NPAW 2020 Highlights The Importance of Play amidst Pandemic

In the face of global pandemic and natural disasters, our daily lives have been put to a standstill and many children have lost access to play. Because of this, a huge part of children’s activity, creativity and learning have come to a pause affecting their holistic development and overall wellbeing.

Moreover, some have placed play within the limiting context of “laru-laro lang”. With this, play advocates continuously address the misleading notion and provide the right perspective that play should be given priority as it is considered one of the basic rights of children as stated in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Supporting the promotion on the right to play, the Philippine Play Coalition (PPC), a network of organizations which Unilab Foundation, Council for the Welfare of Children, World Vision Philippines, Unang Hakbang Foundation, Kythe Foundation, Tukod Foundation and Educo Philippines are actively involved in, has been working to ensure that every child will not miss their experience of play even amidst the time of pandemic. Amplifying this great cause, the National Play Advocacy Week 2020 was celebrated last November 16 to 22, 2020. The celebration successfully reached over 10,000 children via offline and online platforms, 300,000 Filipinos through online platforms and engaged 150 partners to participate and conduct play activities. The Local Government of Iloilo City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Zamboanga City also showed their strong support and eagerly participated in the celebration.

This 2021, Unilab Foundation is continuously strengthening its play advocacy under its program, Bayanihan for WellBeing (BWB), through the distribution of Resiliency Play Bags. These play bags aim to spark hope, harness creativity, and develop resilience and coping skills among Filipino children, who were not only strained by the presence of the coronavirus outbreak, but were also victims of the recent calamities that struck our nation in the previous year.

A Bayanihan for WellBeing Resiliency Play Bag is composed of the following:

1. Toys like sipa and kickball, which are intended to help children release tension.

2. Cape and mask which they could design, allowing them to identify their strengths and make them feel like Superheroes.

3. Writing and coloring sheets to encourage their creativity and help them express their emotions. As little as Php250 / $5.00 will help warm the heart of a child and build his/her resilience.

Donation can be done via bank deposit through the Bank of Philippine Islands:

Account Name: Unilab Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 0181-0489-72 Branch:

BPI, Mandaluyong Swift Code: BOPIPHM

or via PayPal at healthierPH@unilabfoundation.org

Finally, a screenshot of your donation transaction needs to be sent to headsup@unilabfoundation.org.


Visit the Bayanihan for WellBeing Facebook page to support this worthy cause and share the initiative with your loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Let’s continue to make play happen this year. Let us nurture resilience and withstand change through the power of play!

Doug Kramer and JC Intal are Taiwan Excellence ambassadors for its Pilot Basketball Camp

Taiwan Excellence  partnered with legendary PBA star Coach Eric Altamirano to bring in the first ever Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp. Combining the Filipino passion for basketball and the Taiwanese drive for innovation, the two-day Basketball Camp filled the Mall of Asia Music Hall with an intense 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge, top-notch innovations from Taiwan Excellence, and PBA stars last July 21 – 22, 2018.

Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp aims to promote sportsmanship as it brought together some of the Metro’s most promising basketball players while highlighting the incredible products awarded with the Taiwan Excellence Seal.

“Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp is an exemplary showcase of excellence from both countries: the fighting spirit of the Filipinos further empowered by the products of Taiwan,” said Alfred Wang, Director of the Economic Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

With its aim of promoting the leading products, Taiwan Excellence shares to the world a variety of truly innovative brands. Initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan, R.O.C., in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is continuously recognized by 102 countries.

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence, according to Wang, honors Taiwan’s most innovative products “that provide tremendous value to users worldwide.” Each product has been selected for a specific Taiwan Excellence Award based on their excellence in the following categories: design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese RResearch and Development plus manufacturing.

Boasting participation of 192 amateur Pinoy ballers, the Camp put their skills to the test in a rigorous 3-on-3 matches while 3 PBA stars are on the sidelines showing support. Alongside Coach E of Alaska Aces, local court heroes JC Intal and Doug Kramer of Phoenix Fuel Masters also gave their support to the budding ballers.

Also integral to the whole Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp set up is the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone which exhibits the top-of-the-line products of Taiwan.

With products from tech giant Asus, fitness company Johnson, and bike manufacturer Tern, among others, the Taiwan Excellence Zone got everyone up close and personal with impressive products championed by Taiwan. Wang hopes these superior products from Taiwan will boost the way of life and strengthen the love of Filipinos for basketball and sports in general.

“They did a great job in showcasing the best products that Taiwan can offer. The quality can go head to head with other global brands,” said Christian Ramos, one of the players for the Camp.

Meanwhile, the two celebrity players look forward to using the products themselves. “I am really excited about the bikes from Tern. They make biking and going around the city a much more fun experience,” said Intal.

As for Kramer, he has his sights on the Paper Shoot, compact digital cameras with cases made out of eco-friendly paper.

“I really feel that the whole family will fall in love with it. It is so simple and sophisticated, I know my kids will love using Paper Shoot.” Kramer said.

Do visit https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/ph for updates about Taiwan Excellence. You may also follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.

Chickie Boy holds birthday party at Max's Scout Tuazon

Chickie Boy (Max's brand mascot) held its birthday party last  August 5.   I joined in the fun    at  Max's Scout Tuazon, along with the other bloggers.

The event gave us a preview of what to expect from a birthday celebration---the Max's way.

Each one of us were given a name tag, a party hat, plus a passport at the   registration booth.

The passport entitles to try out all the activity booths and a chance to win prizes after each completion. The Ruby Hall became festive as kids lined up for their turn at the game stations.

Each kid was given a DIY crown kit at the Princess Palace station, wherein the Princess and her Prince gamely posed for a photo.

In the same event, Max’s  introduced their kiddie party themes --- Princess Palace, Outer Space, Carnival and Super Racer.

Now, you can choose to give your little loves a  one-of-a-kind, fun and no-fuss birthday party starting at 15,000 pesos.

A Max's Premium Birthday Package has the following Amenities: 

• Three (3) hours use of venue 
• Mascot appearance 
• Use of party banner 
• Party room decor 
• Party host 
• Birthday themed cake
• Party kit giveaways / prizes

For more information on Max’s themed birthday celebrations, visit  https://www.maxschicken.com/

Philips Soymilk Maker and Avance Juicer for fuss-free juicing

The trend in juicing has become a favorite among celebrities and TV personalities in helping keep their bodies in shape. While this new craze in juicing may come at a price, there is another way to join in to the path of being fit and healthy with Philips’ two offerings for juicing and soy milk making.

“There are many health benefits when it comes to juicing your own drinks. Freshly pressed juices from fruits and vegetables kick starts the body’s metabolism and is a good detoxification method to rid the body of chemicals,” comments Philips General Manager for Consumer Lifestyle, Ms. Angelia Oh.

Ms. Oh adds that on top of boosting your body’s metabolism and detoxification, juicing and drinking fresh fruits and vegetables on the same day ensures that your body gets the vital minerals and fibers it needs. For this purpose, Ms. Oh suggests two liquid diet options - the Philips’ Avance Juicer and Soy Milk Maker.

Healthy Drink Fix with Philips’ Avance Juicer

Make up to 2.5 liters of juice from the day’s freshest picks of fruits and vegetables with the Philips Avance Juicer. Ideal for those looking for a quick drink fix, this juicer lets you save time on pre-cutting food thanks to its XXL feeding tube. Whether for the toughest or softest of food, the juicer’s powerful 800 watt motor also provides two speeds of juicing options.

Aside from being able to make juice in a snap, the Philips Avance Juicer is designed for easy cleaning thanks to its innovative quick clean sieve and pulp collector for easy disposal. Moreover, its spout accessory directly juices straight to the glass, so you’re ensured that you get the most out of your fruits and vegetables.

Soy Milk in a Snap with Philips Daily Collection Soy Milk Maker

Fresh and delicious soy milk is now within reach with the Philips Daily Collection Soy Milk Maker. Designed to efficiently cut soy beans, the Philips Daily Collection Soy Milk Maker is equipped with a unique blade with streamlined ribs in its housing to finely cut and grind beans.

To easily enjoy your fresh soy milk, the Philips Daily Collection Soy Milk Maker also has its own filtering system that pours down milk without stirring thanks to its specially designed sieve. In addition, the Philips Daily Collection Soy Milk Maker lets you choose from four programs for dry and soaked soymilk, five grain soymilk, rice paste and fruit and vegetable juice to make healthy drinks in an instant.

“Filipinos place high importance in the essence of family, and through this meaningful innovation by Philips, we hope to bring families closer together through keeping fit by living and eating healthy. Juicing and drinking more liquids may be a trend, but it’s one of those trends that will benefit us in the long run,” concludes Ms. Oh.

Encouraging Kids

I joined the Private Iris contest at Manilamommy in which I replied to the questions:
In what aspects do you encourage your child to be unique and different? and
In what aspects do you encourage your child to follow others’ examples?

To develop individuality in my kids, I will teach them to think for themselves,
make good decisions, help them along as they establish their own identity. I will give them opportunities to express their opinions and in differing preferences no matter how diverse it may be. Focusing on their achievements no matter how small will give them confidence and courage not only to set high goals but also achieve them and use setbacks as opportunities for insight and growth. I will help them to
be realistic and accept the fact that they aren’t perfect at everything and they don’t have to be.

I will teach them about self-acceptance and appreciation of their own uniqueness. It is one of the greatest gifts any parent can give to their children! And as a parent, I would love to see my children reach out for a few planets and to capture a couple of stars!

On the other hand, I will encourage the to follow others’ examples in showing respect for other people, exhibiting appropriate behavior recognize right from wrong, and show love for their Filipino heritage. Young as they are, children learn through imitation. I will lead by example in showing good behaviors and by being positive around others.

I will praise good behavior by providing positive reinforcement. If they know that they will be praised their good behavior, then they are more likely to follow the boundaries set for them.

Egg-Citing Easter at Araneta Center on April 4th

If you are looking for a place to spend Easter 2010, head over to Araneta Center and they will make things easy and so much fun for you and your family!

Make the most of the long weekend with these cracking events at Gateway Mall, New Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza. Great and exciting FREE activities for children include: Egg Hunt, Coloring Contest, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, Picture Taking, Bubble Show, Costume Contest, and many more!

win $15 gift certificate

Want to win the $15 gift certifcate at Bubble Bees? Then subscribe HERE