Online Dad

iPad 2 for Kids: Apps and Downs

2012-01-25T18:46:00.001-08:00

My wife and I were both initially hesitant to purchase an iPad for our 3-year-old daughter, Loriene. Our reason, primarily, is that she's too young to own the gadget. We were worried that it would take time away from more important things such as regular afternoon naps and play.

But the inevitable happened when, last Friday, upon arriving at her lola's house, we were surprised to see her two cousins playing with their own iPads. And yes, we fell into the trap of peer pressure. So the following day, Loriene got her own iPad, complete with all the essential Apps and accessories.

This decision gave us time to re-consider our thoughts about giving her an iPad. We know she's smart and is now able to follow instructions so it's just a matter of implementing the proper rules on its use.

We've set a reasonable time for her to play with her iPad, during which she can browse through her favorite Barbie and Hello Kitty Apps.

She can also learn the alphabet, numbers, and basic colors while at the same time having fun taking wacky photos of herself in between breaks.

And when iPad time is up, she's expected to go back to her regular daily activities which include active interaction with everyone at home while playing with her other "non-virtual" toys.

Quickly Diagnose Dengue in Children with the Obvious Signs and Symptoms

2011-08-11T01:56:00.000-07:00

The deadly Dengue Fever is caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

It's just unfortunate that a single bite can actually cause death to the infected person if not promptly diagnosed and managed.

In some cases, people delay consulting with their doctors thinking that what they have is just a simple flu, not knowing that it's already a fatal viral infection.

Almost three years ago, I was confined for a week due to Dengue and I must say that it was one of the most painful experiences I've had. It was so difficult and I can only wish that my family would not experience the same, especially my daughter who I believe is still so fragile to go through such an ordeal.

In order for us, parents, to quickly diagnose the infection, here are some of the most obvious signs and symptoms of Dengue that we have to know by heart:

-sudden onset of high fever

-severe headache

-joint pain

-rashes

-nausea and vomiting

-loss of appetite

-bleeding of the gums (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)

-dark colored stool (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)

Should you notice these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention for your children before it's too late. Demand for a Platelet count to ensure that it has not gone down to a very critical level. Also, make sure to increase fluid intake for adequate hydration.

Photo courtesy of My Jungle Life

Daughter's first time to walk down the aisle as a Flower Girl

2011-06-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

Prepping up Loriene for this event was like a walk in the park. At her age (2.5 years old), we thought she'd give us a hard time during the ceremony itself, but she all proved us wrong.

A few days before the event, a TV program featured a wedding which showed a Flower Girl all dressed up and holding really nice flowers while walking to the altar. We told her that what she saw was exactly what she needs to do come the wedding day. And that made her beam with excitement. We knew from that day on that we're going to have one cooperative Flower Girl during the event.

And to ensure her utmost "cooperation," we had to check in at the hotel so she can rest once in a while and keep her mood up. We also did not miss bringing goodies that would keep her from being irritable. And the result...

...one happy Flower Girl...

...and super proud parents!
(Photos courtesy of Adolfo)

My Holy Weekends Spent with Family

2011-06-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

We were brought up by parents who do not work on weekends. I've seen how this has affected our relationship as a family in a very good way.

Growing up, my mom and dad always made sure, no matter how busy they were, to take us to the malls to dine out after hearing mass together. Afterwards, we'd all visit our grandparents and spend time with them and our cousins.

Now that I have my own family, I can proudly say that I've done all the best I can to keep such habit alive. The difference is that, I'm now the parent who always finds time to have bonding time with my wife and daughter every weekend. The smile on Loriene's face whenever we're out together never fails to make my day. It's a feeling I would never trade for anything.

And as a way of giving back to my parents for making us realize the true value of family and relationships, I make sure that no weekend is complete without a visit to the home I grew up in. I get very delighted every time Loriene would perform a song or dance number for her lolo and lola, and then get some reward for it from them.

Weekends spell fun for us and definitely, this is one tradition I would keep no matter what it takes.

Shop using the new Multiply Shopping Cart

2011-06-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

Multiply.com just recently opened its Philippine office to reaffirm its position as the top social e-commerce site in the country. Even before this event, the fomer-social networking-turned-shopping site has already enjoyed this reputation ever since Filipinos started to innovate by using their Multiply sites to sell products online.

Now, with the steadfast support of Multiply.com through the unveiling of Multiply Commerce, Filipino sellers are now able to post their products using a Product Listing tool that's integrated with Payment Processing and Inventory Management. All they have to do is convert photos of their products to Listings.

On the side of the buyers, they are now provided with a Shopping Cart where they can simply add any available item they wish to purchase from sellers who have migrated to Multiply Commerce.

In the case of made-to-order items, services, and the like, shoppers can request for details first by clicking on the Inquire button which will then prompt them to initiate a conversation with the seller. Once order details have been finalized, an invoice will be sent to them with the payment options and instructions.

Visit the official Multiply Store Philippines and see how easy it is to shop using the new Multiply platform featuring a Shopping Cart integrated with Payment Processing.

Applying for Pag-IBIG House Construction Loan

2011-05-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

While I was out of the country, I got news from my wife that she finally got the copy of the Transfer Certificate Title (TCT) of the property we've recently acquired. Now we're really a step closer to having that house we've both been aspiring for since we're really keen on applying for a housing loan with Pag-IBIG.

Aside from the TCT, we are also required to submit some more documents such as the Approved Membership Status Verification Slip (MSVS), notarized Housing Loan Application (HLA), photocopy of our updated Tax Declaration, our property's location plan and vicinity map, Certificate of Employment and Compensation, Certificate of Tax Withheld (W2), and copies of our latest Pay Slips.

I'm not sure though if my wife needs to bring all mentioned documents with her come the loan counseling appointment set this June. We're keeping our fingers crossed in the hope that our Pag-IBIG loan gets approved as soon as possible so we could already start with the house construction.

I'm sure Loriene's going to love her new home --- next year, maybe? or the year after that. =)

See you in three weeks, Hunhun and Lolen!

2011-04-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

I've been so used to traveling with my wife and daughter that I feel terribly sad now that I'm about to leave for a short U.S. vacation without them.

The most memorable of our trips together was our Hong Kong-Macau vacation more than a year ago. That was the first time we were out of the country together for vacation, quite exhausting because we had to bring a lot of stuff for our then 1-year old daughter, but so much fun nevertheless.

I'll be away for nearly three weeks, and will even miss my wife's birthday for the first time since we got married. I'm definitely going to miss our regular after-work bonding, but I know this is going to be really fast, so I might as well just enjoy the trip since I'll be with my parents and siblings after all.

See you in three weeks, Hunhun and Lolen!

Flower Bouquet from Floral Gallery, Trinoma

2011-04-05T01:13:00.000-07:00

Happy 3^rd Wedding Anniversary to my dear wife, Sheryl.

Hun, I LOVE YOU!

Years back when we were still college sweethearts, the famous Dangwa Flower Market in Manila always proved to be the best place to have beautiful flowers arranged at a very affordable price. The result would always be a nice bouquet of flowers that my wife has grown to love year after year.

However, coming from work yesterday, I felt that traveling all the way to Dangwa from Ortigas will be so much of a hassle on my part considering the heavy traffic in EDSA. And I figured that I probably should try buying from flower shops located in malls to see how these would fair against the famous Dangwa stalls.

I really thought I'd shell out double the amount of money I usually spend in Dangwa, but to my surprise, I was able to purchase a flower bouquet from a store in Trinoma called Floral Gallery at the same affordable price. Very nice.

Floral Gallery is located at Trinoma's Mindanao Avenue lobby, near Breadtalk and Conti's. Drop by to see the bouquets on display, or choose the flowers you like and have them arranged. They also deliver for your convenience.

Kids Say The Sweetest Things!

2011-04-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we bought this musical Hello Kitty wrist watch (with colorful flashing lights) for Loriene.

She got really excited and put on the watch as soon as we got home.

Seeing that my wrist watch didn't have the same sounds and lights, she said, "Papa, wala ilaw watch mo? Wawa ka naman. Bukas bilhan kita ha, 'yung watch na maganda."

=)))

Live Traffic Feed for onlinedad.blogspot.com

2011-03-31T23:51:00.000-07:00

I'm almost sure you can't.

Thanks for visiting Online Dad. =)

Sterimar Baby Nasal Hygiene: Recommended for Cleansing a Baby's Nose

2011-03-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

There's nothing more difficult to bear than seeing your little child sick in bed and all you can do is wait for all the medicines to work so she could feel better.

Particularly for babies and toddlers, having fever becomes even harder to deal with when the accompanying cold just makes it really tough for them to breathe. Unless they allow their moms and dads to draw out the sticky mucus from their noses with the use of an aspirator, it surely would be an added burden for them.

Most parents resort to using their own mouths to clear the mucus since babies find this less invasive, thus easily allowing their parents to draw out the substance that's blocking their noses. My wife is an expert on this. In my case, I still prefer to use an aspirator.

With the help of Sterimar Baby Nasal Hygiene, which is an isotonic filtered sea water solution recommended for cleansing a baby's nose, we are able to effectively clear the mucus off Loriene's nose whenever needed, making her immediately feel better while waiting for the medicines to exert their actions.

What's good about Sterimar Baby Nasal Hygiene is that it's 100% natural and free from preservatives, so we feel confident that we're not introducing something harmful whenever we spray the solution into her nose.

(Always consult your Pediatrician for medical advice.)

Station 1 or Station 2 Hotels in Boracay: Which One to Book?

2011-03-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

I did a lot of research before finally booking a hotel for our Boracay trip next month. This will be our first time in the island so I was basically clueless on this aspect of our trip.

Based on my research, I found out that Station 1 has the most relaxed environment and the finest white sand. Station 2, on the other hand, is perfect for people who want constant access to endless nights of partying.

Station 3 boasts of a number of affordable hotel options for those traveling on a tight budget, which makes it a top destination of choice among tourists despite the notion that sand here is the least fine.

So after booking our Air Philippines flight, I went ahead and booked a hotel located in Station 1, Jony's Beach Resort. The boutique hotel takes pride in having really rave reviews in many travel sites, so I felt I made the right choice.

However, a week later, I decided to amend my reservation with Agoda, which made the necessary changes to book us in another hotel, Boracay Regency Beach Resort located in Station 2. My wife and I arrived at this decision since it's our third wedding anniversary after all, a time to party and celebrate. We just hope we made the right decision.

But if ever we decide to visit Boracay again for a simple weekend getaway, then Jony's would definitely be our first option.

Macau Must-See Places: Senado Sqaure, Ruins of St. Paul's, Fisherman's Wharf, The Venetian Resort Hotel, Casinos, and more Casinos

2011-03-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

For our second wedding anniversary, we were fortunate to have been given a really nice gift by my parents --- an all-expense paid trip to Macau. It was our second time to be there, the first was during our whole family's Christmas vacation in Hong Kong wherein we got to spend one day in nearby Macau.

This time around, we stayed at The Venetian Resort Hotel, courtesy of my sister-in-law. The room was just perfect whenever we needed to relax our tired feet after a whole day of touring the region.

During this trip, we had the chance to visit Macau's famed tourist spots, unlike during our first trip when we barely had the chance to see what the place has to offer.

Of course, we made sure not to miss going to Senado Sqaure, which led us to St. Dominic's Church and the famous Ruins of St. Paul's.

We also had a tour of the many hotels and casinos Macau is well-known for. My wife and I tried the Slot Machine and fortunately, we got to double the little amount we used to buy some tokens. =)

Realizing that we still had so much time to spend before the end of our trip, we decided to go to Macau Fisherman's Wharf where we had a sumptuous Thai dinner.

The next day, we went to the border separating Macau from China where my wife, my sister, and my sister-in-law spent all their remaining pocket money shopping for some goodies to bring home.

Tagaytay Travel Tips: Taal Vista Hotel, Days Hotel, Leslie's Restaurant, and Antonio's Grill

2011-03-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

On our first wedding anniversary, which also happened to be Loriene's first out-of-town trip with us, we decided to go to Tagaytay.

Located in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay has been a favorite tourist spot among locals and foreign visitors for many years now.

With its short distance from the busy Metropolis, people who want to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the city will have to travel approximately one hour and a half to Tagaytay from Makati using the South Luzon Expressway to experience the serenity that the place offers.

With the spectacular view of the famous Taal Volcano, which is regarded as the smallest of its kind, travelers may choose from among a wide variety of hotels to stay in that offer picturesque views of the volcano, most noteworthy of which are the famous Taal Vista Hotel and Days Hotel.

Also, when on a vacation in Tagaytay, try not to miss the delectable menu being served by Leslie's Restaurant and Antonio's Grill.

Reminiscing our Honeymoon at Amarela Resort - Panglao, Bohol

2011-03-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

For our honeymoon, my wife and I felt that spending it in a really nice white sand beach would be an excellent decision.

We were a bit hesitant to go to Boracay due to the bulk of people coming in especially during the summer season, and we both agreed that Panglao in Bohol will definitely be a worthwhile substitute.

With its pristine white sand beaches and unspoiled environment, travelers will surely find this vacation spot one of the most beautiful places to be in for relaxation and pure fun. There are many hotels to choose from in Panglao, probably the best of them all would be the Amarela Boutique Resort.

We booked our entire stay at Amarela and it was truly a memorable occasion for us both.

BCG and Hepatitis B First Dose: Earliest Vaccinations Recommended by Pediatricians

2011-03-07T23:03:00.000-08:00

The BCG vaccine, which has been shown to give potent protection against Tuberculosis, is ideally given at birth. However, for those who opt to have their children vaccinated with it after they have reached the age of one (1), an additional test will be required.

The test is called PPD, which is a clinical method used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). In such cases, pediatricians will only administer the BCG vaccine with a negative PPD result.

The other vaccination immediately recommended for newborns is the Hepatitis B first dose. It can be given on the first twelve (12) hours of life. In fact, it was a hospital staff who administered this to our daughter several hours after she was born.

The Hepatitis B birth dose may be considered as the first dose in a three-dose vaccination series. Doses should at least be four (4) weeks apart.

In some cases, a fourth (4th) dose may be given if:

-the third (3rd) dose was given before the baby reaches the age of six (6) months;

-no birth dose was given using the EPI schedule of 6, 10, 14 weeks;

-a preterm infant (<2 kilograms) is involved.

The above-mentioned information is based on the recommendation of the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.

For complete and detailed information, do not hesitate to consult your child's pediatrician.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA Pampanga Satellite Office) Delays Release of Passports

2011-03-04T00:50:00.000-08:00

What I find annoying about the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is that they have the guts to charge extra for a rush passport, and then not release it to you on the specified date.

Worse, people from the said agency did not even bother notifying the concerned applicants prior to the scheduled release date. What are the contact details in the application form for?

I probably am the least affected because I only need my renewed passport for the purpose of booking a flight for a trip that’s scheduled one month from now. Added to the fact that my mom, whom I authorized to claim my passport, lives near the satellite office of DFA in Pampanga, which probably means that she does not have the right to complain about the time she wasted just to go there to claim my passport.

However, I pity those who came all the way from Zambales, Nueva Ecija, or Tarlac just to find out that they all went there for nothing. I'm sure some even had to borrow money for their transportation to Pampanga.

And what about those applicants who were supposed to leave the day after their passports’ scheduled release? I guess they were all left helpless.

Perhaps DFA needs to remember that even the slightest attempt of customer service, like notifying their applicants of the problem, can go a long, long way.

For a taste of DFA Pampanga's "customer service," call 4552470 or 4552475.

Protection of the Unborn Child Ordinance of 2011: The Infamous Ordinance of Barangay Ayala Alabang

2011-02-24T01:55:00.000-08:00

Barangay ordinance # 01 (for the year 2011) of Barangay Ayala Alabang entitled "Protection of the Unborn Child Ordinance of 2011" includes regulations that I find a bit too conservative, particularly in Section 7 which states:

"No drug or chemical product or device capable of provoking abortion or preventing conception as classified by the Food and Drug Administration shall be delivered or sold to any person without a proper prescription by a duly licensed physician."

View the Ordinance

I definitely understand if pills, before these can be dispensed, should come with prescriptions from physicians since these may result to changes in bodily functions.

However, for condoms to be included in this regulation is totally absurd. The people behind this must be out of their minds. So an order from a doctor is really needed before one can have protected sex? They must be kidding, right?

Ayala Alabang residents better be ready for a rapid increase in their population.

The Different Parenting Styles: Where Do I Belong?

2011-02-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

I came across an article which states the four main parenting styles, namely, authoritarian, indulgent, authoritative, and uninvolved. This just made me really curious: to which type do I exactly belong?

For me, this is very important because the type of parent that I am will greatly (and surely) influence the character of every child I will be blessed with.

I'd probably hate myself if I end up being an authoritarian, one who's very strict with rules that explanations from a child who is deemed to have committed a mistake will never ever be entertained. I don't think this is the way to go. Constant punishment is not the key to rearing good children.

The indulgent parent, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of the authoritarian. Parents who belong to this group tend to be very lenient. Although there are rules to be followed within the family, there is much space for mistakes and deviations.

The third group, and probably the group where most parents would like to belong to, is comprised of authoritative parents. It's sort of the "middle" group. These are the parents who impose rules and guidelines but at the same time reasonably welcome comments and feedback from their children whenever there are issues to be addressed.

I do believe that I'm part of this group. Honestly! =)

Lastly, there is the so-called uninvolved parenting style. Parents who simply don't care about anything that happens to their children make up this group. In other words, irresponsible parents. Who would want to become one of them? Definitely not me.

Royce Nama Au Lait: Perfect Valentine Gift

2011-02-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

My wife has been used to getting flowers from me on Valentine's Day. I'd never let the day pass without giving her a bunch of roses adorned with her favorite stargazers.

However, last Monday, coming from work, I found myself with no decent flowers to give her. I can place an order but it would take three hours before the shop can arrange it, so I had to make do with a bouquet which I felt she wouldn't like.

While anxiously looking around, I saw a shop called Royce (in Trinoma) which sells gourmet chocolates, so I decided to grab a bar to go with the flowers I bought for her.

I know she does not like chocolates as much as I do, and that I might just end up finishing the bar myself, but I felt it would nicely complement the flowers, so I got one. I chose their Nama variant because I was informed by the crew that it's their bestseller.

I asked if I could taste all flavors available, namely, Au Lait, White, and Mild Cacao, so I could pick the best one. I chose Au Lait because it was really, really good - unquestionably, without a doubt, as in hands down. =D

Luckily, Royce did not fail me. It's the first time I actually saw my wife excited over chocolates more than flowers. Our daughter, Loriene, loved them, too. And as a chocolate lover myself, I think that Royce is, so far, the best I've ever had.

Going to Clark for the 16th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

2011-01-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

Loriene loves everything in the sky. I just love the excitement in her eyes whenever she sees an airplane go by, or a flock of birds in uniform motion towards a single direction, or even a party balloon that had just been released in the air.

Being born and raised in Pampanga, I know there's really no sound excuse for me to miss the yearly Hot Air Balloon Festival being held at Clark Special Economic Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga. But I did... for so many times!

Now that our daughter has turned a year older, and with her fascination with everything that flies, I guess there's really no reason for me not to grab the opportunity to make her extremely happy by bringing our whole family to Clark Freeport for the 16th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta happening from February 10 to 13, 2011.

The event site is at Air Force City inside Clark Freeport, which is very accessible from NLEX.

So if you're also planning to go there for the festival, just take the Dau exit of NLEX, go straight ahead then turn left at the intersection towards Angeles City. If traffic is light, you should be able to reach the rotonda to Clark in five minutes or less. That's where you turn right to approach the main gate of Clark Special Economic Zone.

I'm sure they will be charging entrance fees, so be prepared to shell out a reasonable amount of money, and also for food and drinks as the daily events are mostly whole day affairs.

I heard that giant balloon rides will be made available, so immediately ask the people on-site for details if you're interested.

Here's to wishing that weather would be good during the said event. Click here for the schedule.

Photo courtesy of Clark Subic Marketing

Priest in Caleruega Uses iPad During Weddings

2011-01-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

Getting married is certainly one of the most exciting events in one's life. I can still distinctly remember how excited I was when my wife and I tied the knot more than two years ago. But amidst all the excitement, I also felt a little anxious, knowing how strict the administration of Manila Cathedral is when it comes to weddings.

Several things made me worry while I was on my way to the church: what if we arrive late for the ceremony and the priest refuses to give his homily... what if the priest gets fuming mad over the many suppliers around trying to keep the ceremony intact... what if our photographers are prohibited from approaching the altar to take some nice pictures of us... and so many what ifs after. Good thing nothing of what I've mentioned happened.

The priest who officiated our wedding was, in fact, very understanding of us, probably one of those priests who are willing to bend their rules a bit just so the couple can have a truly memorable event, without appearing disrespectful to the sacrament itself.

That's why I find this feature iDo. iPad. iPadre very entertaining, which talks about a priest - Fr. Allen de Guzman - who uses his iPad to officiate weddings. For me, I believe it's an act that every couple would find somehow helpful for them to enjoy their special moment even more. Too bad iPad was yet in the offing two years ago.

Photo courtesy of Jayson & Jo Anne Arquiza (Wedding Photographers)

The Importance of Pretend Play for Toddlers

2011-01-20T00:22:00.000-08:00

The article The Importance of Pretend Play | Scholastic.com states that Pretend Play can help build the language skills of our little ones, and I quote: "Have you ever listened in as your child engages in imaginary play with his toys or friends? You will probably hear some words and phrases you never thought he knew! In fact, we often hear our own words reflected in the play of children. Kids can do a perfect imitation of mom, dad, and the teacher!"

"Pretend play helps your child understand the power of language. In addition, by pretend playing with others, he learns that words give him the means to reenact a story or organize play. This process helps your child to make the connection between spoken and written language — a skill that will later help him learn to read."

Just this morning, I had a brief conversation with my wife over the phone, telling me how our 2-year-old daughter pretended earlier to call me using her toy phone.

I left home at around 6 a.m. today so she was still asleep and got no chance to see me before I went to work.

To her mom's surprise, just before she took her to the bathroom for a quick bath, Loriene insistently asked for her toy phone so she could pretend that she's calling me. My wife told me she said words we both never thought she knew, uttering them as if she had known them for so long already.

Loriene: "Papa saan ka? Ah office ka, uwi ka na ha. Liguan ako ni mama, takpan nya sugat ko, masakit kasi, kawawa naman ako. Kain sina lolo at lola, hugas ng plato si Siena... O cge, eto kausapin mo na si mama."

We're just so glad she's evidently learning important things even if we're not always at home to guide her as she plays. Quoting the article, "Your child will be using pre-reading and pre-writing skills to mimic real-life situations. For example, she can 'read' to her dolls and stuffed toys, 'write' letters, make lists, and even pretend to take telephone messages with a toy phone!"

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lolen!

2011-01-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday, our dear Loriene. We love you so much! - Mama and Papa

Barbie Cake from Red Ribbon for Loriene's 2nd Birthday

2011-01-05T03:12:00.000-08:00

My wife and I had an earlier agreement not to have a party for Loriene's 2nd birthday this coming Friday. What we had initially planned was to hold birthday parties only during her 1st, 7th, and 18th. However, coming from a close-knit family, we both found it hard to stick to our agreement.

During our family reunion last January 1, most of our relatives started asking us about the details of Loriene's upcoming birthday. And so in the spirit of fun and family bonding, we've decided to hold a small family celebration for her.

Since Loriene adores everything that has Barbie in it, we've chosen this Red Ribbon Barbie cake to complete her small party. We tried ordering from Goldilocks but it apparently doesn't have any Barbie-themed cake.

For a cake that serves 48 people, we found this one from Red Ribbon reasonably-priced.

We were actually torn between the cake above and the one below, but chose the former since it's cheaper yet has more servings. We probably can have a larger version of the cake below for her 7th birthday, and a much larger during her 18th. =)

Happy 2nd Birthday, our dear Loriene! =)

Why we Want our Daughter to Stop Thumbsucking

2010-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

My wife and I have been trying our best for so long already to stop our now 2-year old daughter from thumbsucking. She's been used to doing this ever since she was less than a year old.

Although we've been told by her Pediatrician that it's most likely one of her ways to independently comfort and calm herself or make herself feel better in times of stress or fear, still we feel that she should stop this habit the soonest time possible for several reasons:

1. to promote better hygiene as she now plays a lot and consequently touches a lot of things in the course of her activities, allowing bacteria, if any, to get into her system once she puts her fingers into her mouth

2. to promote the healing of her callused fingers, predominantly the left thumb, as a result of frequent sucking; both of her thumbs have become very rigid that she finds it hard to straighten or bend them

3. to promote the proper growth of her teeth, although this is a minor reason as of the moment since the teeth she has now are not yet permanent

We're hoping to stop her thumbsucking habit by the time she reaches the age when permanent teeth will begin to replace the primary ones. We wouldn't want her to have a bad set of teeth just because of one totally dispensable mannerism.

Right now, we just put extra efforts to direct her attention to other things whenever she thumbsucks her way to sleep. Before, we've tried rubbing ampalaya (bitter melon) extract to her fingers, but to no avail.

We don't want to reach the point when we have to use sili (chili pepper) just so we could stop her from putting her fingers into her mouth. Needless to say, we would not even consider doing that. =)

Photo above shows our daughter when she started the habit of thumbsucking.

Chicco Flavored Toothpaste for Toddlers

2010-11-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

It took us almost two years to consider using a toddler-friendly toothpaste for our daughter's oral hygiene needs. Even before her teeth started showing, we have always relied on water-soaked gauze pads to serve this purpose.

As parents, we normally would prioritize safety first before other things. However, as much as my wife and I would like to stick to the all-natural water-soaked gauze pad technique, we feel that it would no longer do the trick.

Our daughter now shares the same food that's served on the dinner table, so we believe it's likewise imperative that she's provided with something that would properly take care of her oral care needs, just as adults would use toothpaste for this purpose.

So finally, we made the decision to buy the Chicco Banana-flavored toothpaste for toddlers her age (12m+). Of course, we also got a cute little toothbrush to make the experience complete.

Chicco flavored toothpaste also comes in other flavors, but we feel that the Banana taste would be more tolerable for her. And judging from her initial reaction after using it, I think we made the right choice. It probably tastes so good that she now makes the initiative to brush her teeth every after mealtime. Now, she's guaranteed to smell fresh all throughout the day. =)

To quote the product's claim, "It prevents tooth decay and, thanks to its fruity taste, transforms baby's dental hygiene into a pleasant game." So, if convinced, try it on your toddler. Be sure, however, to consult with your Pediatrician prior to using the product, and refer to the instructions for proper use.

Our Version of DOT's Pilipinas Kay Ganda Campaign Logo

2010-11-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

Amidst all the fiasco that led to the decision of the Department of Tourism to drop the new ad material they had in the offing for the promotion of Philippine Tourism, I was happy to discover a Facebook application that would allow me to create my own version of their "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" logo.

My wife and I playfully call our daughter "Lolen," so I made this version where I replaced "Pilipinas" with her nickname.

I do not intend, in any way, to malign the people behind this new Tourism campaign. Trust that this was done purely out of fun since I have no important matters to attend to today aside from monitoring the paint job for our car. =)

Putting my two cents in, I hope that the Department of Tourism sticks to the current "Wow Philippines" slogan, as this has already done so much for our Tourism over the last few years.

If the present government wishes to revise it, there is no need to rush things as they have a lot of time to turn it into something that would truly be beneficial for our country's Tourism. Of course, it would help to come up with something that is 100% original. =)

Meeting Multiply's Peter Pezaris in Manila

2010-11-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I got the rare opportunity to meet Peter Pezaris, the founder of the popular US-based social networking site Multiply, which turned out to be more of an e-commerce site for thousands of Filipino online sellers worldwide.

Seeing the need to further establish its niche in the field of online selling, Pezaris and some Filipino colleagues have been busy setting up its Philippine office for quite some time already.

Being a user of Multiply myself, it was indeed nice to personally hear from the founder himself of the direction he has envisioned the e-commerce site to take, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines where the bulk of its online sellers are located.

I've heard so many good plans for Multiply Philippines, however, these are not for me to divulge. What I can probably share are some of Pezaris' stories and insights that made Multiply the giant e-commerce site that it is today.

What I remember the most from our conversation was that prior to the birth of Multiply, Pezaris also had his fair share of unsuccessful ventures. These, however, did not stop him from pursuing what he really wanted to achieve.

With the help of his colleagues, Pezaris kept on innovating until finally, in 2004, Multiply was launched successfully and the rest, as they say, is history.

It just feels good to know that for every failure or disappointment, there surely is something better for us that's just waiting for its right opportunity to come, as evidenced by the path Multiply and its founders have taken prior to its renowned success.

As long as we keep ourselves motivated with our dreams and aspirations, and armed with the best of intentions, we can never go wrong.

So there, I was too overwhelmed to even have my photo taken with Peter, probably next time. By the way, do drop by our Multiply site (my wife's online shop):

http://simplyshelo.multiply.com/

A Resort Welcoming Clients Without Hearts?

2010-11-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is just to share with you a funny advertising mistake. I intentionally concealed the name of the resort because it's still one of our favorite vacation spots despite this advertising flaw.

The last sentence should have read "We welcome you with OUR hearts," instead of "We welcome you with OUT hearts."

And based on experience, can I just say that the resort staff definitely welcomes all its clients not only with their hearts, but with excellent service as well.

What Fatherhood has done to my Breakfast

2010-11-04T05:04:00.001-07:00

I am a fan of big, scrumptious breakfasts. I look forward to waking up every day to savor everything that is served on the breakfast nook. It would usually take thirty minutes or more for me to finish this most important meal of the day. And it takes me even longer to do so if there's a newspaper to browse through while enjoying my cup of tea or hot chocolate.

However, ever since our baby girl was born, I have never experienced this again. With our daughter waking up so early every day, I can barely finish what's on my plate. This is because she prefers to sit on my lap while I'm having breakfast. And the moment she tries to grab every spoon, plate, or glass in front of her, I am forced to devour every bacon or sausage as fast as I can, not minding if I've chewed every bit properly, just so I could give her my full attention.

But the change does not end there. Before, I'd usually take more than half of what had been cooked by my wife. If there are four bacon strips, I'll take three. If there are eight sausages, I'll have five. You see, my wife tries as much as possible to stick to her diet plan. But our daughter, of course, does not care about any of that. She eats a lot. And I'm happy that she does.

Now, if there are eight sausages, I'll only have three, my wife takes the two, and our daughter gets the remaining three. It's a little sacrifice that makes our little one happy, and that's all I care about.

Halloween Party: Our Daughter is Little Red Riding Hood

2010-11-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken on the night of her Lolo's birthday, October 31st, which is a Halloween Party for the entire family as well.

Our daughter is Little Red Riding Hood, and we are the big bad mama and papa wolves!

A Note on How to Buy a Property Wisely

2010-11-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have been through one hell of a day. Apparently, the sales and marketing staff of the property developer from which we initially planned to acquire a property, have twisted the facts and figures of our agreement to make it appear that we have no right to complain about the irregularities of their contract, and that they have all the right to forfeit our reservation fee.

I won't dwell into the details anymore, but just a quick note for all the couples out there who are planning to acquire a property or home from property developers: be mindful of ALL the papers you are asked to sign.

Before signing any agreement, have a clear understanding of all the provisions stated. Ask all the questions you deem necessary. And right after signing, make sure that you have a copy of each and every paper you have affixed your signature to. This will prevent them from making changes to the agreement without your consent.

Sadly, that's what happened to us. Our twenty thousand pesos reservation fee can now be officially charged to experience.

Is There Really a Need to Use Laundry Detergents for Babies?

2010-10-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Some people consider it as over-protective to use laundry detergents for babies. Many times, parents use them only for the sake of using them, and without fully understanding the reasons why specialists recommend their use.

As a result, they find themselves dragging their feet to the supermarket to purchase these detergents since most of them are not aware of the actual benefits these have for their little ones.

It has been shown that any chemical that gets in contact with children is more easily absorbed by their skin. For this reason alone, it would definitely be an intelligent decision to use more delicate laundry detergents for them. By doing so, parents can rest assured that no harsh elements are introduced to their babies' systems.

By choosing to use harsh laundry detergents, there is a big possibility for children to develop rashes, allergies, and dermatitis that would require treatment with steroids. We all know for a fact that treatment with steroids, or any kind of medication for that matter, should be limited for children. So ideally, it would be better to prevent than to cure.

Available laundry detergent brands for babies include Cycles, Dreft, Pigeon, and Perwoll.

Infant - Toddler Costumes - Little Red Riding Hood

2010-10-11T02:43:00.000-07:00

This Halloween, which coincides with the birthday celebration of my dad, will prove to be more fun as his two little granddaughters dress up in cute costumes to ask for treats from his visitors.

If Alice in Wonderland (my niece) isn't enough to please the crowd, wait till they see our daughter dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood. Now that surely will be fun! Trick or Treat!!!

www.infashionkids.com

Our Bad Experience Buying a House and Lot Package at Provence - Camella in Malolos, Bulacan

2010-10-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

Just this year, my wife and I have been actively scouting for a nice but affordable House and Lot package within Bulacan to finally make our entire family set-up complete. We have been wishing to have our own home ever since we got married. And now that our baby's turning two years old next year, our desire just got stronger.

After several months of careful planning, we both agreed that Provence, a residential community developed by Camella in Malolos, Bulacan, is beyond doubt our best choice. But we were proven wrong just days after making a reservation for a Lara Unit.

When we signed the documents from the Marketing Department presented to us by the Sales Manager, it was clearly noted that our Lara Unit will be built for a period of six months at Phase 5, Block 1, Lot 35. However, after several days, the Sales Manager notified us through SMS that we have been transferred to Lot 34, and that this decision came from the Marketing Department, for a reason that was undisclosed.

On the same day, a girl from the Marketing Department called to notify us that she overlooked the fact that Lot 35 was no longer available on the day we made our reservation, thus our transfer to Lot 34. We found this hard to believe since my wife and I could still vividly remember that Lot 34 was not in any way vacant when we were presented several maps from which to choose our preferred lot from on the day we reserved Lot 35.

The management of Camella should bear in mind that before any amendment to the signed agreement is done, the buying party should at least be notified immediately to verify if they are amenable to the changes. For us, it does not matter if we are being transferred to an adjacent lot or not. That's not our concern. What we find really disturbing about what happened was the fact that they managed to change the provisions of our agreement without even consulting us first. They can do it this early, they can surely do it again in the future.

We went to the office the day after to speak with the Sales Manager who told us that she will call her other client who apparently owns Lot 35 so we could exchange lots with her. We did not agree to this. Much to our surprise, even if the Sales Manager has not made the client call yet, here comes another girl from Camella's Marketing Department telling us that Lot 35 is again vacant. My wife and I consider this inconsistency on their part not only unacceptable, but very incompetent.

The management of Camella should understand that we, their clients, are investing hard-earned money in their properties, and because of this, we deserve only the best. It would be definitely beneficial for them to have people who have the decency to abide by the provisions of the agreement, and who are professional and courteous enough to consult their clients first before making any decision.

Now, we are in the process of demanding a refund of our Reservation Fee, but it seems that they would refuse to give our money back as of this writing. We don't mind this at all since we can earn that amount of money again. We just do hope that Camella realizes the effect of this on their company image.

Baby Communicates Earlier than Usual

2010-09-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

My wife and I are both amazed at how our one year and eight month-old baby can already participate in our daily conversations. We noticed this faster-than-usual development two months ago when she was able to constantly initiate two-three word phrases that actually made sense. Now, she's able to formulate three-four word phrases, and sometimes even sentences!

We find this really amazing especially because we feel we've nurtured her well at this very young age. Some attribute this kind of development to genes, others to good nutrition, but whatever it is, we are just thankful to God that our baby is healthy and smart, and we pray that she continues to grow well.

What to Do with a Terrible Two (or Terrible One)

2010-04-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was quite bothered a few weeks ago when our one-year old daughter began acting like a Terrible Two, when she is in fact just a year old.

Since she learned how to walk, we noticed how difficult it was for her to stay in one place; she does not want us holding her hands while she walks; she has become a bit unruly, climbing every step she gets into, throwing things to show she's mad whenever we try to get her to behave or stop, while crying at the top of her lungs at the same time. We're practically running after her just so she does not bump into hard surfaces or anything that would hurt her.

The present situation is tough for us, especially because we also have some work to do and can't always look after her. However, my wife and I figured that in order for us to manage this kind of situation efficiently, we have to be consistent with people who babysit her, like her nanny, grandmother, or aunt. We started noticing a few days ago how consistent discipline helped her understand what we were trying to communicate. Now, she's able to follow simple and plain instructions.

We also make sure she gets to sleep whenever possible, and is fed on time. These are proven ways to prevent tantrums and unruly behavior. We just keep in mind that she really doesn't want to act this way, and that it's just part of her growth and development, and we, her parents, should be more than willing to guide her no matter how difficult it gets.

Cherifer Works for our Baby

2010-03-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Cherifer has been marketed for a long time now as a height-enhancer. Little do consumers know that it is actually a multivitamins and not just a height-booster. The Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) is only one of its major components.

Most Pediatricians we have talked to actually believe in the product. When our own baby's Pediatrician shifted her to Cherifer Drops (from a competitor product), we were delighted at how her appetite was increased, subsequently bringing along additional wanted pounds, which made us even more delighted.

Our Baby has Tendency to Cross her Eyes

2010-03-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

There were several times lately when we noticed our one-year old baby crossing her eyes, but only to a limited extent and period of time. It didn't look as severe as that of the babies diagnosed with the abnormality. In fact, her eyes would return back to normal in a matter of seconds. But still, my wife and I can't help but feel worried.

We consulted this with her Pediatrician, who told us that there is nothing to worry about. The crossing of her eyes may just be due to her focusing on objects, especially if she just woke up or is feeling sleepy. We felt a bit relieved since we noticed the incidences during those mentioned circumstances.

The Pediatrician also advised us to avoid holding objects close to her face, and refrain from letting her stay in front of the television. If this persists though, we may have to dig deeper to uncover the real reason behind the condition.

Protect our Babies and Kids from Killer Dengue

2010-02-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

Almost a year ago, I was rushed to the ER of St. Luke's Medical Center due to Dengue. With the apparent lack of blood units needed for my blood transfusion, I found myself confined in UST instead. I felt really weak that time, to the point that I thought I'd die. It probably is the last thing I would want my loved ones to experience themselves.

Now that a year had already passed, and the rainy season is just about to start, my wife and I seriously take necessary measures to prevent such event from happening to our child, especially because we know she's too young to combat such serious condition.

For dads and moms reading this, keep an insect repellent handy. It probably is your most important defense against dengue-carrying mosquitoes. I have personally found OFF for Kids very effective. Use mosquito nets whenever possible. Invest in a good electric insect killer, the better ones priced between PhP800 and 1300. Lastly, always keep your homes and surroundings clean, devoid of stagnant water.

Be safe everyone!

Enfagrow A is still her Pediatrician's Choice

2010-01-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

We just came from our baby's monthly check-up today and got a go-signal from her Pediatrician to start her with the follow-on milk formula for children ages 1 to 3 years old. We raised an inquiry on whether or not we could shift her to the less expensive Nido Jr. or Lactum, but the doctor insisted that we stick with the Enfa series.

We really do not mind the extra cost as long as we are confident and sure of our baby's optimal development for her own benefit in the future.

Cebu Pacific Forced Special Child and Mom to Vacate Plane

2010-01-06T05:51:00.001-08:00

I am a loyal Cebu Pacific customer, however, I feel for the mom whose child was forced to vacate their plane due to the "alleged" claims of the airline crew that the child is mentally-ill, when in fact her son is a special child. I commend the mother for being firm in her decision not to disembark from the plane, thus they were eventually allowed on the flight bound for Manila from Hong Kong last December 23, 2009.

Citing a company policy that does not allow two (2) special children to be on board the same flight, I suppose the manner this was implemented was very humiliating, forcing the mother to file civil and criminal suits against the airline.

I remember how rudely I was likewise informed of a company policy when my wife, sister, and our two (2) babies were about to board their plane bound for Hong Kong last December 19, 2009. I bought special seats online to ensure that our babies are comfortable the entire two-hour flight. I booked seats on the same row, only to be informed before check-in that two (2) infants are not allowed to be seated on the same row.

The safety reason is actually acceptable, but they should have informed us earlier before the flight. In fact, before anyone can book a flight online, the passenger must provide his or her contact number for their perusal. But this information had gone to waste in our case. Upon my demand, we had to endure the long wait as they requested other passengers (who didn't pay for their seats in advance) to exchange seats with us, just so our babies are comfortable.

Informing us on the day of the flight itself only meant that the front seats have already been bought. If they had informed us earlier, I should have made the online amendment in our seats myself.

Cheap fares should still come with superior customer service. Listen to your clients first before arguing.

What is DHA? Comparing Milk Formula for Ages 1 to 3 Years Old

2010-01-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

What is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)? As one milk formula claims, it helps the brain to communicate well. Simply put, it contributes to a child's intelligence. And that come's with a price.

Generally, milk formula with high DHA values per 100g powder are quite expensive. Our baby had been fed two (2) of what I consider the best formula DHA-wise, NAN HW and Enfapro A. Now that she has turned one (1) year old already, we have to shift her again to a follow-on formula.

Our options: the quite expensive NAN HW Three and Enfagrow A; the average-priced Gain and Neslac; and the very affordable Nido Jr. and Lactum, among others.

Upon checking the labels, I was surprised at how Nido Jr. fared with the more expensive brands. The DHA content and other important nutrients are comparable, at almost half the price. I will be seeking the opinion of her Pediatrician if choosing Nido Jr. over Enfagrow A will be a wise decision.

Traveling with our Baby for the First Time to Hong Kong and Macau

2009-12-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

The sheer thought of our baby crying nonstop while aboard the plane makes me and her mom think twice on whether we should bring her along with us or not. But leaving her at home with her nanny will only make us really uncomfortable the whole time we're away, so might as well bring her with us. We just have to take comfort in the fact that her Pediatrician allowed us to have her take an antihistamine before the flight to ensure that she's asleep the whole time.

Unlike our other trips, most of what we have in our luggage right now are our baby's, significantly reducing space for our own clothes and stuff. But we don't mind at all. What we are more concerned about is for her to feel safe, sound, and stress-free the entire four-day trip to Hong Kong and Macau. We know this will be very tiring, but it will all be worth it.

Baby Girls Seem to be More Attached to their Dads

2009-10-15T18:59:00.001-07:00

I do not know if there is a scientific explanation to this, but I noticed that baby girls are more attached to their dads as baby boys are closer to their moms. This observation holds true until they reach the age of two. After such age they begin to show affection to both parents, or to whomever deserves his or her affection. I am also unsure if I am the only one who notices this, but I am definitely certain of my observations.

But to me, it doesn't matter to whom our baby shows more affection to, what's important is that both me and her mom show her the love and care that she deserves.

On Shifting our Baby from a Hypoallergenic Milk Formula to a Regular Cow's Milk Formula

2009-10-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

We have been feeding our nine-month old baby with a hypoallergenic milk formula for almost eight months now, thus, we've arrived at a decision to shift her to a regular cow's milk formula so that we could finally determine if she will be able to overcome her milk allergies.

We bought Promil Gold and started her with it yesterday. Fortunately, we haven't noticed any adverse reactions like loose bowels or skin rashes. We hope she had really gotten over her allergies. With a regular milk formula that tastes sweeter, we believe we can make our baby daughter like milk more, and help her gain the weight she needs to gain.

Most Entertaining, Funny and Recommended Episodes in The Backyardigans

2009-10-10T00:04:00.001-07:00

I have been watching a lot of Backyardigans lately, thanks to our nine-month old baby. It is just surprising how I find the characters very interesting and funny, considering my lack of interest in musical types of animation. Probably I can attribute this to the unique way the Backyardigans tickle my imagination with the fascinating stories and remarkable music contained in each and every episode.

If I were to pick the top three (3) episodes I would choose to watch over and over again, these would be:
1. Castaways
2. The Yeti
3. Secret Mission

In Castaways, the very shy Austin secretly help the other castaways in the island with everything they need. The bossanova songs in the episode are very easy to memorize, thus encouraging viewers to sing along.

In The Yeti episode, Pablo travels up North to his Yeti home, with his friends following his tracks in order to prove that Yetis do exist (or not). There is not a single dull moment in this episode, and their version of Row, Row, Row your Boat is simple impressive.

In Secret Mission, the gang goes inside a museum, armed with spy gadgets to help them return a missing artefact to its rightful place. The best part of the episode is when they try to “limbo lower down” laser beams in their attempt to pass through the other hall where the missing piece should be returned.

DFA Requirements: Applying for Philippine Passport for Baby

2009-10-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

We brought our baby with us to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Satellite Office in Clarkfield, Pampanga to submit her application for Philippine Passport as she will be needing this if ever we decide to bring her along on our trip to Singapore next month. She didn’t have to come to DFA though since she’s a minor.

The procedure was relatively easy, especially because we had the complete requirements with us. We know how strict DFA is when it comes to the passport size picture, so we made sure her pictures were up to standard. We submitted three pictures, one glued to the application form that we secured from the office, and the other two enclosed in a plastic pouch and stapled to the form.

After filling up the form correctly, we were ushered to the waiting area armed with the other requirements: our Philippine Passports and photocopies; baby’s NSO Birth Certificate, and our Marriage Certificate. We passed through all stations without any problem, and paid 750 pesos to expedite the process. We will be able to claim her passport in two (2) weeks, as opposed to the regular processing period of one (1) month if we paid only 500 pesos.

What to Do if Your Baby Fell onto the Floor

2009-09-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

My wife and I had a terrible experience a few days ago when our baby daughter fell from our bed face down onto the floor. Her mom tried to catch her but to no avail. The first thing we did was to made sure she was conscious. Afterwards, we tried to pacify her and it took more than ten minutes for her to stop crying, probably because of the pain from her bruised head.

Of course we felt we failed big-time to look after her for such incident to happen, but we both realized it was something bound to happen to teach us a lesson or two: first, to never leave our baby alone even for a split second even if she has tons of pillows around her; and second, to never panic when such cases for alarm take place.

If the same thing happens to your child, immediately have her treated by a doctor. To alleviate her pain on your way to the hospital, have packs of ice ready for cold-compress over bruised area. If her head hit the floor, make sure she doesn't vomit or lose consciousness.

Comparing Cerelac and Gerber Based on Taste, Nutritional Value, and Over-all Nourishment for Babies

2009-08-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

We have alternately fed our baby Cerelac and Gerber, both Stage 1, for two months now because she tends to develop allergies with milk-based baby food (like Cerelac), thus the need for non-milk containing products such as Gerber. Due to her allergy to cow’s milk, even her infant formula has to be made of hydrolyzed whey protein and modified cow’s milk.

If her mom and I have a choice, we would probably choose Cerelac as her primary source of solid food. All variants of Cerelac actually taste good and we are satisfied with the nutrients found in every serving.

However, we are very thankful to Gerber for providing our baby’s basic nourishment needs whenever we can’t feed her milk-containing solids due to her allergies, manifested clearly in her mood swings and irritability, not to mention all the rashes that appear on her skin.

Heraclene (Dibencozide) Improved our Baby’s Appetite and Helped her Gain Weight

2009-08-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

On our baby’s sixth month, we noticed how she lost her appetite for milk and how she had gone down to four feedings a day from the usual six to seven feedings we were used to. Frequent visits to her pediatrician showed that her weight gain has consequently slowed down.

Upon the recommendation of her pediatrician, we introduced Heraclene (generic name: Dibencozide) to her feedings by combining the contents of the capsule to her milk. We were told it efficiently stimulates appetite and also plays a major factor in protein building. This is probably the reason why the drug is normally prescribed to premature infants and to other similar cases needing such effects.

If you have queries regarding the use of Heraclene, consult first with your pediatrician who would be more than willing to guide you through the use of such drug. Remember to always exercise caution with the use of ALL medicines.

Ceraklin Gentle Skin Cleanser and Moisturizer for Babies

2009-08-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

"Ceraklin is a Ceramide-enriched gentle cleansing & moisturizing soap especially formulated by Dermatologists for dry, sensitive skin that's frequently prone to irritation," claims its manufacturer.

Ceramides are our skin’s natural lipids. In a way, they serve to protect our skin from harmful and irritating substances.

Ceraklin, being a Ceramide, not only cleanses and moisturizes our skin but also enhances its protective role by replenishing depleted natural lipids.

This product from InnoDerm is hypoallergenic, non-comodogenic, and chemical-free, making it safe for babies’ use too, especially for those with dry and sensitive skin.

Effective Singing in English, the Montessori Way

2009-08-03T20:57:00.001-07:00

My wife and I purchased Singing English: The Montessori Way from a wide variety of musical DVDs to choose from at a local music store. We were convinced by its claim that it will get our child to a really good start in learning English. And right after watching it with our daughter, we were convinced all the more that we made the right choice.

Not only does the CD boast of more than 50 nursery rhymes, old and new, but it also has instructional video clips capable of teaching our daughter such things as the alphabet, numbers, basic colors, and grammar, to name a few. We feel really confident that if we would let her watch this as often as we can, she would be more than prepared to face all the early challenges of school.

The DVD is a 70-minute karaoke-style video with nursery rhymes and songs that feature live action and animation your kids will surely enjoy and learn from.

Bioneem 100% Non-Deet Insect Repellent for Babies

2009-07-10T04:32:00.000-07:00

Bioneem is an organic and non-deet insect repellent and moisturizing lotion that offers up to 9 hours of protection against dengue-causing mosquitoes. It is formulated with Neem tree extract and other natural plant extracts that have also been proven to be effective against various skin infections.

We all know that babies' skins differ in sensitivity, but with its proven baby-friendly formulation, Bioneem is a safer, if not better, alternative to other insect repellents available in the market today. So for moms and dads who would like to give their kids the protection they deserve, purchase Bioneem from your pediatricians today.

Bioneem is manufactured by CRD Herbal Products Inc. and exclusively distributed by The GreenCow Company Inc. (Philippines).

Cost of Giving Birth at St. Luke’s Medical Center and University of Santo Tomas Hospital

2009-05-27T23:24:00.001-07:00

St. Luke’s and UST continue to remain as the country’s premier hospitals. Expectant moms consider giving birth at these hospitals to ensure the safest delivery possible.

To help you become financially ready to welcome the birth of your new baby, you will have to prepare a sufficient amount of money to carry you through the entire process.

For those who want to give birth at St. Luke’s, you will need to prepare PhP 80-110K for normal delivery and PhP 110-160K for Caesarian.

In UST, rates are PhP 50-80K for normal and PhP 80-110K for the C-section. Rates are inclusive of doctors’ fees. Total bill may vary depending on your room rate and your doctors’ professional fees.

How to go to Ocean Park Hong Kong from Mong Kok MTR Station

2009-05-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ocean Park offers a variety of activities for children which may take a whole day to finish. From the Mong Kok station of the MTR, take train (to central) and get off at Admiralty station. Exit at Exit B, then take Bus 629 which stops at Ocean Park.

Before riding the bus to Ocean Park, you may already purchase tickets, which includes the entrance fee and round trip fare to and from Ocean Park. The average cost per person is around HK$ 225.

To return to Mong Kok MTR, take the 629 bus again using your round trip ticket. The bus stops at Admiralty station where you get off, then take the Tsuen Wan line of the MTR and get off at Mong Kok station.

How to go to Disneyland Hong Kong from Mong Kok MTR Station

2009-05-13T19:32:00.001-07:00

Disneyland is one of the famed tourist spots in Hong Kong, especially for children. From the Mong Kok station of the MTR, take the train and get off at Lai King station. At Lai King station, you have to transfer to the Tung Chung line of the MTR and get off at Sunny Bay station.

From Sunny Bay station, transfer to the Disneyland Resort train which will bring you to Disneyland. Entrance fee is around HK$ 325.

To return to Mong Kok MTR station, take the Disneyland Resort train again, then get off at the next station which is Sunny Bay. Take train 2 (to Hong Kong/to city line), then get off at Lai King. From Lai King station, transfer to the Tsuen Wan line (to central) and get off at Mong Kok station.

When a Baby Does Not Cry for Milk

2009-04-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Some babies are unlike other ones who always try to get their parents' attention whenever they feel hungry. There are some who wouldn't cry for milk and it would be easy for parents to think that they are not hungry. This is why it is very important for parents and babysitters to watch carefully all the signs that will lead them to acknowledging the need to feed their babies.

Some babies tend to suck their fingers to satisfy their hunger, so be sure to prepare their milk immediately after noticing them doing this. Others show signs of being irritated easily, and a few others may look pale and weak.

Just so you are sure, check the label of your baby's milk formula to see the recommended number of feedings per day. If your baby isn't able to cope up with the recommendation, then consult his or her doctor right away.

What to Bring when Traveling with your Baby

2009-04-07T05:07:00.000-07:00

Remember that these essentials should come in handy if you plan to take your baby along with you on a long vacation away from home:

1. Milk and feeding bottles
2. Clothing fit for all weather types
3. Vitamins and basic medicines
4. Anti-diaper rash cream
5. Diapers and baby wipes
6. Baby soap and shampoo
7. Cotton balls and sterile gauze
8. Towels
9. Sterilizer
10. Mattress and pillowcases
11. Mosquito net
12. Distilled drinking water
13. Carrier or stroller
14. Baby’s favourite toy
15. Camera to capture baby’s best shots

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser for Baby’s Skin

2009-03-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

The use of Cetaphil for babies has been gaining popularity among hard to please moms and dads. Some soaps in the market, even baby soaps at that, may tend to be harsh to a baby’s sensitive skin. That is why parents would not stop searching for the one soap that will take good care of their babies.

My wife and I have been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for our baby since the day she was born. It is approved for all skin types and its soothing, non-irritating formula softens as it cleans. Judging by the way our baby’s skin feels right now, it would be very easy for us to recommend Cetaphil to all picky moms and dads.

Cetaphil is being distributed by Galderma Philippines, Inc.

When Does a Child Have Fever?

2009-03-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Parents sometimes observe an increase in the body temperature of children, which may be attributed to conditions like fever or sudden changes in weather or humidity.

So when does a child really have fever? A temperature of more than 37.8 degrees Celsius may be an indication that a child has fever and has to be brought to the Paediatrician for medical attention.

Opening a Metrobank Account for Baby

2009-03-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

When our baby was baptized, most of our guests came with cash gifts. The money she received was enough to buy her new things since she can no longer fit in almost all her infant clothes. Her mom did an excellent job getting nice stuff at very reasonable prices. As a result, we were able to save a sufficient amount of money for her bank account.

We went to Metrobank to open an In-Trust-For (ITF) Fun Savers Club account for our little girl. It’s an ITF since she’s only two months old, way below the required age of seven years old for a regular kiddie savings account.

Opening the account for her was such a breeze. My wife just submitted a passport size picture and presented two valid IDs, plus the birth certificate of our child and our marriage certificate. After an hour, we already got her passbook and some nice freebies.

Baby's Christening Reception at Max's

2009-03-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Our baby was baptized when she was exactly two months old. Reception followed at Max's Restaurant for all our guests. Photo above shows the set-up they did for the stage. Generally, we liked how the place was decorated. The space was just the average size, but the tables were positioned strategically, allowing us and our guests to move freely and giving everyone a nice view of the stage.

With the price we paid, we could say that we were satisfied with what we got. The decorations, menu and cake were all good, and the giveaways were okay. A room for improvement would probably be in the length of time the tables were completely served with food. But overall, we would never hesitate holding our next party again at Max’s.

Baby Likes RnB Music

2009-03-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

My wife and I took this picture of our baby with earphones, minus the music of course. We recently noticed that she really, really likes music, especially whenever we feed her or try to put her to sleep. When her mom’s iPod is on, we are able to feed her without any difficulty. Likewise, putting her to sleep is like a walk in the park.

It’s just a bit amusing that she likes RnB more than the recommended classical music for babies. We bought two Mozart CDs for her, and both had gone to waste. Presently, she digs the music of Beyonce, Rihanna, and other RnB superstars. Her favourites are “Cookie Jar” and “Single Ladies”, among others. =)

NAN H.W. for Baby with Milk Allergy

2009-03-05T22:40:00.000-08:00

Some parents may have noticed that after feeding their child with a regular cow’s milk infant formula, rashes would immediately appear on their baby’s skin soon after the feeding.

We noted this ourselves with our own child, which prompted us to consult the service of her pediatrician. We were told that she's allergic to regular cow’s milk, and it would be very uncomfortable on her part to continue feeding her with this, especially because of the humidity in our area which leads to her developing itchy skin rashes.

As per the doctor’s advice, we decided to shift her to an infant formula of hydrolyzed whey protein --- NAN H.W. One. The day after we started her with NAN, all her rashes disappeared.

Our New Baby and her Graco Crib

2009-02-10T03:04:00.000-08:00

It’s been a long time since my last post. My wife just gave birth last January 7th and from then on we were both very hands-on attending to the needs of our new baby Louise. We are with her almost all of our free time, from taking her to early morning strolls, giving her daily baths, to changing her diapers and feeding her every two or three hours. It requires a lot of patience and time, but it definitely is all worth it.

Yes, we treat her like a princess. And the photo above just proves how comfortable she is with her crib. It’s a Graco Emelia series crib, perfect for our lovely first daughter. We like all its features, except probably for the diaper changing platform, which lacks firm support. But overall, we would never exchange it with another crib even if given a chance to do so.

Christmas and Family

2008-12-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

There’s something about Christmas that delights us in one way or another. It may be the warmth of the people, the spirit of giving and loving, or the atmosphere of peace and serenity. It may also be the cool breeze, the scent of bibingka and puto bumbong, or the lights that adorn every home.

Whatever it is for you, what we know for certain is that this Christmas will be extra special for us not only because we have each other but more importantly because we’ll be receiving in a few days the best gift from God we’d probably ever have.

3D Scan of our Baby

2008-11-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

My wife had her 3D/4D scan yesterday at The Baby Ultrasound Company in SM The Block (www.babyultrasound.ph). The clinic setting was so homey that even our entire family could join us see our little one face to face for the first time. But since the scan was not scheduled ahead of time, only the both of us got to bond with our baby… Thirty minutes of bonding time with daddy’s look-alike and mommy’s little angel.

Unique Holloween Costume for Babies

2008-11-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

I chanced upon www.infashionkids.com and found this very unique lobster costume. We plan on holding a Trick-or-Treat next year, and Louise is definitely going to wear this!

Baby Girl Names

2008-10-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

My wife and I googled the following names for baby girls and got information about their meanings and origins from http://www.babyhold.com/.

Louise is of French origin and means “famous warrior” or “renowned fighter”.
Amarie, Amaris, Amarise are Hebrew in origin and mean “given by God”.
Simoune, Simone are French in origin and mean “to be heard”.

We think we may have found the name for our first baby.

Fascinating Funky Feet Not-quite-shoes

2008-10-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

An officemate of my wife who recently gave birth introduced us to these. They are called “Funky Feet Not-quite-shoes”. These are baby socks with designs that make them look like shoes. We asked her where she got the socks, so she referred us to Proud Mama.

If you want to buy these socks or would like to see the other available designs, check out http://proudmamastore.multiply.com/. The person behind this online store says that babies’ feet develop best when they are not confined by shoes. And we believe so.

(Photo courtesy of Proud Mama’s Online Store)

Good Finds at Rustan's Gateway

2008-10-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

My sister accompanied me and my wife for "baby shopping" last night at Rustan's Gateway Mall in Cubao. We were only supposed to window-shop but found it difficult to resist the store's good finds.

First, we bought a crib for our baby: a Graco Pack 'n Play Emelia fashion series crib. We liked it so much because of its color and design, its quilted bassinet with mess ventilation strip, and its add-ons like built-in music and diaper-changing platform. Most importantly, it's safe, sturdy, and easy to store and bring along due to its push button fold feature.

Afterwards, we decided to purchase a bathtub by Safety 1st. It is a complete care 4-stage bath center that can be used until our baby turns two. The set includes a soft sponge for newborns, a bath cradle for infants, a rinse pitcher, a washcloth, and a parent's guide to bath time. The tub is expandable, which allows it to be used by toddlers.

Finally, we bought a Baby Einstein diaper bag and CD case. The color and design immediately got our attention so we had no hesitation in buying it.

Crib: Wooden or Plastic?

2008-09-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have been contemplating for a while now on which crib to choose between the two: a traditional wooden crib that is convertible to a toddler's bed or a crib made of plastic such as that of Graco's.

Here are our considerations before we make our final decision two months from now:

For the wooden crib, it is:

-more sturdy and durable

-more cost-effective since there are those which are convertible to a toddler's bed

-more aesthetic

For the plastic crib, it is:

-safer since it has soft linings

-equipped with more add-ons like built-in toys and music

-easier to transport

Congenital Anomaly Sonography

2008-09-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

We're having a girl!

Last Saturday was my wife's scheduled ultrasound for congenital anomaly. This procedure was done to check for possible physical or developmental abnormalities in our baby. We're just both very happy and relieved that the results turned out positive.

The physician examined all parts of our baby's body, determined if she has normal facial features, and even counted all her fingers. The experience of seeing our daughter for the first time was really amazing.

Avent: Best Feeding Bottle for our Baby

2008-09-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

My sister is now in Singapore for a leisure trip. I have also been there three times already that is why I know it's one of the best places to shop for anything at a cheaper cost, particularly at Mustafa Centre.

Mustafa Centre is located at Little India and is open 24 hours daily. Here, you can buy everything you need: clothes, DVDs, electronic items, food, home accessories, jewelries, souvenirs, etc.

For this trip, I asked for only one pasalubong from my sister: Avent feeding bottles. She can get the bottles for half their prices here in the Philippines.

Studies show that babies fed using Avent bottles experience less colic than babies who were fed using other bottles.

Mozart for our Baby

2008-09-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

Much has been said about the effect of Mozart's classical music to the intellectual development of children. Several studies and experiments that have been conducted showed that exposure to this type of music resulted to higher IQ and better spatial reasoning skills for all subjects.

Whether this is true or not, I still bought the "Music for Babies (and Mothers too)" CD as per my wife's request. As early as now, we try to play the CD as often as possible for our baby to hear. There is no harm in trying and there is nothing much to lose, except for the 350 pesos I spent to purchase the CD. We can only assume that this had a positive effect on our child once he (or she) displays exemplary performance in school in the future, particularly in the fields of science, mathematics, and art.

On my Role as a Husband and Soon-to-be Dad

2008-09-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

My wife and I got married last April 5, 2008. And yes, she got pregnant five days later! To determine the age of gestation, her OB-Gynecologist counted from the first day of her last menstruation, which was April 10. So technically speaking, our baby is more or less five months old today.

Being pregnant has got to be one of the most difficult yet happiest moments in a woman's life. I have gained more respect for my wife since she got pregnant, upon seeing all her sacrifices and efforts to manage and handle her condition the best way possible.

Her pregnancy has been extremely difficult due to hyperemis gravidarum, or severe vomiting in layman's terms. This is attributed to the hormonal changes that normally occur in pregnancy. This is why she was advised by her OB to try all possible means to gain substantial weight and meet the nourishment requirements of our baby, including indulging in sweets and fast food to a limited extent. Once she gets to her required weight, then that would be the time to go for the strict diet designed for pregnant women.

To make up for her condition, I ensure that she takes all prescribed vitamin supplements : ie, multivitamins (Elevit) and Iron/Folic acid (Fortifer-FA), in order to provide all the nutrients necessary for our baby's complete development.