Kids Archive

What my kids are like, and how to raise your child/children in this day and age.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Manila Review

We were fortunate enough to attend the Gala Night, and even now, it’s one of those theater nights we still find ourselves talking about. From the colorful atmosphere and incredible performances to the laughter, surprises, and sing-along moments, it was an evening that reminded us why live theater is so special. Read on for my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Manila Review.

If you’re still undecided about watching it, I hope this Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Manila Review gives you a glimpse of what made it such a memorable experience for our family.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical is brought to Manila by GMG Productions, the company behind several internationally acclaimed musicals staged in the Philippines.

About Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical follows the story of Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted young boy who dreams of visiting the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka.

When Charlie finds one of the coveted Golden Tickets hidden inside a chocolate bar, he joins four other children on a once-in-a-lifetime factory tour. Along the way, they discover magical inventions, extraordinary sweets, unforgettable characters, and valuable life lessons about kindness, honesty, and family.

The Manila production brings this timeless story to life with colorful sets, dazzling costumes, catchy musical numbers, and plenty of theatrical surprises that entertain both kids and adults alike.

Our Gala Night Experience

For the Gala Night, the invitation’s dress code was “Candy-Coated Cocktail.” I interpreted that as colorful and playful, so I wore my rainbow tulle outfit, while Marius was completely set on becoming Willy Wonka for the evening.

Even before entering the theater, you could already feel the excitement. The red carpet and photo-op installations were beautifully designed with colorful candy-inspired decorations that instantly transported guests into Wonka’s magical world. It was one of those events where everyone happily took photos because every corner looked picture-perfect.

Then we entered the theater… and the magic officially began.

We were lucky enough to have seats that were incredibly close to the stage. Seeing every costume detail, facial expression, and performance up close made the entire experience even more immersive.

Our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Manila Review

To be honest, this was actually our first time watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We only knew bits and pieces of the story, so we came in with very few expectations.

And all I can say is…

GRABE. GRABE. GRABE.

Yes, three “grabes” because that’s exactly how much we enjoyed it.

From the opening number until the curtain call, I don’t think my smile disappeared even once. The production was simply entertaining from beginning to end. Every scene flowed beautifully, the songs were memorable, and the entire cast delivered fantastic performances.

One of our favorite moments was when Willy Wonka unexpectedly sang a Tagalog song. It completely caught the audience by surprise and had everyone laughing. It was such a fun local touch that made the Manila production feel even more special.

I also loved how immersive the show felt. Combined with the beautiful stage effects and the live orchestra playing below the stage, every musical number felt larger than life. Watching a live band perform while the actors sang onstage added so much emotion and excitement to every scene.

And of course, the curtain call deserves a special mention. The audience was encouraged to sing along, and you could really feel everyone’s energy as the theater celebrated the end of such a wonderful performance together.

Watching as a Family

We were also able to take advantage of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Manila Family Bundle Promo, where you buy two tickets and get two more at half the price. If you’re planning to watch with your family, it’s definitely worth checking TicketWorld to see if the promo is still available.

It’s a wonderful way to make family theater outings a little more affordable while creating memories you’ll remember long after the show ends.

Is It Worth Watching?

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Charlie Bucket’s story or someone watching it for the very first time like we did, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical is a production that’s easy to love.

It’s colorful, funny, heartwarming, visually stunning, and filled with moments that both children and adults can enjoy together.

With only two days left before the Manila run ends, this is your last chance to experience the magic at The Theatre at Solaire.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to book, consider this your Golden Ticket. Gather your family, check TicketWorld for available seats (and the Family Bundle Promo if it’s still available), and enjoy one final trip to Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory before the curtain falls.

Kiddie Kitchen by Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez

Marius and I got to attend the most exciting Kiddie event of the year! When Abi Marquez’s team emailed and invited us to be one of the media partners for Kiddie Kitchen by Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez, my answer was instant: OO AGAD!

Syempre as a mom, I always get excited about events where kids can learn, explore, and enjoy something meaningful outside the usual school or play setup. But this one felt extra special because it combined three things I personally love: kids, food, and Filipino culture. Of course, it was Abi Marquez. For a mommy influencer and creator like me, it felt extra special to be in the same room with someone who has become such a big name in the food and creator community. Medyo surreal, honestly — one of those moments na mapapasabi ka na lang, “Wow, I’m really here.”

Kiddie Kitchen is not just a cooking activity. It is a hands-on experience where kids get to touch ingredients, make their own food, listen to stories behind familiar Filipino snacks, and build confidence in the kitchen. Abi shared during our interview that this was already their second Kiddie Kitchen, and every event teaches them something new.

Kiddie Kitchen by Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez

The event started with registration, and from there pa lang, you could already feel the excitement. The venue was filled with booths and treats from different partners, making it fun not only for the kids but also for parents and guests. After registering, we were able to roam around the area and visit the sponsors’ booths.

Casa Italianos, the pizza sponsor, had a generous food spread and also provided the pizza dough used by the kids later in the program. Nutribullet served refreshing no-sugar fruit juices and shakes. Kreative Nook Manila prepared personalized bags with the kids’ names and cute fruits and vegetables designs. Soju Craft Lab had personalized bag chains, while Bricks and Memories added more fun with personalized Lego-style keychains. There were also booths and treats from brands like Croquembouche Factory, Kadto, and many more, making the whole area feel like one big family-friendly food and activity fair. Parang Pinoy Fiesta ang dating ba.

One of the main highlights of the program was when Abi surprised the kids with fresh ingredients from Sierreza. Sierreza is a social enterprise from Los Baños, Laguna that supports Filipino farmers and rural communities by buying harvests at fair prices and bringing produce closer to urban consumers. It is also known for helping connect farmers to customers in a more sustainable and community-centered way. For the kids, this was a simple but important reminder that food does not just come from supermarkets or kitchens. It starts with farmers, soil, harvest, and people who work hard to grow what we eat.

The first dish the kids made was veggie pizza. They got to “shop” for their own ingredients, choose their vegetables, and design their pizzas using the dough provided by Casa Italianos. Ang cute panoorin because each pizza really showed the personality of the child who made it. Some were careful and organized, while others were more playful and creative with their toppings. After they finished assembling their pizzas, the helpers collected them for cooking. Later, the pizzas were placed in boxes so the kids could eat some and bring some home.

Next was palitaw, and this was easily one of the most enjoyable parts for the kids. Tuwang-tuwa sila because the dough felt like clay, so it was like they were playing while cooking. Abi explained why it is called palitaw and showed the kids how it is cooked. When the palitaw floats or “lumitaw,” that means it is ready. It was such a simple but memorable way to teach a Filipino merienda classic.

The last dish was, of course, turon. It was the perfect ending to the cooking session because turon is familiar, hands-on, and very Filipino. The kids were able to experience preparing a snack many of us grew up eating at home, in school, or from our favorite merienda vendors. The turon was already prepared for take-home, making it easier for the children and parents to enjoy after the program.

Throughout the session, Abi gave helpful kitchen tips in a way that kids could easily understand. She taught them how to properly hold a knife, how to choose vegetables, and how to appreciate the ingredients they were using. She also shared trivia about Filipino merienda like palitaw and turon. Hindi lang talaga siya cooking class. It was food appreciation, culture, creativity, and confidence-building in one fun activity.

After cooking, the kids enjoyed the food they made. Some were eaten at the venue, while others were packed for take-home. The pizzas were already in boxes, and the turon was ready for the kids to bring home. As a mom, ang saya makita na proud sila sa sarili nila. They were not just eating food. They were eating something they made with their own hands. Syempre yung turon at pizza inuwi namin for Mathieu.

The program ended with a raffle, plaques for each child, and bags and bags of tokens. Every kid went home with something special, but more than the freebies and prizes, they brought home a new memory: that cooking can be fun, creative, and something they can actually do.

Future of Kiddie Kitchen by Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez

During our short interview, I asked Abi what inspired her to create Kiddie Kitchen for kids. She shared that she has always loved being around children. As an ate to two younger siblings, she grew up making them laugh and playing with them.

Abi also said she sees herself in young kids who are trying their hand at cooking because she herself found her passion for cooking at a very young age. As her content creation career evolved, one of her missions became teaching the next generation how to cook, especially the recipes many of us grew up with.

She shared, “One of those missions is teaching the next generation how to cook, or making sure that they know how to cook the recipes that we grew up with.”

When asked if she plans to include more kids in her content in the near future, Abi answered, “Why not?” She said there are many kids today with great personalities, and even very young creators who are already doing impressive things in the kitchen. She even mentioned how amazing it is to see a 10-year-old cooking dishes she herself might not have done at that age.

Abi also happily shared that she is becoming a tita soon, and she is excited to have a baby at home whom she can cook for. Very tita energy, and honestly, very relatable.

I also asked if there are plans to make Kiddie Kitchen more regional so more kids around the country can experience it. Abi said it would be a great idea and that it is one of her dreams to bring Kiddie Kitchen to regional areas. Since the past Kiddie Kitchen events have been in Manila, she understands that there are also many “kiddie chefs” from other parts of the Philippines who would love to join. For regional versions, she imagined local twists like durian turon or other dishes inspired by the flavors of different places in the Philippines.

Thank You to the Sponsors and Partners

Kiddie Kitchen by Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez was made possible by NYMA and Team Abi. NYMA, which stands for Now You Must Aspire, is a talent agency dedicated to nurturing trailblazers across all media spaces. NYMA provides executive clients with expertise in digital marketing, strategy, consultation, and local representation for international talents. The company’s vision is to be the home of Filipino talents and to bring Filipino entertainment to the world.

RAW Events, RAW Styling, M&M Coordination, Astrafilms, LST Mobile, Alicom, Sierreza, Gabbie Jewelry, Hedley & Bennett, Aruga Apartments by Rockwell, AMU, Awards Central PH, Casa Italianos as the pizza sponsor, Kadto, Rise & Savor Co., Croquembouche Factory, Red Mango, Bricks and Memories, Soju Craft Lab, Kreative Nook Manila, Nutribullet, Flourwinkle, Manong Philippines, OmieLife, Chako Lab, Run It Decks, Lock n Lock, Beaba, allthethingsph_, Tiny Buds, Tough Mama, Flying Tiger, Lorins, Gourmet Farms, Maya, Daiso, Bake Et All, PrintSmith PH, Wannabeads, Oh So Healthy, Celebrate Manila, All The Things, Invito, MOMO Desk PH, Act II, Kidzoona, The Lighthouse Group, EA Graphix, Krispy Kreme, Jireh Food Products, Donewell, R2Z2 Tables and Chairs, Gentcrafts, Robinsons, HAHSY, Tempo, Masflex, Scrub Daddy, Garden Barn, Inc. Housewares – Retail, Brabantia Philippines, Joseph Joseph Philippines, SCANPAN Philippines, Golden Fiesta, Evian, Gourdo’s, Illo’s Prive Catering, SFCO Catering-Makati, Hotdish.ph, Gogdak Chicken, Love On Plate, Andok’s, and Chooks To Go. Each partner helped make the event more memorable for the kids, parents, guests, and media partners through food, gifts, cooking essentials, fun activities, and thoughtful take-home treats.

Follow Abi and NYMA for the Next Kiddie Kitchen

For parents who want their kids to experience a fun and meaningful cooking activity like this, make sure to follow Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez, NYMA, and the official management pages for updates. Who knows? The next Kiddie Kitchen might be bigger, more creative, and hopefully soon, closer to more kids around the Philippines.

FOLLOW ABI MARQUEZ AND HER FOOD ADVENTURES ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X

FOLLOW NYMA ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK |

Milk for 3 Years Old: Supporting Growth for Active and Curious Kids

Three years old pa lang si Mathieu, but you can already see how confident and active he is. He loves running around, exploring new places, and discovering something new every day. Whether we’re playing at home or spending time at the park, he’s always ready for his next little adventure. As a mom, seeing him this energetic makes me even more mindful about his nutrition. At this stage, kids are growing quickly, and they need the right balance of nutrients to support their development. That’s why finding the right milk for 3 years old became an important part of our routine.

Why Nutrition Matters for Three-Year-Olds

At three years old, children are constantly learning and moving. They develop new skills every day, and their bodies need enough nutrition to support their physical growth, brain development, and daily energy needs.

At home, I make sure Mathieu gets three balanced meals every day. I try to include a variety of nutritious foods like protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole foods that help support his growth. Of course, like most toddlers, there are days when he becomes a little picky or prefers playing over finishing his food.

Aside from meals, we also encourage active play and exercise. For kids, playtime is an important part of learning and development. Running, climbing, jumping, and exploring help build their strength and confidence.

To support his growth alongside his daily meals and activities, I include PediaSure Plus as part of his routine.

Making Nutrition Part of Our Daily Routine

At home, preparing PediaSure Plus has become part of our everyday routine. It’s one of the ways I help support Mathieu’s nutritional needs while he continues to grow and stay active.

But of course, we’re not always at home. Some days are filled with playdates, errands, or quick trips to the park. When you’re out with a toddler, you know how quickly they get hungry or thirsty, especially after playing.

That’s why having something convenient is really helpful for moms.

Our Go-To Milk for 3 Years Old When We’re Outside

Whenever we go out, I always make sure we bring PediaSure Plus Ready-to-Drink with us.

One of the things I love about it is how convenient it is. There’s no preparation needed. I can simply grab it from the fridge, put it in our bag, and it’s ready whenever Mathieu wants a drink.

For busy moms, that kind of convenience really helps, especially when you’re out and about with an active toddler.

Another thing I appreciate is that kids enjoy the taste, so it’s easy for Mathieu to drink it during snack time or after play. For him, it’s just a yummy drink he enjoys. For me, it’s reassurance that he’s getting additional nutritional support.

Supporting Growth for Active Kids

Three-year-olds have so much energy. From morning until bedtime, they’re always moving, playing, and discovering new things.

With three balanced meals and exercise, PediaSure Plus Ready-to-Drink helps support 2x growth improvement versus no supplementation.

Of course, nutrition works best when combined with a proper diet and regular physical activity, which is why I still focus on balanced meals and active play every day.

For me, PediaSure Plus simply becomes a helpful partner that supports Mathieu’s growth while he continues enjoying his everyday adventures.

Choosing the Best Milk for 3 Years Old

Every parent wants the best for their child, especially when it comes to nutrition. When choosing the right milk for 3 years old, it helps to find something that provides nutritional support while also fitting easily into your family’s daily routine.

For our family, convenience is important. Between playdates, outdoor activities, and everyday errands, having something ready-to-drink and easy to bring anywhere makes things much easier.

PediaSure Plus Ready-to-Drink fits perfectly into our routine because it’s practical, convenient, and something Mathieu genuinely enjoys.

Our Partner for Happy Play Days

One of my favorite parts of motherhood is watching Mathieu grow into a confident and curious little boy. Every day he becomes more independent, more playful, and more excited to explore the world around him.

And as a mom, I want to support him every step of the way.

With three balanced meals, active play, and PediaSure Plus as part of his routine, I feel more confident that I’m helping support his growth and development.

For us, PediaSure Plus is our partner for confident, strong, and happy play days.

So whether we’re at home or out exploring, chances are we always have PediaSure Plus Ready-to-Drink in our bag, ready for our next adventure together.