Let Your Kids Play and Learn at KIDS PLAY VILLE

If your kids are spending too much time with gadgets and getting bored at home, it's time to get them busy with fun activities where they could learn too. There's a place called Kids Learning Ville in Little Chinatown at Lucky Chinatown in Manila where you can have them participate in a program called Kids Play Ville. It's specifically made for kids so they could undergo a structured learning program through play, an important part of a child's development. 

They learn to interact with other kids and facilitators in a grand indoor playground, a place where your kids could learn even more with the same audience. This way they can hone their skills, discover new ones, and take lessons, so they could be ahead in school. Plus points too because they get to do this with fun, make new friends and enjoy this process.

They've been doing this online in the past but these days, it's better when it's face to face. Visit their social channels (https://www.facebook.com/share/14jvP4Lytys/) or call their numbers if you have inquiries. Better yet, visit them at the Lucky Chinatown Mall to see the facility today!

Set to Change Lives of Filipino Kids: MUSIKWELA

Learned that a new show is being launched, it's called MUSIKWELA. This is an early childhood education and entertainment show where they utilize music, performance, puppetry, animation, and do lots of research so it could be easily understood by its target audience, the Filipino kid.

This all stemmed from experiencing it first hand. Ms. Ellen Estrada was fetching her daughter from school and noticed how her classmates weren't that optimistic in using "Po and Opo" in their conversations. This was something alarming because even if she taught her daughter GMRC, her classmates didn't have access to that too. Having a theater and music background, she was inspired to create the "Po and Opo" and "Ang Bagong Alpabetong Filipino" songs. Unknowingly, it was watched millions of times (3.4 and 4.7 Million) mostly by Filipinos. It became a norm for parents and teachers to use it as a medium for education. They realized how music made the experience of learning more enjoyable and uber fun!

They also joined a government initiated child documentary competition in 2023 (via the DokyuBata Festival of the National Council for Children's Television, an attached agency of the Department of Education). They did a documentary called "Ang Bayani at ang Kanyang Sandok" which teaches nationalism and love for one's country. This started the ball rolling for MUSIKWELA.

Image from their website musikwela.com

 

She harnessed the talent of her daughter Yumi Sansano to lead the show including a throng of folks called MUSIKSCOUTS (Ate Yumi, Potpot, Biboy, and Lala who were a pretty bunch!). She's no ordinary kid because she won awards in WCOPA as champ for Opera in the Juniors Division. She also did Artsy Craftsy in PTV4 a couple years back and have gotten audiences left and right, including the President of the Philippines.

We watched them perform during this event and I could liken them to Sesame Street, Sineskwela, Batibot among others. Knowing there's a huge educational crisis in the Philippines, I felt so happy that kids would have a place to learn how to respect the elderly, how to protect nature, hone their talents, what to do in case of emergencies, and care for Mother Nature in their first few episodes. Ms. Ellen also shared how they are planning to do more in the coming months, plus delve into other subjects (like reading, writing or math). I personally know some kids finish school without learning how to, and I'm hopeful this could address that (even if it doesn't entirely solve it!). Check out the event on video here:

You cannot discount the fact that it has done remarkably well for the 90's kids on why we're street and a little smart, we learned from shows like these albeit unconsciously. This is something that I'd like to happen in this generation too, and perhaps the next ones included. I wept for the shows that went off the air in the past because it has disenfranchised a lot of kids who could have learned from it. They need our help and hopefully, they get the resources to continue this. Currently, thanks to the people who are helping them and sponsors (Victoria Sports Cinema, Ceelin Gummies, Ceelin Immunped, Appebon, Allerkid, White Rabbit Philippines, Wildfire Inc., Shop N Play, Kontrata.PH) that they get to do this with passion. Imagine how many kids would learn from what they do, if millions more would consume their content on FB, their website and YouTube (so go and sub!). We'd have educated kids going out of our homes and schools, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?! 

The first episode will come out on November 11 6PM GMT and will talk about GRANDPARENT's DAY. They will release future episodes on a bi monthly period, so sub to make sure your kids could watch it! I'd like to take this bit and congratulate Ms. Ellen on her efforts, and hope you won't get tired of your passions. Here's hoping a lot of people could help you even more with your future projects!

Filipino Kids: Come Sing and Dance with "The Dadadoos"

There certainly is a huge lack of children's shows in the Philippines. In the past, there's always something that you could watch on TV that teaches not just English, Math or Science, but Filipino custom + good manners which has honed a generation. This has taught them how to count, speak, learn a language and these days, there certainly a few online, but not a full show that does that in 2023.

The folks at FEAST Foundation knew it was time to come out with "The Dadadoos". It's a music and dance group aimed to entertain and teach more about culture, and Filipino values. Kids and Adults alike would be able to see episodes at the FEAST Foundation YouTube channel featuring 9 songs in their first season. Much of these will be based on Filipino nursery rhymes so if you do hear and see something familiar, it'll really be something you can bond on with your kids and whole family. 

 

This is one of the pet productions of FEAST Foundation and the late Shandii Bacolod+ which was conceptualized in 2020. Leading them in this project is Writer and Director Joseph Abello and auditions have been held twice in the same year. During the sessions, they asked the cast to learn a new dance, to see how fast they would be able to pick up the choreography. Aside from that, they needed to see if the cast had chemistry. It was then when they chose Yam Mercado, Iyo Canlas, Maxinne Ignacio, Fiona Sarte, John Arcenas and Vic Robinson to form the group. A special character called "Dada Diwata" will be performed by Rissey Reyes (who's a real deal Disney Princess in HK Disneyland).

There have been several delays in the creation of this show, including Ms. Bacolod's+ passing and actor schedules, but they pulled through. The show will be having their own theme song, something that you and your kids could pick up and enjoy. Aside from that, they will showcase a throng of favorite Filipino children songs like "Pakitong Kitong", "Penpen de Sarapen", among others. It'll surely be a grand time to see kids sing along and play tons of games which they will also do on the show.  This is officially their second project after doing the film "Call Me Papi" which stars Albie Casino, Enzo Pineda, Lharby Policarpio, Royce Cabrera and Aaron Concepcion. 

Here's Episode 1, they also released Episode 2 so make sure you go and subscribe and see them sing and dance on their YouTube Channel!

We also got word that they are working on their third one called "TALAHIB" that will be made by Director Alvin Yapan. This will be done by Joem Bascon, Gillian Vicencio, Kristof Garcia, Jess Mendoza, Dax Alejandro, Kate Alejandrino, Timothy Castillo, Yam Mercado and Iyo Canlas (the last two of whom are also part of The Dadadoos). They are also in the process of doing a modern day take of Florante at Laura. There's certainly more to look forward to in this production company, go follow FEAST Foundation's social channels, meanwhile make sure you subscribe first to the FEAST Foundation YouTube channel so you could watch "The Dadadoos" when more episodes come out!

Share the Love and Give Back with AIA Philam Life

2020 is about to end and hopefully, nothing bad will happen from hereon. We remain good, hopeful, we learned a lot, and lucky to still have our time with family and friends at the comforts of our home this Christmas. But think about it, not everyone is actually lucky. There are folks who lost their jobs, families who got hungry, even organizations, foundations and charitable institutions who lost funding because everyone is in dire straights when the lock down happened. I just hope they're not suffering, especially the people, the children who they are taking care of.

Anyway, we still have a lot to be thankful for. The question I always ask my interviewees when I end a session is "What are you thankful for?", I guess in the months we've been locked in on our homes, it still brought something good with humanity. People have sought and helped family, other folks, relative or not, just pretty much our fellow Filipino. It's also the right thing to do.

AIA Philam Life is doing the same. They're giving back to one of these charities:

SOS Children’s Village -  An NGO focused on fostering care for children.

Haribon Foundation - All for biodiversity and conservation.

Leonard Cheshire Foundation - A health and welfare charity organization.

Anawin Home for the Elderly - A care center for the abandoned and elderly.

There are more. If you become the winner, you can get to choose a partner charity organization. They will receive Php 100,000 from AIA Philam life, which I'm sure they need right now. This is the AIA Philam Life Share the Love and Give Back Promo. You may check the whole mechanics here https://bit.ly/PALSignUpForACauseMechanics. You can also sign up for it here https://bit.ly/PALSignUpForACause so you can help them help others. Check out the hashtag #TuloyAngBuhay on social channels to see more of it.

That's a good thing.

FamiLIGTAS: Stand Against Gender-Based Violence

Speaking out and speaking your mind these days can get you red tagged, abused, violated, which is such a sad state in the country.

They can either be women, children, the elderly or part of the LGBTQ community, but they all experience supposed violence in one form or another. The problem is, most of these incidents come unreported or never gets surfaced more so during the pandemic. The psycho social, economic and mental state attribute to its worsening, but is should never be a reason or excuse ro why it should happen.

This afternoon, I got to join a press conference hosted by the one and onlyMs. Karen Davila about “FamiLIGTAS” which is a campaign against Gender-Based Violence spearheaded by RTI International, USAID Philippines and supported by government and NGO’s, as to also learn more about the situation in the country. 

Ms. Michelle Lang Alli the Director of US AID Philippines says “Your support against Gender violence requires more. It has affected 2.5 Million people nationwide including women, children, the elderly and LGBTQ sector. The pandemic has affected us all, but there is no excuse for gender based violence. We need to make available our programs for equality, to reduce GBV and its harmful effects socially and the marginalized. Recent surveys 2 in 5 women never sought help from violence, and the PNP has recorded 19.5 incidents per day in the Philippines. By forming new and enriching existing partnerships, we can help change policies, raise the volume with GBV so they can have better options now, to keep our homes and community safe, thank you!”

Lolito Tacardon of POPCOM says “This is an important campaign and it currently, homes are places for perpetrators for violence, in imbalance for the basis of gender, it affects the victim, the children, even in this pandemic. The good news is we can break that, take it out of our culture, save people from oppressive violence. We have a joint statement to support vigilance and protect families from any forms of violence. We harness our website, to encourage our followers about GBV. We recognize the raise in pregnancies of minors, to move institutions and have access to facilities of care. Our strongest weapon is our belief that we can break this cycle of violence, we will provide the platform for every Filipino woman and child, Popcom will support to further empower families.”

Dr. Carolyn of UP adds  “We commit to explain and carry out this campaign effectively. You can call on us anytime, even if we are bashed right now.”

Dana Aduna from Luna’s Collective says “Quarantine data shows Violence against Women and Children have gone down, but this doesn’t mean it is happening. It has been difficult to report crimes since everyone is in isolation. Gender inequality exists, between intimate partners, and inequalities can be related to social class, religion, women can be oppressed, some interlocking forms of violence. Seeking help, it shows 34%  do not seek help or talk to anyone at all. Luna’s Collective wants to be involved to make people talk about psychosocial support, legal, health services and is volunteer powered. Our core belief is that everyone should be comfortable about our bodies, make the community informed and live fully. We understand that gender and power relations should not dictate class and importance in society. We are at our homes with a huge amount of time and if is in a violent setup, we have women come to us, not just first timers, even repeat instances. We remind them it is not their fault, but again this is not an excuse for violence. Similar with men, women or children, even LGBTQ experience it. We need to build a support system in order to stop this.“

Patrizia Garcia adds “GBV happens and so does its effects on mental health. This cause is very close to my heart, we can encourage them to help, our communities.”

Our share of the burden is to support victims of violence, help them get the help they need, and give them access so they won’t experience this at all.  Even at these times, there should not be any instance where GBV Is justified. The state also has a role to protect these rights, which is the right thing to do. Economic, Physical, Psychological, all Gender Based violence should have no place in a progressive society. 

To know more about the cause or if you need help, visit their Facebook page at Familigtas PH as everything is there.

 

Tea Time with the Bolzicos

Nice afternoon, good time to talk to Nico Bolzico and Solenn Heussaff over hot tea as they discuss being healthy and protecting the family. They are first time parents, but it was nice to see they are human, they have fears too just like you and me.

They also talked to the President of AIA Kelvin Ang as he shared his experience about difficulties having no insurance. He also took time to share what happened when his dad passed and he had to grow up a wee bit early as the eldest in the family. He took this experience and made it into passion to help others to have needed protection.

Then came Slater Young and Kryz Uy (all the way from Cebu) who shared their experience raising their daughter. Nico Bolzico shared how they should not accept suitors this early and Solenn told them about protection and how to plan ahead. AIA PhilAm Life head of products Tennyson Paras says “Before, they used to talk about insurance for old people, but no matter how prepared we are we can’t expect those emergencies even if they are young. A few years back, I got a call from my wife telling me my baby was rushed to the hospital as she was having convulsions because of high fever. Broke my heart, I wished it was me there because she was so young. When she was stable, they still had to observe her, I also in the back of my mind knew how expensive it was. I knew my company had good medical plans, but how about other people who don’t have that? How can they prepare? Both the Bolzicos and Youngs didn’t have that plan either. We would prioritize school, future, but not now, not emergencies. It is a gap as not all companies have medical or life plans for children. We recently launched AIA Med Assist which is now available for age 0 to 17.  Our goal is to make sure parents would have peace of mind when this happens. Filipino families know the expense of having this especially in the Philippines. We need to make sure they are protected in accidents, sickness, because these kids move around now. They bump their head, play, not intentional but they all may get into trouble every now and then. It is but a nice time to get plans for your children now, so in the event they do have accidents, sickness and disease. Hospitalization can be covered by the insurance, about 90% of expenses and that is a big help.”

Young fam stated “Having children is fun, tons of things to consider which cannot be read on a book. Things can happen, medical expenses are expensive and you can’t put your kids at risk. We take turns taking care of the baby, I do mornings while Slater does the evening. Getting an insurance plan will surely help to not worry as much, just be a good parent. It’s good to be protected.”

We need to make sure we are prepared and not get caught in situations beyond our control. It would hit our budget, instead of putting just with primary needs we would need to shell out huge amounts for that. More Filipinos want their families safe, maybe ask an AIA PhilAm Life agent to know how you could do that.

Ogie Alcasid Does "NAKAKALOKAL" for World Vision

Spent the evening at Bo's Coffee in Tomas Morato to participate in the bloggers night for NAKAKALOKAL, a benefit concert of singer and composer par excellance Ogie Alcasid for World Vision and their projects against child exploitation, a very noble cause. 

Jun Godornes the Resource Development Director of World Vision Philippines says "We are doing this again because we believe you are the future. We want you to know how World Vision and this concert has aligned for the kids we are helping. We are commited to a better world for children, for education and their lives. We work alongside partners and donors to provide for communities, helping kids to reach their potential and live their dreams. We also give parents the chance to support their income so they could provide their families, become resilient in future disasters. Thank you to Mr. Ogie Alcasid our World Vision Ambassador."

Ogie Alcasid says "I'm turning 50, this is called Nakakalokal because it's the title of my album done with the ABSCBN Philharmonic Orchestra (already available in record bars and digital stores). The Philippines is known for great singers, and we are a talent pool of great songwriters, this is our way of saying thank you. There is great music being produced here, and we are proud of that. We have been working with World Vision as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. We believe the in the youth, to hopefully start their success with music, thank you to World Vision for giving us an opportunity to help. I have been a witness about how they are as an organization and if there is an opportunity to help, every minute with them, I don't bat an eyelash. We will have a lot of artists working with us as guests in the concert and they all said yes. You will see Angeline Quinto, Basti Artadi, Davey Langit, Erik Santos, Inigo Pascual, Jaya, Kyla, Lara Maigue, Leila Alcasid, Lovi Poe, Men and Music, and Ms. Yeng Constantino. All the proceeds of this concert will go to a fund designed to help in the cause for the prevention of exploitation of children. I hope you help us with the sale of tickets for this show (even though it is selling quite good he adds). I have been part of them for years, it's never been formal in an event until now. We all did it by heart, and I got invited to Zambales and met indigenous people and fell in love with them. They didn't know me, some of them do from the Bonux commercial (and laughed) and it was so heartwarming. They made musical instruments from tree branches and played it with so much gusto and it was entertaining. I had the chance to come back so I sent them some speakers for their sound system. When I arrived, they were ready. It geared me more to partner with them even more (World Vision) after that. I will be singing an all Filipino repertoire and I am singing some new songs, so I am equally excited for that. I also have a new album, I am very proud of it. I am excited to know what God has planned for me."

Richard Supat who is a former sponsored child gave a testimony and said "My sponsors were from around the world and I felt anchored to pursue my goals and dreams. I finished college, I met my sponsors and we didn't even talk, we just met and cried. I graduated with an MBA from La Salle and when we were at school, I told them I was one of the products of the organization. This organization isn't make believe, I have a better place to live in and finished school because of them."

Ogie Alcasid's 50th Birthday concert "NAKALALOKAL" will happen at the Kia Theater on August 25, Friday at 8pm. Tickets are on sale via Ticketnet http://www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555 or email them at ticketnet@ticketnet.com.ph. You're not just going to watch a nice man do his songs, but help a very worthy cause that helps kids recover from exploitation, which is a sad reality because it still happens. 

Help Mr. Alcasid help the foundation and the kids!

KUMAGCOW

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Restaurants Against Hunger Philippines

This is a passion not just for food but the passion for sharing, this is Restaurants Against Hunger. This is the first public act in the Philippines and it started with Action Against Hunger (1979) to once feed Afghan refugees during the Russian and Afghanistan war. They have 40 years experience and started in the Philippines during the year 2000, helping in central Mindanao with food programs. Hunger exists everywhere, not just malnutrition but how to detect and treat it is done by prevention. Access to clean water, not just food security is done so it could reduce malnutrition for children. They want to make sure it sustains the community, they are an NGO and converge during conflicts and help the population recover. They provide water and sanitation, and they will be able to do more with your help says Javad Amoozegar, the Country Director for Action Against Hunger Philippines. 

Today, the Philippines is following the footsteps of UK, US, Canada and Spain by launching Restaurants Against Hunger. Joining various restaurants on their belt, and the Chefs in between, Chef Rolando Laudico is the ambassador for this cause and with the act of putting proceeds of particular dishes served in over 103 restaurants in the Philippines called DISHES THAT FEED MORE that will give life saving impact for kids with malnutrition. They will transform villages, do healthcare, educate and deal the things that stand in their way.

There are children that have low height for their age, kids that have stunted growth. That means 4 Million Filipino kids we are talking about. The country is ranked 9th in the world when it comes to stunting, undernourished kids doesn't just mean physically, but also mentally. Malnourished kids are bound to be caught in a cycle of poverty 20% of the time but in all these challenges, we can overcome it. We can help kids survive just by going and ordering these food items on their menu. It's time to put them on your list this 2016 as it will run from November 15, 2016 to January 15, 2017. You can register your restaurants too until November 30 at www.restaurantsagainsthungerphilippines.org or like their Facebook page @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH, follow them on IG @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH and on Twitter @EndHungerPH or their official website www.accioncontraelhambre.org/es/filipinas.

KUMAGCOW

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UNICEF Launches #ChildrenFirstStoryBooks with Anne Curtis

We were in SM North - The Block earlier to witness the launch of UNICEF's Children First Story Books. It's a project very close to the heart of Anne Curtis, one of UNICEF's Child Ambassador. The proceeds of the sales of these books will actually go to their fund and in turn help a lot of kids form the habit of reading which is crucial for today's generation to succeed. I'm a voracious reader, so this also hits close to home. I wouldn't want my kids to just spend all day in front of the TV, tablets or computers alone (hypothetically having kids I mean) so it would be a good thing for them to have something tangible every once in a while. I remember having these kinds of books in the past that taught kids not just to read, but learn a thing or two about good manners, courage, the concept of beauty, and the good values Filipinos should never lose.

Aside from Filipino children benefiting from reading, UNICEF takes care of the rights of the child. So if you're going to get the set, you're also helping them in efforts to eradicate poverty, educate more kids, and protect the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that every child should have. Anne also adds that the books would also entail the kids to have a sense of imagination, and could learn a thing or two about life lessons. She also believes that kids should have emotional and moral support that they need in order to grow. They can also learn to express themselves better if they get the confidence they need (as she talks about her book Anita the Duckling Diva).

UNICEF will also have the illustrations on all these books displayed on SM The Block's 3rd level until the 25th of February. Some of the patrons also had the opportunity to have their books signed by the authors and illustrators earlier. You can visit www.unicef.ph to know more on how you can help and get these children's books too. It only costs a mere Php 500 for 6 of them, plus you can also help their cause. That's a good deal right there.

For more information about their cause:

UNICEF Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.unicef.ph/

Joyce Ching Celebrates Birthday in Orphanage

It's been a while since we've seen the beautiful Joyce Ching. She just celebrated her birthday with kids from Holy Trinity Home for Children, a shelter for kids without a home or family. They teach them catechism, good manners and send them to school. 

Joyce is currently part of the new love series Because of You which stars Gabby Concepcion and Carla Abellana. She portrays the role of Cheska Salcedo, the daughter of Jaime Salcedo played by Gabby. She's probably going to have a play in the relationship because it'll be difficult to pursue something if there are kids involved. It's fun actually, not too heavy. It's more romantic, more kilig, and it just is more conflicting because they probably love each other, but there are times when Jaime just had to leave for family matters. This is where Andrea feels so left out, as she first was left hanging in the mountains where they first got to tell each other how they feel.

Anyway, Joyce was so happy during this celebration because she got to spend time with kids. During our small interview, we asked Joyce a few questions about the show. Here's a short video:

Joyce isn't entertaining suitors as of the moment but realizes she has fixed a lot of things in her life after her previous relationship. She has matured a lot and is focusing on her studies and career. She's planning to finish her studies as she's taking up film in Mint College. She's eager to actually be behind the camera in the coming months, and perhaps make a few documentaries based on the scripts she also made. She's also happy that her fans were in the event supporting her, they personally packed everything that they gave away to the kids. She's been very blessed, and hopes she would continue to have more projects after the current series she's in.

She also told us that during the cake blowing, she wished for the kids to have successful careers, make their dreams come true. Isn't that selfless? It's one of the reasons I love her, she's down to earth, and very humble. Happy birthday dear! 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Hiro Peralta, Renz Valerio and Betong's Birthday

We spent the afternoon at the Christian Compassion Ministries in Antipolo City. It's a place for abandoned girls and the foundation takes good care of them. There are kids, tweens and teens here and the center highly regards ways to protect their identities, therefore we weren't able to take photos of them during the event. As you may know, they believe that everyone has a right to  education, play, and faith. Stars from GMA Hiro Peralta, Renz Valerio and Betong went here to share their blessings. They are celebrating their birthdays in a very meaningful way and I've seen their faces light up as they arrived at the venue. 

Betong says he knows that these kids are probably going through different hardships and they've got different reasons why they ended up here. He advised them not to think about it and suggests they live a full life and never stop dreaming. He also sang a few songs to entertain the girls while they were given gifts by YSA Skin Care, Monreo Biscuits, Active White, Sundance and Magnolia. Betong is also starring in Shake Rattle and Roll XV in December, Bubble Gang and Sunday All Stars. He introduced himself as Dingdong Dantes and that made us laugh!

Renz Valerio gave these girls a show by dancing to the latest beats. They enjoyed and appreciated it so they started dancing with him. Renz gave away shirts from his sponsors as well. By the way, he's a regular in Walang Tulugan and gigs in different GMA shows too. He wishes these kids to have a better life, education and thanks them for supporting his shows in the past.

Hiro was happy to see them. He's the apple of the eye of the girls who screamed once or twice during his song. He's a very spirited singer and his charm is unquestionable. Aside from his stint in Tween Hearts and My BFF, he's going to be part of Yagit soon and wishes the kids could get to watch him and their shows when allowed to by the people from the shelter. He thanks the people there who prioritize education and takes care of their welfare. 

Thank you so much to the kind people of Christian Compassion Ministries who still continue to take care of these kids who are in dire straights. You are making their lives better and for that I laud you. Cheers! Here's to more meaningful birthday celebrations from GMA Artists!

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter