marilouandbeyond

[marilouandbeyond]

Just an update.

Hi everyone! It’s been a year since I disappeared from here and I’m glad to say that I’m finally back on track. I’ve been so busy with my personal life, motherhood, and  my baby-business that I suddenly felt the need to take a seat back on blogging. You know, time is really tough for me especially now that I have a preschooler who’s going back to school in a week. So it means more me-time for me too!

Anyway, just want to update you in my life and what’s keeping me busy for years now. I’ve started running a small business, Meremade, in which I design and make customized party stuff, because you know, we love personalized parties!

And just like what I said, my little baby will now start her junior casa (nursery) next week! How time flies!

Here she is, trying out her uniform for the first time

So yeah, I’ll be posting more blogs and stories from now on and just want to thank you for staying with me! 

Lovelots,

Marilou

[marilouandbeyond]

Jollibee’s Newest Party Theme: Hello Kitty Fun Carnival

Growing up, Hello Kitty has been my favorite cartoon character. And because I have a daughter who also loves everything nice and pink, it’s given that she would also love Hello Kitty the moment I introduced it to her. It’s part of my childhood, and so is my daughter’s. And you know what’s also part of both our childhood? Jollibee, of course! And with that, I’m so thrilled to announce that Jollibee will be having their newest Kids party theme, a whole new Hello Kitty party: Hello Kitty Fun Carnival!

Make your little one’s birthday celebration even more lovely and memorable with the newest and cutest addition to the Jollibee Kids Party themes – Hello Kitty Fun Carnival.

 This adorable carnival theme, inspired by the sweet and beloved kawaii character, comes complete with langhap-sarap food, games and entertainment, awesome prizes and party favors, and a delectable birthday cake. Let your kids experience wonder like no other as they imagine a magical carnival with thrilling rides and colorful surroundings through the party’s carnival-inspired decorations, games, activities and production numbers.

Jollibee’s much loved kids party transforms into the ultimate Hello Kitty funhouse as kids can expect a day of joy and excitement. Here, they can enjoy Hello Kitty-inspired games such as Roller Coaster, Caterpillar, and Cotton Candy games, a special appearance from Jollibee and Friends, and their favorite Jollibee meals like Chickenjoy, Jollibee Spaghetti, and Yumburger.

 To launch this cute kid’s party theme, Jollibee organized a celebration full of exciting activities for media guests and their little ones at Jollibee E. Rodriguez in Quezon City. Kids and kids at heart also dressed up in their best Hello Kitty inspired costumes.

 Guests were transported to a carnival fun land through the party’s amusing games and contests, cool prizes, and its cute face painting corner. They also snapped picture perfect moments with the adorable Sanrio squad in the background at the party’s photo wall.  

 Jollibee and Hetty also joined in on the bash with their special appearance and dance number while the kids enjoyed their delicious langhap-sarap meals.

 Let your children enjoy the jolliest birthday celebration with the new Hello Kitty Fun Carnival party theme. With Jollibee’s “Create-Your-Own-Package” option, parents can customize different party elements from 30 to 80 guests.

 Choose from different Jollibee Kids Party themes: Jollitown, FUN-tastic Factory, JolliRace, and the latest addition, Hello Kitty Fun Carnival. With Jollibee’s various party themes, there’s a special celebration for every kind of Jolly Kid.

 The Jollibee Kids Party is available for booking in store or set up in chosen locations. Check out jollibeeparty.com for more details.

[marilouandbeyond]

SM Fairview’s Magical Christmas Tree Lighting: Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

It's the Christmas season once again! I don't know about you but Christmas is definitely my favorite season of all time. Seeing happy people embracing the yuletide season, smiling kids with their presents, and most of all, Christmas decors and Christmas trees everywhere!

Last November 11, we witnessed SM Fairview's grand Christmas tree lighting, with the theme: Disney's Olaf's Frozen Adventure. Have you ever been to SM lately? I bet you noticed that every mall has Disney theme right? How cool and festive is that! 

Celebrity family Oyo Boy Sotto, Kristine Hermosa-Sotto and their kids, Congressman Alfred Vargas, and other personalities graced the event as the whole SM Fairview The Atrium becomes Arendelle Kingdom complete with the grandest castle and winter snowfall! 

Of course, everyone's in for a treat because all sundays of November and December, there will be a magical winter snowfall at 3pm and 5pm. 

Have fun, and Happy Christmas!

 #WeLoveDisneyatSM #MerrySMChristmas2017 #SMMagicalChristmas2017 

[marilouandbeyond]

SM, McDonald’s team up for new family fun experiences and the #NationalThankYouDay celebration

‘It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.’

One month til Christmas and everyone is busy shopping for gifts, clothes and other material things, decorating houses and offices, spending money for the holiday travel bookings. But can we stop for just a little moment and be thankful for every blessings we have, for the people who are always there for us and even for the strangers and acquaintances that smiled at you and made your day? 

Christmas and thanksgiving are two words that are interconnected, in my opinion. And apparently, our most beloved fastfood chain and supermall team up for this wonderful celebration of ‘giving thanks’. 

The month of November brings to the whole family new and delightful happenings as SM Supermalls partners with McDonald’s, inviting everyone to experience the world through the SM McDonald’s Caravan in select malls, and the National Thank You Day celebration – announced in the recent media launch at SM Megamall.

We were invited to witness the media launch and yes, it was so fun being there! I was so excited and felt like I was a kid while playing at the booths they prepared. 

On the weekends of November, kids and their families can have fun with the exciting array of activities and games in participating SM malls. Mall goers can enjoy booths like Slide N’ Climb, Card Making Central, and Hugs N’ Kisses among others. Customers can also sign up for McDonald’s Stripes Run, avail discounts in booking McCelebrations, and get amazing deals at the Toy Bazaar.

The #NationalThankYouDay McDonald’s Caravan will tour at SM Megamall and SM City Fairview on November 11 to 12; SM Southmall and SM Mall of Asia on November 18 to 19; and it will culminate at the SM National Thank You Family Fun Day at SM Mall of Asia on November 26.

 As a delightful treat, all McDonald’s stores located in 47 SM malls nationwide will give a free Sundae Cone for every purchase of a Happy Meal from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on November 23 to 26 – a simple way to say thank you to customers in celebration of SM and McDonald’s National Thank You Day.

 Aside from these exclusive McDonald's treats, SM shoppers' Thanksgiving experience will be made more meaningful with “Pinoy Thanksgiving at SM” feasts from November 20 to 26, Thanksgiving Parade from November 24 to 26 and a special Mass on #NationalThankYouDay on November 23 at select SM malls nationwide.

 McDonald’s serves close to 68 million customers everyday in over 199 countries across the globe. As the number one quick-service restaurant in the world, McDonald’s has more than 33,000 restaurants worldwide, with over 550 branches in Philippines – several of which have found a home at SM Supermalls, the ‘Home of Global Brands.”

As part of SM’s month-long Thanksgiving Day festivities, the partnership is set indulge customer with treats and fun events for the families to spend time and create special moments together.

To know more about SM’s “Home of Global Brands” campaign and exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Get insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your ultimate family fun experiences with the world’s best brands at SM, the use the campaigns official hashtag #ExperienceTheWorldAtSM and #NationalThankYouDay.

[marilouandbeyond]

MERRIES TAPE DIAPER: FOR YOUR BABY’S LONG LASTING SMILE

What can be more rewarding than the pure, innocent smile of a baby? Keep your babies smiling by keeping them dry and comfortable with Merries Tape Diapers from Japan's #1 diaper brand!

Last month, we got to try Merries Tape Diapers for the first time and I just can’t believe how absorbent it was. We are using cloth diapers during the day and disposables at night, by the way. And yes, the absorbency is superb! For the whole night, Meredith didn’t even wake up due to wetness and as expected, NO LEAKAGE! Thumbs up to Merries Diapers!

Why should moms choose and trust Merries Tape Diapers for their babies? 

 Because it offers unique features:

Excellent Absorbency- Babies’ skin stay dry and comfortable as Merries diaper quickly absorbs urine before the skin becomes wet, which prevents rashes and leakage.

Exceptional Breathability- Merries tape diaper has a triple layer air-through system that releases the heat and moisture inside the diaper, giving the babies’ skin long lasting dryness.

Gentleness- Babies’ skin has only about ½ thickness of adult and is very delicate; this is why constant friction can lead to skin rashes. Merries tape diaper is so soft and fluffy from the inside and out, it is gentle to the babies’ sensitive skin.

Soft poo leak guard- Stay leak free with Merries diapers, so babies stay comfy all the time!

Soft Reusable Magic Seal- Merries tape diaper has a magic seal that can be adjusted easily to comfortably fit to your babies.

Color-changing Wetness Indicators- Merries has wetness indicator that can help moms to know how much the baby pees and shows when to change your baby's diaper

Stay worry free from leakage, wetness and rashes with Merries Diaper and let your babies show off their charm with their long lasting smile! Merries brand is the #1 sales in Japan for 10 consecutive years [#1 by brand in Japan Baby Diaper market in term of Sales Value share, based on research SRI data of INTAGE Inc., Japan from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2016. (total of tape-type and pants-type)]. Merries Diapers are distributed in the Philippines by Vibelle Distribution, Inc. and are exclusively available in Rustan’s Makati, Rockwell, Shangrila, Ayala Cebu, Seda CDO and in Shopwise Festival Alabang, Sucat, Sta Rosa Laguna.

To get more information and updates about the brand visit follow Merries at Facebook: Merries Philippines and on Instagram & Twitter: @merriesph

[marilouandbeyond]

Holiday Fair at the Promenade Mall

Enjoy some family time while shopping for gifts with the family at The Promenade Mall. From November 18, 2017 and all weekends until the end of 2017 you can enjoy great discounts of the latest finds and treats fit for every member of the family. 

Located at the Missouri Entrance of the Promenade Mall, You will be welcomed with a wide array of merchants that will help you ease the stress of holiday shopping on the weekends. Along with the discounts are also the unique and one of a kind stores that will help you buy a special gift for your special someone.

 Need a gift for your nieces and nephews? They have it here at great prices that will fit your budget. Need to buy your best friend his or her favorite perfume - its only a one stop away! 

 Make sure to drop by the Holiday Fair at the Promenade Mall and have a great holiday shopping experience this Yuletide season. 

 For interested merchants, you may call or text 0995 569 5583 for further details. 

[marilouandbeyond]

BAZAAR PILIPINAS CHRISTMAS 2017

DECEMBER 2, 2017 Saturday 10am-8pm [1 day bazaar]

CENTRIS Elements Tent, Centris, EDSA corner Quezon Blvd., QC

 Everyone's invited to the BAZAAR PILIPINAS Christmas 2017! The bazaar aims to recognize not just locally crafted or produced creations, but Filipino entrepreneurs whose businesses are as diverse as they are exciting. This free-entrance event will have over 120 sellers of various items to sate the Christmas shopper's needs, from fashionable apparel, footwear, jewelries and accessories, to books, toys, sporting goods, decor and collectibles, cosmetic and skin-care products, food products that are as diverse as they are delicious, pet products, small appliances and crafted furnishings. We are most proud too of the arts & crafts merchants we invited who are ready to offer their lovingly handcrafted creations made of paper, clay, leather, metal, and so much  more. We also welcomed merchants of pre-loved and vintage items to delight even the most discerning bargain shopper! 

Fill up your Christmas gift list in this one bazaar, situated in the heart of Quezon City. We welcome your fur babies too, as this is a pet-friendly event. We will be giving away raffle prizes every half-hour to guests to register at the entrance - all you have to do is sign in with your name and Facebook account. 

 No entrance fees will be charged, so bring in your entire family! Parking is not a problem - a brand-new 3-storey parking building is right in front of the Elements Centris tent, to make it even more convenient for you. The venue, ELEMENTS TENT in Centris is situated on EDSA corner of Quezon Blvd., so getting there is not a problem. 

 This bazaar was organized to benefit the group BAZAAR Pilipinas, a community of bazaaristas, merchants & organizers - and in cooperation with The READING ROOM, Cubao X and the administration of Elements Tent, Centris.

 For more information, email us at thereadingroom888@gmail.com or text us at 0917.522.2100

[marilouandbeyond]

SM Super Kids Day

October is our little family’s birth month. Yes! Me, my husband and Mere were all October babies. And you know what’s more interesting about being born in October? Celebrating it together with all the SM Super Kids because this 2017, October is SM Kids Month! Fun, right?

Last October 1, we were invited to the media launch of SM Super Kids Day, a kick-off party for the celebration of SM Kids Month at SM Fairview Atrium.

There were lots of activities and games for the kids and kids at heart during the event. Mascots and large size standees of their favourite cartoon characters were present too. The area was filled with clothes and toys for sale too! I even scored a cute dress on sale for Mere.

I got excited when Doraemon and the rest of the gang came up the stage. They’re one of my favourite characters when I was a kid! 

There were also special guests who performed for the kids such as Xia Vigor, Lei Navarro, JR Hashtag, SM Little Stars, and Sam Shoaf.

And the most awaited special guest, Baeby Baste! Mere likes him so much that she danced while Baste was singing his hit song, Bastelicious.

To end the event, everyone danced to the newest dance craze “Baby shark”. No one went empty handed as goodies and raffle prizes were given away after the event.

SM celebrates Kids’ Month in 64 malls nationwide (PR)

SM Kids’ Month 2017. With Bae-by Baste as Shopmag’s adorable October cover boy, SM Supermalls unwraps new and exciting happenings in 64 malls nationwide with the launch of SM Kids’ Month. Apart from kiddie treats and big discounts on kids’ toys, clothes, and shoes, this season packs three fun-filled celebrations especially designed for our beloved kids – SM’s first Super Kids Day on October 1, United Nations Day, and the well-loved Halloween. (Photo courtesy of SM Shopmag)

SM Supermalls unboxes new happenings for kids and kids at heart this October with the launch of Kids’ Month in 64 malls nationwide. At a media launch titled SM Super Kids Day held last October 1 held at SM City Fairview, the retail giant announced a season packed with fun-filled celebrations especially designed for kids like United Nations Day and the well-loved Halloween.

 A fun and exciting field day where kids and the whole family can shop, play enjoy, eat, and win prizes – SM Super Kids Day fittingly showcased what customers can enjoy in the malls this Kids’ Month. It’s also the perfect season to splurge on gifts for kids and avail big discounts on kids’ clothes, shoes, and toys at The SM Store Kids’ Month Sale and at the Baby Company. Also not to be missed is the amazing Toy Kingdom Halloween Sale.

On October 10 to 24, a grand display of world flags sets the mood for a two-week celebration of United Nations Day. SM’s “All Together for One World” features Dances Around the World performances, World Market food fairs, and the kids’ favorite, National Costume Parade Contest. Customers can also check out Art for Peace – an art exhibit by local artists and schools sending messages of peace for all.

 Culminating Kids’ Month is SM’s “Spooktacular Halloween” from October 20 to 31. As the Monster Fun Fair begins on October 20 offering great deals on trick-or-treat needs, beloved pets can then join the excitement at the Petrifying Halloween costume party for pets and owners on October 21/22. Approaching Halloween’s Eve, everyone is invited to the much awaited Costume Contest on October 28/29 for adults, and on October 31 for kids. Also on October 31, the young trick-or-treaters can continue the fun at the photo Halloween Studio by Vivo, and by visiting SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, and SM Cyberzone for treats and goodies.

  Lastly, there’s an online promo where parents share why kids rule at SM, then use hashtag #SMKidsMonth2017 on Facebook for a chance to win exciting prizes for their kids’ and fun adventures!

 For more about SM’s Kids’ Month and exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.

[marilouandbeyond]

Cebuana Lhuillier 30th Anniversary Concert: Thank You For 30!

As an online entrepreneur, we need a money remittance company that ensures us and our clients that the payment they gave us were in good hands until it reached us. I’m thankful though, that Cebuana Lhuillier has always been my partner since I started my business early this year. As soon as the client sent me a copy of the receipt from Cebuana Lhuillier, I can immediately go to the nearest branch and get the payment for my services. As simple as that! Thanks to Cebuana Lhuillier.

Last September 1, Cebuana Lhuillier, the largest lending network in the Philippines, celebrated 30 years of providing micro-financial products and services to millions of Filipinos nationwide through a free “Pasasalamat Concert” held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The concert is a three-part series held in Manila, Cebu and Davao. It is the company’s way of giving back to its loyal customers for 30 years of patronage. Cebuana Lhuillier has long been helping uplift the lives of Filipino families, fulfilling its mission of financial inclusion by providing products and services that assist customers in their journey towards financial stability.

The concert was headlined by Sarah Geronimo and Alden Richards who both shared the stage as Cebuana Lhuillier brand ambassadors. Joining them were Rey Valera, Erik Santos, Ella Cruz, Julian Trono, and celebrity pair Reid and Nadine Lustre, Manoeuvres, G-Force and Buganda dancers.

  The anniversary concert coincides with the launch of Cebuana Lhuillier’s new products and services, including its microloan products for personal and business purposes —Happy Loans, Gadget Loans, Easy Loans, and Lucky Loans. 

Happy Loans offers loanable amounts from P5,000 to P15,000, with a term of three months while Gadget Loans accepts smart phones, tablets, and laptops as collateral to a loanable amount dependent on gadget type and with a term of one month. 

Easy Loans offers loanable amounts from P1,000 to P49,000, with loan terms up to 12 months, while Lucky Loans covers loans from P50,000 to P2,000,000, with loan terms of 6 to 24 months. 

Cebuana Lhuilllier chairman Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier and senior executive vice-president Philippe Andre Lhuillier were also there to personally thank and enjoy the concert with loyal Ka-Cebuanas. 

The Pasasalamat Concert will next be held at the Hoops Dome in Cebu City on September 22 and at the University of the South Eastern Philippines in Davao on October 22. 

Ka-Cebuanas can visit any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2,000 branches nationwide, or www.facebook.com/cebuanalhuillierpawnshop for more information.

[marilouandbeyond]

Grayns: Revolutionary Rice Cooker that Reduces Starch

Diabetes is part of our genes, my late father had it. And it wasn't a real shock to me when I found out that I had a gestational diabetes during my pregnancy with Mere. I was advised by my doctor to follow a strict diet and monitor my blood sugar through the 'one touch' blood sugar monitoring device. It's painful, for me i guess. Pricking my fingers after each meal to test my blood. And you know what's more painful, when I found out that I need to remove rice off my meal because my blood sugar isn't going low after a week despite the prescribe diet. That was when I'm in my sixth month of pregnancy. Imagining not having rice for the rest of my  pregnancy, I cried. Who wouldnt? For the longest time of my life, a meal wouldn't be complete without a rice. But I had to sacrifice, for the sake of my health and my baby.

And now, thanks to the innovated technology of our modern world, people won't experienced the same thing as I had experienced. Because, we can now look forward to not cutting off rice in our diet because of the technology of this rice cooker that reduces the starch out of rice that makes our blood sugar high.

American Technogies, Inc. unveiled a revolutionary rice cooker that is the first of its kind—Grayns. The revolutionary rice cooker reduces starch out of rice, thereby lowering calorie content and glycemic load per serving. The media launch was attended by members of the press and online bloggers. 

Dubbed as the only healthy rice cooker in the world, Grayns’ patented technology allows cooking rice scientifically the way it’s meant to be cooked. Undergoing a 4-stage cooking process called RevoCook, the rice is first gelatinized through thermosense—the setting of the right temperature to rid the rice of excess starch. The debonding stage follows, where the gelatinous temperature is intuitively held until most of the excess starch is removed from the rice. The next phase transudes and drains the dissolved starch from the colander, seeping down to the starch collection tray at the bottom of the cooker. Finally, rice is demoisturized to make it fluffy, healthy, and delicious. 

As a brand ambassador of the product, Kevin Co, CEO of Grayns Philippines, has been advocating a healthy lifestyle since he brought the revolutionary rice cooker to the Philippines. Co is proud to say that Grayns rice cooker is highly recommended by nutritionists and doctors to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. “This is the rice cooker for those with type 2 diabetes and those suffering from obesity and want to lose weight,” Co says.

The media launch held at Shangri-La’s Mactan function room also featured Joseph Pagulayan, a fitness guru who explained the need for a healthy lifestyle and how Grayns rice cooker can help you achieve it. He cautioned that a sedentary lifestyle leads to many health problems and encouraged everyone to be active. Both Co and Pagulayan answered questions from the media.

Grayns comes at a steep price but the health and other benefits are enough to comensurate for it.  It removes unhealthy excess starch from rice and effectively lowers glycemic and caloric load in rice. It’s very user-friendly, multi-functional as it can cook pasta, potatoes, noodles and other starch sources even rice recipes. It has a memory function that lets you personalize the rice setting you want based on softness and moisture level. The body is heavy-duty and  aesthetically designed, with interiors made of 100% stainless steel.

Grayns healthy rice cooker is now available at Abenson and Rustans for P27,000.

[marilouandbeyond]

Create your online store: Fundamentals of E-commerce Seminar

Two weeks ago, I attended a Mom and Wellness Workshop courtesy of Business Innovators Learning Center Inc. (BILCI). I'll be posting another blog post about this workshop soon, for now I would like to invite you for their upcoming workshop about creating your own online store. Online shopping is the trend nowadays and I bet entrepreneurs will truly benefit from this workshop.

LOCATION:  2019 PELBEL BUILDING, unit 210 Shaw Blvd., Barangay Orambo Pasig city "Create your online store:Fundamentals of e-commerce" (free) DATE AND TIME:  1-5PM, July 19, 2017 "Create your online store:Fundamentals of e-commerce" DATE AND TIME: 9AM-5PM, July 22, 2017 PRICE:  P3500 per person P2500 per person (bring a buddy promo) For more information: Business Innovators Learning Center Inc. (BILCI) 2019 PELBEL BUILDING, unit 210 Shaw Blvd., Barangay Orambo Pasig city www.bilci-ph.com ​ See you!

[marilouandbeyond]

Hue and Me: Embracing Art In Life

Hue And Me: Embracing Art In Life, an art fair that celebrates art in all its forms, invites everyone aged five to ninety-five to join painting the town in bright hues on July 8-9, 2017 at SM Aura Premier, Taguig.

Hue And Me upholds the philosophy of incorporating art in everyday life for entertainment, aesthetics, personal development, business, or even to effect social change. The fair aims to provide opportunities for learning new art skills and crafts, appreciation for art, and discovering its therapeutic benefits that improve quality of life, as well as empowering the youth with applicable knowledge and entrepreneurial artistry. 

Artists and entrepreneurs exhibit their unique creations while engaging visitors to interesting and profitable workshops like how to make dream catchers, nail art, terrariums, charm bracelets, and pottery; cupcake designing; face painting; tattooing; food carving; make-up application; T-shirt printing; slippers painting; and rags/fabric weaving.

Artists and entrepreneurs exhibit their unique creations while engaging visitors to interesting and profitable workshops like how to make dream catchers, nail art, terrariums, charm bracelets, and pottery; cupcake designing; face painting; tattooing; food carving; make-up application; T-shirt printing; slippers painting; and rags/fabric weaving.

Visitors get to participate in informative talks like Make-up Application, Photography, Art Therapy, Art Entrepreneurship, Doodling, Calligraphy, Nude Sketching Session, Painting, Latter Art and Digital Art in Character Development.

Hue And Me: Embracing Art In Life is produced and organized by ArtisteSpace in collaboration with SM Aura Premier.

Entrance fee is P200 regular rate and P100 for students. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and event activities, visit the website at http://www.hueandmeph.com

[marilouandbeyond]

Make Brushing More Fun With Minions

In the Facebook mommy group I'm into, one of the questions that always popped up is how they can make their toddlers and kids enjoy brushing their teeth. With my little Mere, I'm fortunate that I've found tricks into letting her enjoy our brushing time.

A little back story - when it comes to teething, Mere's on the late-bloomer side. She got her first two teeth just days before her first birthday. As soon as her first teeth popped up, I taught her to brush her teeth on her own. Fast forward to this day, it is one of her favorite thing to do after every meal. 

Want to know how I did it? Here are some tips and tricks: 1. Watch children videos showing how to brush the teeth. We enjoy watching children videos together, chu chu tv as an example. They have this video about brushing teeth that comes with an awesome song and I let her mimic the way that the kids brush their teeth. 2. Brush teeth together. We all know that toddlers are little copycats. They enjoy copying everything you do and you say. So for the brushing time, we tend to do it together every single time. In that way, she can copy what I'm doing and at the same time learning it on her own. 3. Sing-along As mentioned on tip no.1, we watched this children video about brushing teeth and since the song is easy to memorize, we sing it everytime we brush our teeth. It makes brushing more fun and enjoyable for you and your kids, trust me. 4. Buy a toothbrush and a toothpaste in her favorite character.

As of the moment, Mere loves seeing Minions in the TV commercials. I don't know how she got hooked on these, but one thing's for sure, I loved seeing the minions too when I was pregnant with her. So yeah, good thing Colgate released their  Minions Toothpaste and Toothbrush and I was so glad they did! It makes our brushing more fun and more enjoyable, maybe because of the minions? It's the trick, moms, trust me!

I know you want these too, so I'm feeling generous right now and leaving with you the links on where to get these.

Colgate Minions Kids 2-5 Years Old (Junior) Oral Care Pack: http://www.lazada.com.ph/colgate-minions-kids-2-5-years-old-oral-care-pack-4804587.html?spm=a2o4l.sis-363.0.0.1sWUa5&ff=1 Colgate Minions Kids 5-9 Years Old (Youth) Oral Care Pack: http://www.lazada.com.ph/colgate-minions-kids-5-9-years-old-oral-care-pack-4804586.html?spm=a2o4l.sis-363.0.0.1sWUa5&ff=1 Make brushing more fun with your family, moms! You can do it!

[marilouandbeyond]

Back to School Shopping at Tutuban Center

Photo credits to: Tutuban Center Back-to-school! How I wished I could turn back time and be a grade-school student forever! Why? Because I love back-to-school shopping. The smell of new notebooks, school leather shoes, and tons of pencils and ballpens, I want to smell them all day! Silly me, but yeah, i really enjoy shopping for new school essentials when I was still a student. We used to go to the malls with my mom and my sisters to buy notebooks, pencils and the like and then in another day my mom would go to Divisoria to buy uniforms since she said it's more inexpensive there. Fast forward to my life right now, my little Mere is now a year and a half and would be starting toddler school in few weeks! Oh how time flies! I'm teaching her the basics for months now though, alphabet, numbers, colors and animals. So basically, it's one of my favorite days again, the 'back-to-school' shopping!

Last week, together with other mom bloggers, we went to Tutuban Center to check what they have in store for back-to-school. I was amazed how the Divisoria I knew wasn't like that when we went there. Everything was so organized, clean and the crowd wasn't that huge. We were given a shopping budget of P1000 to buy school and home essentials and some toys for our little ones. The budget isn't much of a challenge because I know that Tutuban offers cheapest prices, but the time is. We were given 2 hours of shopping time, and for me who's very much indecisive of everything, that is a CHALLENGE. THE HAUL:

For the school supplies, I bought mostly from National Bookstore since I knew that they carry high quality products in cheap prices. I bought one notebook (in Peppa pig of course, for my peppa-obsessed toddler), 3 jumbo pencils, a 100-sheet bond paper, and scotch tape. All of these for a little over P120.

Strolling, I've found this mini melissa disney replica from a store and got this for P130 and for me it's perfect for school since this is black and so comfortable. You know the shoes are comfortable when as soon as you got home, your daughter will wear it and never want to remove it on her feet. So yeah, one of my Sulit buys!

I also found an animal book from another store, and because Mere loves animals, I bought it! It costs me P40 only. Next is home essentials. I found a store that offers anything about home stuff and supplies and I'm glad I did because everything here is so affordable. I bought a welcome mat and a toothbrush holder here and it costs me for less than P200 for both. I also bought a plain soft blanket for P170 only from another store. It's really a great buy since I find that most blankets there is printed (I don't like printed blankets by the way), and this one is so soft and it comes in sizes too.

For the toys, I got these dream suitcase in Organic Shop mainly because my Mere loves vegetables and likes working with money. I also got these beach toys bucket and numbers bucket which she really loves! 

THE EXPERIENCE: All in all, all of these didn't exceed my P1000 budget, i have coins left, and this for me is one of my wisest move as a mom. You see, I got these all for cheap prices, in TWO HOURS baby! If my husband was there, I bet he would clap his hands! So for those who've been thinking of going to Tutuban Center for their shopping, what are you waiting for? You can never go wrong with Tutuban Center, it's spacious, clean and most of all, it has food stalls and restaurants everywhere. You don't have to worry about being hungry when you're shopping.

Photo credits to: Tutuban Center And can I say that they have one of the best mall interior designs. Gosh, who would've ever tell that this is a mall when you're outside. It's a history in modern world!

Photo credits to: Erika Bianca Visit Tutuban Center: https://www.facebook.com/TutubanCenter

[marilouandbeyond]

Johnson’s Active Kids Playcation: Summer Time is Playcation Time!

It’s summer time once again and this only means one thing for kids – more playtime! Moms might be hesitant to prolong their kids playing outdoors due to sweat and malodour, but this summer, these can be the least of mom’s worries as Johnson’s invites moms (even dads!) and kids to go out, be more active and bond over their very own playcation!

“It is true – hindi lang laro ang laro. Johnson’s is a believer of playtime because of the multiple benefits it gives kids. More playtime has been proven to contribute to the overall development of kids as they become more resilient, socially intelligent, confident, and physically strong.” Shared Bessie Campillo, Johnson’s Franchise Marketing Manager. 

“As a way for us to demonstrate our support for playtime, we are launching the Johnson’s Active Kids Playcation campaign – encouraging parents to spend more time with their kids through active playtime.” Johnson’s places a focus on active play to ignite their imagination, develop their social skills and process emotions and become more resilient and confident because of the strong bond they develop with their parents during playtime.

As an avenue for more imaginative play, Johnson’s has built an Active Kids Playcation playground equipped to further imaginative and active play among kids. The Johnson’s Active Kids Playcation playground consists of different play pods such as:

 Imagine and Seek – where children use their imagination and thinking skills to replicate an image using just rubber mats 

 Fireball Away – challenges a child’s balance, agility, and cognitive skills by dodging “fireballs” to get to the other end of the platform without falling. 

 Dragon Maze – fuels a child’s sense of motivation to win by collecting all hidden items within a specific amount of time. 

 Little Builder’s City – encourages the use of imagination and creativity by allowing children to design and build their own fortresses. 

 “It is important that we create safe spaces that will encourage children to play and use their imagination. By ensuring that they have this opportunity, experiencing the optimum benefits of play is just at their arm’s reach,” shared Michael Santiago of Philippine Toy Library, a non-profit organization that transforms idle spaces in communities into fun and educational play areas for the benefit of children who they consider as the reason why they exist. 

 There’s no doubt about the benefits imaginative play can give to a child’s optimum development. That’s why parents play an important part during this phase in their child’s growth. The parents’ role highly affects how the child perceives play so it’s crucial for them to provide children with the necessary props to aid in their imaginative play, plus it’s a great bonding experience! Make playtime more enjoyable and worry-free for parents with Johnson’s baby Active Fresh and Shiny Drops products. 

Keep your kids smelling fresh despite the summer sweat with the Johnson’s Active Fresh Shampoo and Johnson’s Baby Active Fresh bath. Meanwhile, girls can keep their hair shiny as ever despite the heat of the sun with Johnson’s Baby Shiny Drops Shampoo and Conditioner. Again, don’t keep play at bay this summer! It’s time for more playcation! 

Visit http://facebook.com/JohnsonsbabyPhilippines to know more updates on Johnson’s take on play.

[marilouandbeyond]

Working Mom Magazine, DIVA and SM North Edsa’s Mom’s Day Out

It was indeed a happy mother’s day last May 14, 2017, not just for me but for my little family. Courtesy of Working Mom Magazine, DIVA and SM North Edsa, they organized a ‘Mom’s Day Out’ event for the mothers.

Moms’ were treated to a pampering session including makeover, hair styling and manicure. It was really a box-office for moms! Who doesn’t want these though, and for free? Of course, everyone wants that! 

As I’ve said, my whole family including my little girl enjoyed the event, for they also made sure that kids would also enjoy, they set-up play area and arts and crafts area for the kids. 

Here’s my little girl enjoying the play area

Sponsor booths also offered sample products for the guests and some exciting games. The program started with a raffle and games, and a performance from Team Yey kids. My little girl really enjoyed the show since Team Yey is one of her favourite TV show. 

Team Yey kids also played games with the guests as well. Lots and lots of games and raffles filled joy and laughter from the guests, including us, of course! 

The most-awaited part of the event, Erik Santos serenaded moms and gave each mom a red rose to cap-off the celebration of mother’s day. 

Everyone went home with lots of goodies! Yay!

This is the second mother’s day of my life and I’m glad I spent it here with my family. Looking forward to more events for moms like this.

[marilouandbeyond]

Jollibee’s Newest Party Theme: JolliRace

My one year old daughter’s obsession at the moment includes Jollibee, that’s after we attended a Jollibee Kids Party and she saw a Jollibee mascot. After the party, she became obsessed with it that whenever she sees anything with Jollibee’s face, her face would light up and you will hear a babbling sound of ‘beedee’! We also have a collection of Jollibee paper bags and  paper cups, only because she doesn’t want us to throw it out. And can I mention that her Jollibee pillow should always be on her side when she sleeps? I don’t really know the secret behind this obsession of the kids with Jollibee but one thing’s for sure, Jollibee is one of the reasons why they smile, and that’s the only important thing for us parents.

We all know that Jollibee have been a big part of every Filipino child’s life. We always have the idea of having Jollibee in our childhood, the yummy food and most especially bringing us memorable birthday parties. And now, Jollibee welcomes the newest addition to its kiddie themed parties. Fasten your seat belts as the country’s leading fast food chain revs up the excitement with JolliRace, the newest and coolest addition to the Jolly Kids Party.

 With JolliRace, all racetracks lead to a fun, Grand Prix experience. Boys and girls will have a blast on their special day with balloons, relay games, awesome prizes, and a delicious cake prepared to give them a birthday party set at full speed. Jollibee, Yum and Popo will thrill party guests in this one-of-a-kind celebration. All these, plus Jollibee langhap-sarap favorites Chickenjoy, Jollibee Spaghetti, and Yumburger meals, make the JolliRace Jolly Kids Party a sure winner among kids and kids-at-heart.

 Last Saturday, we attended the media launch of JolliRace Kids Party at Jollibee E. Rodriguez. And since my daughter loves cars, I was too excited for her. A little girl who loves cars? Yep, that’s my daughter! As soon as we arrived at the venue, I saw how she’s very happy seeing lots and lots of Jollibee and cars decorations. She’s being extra amused and can’t stop smiling all throughout the party.

 The launch of the new JolliRace Jolly Kids Party theme welcomed media guests, radio personality Delamar Arias with her sons Cooper and Parker, and celebrity mom Bettina Carlos with daughter Gummy and nephew Camilo Marco.

Everyone enjoyed the series of exciting games as well as the race-themed party hats, loot bags, balloons, prizes and other party favors. Guests also had a wonderful time posing in front of a photo wall featuring the race cars of Jollibee, Yum and Popo. Some guests even dressed up in their racing gear to win in the best in costume contest.

 All in all, it was an epic day at Jollibee, with everyone enjoying great packages of langhap-sarap meals with their little ones. JolliRace guests brought home party goodies to go with their jolly, cool memories.

 Here’s what inside the loot bag: (Please note that there’s also a complementary fork in it, but apparently it has been taken away by a naughty little girl.)

Thank you for a fun-filled weekend birthday party Jollibee!

Recreate the thrill of the racetracks and enjoy the newest and fastest route to a memorable birthday celebration today. Parents booking a Jolly Kids Party can mix and match party elements for 30 or 80 guests with Jollibee’s “Create-Your-Own Package” option.

After choosing from among Jollibee’s four special themes: Jollitown, Hello Kitty, FUN-tastic Factory, and the newest JolliRace, parents can get in the back seat and let Jollibee host the jolliest party experience for their kids.

The Jolly Kids Party is available for booking in store or set up in chosen locations. For more information on birthday fun that is up to speed, visit jollibeeparty.com.