Gardenia Summer Workshop : KIDULTING

Summertime has almost ended and we're into approaching rainy season, but I won't let this pass without blogging our experience on Kidulting workshop by Gardenia last May. I was so lucky to be included on the list of Mommy Bloggers who joined this tour and workshop for free.

Workshop was focus on KIDULTING wherein you will be able to infuse your childhood into a fun filled activities and a chance to feel young again. This would be a worth remembering experience once you do it with a child. If you are a parent already, basically, much better do kidulting with your child. This will suffice a parent-child relationship that is lacking nowadays. If you have time... do kidulting and bond with your kids! : )

Before workshop started, Gardenia shirt was distributed and breakfast was served for free while mascots was dancing entertaining kids .

Breakfast served :) Also you have to sit with your kids in a table and help do a name plate for each other.

They were also taught on properly hand-washing.

Baking Time! This activity has 3 session. A kidulting activity that gave us creative ideas on some Baon-tips for kids that you may do out of various Gardenia breads.

Excited na si julian!

Output! (left to right) Gardenia Twiggies on chocolate dip, rolled Gardenia white bread stuff with Ham and cheese and Polvoron out of Gardenia Toasted bread

Painting! This is our favorite. We are instructed to paint our own Gardenia Flavor. Julians' flavor is Berry and mine is Malunggay flavor for breastfeeding Moms. I was the first who had an idea of Malunggay flavor so it's patented. haha! :)

Kidulting!! Pati momshies enjoy! haha!

Some other workshop activities include : Storytelling, watching movies ( just a clip during breaktime) and few games.

Games

Julian also had a chance to experienced the "How-To-sell-Gardenia-Products" on their grocery store. Kiddos read and pitch some gardenia breads to parents (as a target buyer) and input it on their POS for every sale.

credits to : Gardenia :)

Gardenia mascots!

Workshop was ended by distributing certificates and give aways.

Mommy Bloggers

...with Gardee!

Gardenia workshop is highly recommended because this focuses on nurturing a parent-child relationship. However, some workshops only focuses on how to learn other things and following rules. Whereas , sometimes, summertime should be a playtime and engaging moments with parents.

For more information on this workshop, please visit and like : Gardenia Plant Tour on Facebook Website : Http://gardenia.com.ph

Gardenia PlantTour

Have you already smell an opening bag of Gardenia Loaf bread? Sniff! Sniff!

That aroma...

Kape na lang kulang!

It left me so amaze how Gardenia Plant smells upon entrance and made me wonder how freshly this Classic white bread was produced.

Going upstairs make the smell stronger.

Mommy BLoggers Gardenia Plant Tour and Workshop happened last Friday, May4. Mommy Bloggers call time is 7am, at Starbucks 6750, Ayala, Makati. I only have few hours of sleep but I didn't mind because I was so exhilirated for my son to experience such workshop and it was also my first time to be with bloggers outside Cavite. Moreover, I do buy this bread regularly. Their classic white loaf bread is always on my groceries list. I am superbly happy for I was included! :)

I knew that we're approaching the plant when we saw few trucks on the road going out from the Zone (Laguna Int'l Industrial Park (LIIP)).

Production Area

"Gardenia products is baked fresh daily using only the finest ingredients. Their mission is to delight consumers by providing best quality bakery and food products."

Gardenia has 2 plants in Laguna. One is for flavored breads and the one we visited was solely for Classic White Bread. Visitors are not allowed inside the operational area so we're just on the second floor overlooking the entire production area.

Ms Jo. Gardenia's Public Relation Officer Another thing was, we are not allowed to take photos of the production area, however, we did outside. This standee is a replica of how their conveyor looks like. The conveyor inside is really huge with full of breads circulating the layers. Fascinating isn't it?! It made me want to grab and eat it right away!

They are producing 6000 freshly baked loaf breads in just an hour ONLY for this plant, and they're operating 24 hours , 6 times a week. Output in a week would be around 850k of breads. It's raining bread!!!!

Another trivia, the colorful coded G-locks corresponds to a certain day it was produce. Printed with best before date to ensure its freshness.

Coffee Shop

Ang partner sa masarapa na tinapay ay kape! Sluuurp!

I was looking for a Vendo to buy a cup of coffee to energize myself as we woke up early for this event. Blessed me as they do have coffee shop inside the Plant. Bakers Maison offers freshly bake breads, crinkles, cookies, sandwiches ..etc. that is perfect for their creamy coffee Latte. I've looked for a frappe, however, it wasn't available during that time. I ended up ordering a hot Cafe Latte to wake me up on the next activities after lunch.

A working place with a coffee shop? So motivating indeed!

This very cozy coffee shop is now open for Franchise and open for Metro Manila, Laguna and Cavite area. For Inquiries, you may contact 0918 944 8413 or email them @ franchise@bakersmaison.com.ph

Bread Store

A grocery type of store that lets you purchase individual pack of their product. If you wanted personalize stuffs that professes your love for Gardenia breads, there is a souvenir shop inside the store.

I bought ID lace for only 30php each. Cute Shirts is around 200+ depends on the size and designs. There is umbrella, mugs and cute slippers for kids. Very cute to buy as a simple keepsake of your visit.

This is highly recommended place for schools to visit. It can also be an additional place to include on tours they have yearly. They accept walk-ins if you want to see how this world class bread was made. And it is for free!!!

To coordinate you may email and contact them here: customerservice@gardenia.com.ph

Breastfeeding Journey

"Breastfeeding is not a choice, but a responsibility"

Anyhow, breastfeeding won't make you a bad mom if you don't practice breastfeeding your little one. Although, we cannot deny the goodness of breast milk over formula milk. As a mother as well , of course, we will do anything for the goodness of our child, if not the best. This is part of being a human. A part of what a mother can do for his child.

But if you opted not to...just respect! You nurture your own. :)

"Breastfeeding is 90% determination and 10% milk production"

I've heard unsuccessful stories of mother's who went through the initial stage of breastfeeding. Some surpasses this fortunately and some failed. We cannot blame those mom and will not question their decisions as to why they did not pursue. I fully understand because I've have also went thru that stage and I was one of those who stopped. My first child consistently cried so hard that I've also panicked and wonder if he got something from my breast. I was afraid that he might crying because he was terribly starving and my milk wasn't enough for him . My option was really to give him formula milk that time, to sustain his hunger ,not because I was too lazy na magpadede. It was because.. it was really hard to see my child crying and it's a battle between doing what is proper versus my emotions as a mom.

You may overhear others saying that "Just continue on breastfeeding your child... " , "Suck lng ng suck mommy", "Tyagaan lang yan... ", "Dadami yan..kahit ka lang ng masabaw" , but your feeling, frustrations and compassion about the situation wasn't met. It really would take a determined mom to be so patient on this journey.

I failed on my first. That's why I am trying... and keep on trying with my second child.

I am into breastfeeding for 9 months already and I still cannot sustain the demand of my child. So I mix fed my second child. My nanny regularly gave her 8-10 ounce of formula milk everyday, especially when I am at work. Unfortunately , I can only pump and take home 10 ounce of milk. And that 10 oz obviously would not sustain my baby during those 9 hours that I wasn't around. That's why aside from eating solid foods, my nanny gave her formula milk. After working hours, unli dede naman cya!

On BreastPumps

I only lasted 4 months breastfeeding my first child. After I returned to work, I gave up on pumping. Maybe it's because it was my first time and I had so little patience. After all, I regretted it! During those months, I have used Looney Tunes Manual Pump that I bought for only 750 pesos and I didn't have any problem with it. I should say for months, it suits me, and now with my second child, I am still using the same brand. Before buying it, I asked the advise of a Pediatrician what to buy, an electric pump or manual? She just advised whatever it suits me. So I still go for thaT manual Pump and used it for only 3 months. I've also bought a Medela Manual Pump from a friend. She wasn't able to used the Medela pump she bought to Lazada for 3500 pesos. She sell it to me for only 1500. So I got it! Mura e! :) I am using this Electric Pump at work and the Medela pump when at home and if I travel.

Just when I noticed that everytime I go to the Pumping area at work, I was the only one who used Manual and everyone uses electric pump. Those branded pump costs around 5k and some 7k. So it's too much for me, hehe. I still go for affordable. So I go online and scored Real Bubbee electric pump for only 1500 :)

ON GALACTAGOGUE

Natalac

This was the advise of Tala's Pedia for me to intake after my CS delivery. It helps I guess and the fact that it also boosted my immune system. I think it is more of a daily dosage of vitamins for me.

Milking Queens moringa Tea

I only bought a pack for only 240php. I consume a tea bag everytime Im in the office and you can re-use the product 3 times. Hanggat nagkukulay pa yung tubig sa mug.

Pump Princess

I tried to buy 2 bottles (120 capsules) of this product. Each bottle cost me around less a 1k but if you will buy this here in the Philippines, it will cost you 1500php each, for 60 capsules bottle. ( I actually asked a friend who went out of the country to buy me this, so sort of nakatipid na din). After consuming, I noticed increasing an ounce with my milk. But then again, it didn't lasted. I already consume the 120 capsules. Pero wala e ganun pa den.

Mother Nurture Coffee and Chocolate

I bought these 2 sets of Mother Nurture for only 140php each box. I prefer coffee over the choco flavor. Maybe its because Im a coffee lover rather than a choco drinker. Their coffee tastes like your regular 3in1 coffee and choco is more of a sweetened cocoa drink

Right now, I am currently into the basic. I boil malunggay leaves directly and consume a mug of it every morning and evening before going to sleep. Also, I am taking MegaMalunggay capsules. #medyoTipid

So the result ? I went back to 3 1/2 - 4 oz every pump, pumping every 4hours. Of course, I want more! I think its really depend on each of every Mom's hormones out there. There were who was really blessed on milk flows and I was one of those who is really trying. : ) I also observe that it is also depends on mental disposition, emotions of a mom. If stressed and not relax, will really affects the milk flow.

This is my journey. I've struggled on production because I really wanted to lactate more for my child. I am hoping that my boob will engorge and leak because of overflowing milk.

But then again, I will not give up. Only more patience... for I know that when she grows up, she will be more expose on 'instant' foods. So hangga't bata...gawing healthy! Tamang Kaen lang!

Picturesque Plaza of Balanga

After an overnight stay in the remote and pristine beauty of Playa La Caleta, and a half day 'homestay' on boatman's house, my pregnancy-pause vacation was over! However, to maximize our day before going home, we had a quick visit to Plaza Of Balanga since bus terminals are only one tricycle-ride from it. We had our lunch there before going home and had a quick tour to mall and their church.

Plaza of Balanga is a tourist spot itself. It offers architectural beauty of their municipal office by maintaining its structural designs. Picturesque at any direction!

CLeanliness is also their top priorities. Even in Bagac, waste segregation is being practiced. Garbage cans are everywhere.

They were already practicing this ethics even before the Bill-of-not-smoking-in-public has been submitted

BALANGA CHURCH

Mother & son

If you want to know more about tourist places in Balanga, you may want to go directly to their Tourism Office to inquire. The office is located just right there in Balanga Office building.

Tourism Office of Balanga For hotel bookings in Bataan and other towns for staycation and vacations? Better check some at Travelbook.ph.
Just got to this link as they offer affordable hotels discounts!
https://www.travelbook.ph/philippines/bataan/?affid=0098&subid=Bataan001

Pregnancy-Pause-Breathe at PLAYA La CALETA

Currently in my 7months and approaching 8months of pregnancy, I have thought to have a pregnancy-pause to prepare myself again emotionally and mentally (financially is a cliche!) for the labor process and child rearing activity after giving birth.

Anxieties and fears. So many to mention, that dealing with nature is my only solution to regain back motivation and fierce. Gusto ko ng enerhiya mula sa kalikasan, gusto ko ng dagat. Ng puno. At ng Glamping! So budget ...budget..budget!

First choice was Crystal Beach Zambales because its only a few hours away from Cavite and it offers nice beach and environment for kids. However, upon googling and reading blog articles, I have discovered there's more to Bataan to explore, and thinking that this beach got its potential, we have to visit this right away before summertime and before this resort become popular for backpackers and travelers.

..and yes we did! Of course I really wanted to thank Ms. Jane (staff) of Playa La Caleta and John Ceazar Diaz (boatman) for helping us making this thing happened.

Playa La Caleta is a private resort and secluded cove owned by a businessman and was opened for public with fees of course. It is resided under the municipality of Morong Bataan but boats to PLC can be found in Bagac, Bataan. You may compare this with Coves in Zambales, but Playa has it's own unique irresistable beauty. Compared to other coves out there, you may leisurely walk on the shoreline from end to end, the distance is not that far from each other so it's very intimate. Just avoid booking on weekends as it makes the cove crowded and according to staff they can only accommodate up to 300 heads.

Another thing , your overnight stay on the cove would not be enough. There were so many activities that can be done in the island and good thing , the management preserves the beauty of the mountains and marine biodiversity. Every cottage/gazebo have its own trashcans for cleanliness. The only "kalat" that you will see are falling leaves. You may want to check more details on their Facebook page.

So what made our stay here superbly special, that we really wanted to go back?

1. We're alone on this island - We actually planned a 2D/1N stay on the island and originally on weekends, Sat- Sun. However, I 've changed my mind a week before our booking date. Since our purpose is to rest and deal with nature, I 've changed the date and made it Sunday to Monday night. Fortunately , Ms.Jane was very accommodating. She sets everything including the boat. And Yes, it was really fun because WE OWN the island! Few visitors arrived on Monday but on a day tour. So we really enjoyed our stay. Ang tahimik! Perfect!

HAMMOCKS!!! 2. StaffS and boatman are super mabaet and very accommodating - Hindi masungit and they never fail to remind us to tell them what we needed.

Eto lang.. this island owned lots of dogs. Good thing they're all harmless and they serve as "bantay" on the island with the staffs.

3. No threat for security although I wasn't able to catch a good sleep because I really doubt it. But hey! We're safe and had a great time - We arrived sunday night. So we just asked staff to cook meal for us. You will just pay 150 pesos for each set of meal. After our night swimming, we already had our dinner and rest. The only people on the island that night was us and 3 staffs. Yes, creepy!!! :)

No mosquitoes but lots of insects! Fortunately each gazebo have mosquito nets! aT ang lamig! :)

4. My son like it - Although Slip N SLide, was not available during those days and still working in progress, you will not ran out of activities to do. Kids can rent toys and they did kayaking. He also spotted some fishes swam around the area and small jellyfish. Good thing is, the water is shallow so kids can really enjoy wading and paddling.

5. We did an overnight stay in PLC and another night at the boatman's humble abode. Our story HERE. : )

Expenses. How much we shell out ? All in all, for 3 adult and a kid, we didn't spent much. Actually we only spent less than 7K for that overnight stay in PLC and a 'homestay' to the boatman's house plus additional tour in Plaza of Balanga. In PLC, we rented a gazebo that is good for 4, so it cost us 1500 per night and a we rented a banca exclusively for us for 1800php. Plus entrance, that is 200php per head.

The rest of activities are here:

UPDATED RATES OF ACTIVITIES IN PLAYA LA CALETA Just choose activities that you wanted to enjoy more your stay in the island. Actually there is also aN underwater cave spot located before the island that you can visit. Too late we knew it thru the boatman's mom. We also didn't explore Miguelito Island because there were no water on the basin and we are not into cliff jumping.

So we just maximized our stay on the island by walking from end to end. Kayaking and unlimited swimming is enough! Ganung mga bagay e sapat na! On its truest sense,this is tranquility and I, indeed, gained back my energy!

I know... Bataan will be talk of the town for backpackers this coming summer 2017 and there is more to Bataan that can be explore. Maganda pala ang Bataan! This is highly recommended for a weekend get away, because its only few hours away from Manila. So let me share some of my pics there. .. definitely will go back! MAnganganak muna ako!! :)

Julian enjoying the boatride to PLC

Our homey gazebo for a night

GOOD MORNING!This is what I really like! Morning breeze!! At tulog pa sila!!

Since its marine biodiversity is protected, there is a possibility of seeing turtles swimming around the area.

This is where the river water meets the sea

#Feels! The sun is up, the sky is blue!!! Perfect!!

Filling in the hole with more sand so the crab won't come out! LOL *tripLangNila*

Yung sobrang init,chill muna sa hammock!

Mini grocery @ Playa LA Caleta

G L A M P I N G is IN in BATAAN!

The other side of the island. River streams. There is a waterfalls hiding on that area and it will take you 2 hours to get there.

Waterguns for kids , available at the PLC office for rent

Julian can't play under the sun! Natakot sa sunburn. So nagmukmok... natulog na lang sa duyan!:)

Of course, got a chance to have my DIY pregnancy/maternal photos. I really looove it!

If you plan to have your vacation on the island , do not hesitate to drop a message on their Facebook page and inquire, or text these numbers and look for Ms Jane: 09088887668 / 09167660111 and John DIaz ( boatman) at 09501690511.

You may also afford to avail Hotels on Bataan. Good news that they're on SALE now. Take a look!

I guarantee you a day well-spent at PLC with your loved ones. SIDE TRIP HERE : https://obraengkantada.blogspot.com/2017/08/picturesque-plaza-of-balanga.html?m=1