Passport Application Requirement For Single Parents

Yesterday, I went to inquire about renewing my passport and my daughters and I was stumped knowing some degrading requirements needed for new passport applications because of the new system.

I think it was good that the travel agency staff I was talking to had listening disability as she informed me something I never knew before, that for a new passport application for a minor (age 0-17) of a child of a single parent or unwed mother would need to secure a Certificate of Illegitimacy from the National Statistics Office aside from acquiring a Certificate of No Marriage for the parent, Birth Certificate and Baptismal Certificate for the child.

This requirement is very discriminatory and should be removed from passport applications as nobody wanted to be branded as illegitimate.  Aside from the fact that what good does this document serve the government but an additional fee and trauma to the parent and child for having such a label with certificate given to him.

I hope this was just a fluke that the government overlooked and soon as in hopefully now they will remove this requirement for passport applications as it is very degrading and discriminatory.

In case the government ignores this then I suggest to all single parents or unwed mothers to get a passport for their child while they are below 8 so they would not have to secure a certificate of illegitimacy for their passport application and renewal in the future.

Money Matters For Kids

Teach your kids how to Earn It! Save It! Spend It Share It!  at the Money Matters for Kids interactive exhibit at  Glorietta Ayala Mall Lower Level starting on May 31 to June 13, 2010 from 10AM to 10PM.

Every Php500.00 purchase (single or accumulated receipt) at any participating stores entitles the shopper to an entrance stub to the Money Matters for Kids Interactive exhibit.

Present/exchange your receipt at the Glorietta 4 concierge from May 31 to June 13, 2010 from 10AM to 6PM to get your entrance.  The entrance stub is transferable but not convertible to cash.

Participating stores accepted for the promo are the following:
*National Bookstore *Studio AK *Powerbooks *Blued *Kevin's Toys and Library *Shoebox
*Cuts for Tots *Francesco * Big & Small *Plains & Prints *Orange Juice *Truck Show *Spin
*Unisilver *Peppermint *T-shirt Projects *Pink Box *Courtside *Basics for Kids *Sand
*Gingersnaps *I-tech *Kids of Bayo *Vente *Chicammy * iPinoy *Enfant *Wade *Osh Kosh
*Chicco *Mint *Think Pink *Bearhuggs *Babyland *Ropa *Toytowm *Therapy *Beagle House
*Get Laud *Periwinkle *Vakko *Bubblegummers *Satin *Bayo *Banana Peel *Petit Monde
*Follow your Heart *Surfer's Paradise *Perfect White Shirt *Soda *Carlainity *Must Have

Mums and Tubs Baby Care Club and The Baby Care Village

Mommies! Sorry for the delayed post, but you can still catch Baby Care Village activities by Lactacyd on May 30 at SM Megamall, June 27 at Ayala Center Cebu and July 11 at Alabang Town Center.

The Baby Care Village happens every Sunday where parents can learn the science of baby care with bathing and skin care tips for your baby.   Find out more about your babies proper nutrition and get free consultations with doctors and parent experts.  There are loads of entertainment and activities for you and your kids too.

Lactacyd also have a  Mums & Tubs Baby Care Club, a community for moms aimed to spread information about keeping your babies clean and healthy. Upon signing up to be part of the club, you will receive the following:
A welcome kit that contains:

• Lactacyd Baby Bath Samples
• An exclusive bath buddy LBB rubber ducky for your little one
• Special wash cloth
• Exclusive e-newsletter on baby care information and updates!
• A Mommy Pages handbook
• Exclusive invitation to club events and classes
• Invitation to join year-round fun promos that allow you to win products and services for yourself and your baby
• Mobile coupons and special privileges

Sign-up for the club now!

Power Kids Run 2010

Power Kids Run 2010 is a fun run for kids 2 years and up. The Fun Run includes a 500 meter 1Km and 3Km Fun Run to be held on May 29, 2010, 4:00 pm, at The Venixe Piazza, McKinley Hill, Global City

Registration fee is Php300.00 which includes the running jersey. Parents are encourage to join their kids during the run.

Just click here for the registration form for the Power Kids Run 2010 print, fill-up and bring to any Chris Sports Store at Glorietta 3, SM North EDSA Annex and SM Megamall

Kumon Philippines Education And Parenting Seminar Series 2010

Parents only want the best for their children, but where do you draw the line between guiding your child and teaching them to be independent?

Kumon Philippines' Education and Parenting Seminar Series 2010 focuses on understanding the concept of self-learning and how it can prepare the child for an independent life ahead. Go through the basics of parenting with Dr. Melissa Lopez Reyes, Applied Cognitive and Educational Psychologist. Engage with fellow parents who advocate self-learning and independence in a panel discussion, and see the results of self-learning and independence as Bam Aquino, Young Global Leader awardee, discusses how he was led to discover his full potential and how this has made him an agent of change that he is today.

LET THEM SHINE!
Empowering Your Children to Discover Their Full Potential
May 22, 2010 1:30-4:30 PM
Saturday
Cinema 1
SM Mall of Asia

If you would like to attend the event, please let me know so I can give your name and URL to the event organizer so they can give you the press kits.


All the best,
Mommy Earth 

You Are All Invited To Mommy Power

You are all invited to come to our Mommy Power event on May 22, 2010 @ Megatrade Hall 1, 5/F, Mega B, SM Megamall,10am to 7pm.

For those who will be attending the half day program from 1:30-5:30pm, you will be treated to more fun and surprises. The afternoon program will be hosted by Ms. Regine Tolentino.

Mommy Power is a late Mother's Day celebration for moms who seek health and wellness for their families.
A fun-filled day of learning, bonding moments, fun games, and amazing treats.

Bring latest copy of HealthToday orMOMStoday for FREE entrance at the seminar area.
For pre-registration inquiries for the seminar, call 886-0333 loc 112 or email  momstoday(@)asia.cmpmedica.com with "Mommy Power" as subject.

Pre-School Fair

The first step you take for their education will define your child's leap in the future.  Do the shopping at Eastwood Mall for your kids' pre-school needs.

Visit the Pre-school Fair on May 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2010 at 11am to 8pm at the Eastwood Mall.  For inquiries call 709-08888 or visit www.eastwoodcity.com

Enfakid A+ Learn Town

I'm inviting everyone to drop by any of the Enfakid A+ LEARN Town , a place where your kids will have a memorable, multifaced learning experience.  Facilitators will be on the venue to walk your kids through the activities and to talk to parents about how each element of the "play" contributes to a child's exciting, non-stop learning adventure.

LEARN for L for Language,  E for Entertainment with the help of  music,   A for Art, R for Recreation and N for Nutrition.

Find the Enfakid A+ LEARN Town at the following dates and venue:

May 15-16 at Market! Market! Activity Center, Taguig City
May 29-30 at the Shangri-la Plaza Atrium, Mandaluyong City
July 3-4 at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City
July 10-11 at SM City Batangas Activity Center, Batangas City
July 17-18 at SM City Naga, Naga City
July 24-25 at Robinson's Place Orosa Atrium, Manila
July 31- August 1 at SM North EDSA The Block Activity Center, Quezon City
August 7-8  Marquee Mall Activity Center, Angeles City, Pampangga
August 21-22 SM City Baguio The Drive, Baguio City
August 28-29 Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

Expo Mom Year 3

Don't miss the third Mom Expo on May 23, 2010 at the Rockwell Tent.  This years theme will be the Mompreneur Market .  There will be 60+ exhibitors and vendors and an all-day talks and activities at the Expo Mom stage. This is another day of discoveries, learning, bonding, fun and shopping for moms and their kids.

Entrance fee is P25 per person. Kids below 12 years old get in free. Please also contribute to our MomShare! project! 

P.S. Bring your used baby clothes and maternity wear, baby equipment and supplies or anything that will be useful for less fortunate babies, moms and moms-to-be.

For more information, call 4088070 or 09088657246 or email inquiry@expomom.com. See you there!

Yaya Manual

As much as we want to be hands-on with our children, our fast-paced world forces us to entrust our children in the care of other.  While daycare centers may be the solution elsewhere in the world, here it is Yaya that comes to the rescue.   As parents we may wish for a perfect yaya, but we all know its almost impossible.  Because of this Smart Parenting has come up with The Smart Parenting Yaya Manual, a basic guide to hiring, training, and managing your yaya.

Author Tisha C. Bautista says, “The Smart Parenting Yaya Manual was written particularly for first-time moms, working moms (who need to run their household via remote control), as well as moms who are lucky enough to have yayas in their employ.”

The book gives moms tips on hiring the right yaya for your child, precautionary steps to avoid yaya perils, assessment tools to evaluate your yaya’s potential and performance, and more. It also pages written in Filipino especially for yaya—here, yaya can learn the proper way to carry, burp, bathe, and change the baby; games she can play with baby to boost development; and how to store and prepare breast milk. Easy-to-use forms, checklists, and charts also allow yaya to track baby’s schedules and needs.

While this primer on basic yaya training may give you a yaya who is both competent and caring in helping you raise your child, Bautista has some encouraging words for mothers: “Remember, no matter how good or well-trained your staff becomes, yaya will never be Mama. Never doubt, mothers always know best—no matter how imperfect we are.”

The book was launched last March 14 at Fully Booked High Street, The Smart Parenting Yaya Manual is now available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide at P195 per copy.

What's Your Best Moment With Mom Contest

Let Mom know how much you appreciate her and all the things that she has done for you and your family. Post your warmest message for mom along with a photo of your best moment together!

The most creative message gets a chance to win, for their mom, an Overnight Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast Buffet for two at Astoria Plaza Residential Suites!

For more info about the contest, click here or log on to www.philstar.com Mother's Day Special.
Email your entries to marketing@philstar.com

Mother's Day At Marriott Hotel Manila

Surprise Mom.  From May 3-10, 2010 you can  melt your moms heart and surprise her with an assortment of delectable chocolates, mouthwatering pralines and special macaroons available at Java+.  Bring her to Jesi Mendez Salon and Quan Spa and get 20% discount on all services.


Take her out to a luxurious stay in deluxe room set-up with flowers and pralines, wake-up to a bountiful breakfast and relax in an hour massage at Quan Spa for $199+++ only.  Promo good from May 7-10, 2010 only!

Treat her on a feast at Marriott Cafe's brunch buffet for Php1,850.  Or take pleasure in Cru Steakhouse' 3-course lunch for only Php1,850 or a 4-course dinner for only Php2,100.  Set menus includes a glass of sparkling wine.

Exclusive Mother's Day Brunch At Delifrance

On Mom's very special day, treat her to an elegant brunch at Delifrance! Indulge her with the savory first course of Frittata with Stuffed Tomato, followed by the sweetly satisfying Blueberry Pancakes with Frankfurter and Fruit Plate. All this is served with a Mimosa Mocktail and Bottomless Coffee.  Brunch is served on May 9, 2010, from 10 AM to 12 NN.

The Mother's Day Brunch is available in 7 selected Delifrance cafes: Alabang Town Center (807-5022), Greenhills Theater Mall (722-2456), C5 Libis (687-2549), Mall of Asia (556-0562), Roosevelt (721-1284), Robinsons Place Manila, and UN Avenue (523-5555). Due to limited seating, we accept reservations. Visit www.delifrance.com.ph for the Café Directory.

New Johnson's Baby Bedtime Discoveries Await

Hello Mommies!

Please join us and be a part of the Bedtime Believers.  Join me together with several other blogger moms on the latest series of Baby Bedtime Discovery series that will be held starting May 15, 2010 and all consecutive Saturdays until July 10,2010.

The Baby Bedtime Discoveries are meant for Bedtime Believers and will involve the following topics

Mommy EyeBall: Characteristics of a Good Baby Sleep
15 MAY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Café Via Mare
Level 1, Power Plant Mall, Lopez Drive Entrance
Rockwell Center, Makati City
~ ~ ~
Nursery 101: Creating a Sleep Environment
22 MAY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Café Sweet Inspirations
311 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, QC
~ ~ ~
Mommy & Me Sparty: Benefits of Touch Therapy
29 MAY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Seattle's Best Coffee
Ground Floor, Cyber One Mall,
Eastwood City, Libis, QC
~ ~ ~
Bedtime Stories: Bedtime Activities for Your Baby & Baby Lullabies
5 JUNE 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Dome Café
Ground Level, Solid Mills Building,
Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
~ ~ ~
Wrap Up! Mommy Gets Good Sleep
10 JULY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Figaro Coffee
Level 3, Robinson's Galleria, East Wing
EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., QC

If you would like to join me and other mommy bloggers please leave your name and dates you want to attend to in the comment section.

Thank you.

All the best,
Mommy Earth

Baby Your Mom Day

Dear Friends and Mommies

Johnson’s Baby and World Vision have partnered to come out with a different kind of Mother’s Day celebration this year. Titled "Baby Your Mom Day", the campaign aims to create the longest online Mother's Day greeting using videos and photos submitted by users. And for every submission Johnson's Baby will donate P50 to World Vision to help send underprivileged children to school.

Here’s how:
1. Like Baby Your Mom Day Facebook Fan Page (see link here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BabyYourMomDay/118855128141367)
2. Upload your photo/video greeting
3. Each online submission will be merit a P50 donation on your behalf to World Vision to help send underprivileged children to school

Deadline of submission is on 7th May 2010.

To learn more about the campaign and support this great cause, go to "Baby Your Mom Day" on Facebook. See attached for more information and press release. We hope this message will find it’s way to your viewers.

Thanks.

All the best,
Mommy Earth

RainbowBrush Drawing Contest For Kids

Pre-register here to join the drawing contest NOW!


RainbowBrush is a water based marker made to encourage kids to draw and tap in to their creative side. More info about the RainbowBrush can be found here.

Starting May 1, 2010 at 2-5PM RainbowBrush will hold a drawing contest for kids age 5-13. The contest is open every Saturdays and Sundays of May 2010 at Toy Kingdom in SM Megamall. There will be three age group categories with specific themes:
5-7 years old will do the Mother’s Day Greeting Card Theme
8-10 years old will do the Beach Experience Theme
11-13 years old will do Anything Wildlife
Each category has three winners and will receive an Alphabeth Edition of Rainbow Brush worth more than Php1,600.

Mommy And Baby Fair 2010 At Eastwood City

Celebrate a fun filled Mother’s day with the whole family as Eastwood Mall and Cradle present Mommy and Baby Fair 2010. This very special mother's day treat will be on May 8 and 9 at the Eastwood Mall Open Park .

Come and have loads of fun with the whole family! Kids are sure to be entertained by balloon shows, bubbles shows, magic shows, mascots and many more! Dads, Moms and Moms-to-be are also in for quite a treat with a mobile spa, parenting workshops, breastfeeding workshops, photography workshops, seminars on skin care and much, much more!

Bring the whole family! Lots of freebies, prizes and other surprises await you especially for that special woman in our lives—dear MOM!

Program of Events: May 8-9, 2010—11 am onwards

1. Amusement rides- Inflatable giant slide, mechanical surfride and mechanical bullride
2. Magic Show- Illusive group of Magicians
3. Bubble show
4. Balloon show
5. Photography workshop- imagine nation
6. Poise and personality workshop for Moms- john Robert Powers (pending)
7. Breastfeeding seminars-Latch
8. Spa and wellness – free spot massage CAPRICHOSA SPA
9. Exercise routine demo—Fitness First Eastwood (pending)
10. Mommy Make over seminar-AZTA URBAN SALON
11. Skin care seminar
12. Fashion show- mom and kid
13. Mommy Serenade by Top Suzara (formerly with Freestyle), Sunday-roses for moms
14. Raffle every hour
15. Photobooth

Hope to see you there! Thank you!

All the best,
Mommy Earth

Mother's Day Cake From Red Ribbon

Dear Friends,

Mark your planners for a special celebration this year because May 9 is Mother’s Day!  Set aside this day to fully express gratitude and appreciation to the woman who has shown you unconditional love and kindness.

This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to the special day she deserves with loving words, hugs and a beautifully designed Mother’s Day 2010 Cake from Red Ribbon.

Red Ribbon is offering two special Mother’s Day Cakes this season that are inspired byexpressions of love to Mom from children young and old like handmade greeting cards and abouquet of flowers. The Beautiful Day Cake is a yummy mocha cake filled with mocha buttercream, covered in marshmallow cream and specially designed with colored chocolate icing while the Blooming Mom Cake is a delicious banana cake wrapped in fondant.  Both cakes are certain to sweeten her day.

Red Ribbon Mother’s Day Cakes will be available in all stores from May 7 to 9 at only P450 for the 8” Beautiful Day Cake and P380 for the 6” Blooming Mom Cake.

All the best,

Mommy Earth