sure of anything thus the last line of this sentence negates the first line. What I learned so far is that everything in this world is a mystery…our life is a mystery. I have read the Bible, Aristotle, Plato and other books on existentialism and philosophy. Not even the Pope or Albert Einstein knows the answer. Non-believers say we come from a  particle out of a void…who created that particle? Where did God came from? Our life is one big question which is not answerable by Yes or No, True or False but by multiple choices. CHOICE is the key here. We choose to believe in things that makes sense to us. It all depends on us and in our imagination. I choose to believe in God, Jesus Christ and Mama Mary. I choose to have a positive outlook in life and believe in happy endings despite death and tragedies. I choose to believe in rainbows and moonbeams and wishes. I choose to believe in love and family and friends. I choose to believe in Santa Claus and engkantos. I even chose to believe that somewhere in this world is a place called Neverland , a 100 acre farm and Hogwarts. I am still undecided though if there is Aasgard where the mighty Thor resides.  I believe in soul mates and have found mine. I believe that the past, present and future co-exist.

The choice is yours so let’s all choose to have a happy and fulfilling life.

Happy birthday to me and to all those who celebrates their birthday today! I wish for good health for me and my family, an IPAD, more years, world peace and healing of our land and people esp. to the recent victims of Typhoon.Pablo

Something Wonderful,Something Musical is Coming To Town

Christmas is just around the corner and everybody is busy being nice because Santa Claus is coming to town. But wait, before Santa Claus arrives ...
Something Wonderful, Something Musical arrives in town this Dec. 7 and 8 at SM Lanang Premier.

This will be a nice show for families to enjoy so better grab your tickets now for a night of world class musical performance.Tickets are sold at Musikademy, 2nd floor of McPod Building in front of McDonald's Matina. You may also check the Musikademy FB Page for further details.

Kulay's 2nd Beeday!

For months I've been planning to have a pool party for my son for his 2nd birthday because he loves the water so much but we didn't find a pool that is accessible and kid friendly. We decided to just dine out with our family. A week before my son's birthday, we had some monetary gifts (thanks Tito Gene!) so we decided to have a kids party at Jollibee. My son loves Jollibee the mascot and their Jolly Spaghetti and french fries. Good thing there's not much to organize or plan for a Jollibee party, you just reserve the date, order food and they'll take care of the party. So in less than a week, we still cooked up a partey!

Because I'm "OA" I can't have a kids party without a theme so I  decided on a Bee Themed Party because Jollibee is a BEE and Kulay also loves bumble bees. 

Party Details
Invitation
I invited guest through FB event page and SMS :)

Outfit
I asked my husband to handpaint us matching shirts . I also asked my friend Ailyn to make a Bee beanie and 

Cake
..Amigurumi bees for cake toppers. We just bought the cake from Red Ribbon since it's the only brand that Jollibee allows.

Loot Bags which I made from paper bag, yarn and printed tags. It contains the usual candies and toys.

  The Party
We only invited relatives and a couple of friends. Our son was very happy with the appearance of Jollibee and playing games with the other kids. 

The After Party, which is our favorite part! Unwrapping of presents! Weeee! 

I am really thankful to God for the gift of life and to our family and friends for their love and support to Kulay and our family. I wish my son good health and a good life ahead of him. We love you so much Kulay! You are indeed the greatest blessing we have received.

Human♥Nature: Celebrating Gifts of Passion

Human(heart)Nature manufactures beauty products which are organic and Proudly Pinoy Made. Their company also helps Filipino communities by providing livelihood. Isn't that amazing?  I first heard of Human♥Nature way back in 2009 from an officemate. I didn't need much convincing to try out their products. After trying their bug repellent and shampoo I decided to sign up as a Dealer. Their outlet was quite far from where I lived and my other entrepreneurial activities got me busy so after several months I became an inactive Dealer. I still buy their products though esp. Bug Repellant oil and lotion for my son.

Last Saturday a fellow Blogger/Lawyer/Enterpreneur, Swexie invited me and other bloggers to join the Magalogue turnover for November-December 2012 in Davao City.

They call it Magalogue because it is a Catalogue and Magazine in one. They feature their new products in Magazine format with feature stories, detailed descriptions and tips.

The November-December Magalogue with the theme on Celebrating Gifts of Passion  features the ff. products:

A Date with Go Nuts Donuts

Mike and I were lucky to be invited to the Go Nuts Donuts talk last August 2 at Go Nuts Abreeza branch. It was an opportunity to know  more about the company and the insanely delicious donuts. We actually had an opportunity before during the Abreeza Food Tour to get to know about the story behind this Proudly Pinoy company. 

I am glad to learn that since their debut in Davao last June 2011 so much have happened. 

1.They have launched new product lines such as the Pizza Donut which is now our favorite.  Sold at P36 each these pizza donuts comes in 4 variants, clockwise from top, Garlic and Cheese, Pepperoni, Barbeque and Hawaiian (not in pic)

 They also have been producing the Durian Donut and will be launching more new products which are the Grab and Go and Pocket Pies. 

• Grab and Go are snacks wrapped in simple but individual packs which are perfect for baon. This will include Donut Cakes, Moist Cakes,Cookie Bites and Fudgy Loops. 
• Pocket Pies are flavorful meat fillings stuffed on a glazed(flaky) puff pastry cut.

2. They have opened another branch at lower gorund level of Gaisano Mall and have more plans of opening more. The Dabawenyos are very receptive of the donuts. Well who wouldn't? These donuts are extremely addictive!

The Gonuts Talk was a fun night of getting to know not just the donuts but the people behind them. We also had very fun games and raffles (sponsored by Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Ayala Malls,Bioessence Serenity Spa, and TOMS Philippines.) to which I sadly didn't win anything. It was also a chance to bond with fellow bloggers and unleash the camwhores in us as they have photobooth by Markdotdate!

Thank you so much Go Nuts for this fun filled night! 

Eden Nature Park and Resort

From Highlands to Islands...is one of the common phrase to describe my hometown Davao. And when people would say Highlands, the first place that often comes to mind is Eden Nature Park and Resort which is located at 3,000 feet above sea level at the foot of Mount Talomo. This resort is our second stop during the DB Tour 2012 and I feel so lucky that it is included in our Itinerary. I've been to Eden before but I can never get enough of this beautiful man-made mountain resort.  There are simply a lot of things to see and enjoy in this place. It is such a treat to all our senses! Hiking, fishing, swimming, ziplining, eat organically grown food, chill and relax to name a few things that you can do at Eden. 

At P200 entrance fee you already have a plated snack and at P470 you have a buffet lunch and be filled to the brim as what we did. Their food is simply sumptuous and everything is fresh!

I am not a thrill seeker but I was convinced to try the Indiana Jones for the first time and I discovered that it wasn't scary and it was such an adrenaline rush!

What  I love most about Eden is that it develops appreciation and preservation of nature 

and our culture.

I am really looking forward to bringing our son to Eden because I know he will have a great time there.Mike and I have been planning to have an overnight stay and hope we can schedule it soon!



Eden Nature Park and Resort

Website:http://edennaturepark.com.ph/main/
Location: Bayabas, Toril Davao City;

Sales and Reservations Office-Matina Town SquareMcArthur Highway, Matina Davao City
Contact Number:Tel. Nos: (082) 299-1020, (082) 296-0791 Mobile +639189307590

Davao Bloggers Tour 2012

Last Friday, I was informed that I was chosen to be part of the Davao Bloggers Tour 2012. I was a bit torn whether I'll join the tour or not because I had Laryngitis and was advised by my doctor to have vocal rest. But then I thought that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I guess there will be no singing involved so after 5 seconds of deliberation I decided to join the tour! The tour was about familiarization of the various tourism establishments in Davao City in line with the Davao Life is Here campaign. The tour was organized by the City Tourism Operations Office who partnered with Davao Bloggers. Smart Communications sponsored our internet connectivity through e-pocket so we could post in social media sites about our adventures while on the go. The tour took place last Saturday, July 14 and participated by 44 bloggers,photographers and CTOO officers. We were divided into four groups, Toril Trailblazers, Calinan Thrill-Seekers, Downtown Explorers and Uptown Adventurers. I was part of the Toril Trailblazers...the most accident prone adventurous group of all. Armed with our gadgets and me with my lozenges,we conquered Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel, Eden Mountain Spring Resort,Loleng's Mountain Resort and side trip to Sto. Rosario Church. Even though I am from Davao and have been to these places before, it still excites me to visit these places especially now that I am seeing it from a mother's point of view. A mom who's looking for places to bring her family for future outings. 

Even though my voice was hoarse and I was muddy at the end of the day, I was really happy I joined this trip for a chance to experience the highland part of Davao. The day was filled with fun, fresh air,fog, fresh fruits, aromatic leaves, mud slides, Indiana Jones,yummy food, beautiful sights and good company.

Clockwise: Charles,Renz,Brendel,Lyle,Me,Rovs,Tere,Karla and Perry. Not in the pix are Jaycee our Photographer and  Sandra from CTOO

A Belated Father's Day Post

First off, I thought father's day was last June 3, the first sunday of June so I greeted my husband, my father, father in law and my boss. I later learned that Father's Day was moved to June 17 or was it always the 3rd Sunday of June? Or was it moved because of Pacquiao Fight? Whatever, I'll just confirm it next time so I'll know for sure. 
On the "real" Father's Day, Mike was commissioned for a shoot out of town (Santa Maria, Davao Del Sur Festival)so we did not celebrate it. It was just me and Kulay alone in the house while praying that Mike would get home safely. He did got home at 4:00am Monday.I took a leave at work because I was so sleepy, was not able to sleep waiting for Mike. Later that day we had our grocery and we just ordered out Yellowcab and 360 Pudding Milk Tea. All in all it our celebration wasn't anything grand but I am still happy that we are all together and that Mike never wavered in being a good husband and especially being a good father to Kulay.

To the 2nd greatest Father in the world,  My own Dad is the 1st ;) ,

Happy Father's Day, We love you :)

Mother's Day 2012

I know that I shouldn't expect any flowers or surprise from Mike for Mother's day even though I've been dropping hints here and there...he's really bad at special occasions. I didn't expect anything from anybody but I was surprised how the day turned out. Random people and random things surprised  me in their own little way.

When I woke up, the first SMS I got was from my boss "Naa moy bonus next week, Happy Mother's Day!" Hurray! My boss sure knows how to surprise us. This is our most awaited yearly bottom line bonus and there were rumors that we won't be receiving any for the year so yehey!

Mike and I were thinking of eating out but we we thought that the restos would be full so for lunch, we decided to order in Pizza and Pasta from Yellowcab.

May 13 is my Kuya Edwin's birthday, he passed away last 2010, so Mike and I went to St. Joseph to light candles and offer our prayers. Afterwards,we went to buy Ice Cream at Merco Lanang but we ended up buying the elusive Magnum Chocolate Truffles which I really wanted to try for quite sometime. We wanted to go to a nearby beach for fresh air but we ended up at Waterfront Hotel Parking Lot :)

For Dinner, we assumed that the in laws would be inviting us over at their house but surprise2x, they decided to bring food and have dinner at our house instead.

I was really happy how the day turned out and the biggest present came from my one and only ...Kulay. I've been teaching him to kiss me on the cheek but he wouldn't and would give me a flying kiss instead. But today, he gave me a wet and noisy kiss on the cheek. A Perfect Mother's day gift.

Globe's Christmas in November with Davao Bloggers

A Christmas Party in November? On a Weekday? Mike and I were full of questions as we went to the Globe Party. We didn't quite know what to expect since it was our first time to join an activity by Globe. See, Davao based Bloggers were invited by Globe Telecommunications for a Thanksgiving slash Early Christmas Party in November at Probinsiya Restaurant( located at Victoria Plaza Compound). When we got there we registered and enjoyed the sumptuous buffet served by Probinsiya. When everybody has eaten and  settled down and the hosts and Globe executives has arrived from Manila the party began. We were told that we will be having a quiz night and in between games they will be giving away raffles! The excitement level started to climb up! We were an intimate group of 21 and were divided into 3 groups.

The Three Groups

I belonged to the second group with Drew,Lyle,Perry,Crisylyn, Anj and Princess.We named our group Globe Platinum 7 and we had a cheering competition in which our group won. Thanks to Perry for quickly coming up with the Barok cheer :)

Barok Cheer !

Then we had the quiz night which i thoroughly enjoyed! The topics ranged from general trivia to That's Entertainment, Movies and Music, Globe products to Bomba stars! I learned a lot from the quiz like what happened to Jovit Moya and who is Coca Nicolas :D Our group won second place. 

As to the raffles, I was eyeing the Ipad while Mike was crossing his fingers for the Iphone but sadly we didn't win. The lucky winners were Chito-Nokia X2, Brendel-Iphone and Crislyn-Ipad. Congratulations to the winners, guys just let us know if you plan to donate your gadgets :) After the games we were shown the globe's latest ad, Today I will...Go lang na Go! I like the ad because it sends a positive message of seizing the day and being proactive.

 After the awards and giving of prizes and giveaways, sadly the party has come to an end. 

Wacky Group Shot!

The night started with questions and ended with more questions! When is the next Globe event? Will I win in the Raffle? Kidding aside, we're filled with a sense of excitement for more future events with Globe, new products and improved services. I'm really thankful that we were able to be part of this event which gave us an opportunity to bond with fellow bloggers and the Globe Team. It gave us a chance to know more about Globe in a deeper level, not just a brand but a group of people who wants to provide us with quality service. Go lang ng Go! :)

Kulay's 1st Halloween

I used to smirk at friends who get so excited about Halloween because I don't think it's worth celebrating since it is not a Filipino or Catholic Holiday. But now that I have a kid, I changed my mind and got rid of the smirk. Any excuse to dress up in costumes, eat treats and have FUN with friends and family should be enough reason to celebrate! Mike and I have thought months before of our son's costume and we immediately agreed on him wearing a Prisoner's outfit. We think that it's unique and cool! I even thought of this tagline...Orange but not pumpkin, Scary but not a  Ghost....One should fear the living and not the dead...

I was at the 1st Davao ExpoMom!

Last Sunday I went by myself to the 1st ExpoMom to be held in Davao City at the Abreeza Ayala Mall.  I went in and registered and they gave me these informative zines and pamphlets on being pregnant, baby's 1st years, immunizations and motherhood stuffs. 

Then I went around to check out the booths. I wasn't planning to buy anything but this shirt from Indigo Baby Caught my eye. Ain't this cool? I can't wait for Kulay to wear this shirt.  

And I also bought this organic hand sanitizer from Tiny Buds because when you buy any of their product you get the Hand wipes for free. I love their cute branding.

There were a lot of activities for mom and kids alike but and I even had a free photo to be taken at the photobooth courtesy of IndigoBaby but I was in a hurry because I had to babysit Kulay because hubby had an event to attend. Though I was not able to see the entire program I can say that it was a success and I hope that this would be a yearly event and hope that more mompreneurs would join the bazaar next time.