Soyami Soya Chips: The Healthier & Delicious Way to Snack

Soyami Soya Chips are available in three exciting flavors--Original, Pizza & my favorite White Cheddar.

Let's face it: We all love to eat, especially in between meal times. But judging by the number of adults and children who become morbidly obese (ehem...I am guilty, okay...), this is truly alarming. We must act now with courage to choose healthier foods unless we'd like to see ourselves suffering later with a dreaded disease like heart problems, cancers and diabetes. Being young doesn't exempt the youngsters with these life-long illnesses. The bad part is, they seem to abuse their bodies in all the wrong sense, thinking that because they are young, they can do anything. Sadly, nobody is exempted, being young doesn't make one immune to the risks of having an unfit and dangerous lifestyle. 

Eating healthier alternatives and choosing the right food is a must for everyone. They say that we are what we eat. It may seem difficult at first, but it is just a matter of making a big decision. Instead of drinking sodas and softdrinks, have a freshly squeeze fruit juice, in lieu of an ice cream, enjoy a cup of fat-free yogurt, have vegetable salad to keep you full and ditch eating junk foods, eat Soyami Soya Chips or styx instead.

Soyami Soya Stix are best paired with pasta. Available in two flavors: Cheese & Chili.

Soyami Soya Chips is a great snack that is perfectly light. It is low in fat, sodium and calories. Plus it is made from real soya. It had no MSG, zero transfat and non-GMO. Not to mention, it comes in three delicious flavors: original, pizza and my all-time favorite, white cheddar. Who says healthy foods aren't delicious? Well, Soyami is definitely yummy!

I was recently invited to attend an event organized by Soyami Soya Chips where US certified and Biggest Loser Philippine Edition nutritionist Ms. Nadine Tengco had a sample cooking demonstration using Soyami Soya Chips on their healthy recipes and shared healthy tips on how to effectively lose unwanted pounds.  

 Biggest Loser Philippine edition resident Nutritionist Ms. Nadine Tengco, US certified nutritionist

Ms. Tengco shared three healthy recipes great for our children's baon to school such as Tuna Nuggets, Cheesy Soyami Pizza Macaroni and Banana-Nut Smoothie. Ms. Apple Morales of Soyami Soya Chips assisted Ms. Tengco. She's a huge fan of soya that she thought of coming up with soya-based chips made available to the market, hence, Soyami Soya Chips was born. Soy-enhanced food can add variety and nutritive value to children's diet without sacrificing taste. Soy foods are readily accepted and enjoyed by children and adolescents as tasty alternatives to meat and  dairy. 

Ms. Tengco shared amazing recipes & tips on how to lose weight with the help of Soyami's Ms. Apple Morales.

According to Ms. Tengco, incorporating soy into meals help decrease fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories, while it increases fiber and still providing children the key vitamins and minerals that they need. Soy in itself contains many essential nutrients important for growth and development, and works well as a primary source of protein without contributing to excess calories. 

Ms. Tengco, blogger/mom Joy Mendiola of occasionsofjoy.com with Soyami's Ms. Apple Morales.

During the said event, fellow mommy blogger, Joy Mendiola of occasionsofjoy.com volunteered to help prepare the tuna nuggets. She even made a heart-shaped nugget, made with love, for her kids. Having tried the tuna nuggets myself, I'd say I liked it best among all the three recipes prepared that day. Sure, it had a different taste than your usual chicken nuggets, but it had a unique taste all its own. It didn't had the "fishy" taste too since the tuna had been enveloped in potato and carrot puree. It made the nuggets taste a bit sweeter and tastier. Not to mention, Soyami original chips were used instead of bread crumbs or any special breading powder. I'd like to think that's what made it more different. And the crushed Soyami chips served as a good extender too.

Three days later, I had tried the tuna nuggets recipe at home. To my surprise, my 9-year-old Kyle as well as my teenage cousins loved it. This is a great way to sneak in veggies for those kids who aren't really into eating vegetables. They didn't even noticed the potatoes and carrots inside each nuggets because they were in puree form, while still retaining their nutritional value. If you want a copy of this recipe, please visit my food blog Security Blanket. 

So mommies, the next time you snack on, make sure that you choose the healthier alternatives that are available such as snacking on delicious Soyami Soya Chips and Styx and while you're at it, you could also try to experiment a bit by incorporating them into yummy healthy recipes. 

For more healthy Soyami recipes, visit their website at www.amsoyami.com. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/soyami/153606294663903 and while you're at it, please also like the Purple Plum Fairy page, www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-Plum-Fairy/175479122501697. Thank you so much!

Trying my best to munch on healthier foods from now on,

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this blog post. My opinions are 100% my own.  

Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain Show: A Perfect Family Treat!

I was recently invited to see the spectacular Musical Fountain Show at the Manila Ocean Park. Although I must have heard about it before, I never had the chance to actually watch the said show. The weather that day was a bit gloomy and I was actually having second thoughts if I’d still go to the said event. I’m glad I did because upon reaching Manila Ocean park, the weather had cooperated with me. It has stopped raining.

“Once Upon an Ocean” is a 30-minute spectacle of fountain, laser lights, special effects, animation fused in one grand musicale. It is the country’s first & largest musical fountain show, at par with the world’s best. It reaches up to about 120 feet in height and over 1,600 water nozzles are used to achieve stunning visual display. And I am just talking about the physical details of the show. If you probe a little deeper, you’ll find out that the show is directed by one of the best theater & concert director, Mr. Freddie Santos. The other people behind the show were also powerhouse names in their respective fields: John Batalla (Fountain & Lights Programming), Tim Bennett (Laser Effects), Mio Infante & Twinkle Zamora (Mascots), Torch Productions (Animation) & Alfred Lauzon (Choreography).

Kids and adults will be delighted to meet fascinating underwater characters such as Octavio the giant octopus musical conductor, the funny Lobsterrific, Seahorse, Clownfish, the cool Starfish Trio and Stingray. The show features entertaining live performances, funny antics and lessons on marine conservation.

Here's an amateur video I had taken while watching the said show. Forgive my mom for being a bit talkative (you can hear her voice on the video), it's just that she was so excited watching the show. But anyway, I hope this short video will somehow give you a glimpse of what you can expect from the said show. It's still best for you to watch the show live as my mobile video camera's a bit blurred & dark. 

Upon entering the Acquatica Center, a modern stage venue (with 1,900 seating capacity where the show is being held), an MOP staff hands you a disposable raincoat for free. I didn’t know what that’s for at first. I later realized one needs to prepare to get wet during the show & that’s what the raincoat is for. Audiences were encouraged to participate in this interactive show. Show starts at 7PM from Wednesday to Sunday.

The disposable plastic raincoat they are handing out guests & audiences of the show.

Mommies, don’t forget to avail of the Mountain Fountain Show Madness promo for the entire family. From August 20 to November 20,2011, you can choose from 6 Musical Fountain Show Madness promo packages starting at P399. Another treat worth considering is availing of the freebie—Buy 5 Oceanarium tickets and get 4 Musical Fountain Show tickets FREE! You can also choose to avail of the discounted price offer—for every purchase of a Mid-year savers promo bundle, you can purchase 1 Musical Fountain Ticket for only P150. That’s 50% off of its original ticket price!

A value for your money promotional price to fit every family's budget.

Spectacular & amazing, that's what the show's all about.

Here is my Mom, she had totally shown me she's a kid-at-heart.

The author with one of the mascots that performed that night.

Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain Show was a real treat for every family. It's a once in a lifetime chance to see spectacular fountain and beaming lights show. Seeing this show reminds me of the more popular Bellagio Fountains of Las Vegas. It is really expensive to bring the entire family to Las Vegas. But who says you can't enjoy the same sights in Manila? Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain show does more than entertain the audience with ooohs & aaahhs...It treats the whole family by bringing in a world-class entertaining show with moral values where your kids will surely learn while having fun at the show. Plus you could take photos with the characters after the show just like me & my mom did. Think about it: one amazing night spent with the family+ one great show+ awesome story that kids & kids-at-heart will love = wonderful memories to remember.

For more details: call 567-7777 loc. 151 or visit their website at www.manilaoceanpark.com

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Manila Ocean Park, Ms. Armi Cortes, Ms. Antonette Gonzales, Mr. Evirson Broquillo, and Ms. Ia Adam Lim for the invite.

xoxo,

My Baby is now a Big Boy

My Kyle all-smile despite the missing teeth.

Time really had a way of making people both happy & somewhat melancholic. It all seemed like yesterday when I had Kyle brought to our house for the first time. Before I go into other details, let me get this straight: Kyle isn’t my biological son. For those who personally know me, you probably know that he’s the son of my elder sister (yes, he’s my nephew). Although I’m not his real mom, I’d have to say I’ve been acting on my sister’s behalf as Kyle’s mom for the longest time now. He’s been with me since he’s only a baby, around 8 months. 

I have a confession to make: I admit that I sometimes get hurt when some people would “question” the mere existence of my blog. They were saying why on earth am I doing with a mommy blog when I’m not even a mom yet? I firmly believe I had the right to have a mommy/parenting blog because I had been raising Kyle since he was turned over to me. I’ve probably experienced everything a mom had except the actual giving birth. My experience is tantamount to those who had an adopted child.

Although I do not really have to put these into details, but I’d still want to for you guys to see that I do have a point. Kyle’s life wasn’t pretty normal to begin with. Kyle’s dad & my sister sort of had a very brief affair. Upon learning that my sister’s pregnant with his child, he had disowned Kyle already & had totally disappeared from her life. Yes, Kyle’s an unwanted child. He lost a family even before he was born. It was a good thing my sister did not abort him.

Kyle playing at Market! Market public playground.

When Kyle was only about 4 or 5 months old, a guy cousin (father’s side) poured an entire bottle of rubbing alcohol (read: 70 % isopropyl alcohol, the one’s used for disinfection & sterilization) mixed into Kyle’s milk bottle because of mere jealousy. Our cousin then was in his teens, rebellious & volatile in temper. My sister then had no idea why Kyle didn’t want to drink his milk even if it appears he’s very hungry. It was only my Dad who later discovered why upon smelling the milk bottle and later seeing the empty rubbing alcohol bottle. 

Although that cousin said he’s sorry for almost killing an innocent baby, I bet he’ll be bringing the lesson he has learned for the rest of his life. Kyle doesn’t harbor any ill feelings with him, they’re even Facebook friends now. Kyle almost died at such a tender age. That incident made me decide to get him (my sister & dad lives somewhere else) & made him stay at my Mom’s house instead.

Originally, I wanted to get Kyle so that my sister could work aside from making sure he’ll be in good hands. But as circumstances would have it, my sister apparently hasn’t learned her lesson well. Instead of earning a living for her & her son, she got into another relationship. Soon she had totally forgotten her responsibilities as Kyle’s mom. And it was then that I realized how I had made her life too easy.

I was the one who taught Kyle his potty training. I also taught him his ABCs & 123’s plus knowing how to read. I saw all his milestones as he grew older each year. Upon seeing his potentials, I tried my best to help him to develop his talents. And when we (Mom & I) learned he was special (he’s got ADHD), we were deeply affected. It took sometime before we had accepted things as they are. But eventually, we tried to see it as a gift instead of a liability.

Today, my baby turns 9 years old. He’s no longer the cuddly “Tambeboy” we used to play with. Kyle’s now in Grade 4 and he’s growing taller each day. I seldom receive sweet butterfly kisses from him unlike before. We no longer sing together Barney songs like we used to, or play Caillou & Dr. Seuss CD-ROMS. It all seemed like yesterday when he wouldn’t want me out of sight. Now, he decides what to wear on his own and what cologne to wear. He even lords the remote control now.

I cherish every moment I spend with Kyle. Even if he’s now nine, I knew he’d still enjoy my special chao fan, braised pork, chicken adobo & anything I baked from the oven just as he used to when he was three.

 And even if other mommies will never consider me as a mom, I wouldn’t really care much as long as I know I have a special place in Kyle’s heart, and to me, that's what matters most. 

The author smiling in one of Kyle's photographs.

A baby is a blessing no matter what. 

Happy 9th Birthday Kyle! We love you. Always be a good boy. Goodluck in your next competition. Win or lose, we're proud of you. 

xoxo,

Urban Mom's Pregnant Pause Event

Urban Mom
The only lifestyle freezine for moms

presents

PREGNANT PAUSE
Talks for modern moms-to-be

Intimate. Interesting. Informative.
That's what the afternoon of September 3, 2011 will be like for
those who will come to this event!

Expectant moms and dads will be treated to
an afternoon of talks dealing with the
essential basics for pregnancy, as well as the latest trends
in infanticipating and motherhood.

It features experts in their fields like Rome Kanapi,
childbirth educator for the past 25 years,
OB Gynecologist Dr. Cecilia Nogoy,
and cordblood banking experts, Cordlife.

Each mom-to-be will go home with a stimulated mind,
happy tummies (with food from Stock Market Bonifacio High Street!)
and hands full of nice surprises from Urban Mom partners like
Mommy Matters, Dwell Studio, Mothercare, Baby Couture,p
and more!

Plus! As a special gift, everyone even gets a complimentary Mommy Mundo Privilege
Passport! (read more about it atwww.mommymundo.com/passport)

Here's PREGNANT PAUSE on our website:http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=56G4E&m=3jITsgLWNp15FZ0&b=sqiX96VWA0P441rSIlNFYw

Register now by emailing your info atinfo@mommymundo.com
or call 5707827 (office hours only).  Participation is free of charge.

*Pre-registration to this event is required. No walk ins will be allowed.
Limited slots available.

Wyeth ProMama Fair

Calling all expectant mothers: Visit the different booths at the Wyeth ProMama Fair on September 3, 2011 to be held in Glorietta Activity Center from 10Am to 8PM. Enjoy freebies, health advices and other treats by visiting the booths prepared espcially for expectant moms!