Outdoor Fun this November

It's almost December, and the weather is cool. It's the perfect time to go outdoors and have fun. I recently heard about this place just a couple of hours outside Metro Manila where you can have your own outdoor adventure with your family and friends. You might have already heard of it -- Alviera SandBox.

This Christmas, they'll be having this amazing Christmas Jamboree where attendees can join arts and crafts workshops, watch live performances and participate in the games. These are all Christmas-themed so it's very timely. They can also opt to stay overnight and have a camping experience. Tents will be provided, and participants will have exclusive use of the SandBox the morning after.

If you're interested, book today and get 25% off! More details below.

  

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Alviera offers 25% promo on premium Christmas Jamboree camping tickets until November 9

            Alviera has announced that premium "Christmas Camper" tickets are now selling at 25% off or P2,137.50 for adults and P1,313 for kids until November 9 only through online booking at travelfactor.org/jamboree. Christmas Jamboree is a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure on November 28-29 at the SandBox outdoor play park in Porac, Pampanga. 

The Christmas Camper package entitles participants to all-day arts and crafts workshops, live performances and holiday games, plus overnight campsite stay, access to campsite-exclusive activities, free use of Coleman tents, exclusive use of SandBox in the morning of the second day, a bonfire treat complete with a set grilled dinner and buffet breakfast on Sunday morning. 

The "Day Dasher package", at P1,900 for adults and P1,050 for children 4 feet below, includes roundtrip transportation from Manila to Alviera, free use of SandBox attractions and access to all Christmas Jamboree Day Workshops activities such as Christmas cookie- making and designing angel souvenirs and parols. Live entertainment begins at night with the “poi” or fire dancing and a Christmas carol serenade by some of the country’s top chorale groups. Guests can perform onstage during the Merry-oke open mic session, complete with a live brass band. After the Yuletide dinner, astronomy experts will lead constellation-tracking sessions. The “Starlight Cinema” opens from 9:00 p.m. until midnight to feature Christmas movie favorites.

Christmas Campers will enjoy the entire Day Dasher offering combined with premium camping activities such as a welcome bonfire with s’mores at the exclusive Coleman campsite and ukulele jam session while enjoying hot tsokolate served with biscochio. Campers can also learn to play the ukulele during the workshop. A Christmas breakfast buffet awaits them the next morning, as well as Christmas stockings filled with surprise holiday goodies.

Both Day Dasher and Christmas Camper packages come with travel insurance, Alviera Camp Bag, and a Christmas Passport that serves as an event journal that contains raffle stubs for exciting prizes.

The Alviera Christmas Jamboree is guaranteed to inspire lasting memories with families and friends. Christmas is a time for giving and for spending time with our loved ones, and this is what a merry Christmas adventure in Alviera is all about.

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Alviera celebrates the holiday season with “Christmas Jamboree,” a one-of-a-kind camping adventure that transforms SandBox into a Yuletide wonderland for families and merrymakers. John Estacio, Alviera General Manager, talks more about the activities at the event.

1.         What is “Christmas Jamboree”?

The Christmas Jamboree is a two-day Christmas-themed camp festival at the SandBox on November 28 and 29, Alviera’s outdoor version of celebrating this special season. This unique outdoor experience is filled with Christmas-themed activities that are guaranteed to make every member of the family smile, from little kids to the kids-at-heart. From arts and crafts workshops and holiday games to live performances and traditional camping treats, as well as access to the SandBox amenities. Guests can choose between the Day Dasher or Christmas Camper packages. 

2.         Why hold the Christmas Jamboree at Alviera?

Alviera is here not just to merely create an economic hub, we are also making sure that the natural beauty of Porac is preserved and highlighted. Our role as a developer is to simply enhance God’s gift to us and the best way for people to appreciate this would be to bring them closer to nature through camping.

The Alviera Christmas Jamboree gives you a glimpse of what to expect in Alviera in the future. Even at full development there will be open spaces for everyone to enjoy. More importantly, we want to provide opportunities where families can create moments they can share together.

3.         What are the activities during the Christmas Jamboree?

For day trippers, or “Day Dashers” as we call them, they will enjoy a slew of Christmas-themed activities all day until midnight. “Christmas Campers” on the other hand will enjoy Day Dasher activities as well as camping-exclusive activities that will extend until the next morning.

DAY ACTIVITIES

There will be FOUR fun tents to keep everyone thrilled and excited: CHRISTMAS COOKIE CORNER, MERRY ANGEL-MAKING, PAROL-MAKING SESSIONS, and QUIZ KRINGLE

•          Christmas Cookie Corner - customize Christmas cookies with some candy sprinkles and fondant ornaments, colorful icing, and other sweet stuff for you to decorate your own holiday treats to feast on–or to give to your loved ones

•          Merry Angel-Making- design your own traditional Filipino ornaments with a twist as you paint and decorate corn husk angels to hang on your Christmas trees and to adorn your house with your own designs

•          Parol-Making Sessions- add tails and paint your own Christmas lanterns that allow you to add your own personality to this Christmas tradition.

•          Quiz Kringle- test your Christmas knowledge and win instant treats and more raffle coupons in this fun holiday quiz bee for families and friends. The top-scoring groups get a chance to battle it out on-stage during the evening program, where they can win BIG prizes.

•          SandBox Facilities- guests can try exciting rides and facilities of SandBox all-day long such as our First Roller Coaster Zip Line in Asia, the hanging obstacle course of the Air Walk, or the tallest Giant Swing in the Philippines among others

NIGHT ACTIVITIES

 

When the night falls, get ready to take part in even MORE activities.

•          Prancing Poi- learn to dance and move with LED lights at the PRANCING POI booth, where our expert LED artists teach you the basics of poi, hoop, and other light toys.

•          Chorale Serenades- top chorale groups in the country will serenade guests in a one hour Chorale Concert

•          Merry-oke Sessions- sing along and rock the stage with your favorite Christmas songs complete with accompaniment of a live brass band

•          Twinkle Tracking- track the Christmas sky for the brightest stars with professional telescopes stationed along with astronomy experts to help you view the night sky like never before.

•          Saint Nick’s Wishing Corner- make a wish or simply take an epic selfie with Santa Claus

•          Starlight Cinema- wind down the night and celebrate the season with some beautiful, heartwarming Christmas movies where you are invited to lay down your mats on the grass, cuddle up with your family and friends right under the stars

CAMPER-EXCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES

•          Jamboree Jingle Night- sing around the campfire with ukuleles or learn the instrument with the ukulele workshop while sharing free hot tsokolate and biscochio

•          Santa’s Campfire Smores- enjoy free grilled set dinner and roast smores

•          Christmas Stocking Surprise- design your Christmas stockings, hang them on your tents, and let Santa fill it with holiday goodies

•          Merry Morning Buffet- breakfast favorites await you the following morning to keep the campers energized before they take the SandBox adventure

4.         How much are the packages and what are the inclusions?

Packages to the Alviera Christmas Jamboree come in Day Dasher and Christmas Camper variants.

Day Dasher, at 1,900 per person, includes roundtrip transportation from Manila to Alviera, free use of SandBox attractions, access to all Christmas Jamboree Day Workshops, passes to the evening stage shows and entertainment and the Starlight Cinema.

Christmas Camper at P2,850 per person entitle participants to all Day Dasher inclusions, plus overnight campsite stay, access to campsite-exclusive activities, free use of Coleman tents, exclusive use of SandBox in the morning of day 2, a bonfire treat complete with grilled set dinner and a merry buffet breakfast on Sunday morning.

As a family event, Alviera introduces special rates for kids, at P1,050 for Day Dasher, and P1,750 for Christmas Camper for children 4 feet below. Both packages come with travel insurance, Alviera Camp Bag, and Christmas Passport for raffle prizes.

5.         Do you have the same capacity for your campsite?

For Alviera Christmas Jamboree, we like to be able to accommodate more participants especially the families so we increased the capacity of our campsite by 50% from 200 to 300. This is also as a result of the very positive reception of our guests during the Brightscape.

6.         Will comfort amenities be available for the Christmas Campers?

Yes, similar to Brightscape, there will be ample showers and toilet facilities for exclusive use at the camp. Sanitation, environmental care and of course, safety and security are all primary in Alviera.

7.         Will the event grounds be open all night for during the Jamboree?

No. The evening ends after the last movie to be shown in our Starlight Cinema. SandBox will resume operating early the next day at 7am for Christmas Campers to enjoy our attractions and facilities exclusively until 10:00 AM.

8.         Can we cook or bring our own food to the campsite?

No, participants are not allowed to bring meals or cook food. There will be ample food concessionaires during the event and we also added a free grilled set dinner as well as hot tsokolate and biscochio for those availing of our Christmas Camper package.

9.         Where can people go in case of emergency/injuries?

As part of our standard safety procedures in Alviera, there will be standby security, ambulance as well as medical team composed of doctor and nurses to assist participants in case of emergency or untoward incidents.

10.       How can guests go to SandBox in Alviera?

From the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), take the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Exit then get off at the Porac Exit. The Porac Exit is just a short drive from the SCTEX Exit. A minute or two after getting off the Porac Exit, you will see Alviera on your right where SandBox is located.

For the Christmas Jamboree, we will be offering packages that include roundtrip transfers from Manila.

11.       Who is your partner in designing the event?

We teamed up with adventure travel outfitter Travel Factor and Coleman as our camp provider. They were also our partners in the Brightscape Campfest.

12.       How can guests reserve their slots at the Christmas Jamboree?

For reservations and booking, guests can visit the Travel Factor website at http://travelfactor.org/.

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Crafts/DIY: Dinosaur / Lizard / Frankenstein Gift Wrap

This week's gift wrap theme is dinosaur-inspired. Well, it turned out like an iguana. Haha. At least they're in the same family of lizards. On second thought, it kinda looks like dino-Frankenstein. Oh well.

Resources after the jump...

Crafts/DIY: Bumblebee Gift Wrap for Toddlers

Here's another gift wrapping inspiration for you. I made this for Allie's classmate who I hope had a wonderful Bee-day last week. 

Resources after the jump...

Crafts/DIY: Wrap Gifts for Toddlers

There are about 30+ kids in my daughter's school. Although the teacher-to-student ratio is just 1:7, everyone in school is invited whenever kids have birthday parties. You can just imagine how many birthday parties my daughter goes to. The first birthday party gift is easy enough to wrap. I just took whatever wrapper was available in my house. 

Eventually, I had to be more creative in wrapping the gifts because I wanted them to be different each time. I'm on my third birthday this week, and I think I've finally figured out how I can make unique and cute wrappers by just investing in a few materials -- plain sheets of double-sided kraft paper.

Inspired by saksblogg's Instagram page, I created this cute owl gift wrap, and I loved how it turned out.

Resources:

1. Light blue/kraft two-sided paper: National bookstore
2. White bond paper, punched using EK 2" circle punch: Scratch paper from home
3. Black crepe paper for eyes, cut manually: National Bookstore
4. Gold crepe paper for beak, cut into a triangle: National bookstore
5. Scrapbook paper for head, fringe-cut: Gourdo's


I'll definitely be making more cute animal gift wraps. I hope this inspires you too. Have fun wrapping!

My Top 10 Baby Must-Haves

I've been often asked what I bought for Allie when I had her. It was my first time being a mom and I must say I overbought. Whenever I found something adorable in the store, I bought it. But in the long-run, I learned that there's only a handful of items that I actually needed.

So here is my top 10 list with my trusted brands that I definitely recommend to all moms out there who are about to have a baby.

No. 1 Baby Must-Have: Diapers

Pampers, for me, is, by far, the best disposable diaper for babies. I've tried countless brands, and I still go back. It's a brand I trust, because it hasn't failed me yet. I always get the Active Baby kind (purple) or Swaddlers (US version). I found that they're more comfy for my baby. You can never have enough so make sure you add this to your gift registry, if ever you have one.

If you like the reusable diaper kind, I suggest you get the adjustable ones like BumGenius with washable cotton inserts. It's a one-size fits all type of cloth diapers. Before buying though, you have to be sure that you can go through washing them every time they're soiled. I would say at least 20 pieces would last you until your child is potty-trained.

No. 2 Baby Must-Have: Desitin

At some point, your baby might get diaper rash. The one I get is Desitin Maximum Strength. Anything with zinc oxide, really, but I tried a British brand, and that one did not stick to my baby's bum as well as Desitin. So whenever I go to the US, I make it a point to buy a couple. It lasts really long too.

No. 3 Baby Must-Have: Baby Bottles

I've been a fan of Life Factory glass bottles, and I always, always recommend these to my friends and family. They have cute silicone sleeves that help prevent breakage. They're easy to clean too. I really don't remove the sleeve when I clean them. 

No. 4 Baby Must-Have: Bottle Cleaner

I've tried all kinds of bottle cleaners, and the one problem that keeps on popping up is the bottle stand. Most bottle brushes don't have stands nor containers. Some have the stand, but it's a pain when traveling. When I discovered the Oxo Tot On-the-Go Drying Rack with Bottle Brush, I was so relieved. It not only solved my problem at home, but I can also easily pack it in my bag when we travel. I couldn't leave home without it. Dig this -- you can buy the brush separately too so when it's time to retire it, you can get a new brush easily without having to buy the drying rack again. I wish, though, that they sell it here because I'm sure a lot of moms will truly love this.

No. 5 Baby Must-Have: Baby Wash

The gentle kind is always the best. I've been a Johnson's Baby lover, and I use the Head-to-Toe wash for my baby. Sometimes I use the Shea scent because it's just so awesome. I also love the lavender scent or the milk one. I really don't have a favorite as long as it's from Johnson's Baby because of their no-tears formula.

No. 6 Baby Must-Have: Halo Sleepsack

Forget those adorable crib beddings and opt for the Halo Sleepsack. They do the same thing and they're safer for your baby. Halo Sleepsacks are wearable blankets that help prevent SIDS. 

No. 7 Baby Must-Have: Infant Car Seat

The car seat we got was from Baby Trend. We got hooked with the triangular handle and the easy snap on and off from the car base. The triangular handle made it easy to carry, and I know that you will do this pretty often, so might as well make it comfortable. 

No. 8 Baby Must-Have: Stroller

I have no regrets buying our Bumbleride Indie. It's an all-around stroller and very easy to maneuver on the streets. Even on uneven sidewalks. One thing to remember is that you got to make sure that your car seat is compatible with the stroller.

No. 9 Baby Must-Have: Baby Bag

My advice? Get a manly baby bag so your hubby can carry it without him being embarrassed. Haha. We got ours from Diaper Dude.

No. 10 Baby Must-Have: Crib or a Co-Sleeper

I love having the baby inside our room, but we didn't have enough room for a crib, so we got a play yard. If you have a nursery, get a crib that can transform into a toddler bed so you can use it way after.

The most important thing to check first is to see if there are product recalls on the product you wish to buy. Please check Consumer Safety Product Safety Commission first.

I guess you're wondering about baby clothes. I have a close-knit family, and I get tons of hand-me-downs and gifts from family. As for milk, try to feed your baby breast milk. If you do and find it easy, try to express milk using a pump. I suggest getting a Medela for this one. It's a brand I have no issues with. 

So that's my list. I hope this helps!

Gifting: Ideas for the College Graduate

March is the season for final exams, papers and yes, the dreaded thesis presentation and defense. Graduation is right around the corner for some, and it is a bittersweet moment. Do you remember what it was like? Last few weeks eating out with your barkada and hanging out with your org mates. Before you know it, you're stepping into the real world. It's kinda exciting, right?

When I graduated, my parents gave me a set of really good jewelry. I use it until now. It's something that I find very useful -- perfect for work and everyday wear. I mean sure, it must have cost a fortune but it doesn't necessarily mean you have to give jewelry during graduation. Find something that fits your budget and something that is perfect for the recipient.

I've already graduated, and now, I am the sister, the cousin, and the tita of a graduating college student. Finding that perfect gift for the graduate is not as tough as it looks. My problem is, I've been very busy and I can't seem to free up some time to go to the mall and buy a gift. The good thing is there are some online stores that are accessible now in the Philippines. For someone who's used to buying things online, this certainly is a good thing.

Lazada is one online shopping site that I found. You can pay using your credit cards, PayPal or you can even pay when they deliver your order. Shipping is free, and you can track your orders too. The best thing is, they have free returns (exchange or refund) for 30 days. Nice right?

So anyway, I've been looking for possible graduation gifts for all price points at the site, and here are some of the things that caught my eye.

If he has a phone, like an iPhone, he will be needing this really handy Power Bank charger [A, P499]. 

Here's a manly samurai foldable umbrella for him to use during the rainy season [B, 1,300]. 

You can never go wrong with this CK One perfume; even I use it sometimes [C, P2,100].

A classic watch like this Armani piece will be perfect for dressing up for that job interview [D, P13,910].

My nephew would love this Instax camera to capture memories instantly [E, P3,950].

Finally, if you got the moolah, he will love you forever with this XBox One console [F, P26,000].

This Pear Glace fragrance from Victoria's Secret is perfect for the graduating girl who loves fruity scents [A, P550]. 

After graduation, she'll surely be traveling. What could be handier than this DQ Bloom patterned travel wallet [B, P796]. 

Red lips are so in right now, especially Bobbi Brown. Do I hear graduation ball? [C, P1,140]

This Timex watch completes that first-day-onthe-job look [D, P3,591].

A lovely pearl necklace for the graduate will surely be appreciated [E, P13,000].

Does she love photography? A Canon EOS M will definitely make her day [F, P22,998].

All images are from Lazada.

Crafts/DIY: Ring Dish

Have you seen these trinket dishes from Anthropologie?

Giraffe Trinket Dish $16
Wishbone Jewelry Dish $48

Well, since Anthropologie is non-existent here in Metro Manila (please come over -- pretty please?), I decided to make my own.

* white ceramic dish 

Source: I got these tiny condiment plates from a bazaar ($2/8 pieces). They also sell these

at department stores. The cheaper, the better. 

* animal figurine

Source: This one is from a baking supply store. I think they're cake toppers. ($1/pair)

*gold paint pen (Sharpie or Artline)

Source: National Bookstore

* instant glue (like Mighty Bond)

Source: National Bookstore or local hardware store

[1] Color your figurine entirely with gold pen. Make sure you get into the cracks as well.

[2] Once you finish, try out how it will look on your dish. 

[3] I decided to put it near the corner. But don't glue it just yet. Draw in some

polka dots. Make it random just like the one below. 

I tried using hole reinforcements as your stencils, then I colored them in. The problem

was that sometimes the color bled out, so some of my dots looked ugly.

I prefer using the Artline brand on the dish. I tried Sharpie, but the gold

color on the dish just wasn't gold enough.

[4] Secure the figurine with instant glue. Tada!

Crafts/DIY: $0 Valentine's Day Art

I was looking at my messy desk, and found some scraps of used stationery and some cut origami paper. I didn't have the heart to throw them away because they were still in good condition -- no wrinkles or anything like that. For some reason, I thought of tangrams using right triangles and decided to make art using the paper I found.

* paper scraps 

(stationery, newspaper, origami, 

wrapping paper)

* card stock for backing

* scissors

* ruler

* all-purpose glue

[1] Cut your paper scraps into workable rectangular strips.

I found that 1-1/2" strips are easy to manage.

[2] Then cut into squares. Then triangles.

[3] Play around with the triangles to make a shape, like how I did

letter "A" below.

or you can make a heart, too.

[4] When you're happy with the positioning, glue the shapes on

cardstock. You can frame it after and give it as a gift this Valentine's.

Crafts/DIY: Paper Cutting

I tried my hand on paper cutting. It's not as difficult as it seems as long as you have the right craft materials. You can find everything at your local bookstore [PH resource -- National Bookstore].

[1] Precision craft knife -- Choose the ones with a 30-degree blade tip (ex. X-acto precision knife $3.49), not the office cutter you normally see. This will give you control and precision over the paper you are cutting.

[2] Pencil -- Any would do (ex. Staples #2 pencil $4.99/4 dozen).

[3] Self-healing cutting mat -- Whoever invented these is a genius. They protect your table surface from craft battle scars (ex. Dahle Self-Healing Cutting Mat 9"x12" $5.95). 

[4] Heavy-weight copy paper -- Get at least 100 gsm or 27 lb. copy paper or inkjet paper (ex. Staples 28 lb. copy paper). They're easy to cut and they are harder to snag when you cut thin strips. 

I used my finished paper cut project as a gift tag. I just adhered it with a strip of washi tape. Lookie!

Here's a good tutorial from tuts+ if you'd like to learn more.

The Baby Project That's Project Mom

Motherhood, motherhood, motherhood. It is by far the most fun and scariest thing in the world. It changes your life. Completely.

The moment I first realized my husband and I were pregnant, we entered the world of paranoia. It was full of what-ifs. I knew that there is so much information out there especially online and reading them all will just boost my paranoia so I didn't. I resorted to a book that I think is very helpful during pregnancy. It was a book by an American author and it's probably the most popular one out there.

When I saw that a couple of celebrity moms here in the Philippines were launching a mommy book, I got so excited. I know it's going to be a great book for mommies and mommies-to-be out there because it is written from the perspective of two awesome Filipino ladies, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and Amanda Griffin-Jacob, and the book is based on their experiences and some topics were medically-backed too.

Well, I've been a mom to a beautiful little girl for 32 months already, and it has been a roller coaster ride of sorts. I know I'm kinda lucky that my daughter's healthy when I gave birth to her. The only scare I got was right after, when I (yes, me and not the baby) had tons of blood clots that seemed to never stop. But I had the most amazing OB in the world - that's you, Dr. Williams of Piedmont Hospital, and I knew I would be okay. Home life was never the same after that. If you've watched the Coke Life commercial, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's all about the normal mess, the constant running, everything.

Don't get me wrong, I love everything about motherhood -- especially the normal mess. It reminds me of my daughter and how much fun she's having. Okay, fine, I'm probably just lazy to clean up after her only to find the house in the same condition five minutes after. Hahaha. Having this book by my side will definitely make my life a lot easier.

I went to the book launch of Project Mom last December. I saw a few mommy blogger friends there. It was a celebrity-filled event too, as you can imagine. I saw Tweetie De Leon-Gonzales and Christine Jacob among others. It was hosted by Marc Nelson (really drool-worthy by the way) and Lexi Schulze.

The book is all about how to make motherhood fun, easy and awesome. It covers everything you would like to know about being a mom - from pregnancy until after, even shedding the baby weight! The best part is, it is centered on the Filipino mom, so expect resources that can be found in the Philippines. So if you have a friend or relative who's about to give birth, this is the perfect gift for them.

Project Mom is available at all Fully Booked branches nationwide.

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Psst. Short stint on Fully Booked blog. Check it out: http://www.fullybookedonline.com/blog/view/4405