Why you should think twice about posting photos of your kid online

The internet can provide fantastic tools for sharing special moments from your child’s early years with family and friends. And online parenting forums, networks and blogs often provide valuable support and reassurance through parenting’s ups and downs.

But before you share, you should give thought to exactly who can see photos and comments featuring your child, and how this online footprint might affect your child in years to come.

Most of us share so much of ourselves and our lives online – and parents are no different. With today’s moms and dads being more internet savvy than ever, it’s not surprising to see many posting about their children (even before they’re born) regularly. This predilection, and sometimes, over enthusiasm to share has been referred to as “sharenting.”

The constant documentation of our kids is so prevalent that it’s been normalized – but the thing is, it shouldn’t be. If you’re part of this trend, you should realize that you’re creating a digital footprint for your child way before he or she has any say about it, and that digital identity is going stay whether or not he or she likes it. It’s easy to forget how these can be potentially harmful in the future, what with your overwhelming feelings of pride and joy.

Time for a reality check, here are four ways sharenting online might put your child at risk, and why you should think twice before posting all those baby pics.

Sharing online can invade your child’s privacy. Parents are in effect taking control of their child’s digital identity, without their consent. Those funny bath time snaps and other sensitive photos may impact their future social lives (sure, you think it’s cute now, but that isn’t you in the embarrassing photo), and even employment, and undermine their trust in you. 

Your child’s identity can be stolen. There’s been quite a number of digital kidnapping incidents in recent years. It’s a kind of identity theft that happens when another person takes the photos of a child from social media, creates a new name and identity, and then claims the child as their own.  

Online predators could come after your little one. You need to be extra careful before sharing any kind of information about your child. Online predators are adult users who seek to exploit vulnerable children for sexual or other abusive purposes. They can get your kid’s photos and videos and post them on child pornography websites and other disturbing forums.

You can’t take anything back. Once posted, those photos of your child will always be out there on a server. Even if you do tighten your privacy settings, anything shared online can, with a few indiscreet clicks, become public property.

It’s understandable to want to share about your kids, just be cautious about it and keep in mind the implications it might have on their future. It’s great to find a safe space that guarantees your and, quite importantly, your children’s privacy like Viber. As one of the country’s top communications apps, Viber prioritizes its users’ data privacy to allow everyone to connect and share securely.

Its end-to-end encryption security measure basically means that anything you send becomes coded and stays that way until your intended recipient gets it. No one else—not even Viber—can read any of your messages or see any of your photos and videos.

Viber’s security features give you full control over your data—you can delete messages any time and even add an extra level of privacy through the Secret Chats, which allows users to set a time limit on individual messages and control how long they are visible to the recipient before they disappear.

As Viber helps you connect and build stronger relationships with your loved ones here and around the world, the communications app continues its efforts in securing your privacy and security so you can share freely.

About Rakuten Viber:

At Rakuten Viber, we connect people. No matter who they are, or where they are from. Our global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favorite brands and celebrities. We ensure our users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions. 

The Things I Have Learned from Smart Parenting Mom Workshop 2: All About School-Aged Kids

You’ve seen smart kids, I assume. They are the ones who could perform and render a song without hesitation or show off their terpsichorean talent. Most of us wonder, what did the parents of these kids do to make them this smart? Nope, it’s definitely not because of their formula milk. Understanding how parents can help their kids maximize their full potential is very important especially during the crucial stage. And these are exactly what Purple Plum Fairy has learned during the recent Smart Parenting Magazine's Mom Workshop dubbed as “All About School-Aged Kids” held recently at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

According to the experts, stimulation starts as soon as the child is conceived. It is indeed significant to stimulate the child’s brain which parents would often overlook because we’re too busy taking care of our children’s needs. But it is at these earliest years of life when the child’s brain record sensory experiences which can greatly affect his growing up and learning. 

United for Healthier Kids Advocacy Launched Campaign launched toaddress malnutrition among Filipino children launched by Nestlé, FNRI,ABS-CBN, and Facebook

Press Release:  About thirty percent of Filipino children are undernourished and this has not significantly improved in the past 10 years, according to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey. It has also been established that consistent under-nutrition can lead to stunting.  Stunting has been linked to health issues in adulthood such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and even obesity.

Nestlé Philippines, in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology, ABS-CBN, and Facebook, has launched a movement called United for Healthier Kids (U4HK) to help address the serious problem of child malnutrition in the country.

U4HK seeks to draw together various sectors of society to work with parents in increasing awareness about the prevalence of child malnutrition, as well as promoting proper diet for children. The spotlight will be on children with ages 4 to 12 years old.  

Hi-5 LIVE IN MANILA: HI-5 HOUSE HITS CONCERT AT NEWPORT PERFORMING ARTS THEATER, RESORTS WORLD MANILA IN DECEMBER!

They've wowed children from all parts of the globe. I bet you've probably memorized at least one or two of their songs without really meaning to--they've conquered the hearts of kids and those kids-at-heart too. Admit it, your kids are fans (and could also be addicted to) of Hi-5! Yes folks, Hi-5--the popular group from the well-loved children's show from Australia composed of five awesome individuals will be back in the Philippines this December in time for the holiday season! Now, don't be surprised now to hear very young Filipino pre-schoolers imitating an Australian accent--that's because they've been fans of Hi-5. Youngsters as well as their supportive parents will be happy to know that Vivre Fort Entertainment brings the Hi-5 gang once more to Manila and will be performing live their Hi-5 House Hits, this time at a bigger venue. Hi-5 will be performing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila to further accommodate more fans. 

I had been very fortunate to meet four of them last year during a press conference held for media and bloggers. Since my beloved Kyle also grew up with their songs such as L.O.V.E. as well as other danceable songs, I could totally relate to other Mommy bloggers who went ga-ga over the Hi-5 gang. Kyle, who's now eleven may be too old for Hi-5, so he had passed on the habit of watching Hi-5 to younger sister Icy who just turned seven. Both kids love the Hi-5 gang as well as Jup Jup, the lovely purple character from the Australian children's TV show. In fact, as a mom, I think I owe a lot to the Hi-5 gang (as well as the production behind it) for helping a lot of kids learn from their TV show. Well, I believe you can't really be old enough to love Hi-5. I even had the chance to have my picture taken with them and be part of the group. (I became one of the Hi-5 since there were only four of them at the time of the presscon). 

The cast of Hi-5 with your Purple Plum Fairy

Hi-5 House Hits will be the biggest concert that will be featuring the show's most popular, most favorite and best loved songs for the audience to sing and dance with them. It's bound to be a very interactive show for everyone to enjoy. It promises to be loads of fun and laughter as your Hi-5 friends will be singing in solos, in duets and in trios. Of course, the show won't be complete without Chats and Jup Jup. The two would also be gracing the said show. 

So come along and join the Hi-5 gang on their biggest concert ever "Hi-5 House Hits" which is happening from December 19 to 21,2014 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. Purchase your tickets ahead of the rest for this much-awaited family event. HSBC Credit and Debit cardholders enjoy first pick on choice seats at 15% OFF from July 22 to August 22, 2014. Visit www.hsbc.com.ph for more details. Terms and conditions apply. 

So again, Mommies, mark those dates red, December 19 to 21,2014 for a fun-filled day with the awesome Hi-5 group. 

For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999. Sign up at www.vivrefortentertainment.com to become a priority customer and receive special offers and promos. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Xoxo,

Lotte Xylitol Invites Mommies to Join Smile Champions Photo Contest

Eleven-year-old Kyle and seven-year-old Icy

I've always been very partial to clean and healthy teeth ever since I've had my braces off more than a decade ago. Now that I have Kyle, I also make sure that he takes care of his teeth as well. In fact, he's now wearing myobrace--a special pre-orthodontic trainers. But just when I thought I knew everything there is to know about proper oral hygiene, comes a realization later on that there's more I needed to learn. A recent event held by Lotte Xylitol for mommy bloggers organized by Ginger Arboleda of Manila Workshops has opened my eyes on facts about oral hygiene. It was an intimate gathering of mommy bloggers so mommies had a chance to get to know each other more, exchanged and shared stories about their children.

Mommy Ginger Arboleda of Manila Workshops

But the highlight of the event was the talk given by Dr. Fina Lopez, a pediatric dentist invited by Lotte Xylitol to talk about caring for our child's teeth the proper way. During her brief yet very informative and educational talk, she told us hat 9 out of 10 children suffer from tooth decay in our country. Dr. Lopez also said that kids should never sleep without brushing their teeth. And that we should brush a minimum of at least 2 minutes for the flouride to take effect. Best of all, if it's possible we should not gargle after brushing rather we'd just spit it out. During the said event, Dr. Lopez had also introduced us to Lotte Xylitol and also explained its significance.

      Dr. Fina Lopez, Pediatric Dentist

Xylitol is a 100% natural sweetener first derived from birch trees during the 20th century. Better known as a sugar substitute, it also helps reduce the growth of cavity-causing Streptococcus mutans bacteria that leads to cavities. It is used in gum, like the Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum, to help prevent tooth decay.

The Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum is a sugar-free gum with over 50% xylitol as a sugar substitute. It reduces cavity-causing bacteria that feed on sugar and create acids that dissolve tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay. It promotes saliva flow to maintain healthy pH levels in the mouth to prevent demineralization of tooth enamel. It helps remove stubborn tartar on teeth surfaces through the chewing action of the gum. It promotes remineralization or rebuilding of the teeth enamel through the presence of calcium phosphates and by promoting saliva production.

Have you ever tried Lotte Xylitol Dental Health Gum? Do you think you and your child have that healthy smile that Lotte Xylitol is looking for? I encourage you to join Lotte Xylitol's ongoing promo. Read the details below to learn how to join:

Eligibility

The contest is open to all parents with children aged 5-12 years old at the time of promo registration who reside within Metro Manila – Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, Las Pinas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasig, Pasay, Pateros.

Participants must have an active Facebook user account and should like the Lotte Xylitol Facebook brand page to join the promo. Log on to www.facebook.com/lottexylitolgum to like their FB page. 

Participants who have done product endorsements with any competitive brands are not qualified to join the promo.

Prizes:

Each winning pair will have their own ‘shining moment’ and be featured in our Facebook fan page. The parent and child will have their own photoshoot, complete with styling, hair, and makeup.

From September to November, there will be a featured pair and they will be part of the brand page’s content.

1st pair of winners: September cover photo

: 8 Facebook posts for that month using their photo from the photo shoot

2nd pair of winners: October cover photo

: 8 Facebook posts for that month using their photo from the photo shoot

3rd pair of winners: November cover photo

: 8 Facebook posts for that month using their photo from the photo shoot

All winners will also receive 10,000 pesos in cash and Lotte Xylitol Gum gift pack worth 1,000. Announcement of three (3) winners will be done on August 28, 2014. For more information, visit Xylitol's Facebook Page on www.facebook.com/lottexylitolgum.

Mom Bloggers who were invited in the event had a blast

Photo Credit for this one: Manila Workshops

So if you think you and your child has what it takes to be the next Xylitol Ambassador, then don't miss this chance to win exciting prizes! Good luck mommies! 

Xoxo,

Engineering For Kids: Where Kids Learn Designing and Building While Having Fun

My eleven-year-old Kyle enjoys Science. He's a very precocious lad who likes to take things apart and tinker with them. In fact, if he had been a girl, it would've been more apt to call him Peter Pan's popular sidekick, Tinkerbell. So when Mommy Roxi posted an invite on Mommy Bloggers Philippines' group page that she was looking for mommies and kids to try Engineering for Kids--an after school program for kids, I was one of the first respondents. I knew that this would be something which my beloved Kyle would enjoy. I had signed him up for Engineering For Kids' Junior Apprentice program which fits his age.

Engineering For Kids like I've mentioned is an after school program which brings Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education to ages 4-14 years old kids in a fun and challenging way through classes, camps, clubs and parties. They have their very own Engineering Design Process which aims to help children build solid problem solving skills while encouraging them to discover how things work. Kids explore Science concepts and they get motivated in Math as well while on the said programs. Each of their units are designed to meet US national standards in STEM education. They have programs in Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, industrial Engineering, Electronic Game Design and Robotics.  They have three levels of curriculum depending on age range namely: Junior Engineers (ages 4-6), Apprentice Engineers (ages 7-11) and Master Engineers (ages 12-14).

We were scheduled for the trial last July 26 and since I had mentioned to Kyle about it, he has looked forward to that day. Engineering For Kids was a bit difficult to find especially if you're like us who weren't exactly familiar with Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, being someone from Quezon City. Unfortunately, my knowledge of BGC were limited to The Mind Museum, Bonifacio High Street, Serendra and Market! Market! I knew these places simply because I had attended events in these areas. So on that particular Saturday, Kyle and I had to travel all the way to BGC for the Engineering For Kids trial class. Engineering For Kids is at the Forbeswood Residences--yes, it's located on the fifth floor of a condominium.

And because of my non-functioning GPS system, Kyle and I had arrived around 30 minutes late from Engineering For Kids Junior Apprentice Class. On that particular day, Engineering For Kids students were about to make Bottle Rockets. Students learns how simple air pressure can jettison a rocket more than one hundred feet in the air. At the end of the lesson, they are expected to build a large model rocket that is capable of launching using pressurized air and water. 

When we got there, one of the teachers asked Kyle if he can cut cardboards really fast because the class would be out in 30 minutes to fly their handmade rockets up in the air. Upon hearing what the teacher said, Kyle nodded and wasted no time, he had taken his seat right away and started cutting boards. 

There were only about six kids on the said apprentice class (with Kyle being the 7th kid) on that day. They all had their hands busy doing a rocket engine from clear bottles, pingpong balls and cardboards. Everyone were excited to finish their very own personally designed rocket. Children were all-a-buzz on how far will their own rockets' fare once they go out on the outdoors. I pity my dear Kyle as he looked so stressed and pressured as he worked on his own rocket. Oh well, that day was one of the few times when I've arrived late on events. 

When finally everyone was finished, each child had his or her picture taken with their own rockets. The entire class together with the teachers (there were about three or four) went out to the Forbeswood Residences' Pool and Playground area (also on the fifth floor) to make their rockets soar up into the air. 

Teacher asks the kids who'd like to go first to launch his/her rocket.

The teachers assisted the kids in putting water unto their bottle rockets.

The children cheered after each rocket soar up high in the sky. They clapped their hands and crossed their fingers that their rocket would soar higher. Seeing Kyle experienced and witnessed his own rocket soared into the sky, was like seeing him as three-year-old--it's some sort of a deja vu, he had actually looked the same when he first went to preschool, only this time he's a lot taller now. Kyle had that sense of awe in his eyes and I knew he had truly enjoyed the Engineering For Kids experience. And I know most Moms would agree that when you see these things in your kids, you know very well how much you've made them happy. Had it not been for another commitment, Kyle and I could've stayed longer. But right after Kyle had his turn to make his rocket fly, we bade the teachers goodbye. 

As we went home that afternoon, Kyle said he liked the experience of trying out the  Engineering For Kids program. "I really had a lot of fun today. It's just a bit sad that this program is only available here (BGC). I wish they'd have a branch in Quezon City soon (meaning somewhere near where we reside.)," Kyle said. 

Interested? I have here a one-day Engineering For Kids trial voucher which your child can use. The first to comment on this blog post gets it. 

For more information please log on to www.engineeringforkids.net or contact them at (772) 224.4170/ 0917-5518705

Email them at info@smilegroup.org.in

Special thanks to Mommy Roxi Santiago for the one-day free trial invite.

 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Kinder Joy Fun Activity for Kids: A Fun-Filled Treat for Kids Ages 3-12 Years Old!

Kinder Joy invites all mommies to register their kids to three Kinder Fun Activities happening on August 2 and 3, 2014 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Atrium, G/F Fully Booked, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It promises to be a fun-filled learning day for the kids. Activities are as follows:

Book Reading 1st session 11:15AM-12NN

                        2nd session 1:45PM-2:30PM

                        3rd session   4:15PM-5:00PM

Art Attack       1st session 12:00NN-2:30PM

                        2nd session 2:30PM-3:00PM

                        3rd session  5:00PM-5:30PM

Quiz Time      1st session 12:30PM-1:00PM

                        2nd session 3:00PM-3:30PM

                        3rd session 5:30PM-6:00PM

Registration is FREE! To register, log on to http://bit.ly/backtoschoolph 

Registration closes on July 31, 2014 at 6PM. The said event is open to kids 3-12 years old. 

One time registration only please. Each registered child is allowed to bring 1 parent/guardian to the event area. Limited slots are available. First come, first served basis. 

For more information, like Kinderjoyph on Facebook. #Kinderjoyph

So, save the date mommies, I'm sure your kids will be enjoying this activity. See you there! 

Free Kids' Summer Cultural Immersion Program from Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

Mommies, you might want to give your kids something productive to do this summer and maximize their vacation, right? Why don't you try involving thrm into Korean Cultural Center's Kids' Summer Cultural Immersion. Are your kids a K-Pop fan? If yes, this could surely make them happy. Take advantage of this FREE summer treat for kids from Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. Yes, you got that right, this program is for FREE! But slots are limited to the first 50 registrants only! The Kids' Summer Cultural Immersion program will be held from May 5-6, 2014 from 2-4pm. There will be lots in store for the kids: storytelling, games, K-pop dances, basic Korean language classes, Korean animation screening among many other exciting activities for the kids. It's basically a two-day program geared towards experiencing Korea's colorful culture through various activities. It is open for kids ages 5-9 years old with only one guardian per kid allowed. Registration starts on May 2, Friday at 12 NN. 

For more information, visit Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines on Facebook or log on to http://phil.korean-culture.org. 

Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2014

Loyal Nicksters along with their families and friends all trooped to the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last April first to witness the 27th Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2014! It ain't no April Fools' Day for all attendees as they all enjoyed the special advance preview party. 

Freebies, perks of being Nicksters, a rare chance to meet and greet their favorite Nick characters live like Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spongebob Squarepants were there to grace the said program. There were also games and amazing raffle prizes--everything for the Very Important Nicksters who were present during the preview party. 

Although the Philippines' bet in the Favorite Asian Act category failed to win, Fil-Australian Anne Curtis will always be special to the hearts of the Filipinos and that alone can make her say that she's a winner. It was G.E.M. From China who brought home the said award. Here are the partial list of winners:

Favorite Asian Act:

G.E.M (China)

Favorite TV Show: Sam and Cat

Favorite Cartoon: Spongebob Squarepants

Favorite TV Actor: Ross Lynch (Austin and Ally)

Favorite TV Actress:  Ariana Grande (Sam and Cat)

Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Favorite Movie Actor: Adam Sandler (Grown Ups 2)

Favorite Movie Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire)

Favorite Animated Movie: Frozen

Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie: Miranda Cosgrove (Despicable Me 2)

Favorite Make Buttkicker: Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man 3)

Favorite Male Group: One Direction

Favorite Song: Story of My Life (One Direction)

During the show, illusionist and magician David Blaine wowed the crowd with his show-stopping headless act. People were totally awed by his performance! As if that wasn't enough, Nicksters also we the wild over the rodeo slime ride that Nicksters had never seen before. Host Mark Wahlberg even had the slimiest of slime before the show ended. 

For the complete set of winners please log on to www.nick-asia.com 

When Marriages Falls Apart Parents Must Spare the Kids

I feel sad each time I hear stories about couples drifting apart. Coming from a broken family myself, my heart goes out to all the children within the family as they will surely be the ones to suffer. But as they say, what good would it do for both parties if they no longer love each other or they would just be hurting one another? A long time friend recently had parted ways with her husband of 12 years. Nobody said it was easy. After all, she had made her ex husband her whole life in the past twelve years. A long time ago, my friend had set aside her own dreams to play the role of a young wife. She became a loving homemaker and a 24/7 mom to her children. Her children makes her happy.  Although it all seemed that everything had been wonderful, her life wasn't exactly a bed if roses. But she had tried her very best to make their marriage last, to keep her family intact--in fact, she had given her whole to it--leaving nothing for herself--for her children's sake. Still, it ain't just enough. 

Her children's father is no longer the man she fell in love with. He became insensitive even to the needs of his own children. Sure, he used to be a good provider, but never a good father to his children. He became a gaming addict--constantly online, he's so into it to the point of forgetting his own hygiene and would often engage in petulant quarrel with either his children or his wife resulting in domestic squabbles. She hated seeing him completely immersed into online gaming that he forgets his responsibilities to his own family. She no longer knew who this man had become. And just like that, one day, he decided to leave--with his wife not knowing what to do to survive. My friend is groping in the dark to look for clues on how to get her act together and be able to stand with her own feet to raise her kids on her own. 

The sad part is that, their youngest daughter has leukemia--and needs monthly treatment, chemotherapy and other medicines. He knew how much his daughter needs money in order to survive. The daughter's only five years old and she's fighting for her dear life. Too bad, the father does not even seem to even care for his youngest child. And so, my friend pulls all the strings she could muster and tries her best to move mountains to make sure her youngest child maintains her medicines and treatments without her ex husband's help. 

When marriages falls apart and collapses, we need to spare our dear children. No matter how much the couples hate each other, they need to talk and iron out whatever kinks it is to be at least be civil with one another, just for the sake of the kids. After all, the two of you were happy making these kids therefore you should be together in raising them as well. These kids need all the help and guidance as they grow, and as parents even if you're no longer together, the support you've given to your kids should not stop. 

Jollibee's Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book Donation Drive Goes Global

We're down to the last few months of 2013. With all the natural calamities and the myriads of problems that our countrymen had faced this year--from the flooding in Northern and Southern Luzon, to the rebellions that had caused chaos in Zamboanga and the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit central Visayas including Cebu and Bohol, it seems like it might take sometime before we could get things back to normal. The flood and earthquake brought misery to the many hundreds whom it had made homeless. But Christmas is fast approaching. It is the season of sharing, giving, spreading some love and it is all about HOPE. 

Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko, the country's biggest and longest toy and book donation campaign (now on its 19th year), recently welcomed its new batch of partner schools and companies in the growing family of Jolly Toy Scouts during the launch held at SM City Marikina. The said campaign will also have separate launches in Batangas, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao in partnership with SM Supermalls. 

The Voice of the Philippines finalist Morisette Amon also graced the said event to the delight of the guests. Here's a glimpse of her performance: 

Jollibee Operations Director for Metro South shared this exciting news for this year's Maaga ang Pasko, " As Jollibee celebrates its 35th year, we are inviting families from all over the globe to take part of the Jolly Family Toy Scouts." 

Jollibee will be launching a Jolibee Maaga ang Pasko microsite on their official website this November where families here or those overseas can donate a toy or book online. This is made possible with the help of Jollibee's campaign partners, Toy Kingdom and Goodwill Bookstore. 

The said online campaign also aims to tap Filipino communities in the United States, Middle East, Hong Kong and Singapore--where Maaga ang Pasko boxes will be placed in Jollibee stores. Thus, the Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko toy and book donation drive is going global this year in the hope to bring together families here and abroad and make Christmas even merrier for more children and families.

This is indeed a piece of good news for all our friends and fellow Filipinos abroad as they too can help spread the love, share and give the less fortunate Filipino kids a reason to smile and still celebrate Christmas despite all the odds they've recently faced. 

Jollibee's Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book donation drive is a pretty good way to teach your kids how to share. Actually, the Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko had always been sort of a family tradition for us. We started donating old toys and books to Jollibee's program since Kyle was only 3-years-old. Now that Kyle is already eleven, Kyle and I has agreed that he should part ways with his toys so that more young boys will enjoy playing them. One of these days, Kyle and I should start with our annual spring cleaning so that we could donate some of his old toys and books that he's outgrown. After all, in two year's time, he'll officially become a teen and he's sure to have other interests and I guess his toys will no longer be part of it. 

We can all donate online to the Maaga ang Pasko starting this November. To make an online donation, visit Jollibee website and click on the Maaga ang Pasko microsite. Simply choose from the available toy packs or books and follow the simple steps indicated on the said site. Every purchase will be automatically donated to the Maaga ang Pasko Toy and book program. 

It feels good to be able to share knowing fully well that giving is not something beyond our means. Christmas will only become truly meaningful for those who understand and lives up to its meaning. 

So Mommies, please spread the good news to all your friends, loved ones and families abroad so that they too can do something to make every Filipino child happy and with a smile this Christmas. 

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Stratworks' Ms. Ginny Guanco and Ms. Chele Mendoza. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own. 

Marriott Hotel Manila: Help Cancer-Stricken Kids by Buying Cute Teddy Bears this Christmas

These cuddly teddy bears are for sale to help kids with cancer.

They say Christmas is for the children. Make the upcoming holiday season extra meaningful for you and your family by means of giving back and sharing all the blessings you have received this year. As part of Marriott Hotel Manila’s aim to do their share this season of joy, they are partnering with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center this Christmas. As of this time, the hospital has a total of 130 cancer-patient kids. Unfortunately, survival rate of these kids is only eight out of ten. So Marriott Hotel Manila together with Philippine Children’s Medical Center goes hand-in-hand to put a smile on the faces of cancer-stricken kids. 

Christmas is for Kids campaign of Marriott Hotel Manila

From November 12 to December 31, 2013, Marriott Hotel Manila encourages all their guests and loyal clientele to purchase the lovable plush Christmas Teddy Bear at Marriott Hotel Manila for only Php400 each. All proceeds will go to help cancer-stricken kids and help buy oxygen tanks for them. Yes folks, your Php400 will surely go a long, long way. 

A purchase of these stuffed toys will give cancer patients with oxygen tanks.

Marriott Hotel Manila's manager holds these two cute teddies.

Christmas is all about HOPE. Let’s buy those cuddly Christmas Teddy Bears at Marriott Hotel Manila and give each cancer-patient kid some ray of sunshine and a reason to smile and celebrate the Christmas season. 

For more information, please log on to www.marriott.com/mnlap or call +632 988-9999. The next time you visit Marriott Hotel Manila, please don't forget to buy a teddy bear to help kids in need.