Parenting is not an easy job, especially if you have five kids. Imagine every child is different from each other- the needs, the attitude, and the way of motivation. It is like a daily battle, chiefly for a mom like me. Let’s leave the finances for the other half, but whether moms like it or not, the kids are one of our duties.

Brushing alone is a huge responsibility for everyone, and I am very strict when it comes to this chore. I make sure that the kids always brush their teeth every morning and before bedtime and every after a meal. I must admit, it is hard, super duper hard! Specially for the younger kids. I feel like I;m broken record singing to the tune of minions’ bababa.. Mag ba ba brush na kayo!!!

So I try to find some ways to make this chore fun and interesting to them. I noticed that they are more motivated to brush their teeth if fun characters are printed on their brushes. I am so glad that there are Colgate’s Minions toothbrush and Minions toothpaste.

Minions are a very fun character that every kid, and even every adult love. Once we heard about it, the kids are so excited to shop for their new toothbrushes. Every three months, we mandatory change toothbrushes for better oral hygiene. Colgate’s Minions toothbrush are especially designed for kids’ teeth. If you have kids ages 2-5 years old, check out the Colgate Minions Kids 2-5 Years Old (Junior) Oral Care Pack at Lazada.

For Sofi and Chico, it’s the Colgate Minions Kids 5-9 Years Old (Youth) Oral Care Pack, which is also available at Lazada.

Aside from these funny characters toothbrushes and toothpaste, I also check if the toothpaste is OK tasting. And Colgate Minions toothpaste is Sofi approved! I also make sure that the bristle is soft so as not to hurt their gums. Kahit ganno kaganda ang toothbrush if it hurts them, hindi nila gagamitin yan. And I could honestly say that pasado ang Colgate Minions toothbrush sa kanila.

Metro Manila 10 Amazing Parks You Can Bring Your Family Along This Summer

The family is one of the most important things on earth. As much as we can, we will spend time and make memories with them. However, many things keep us occupied such as work, studies, household chores, etc. This summer, make your family your priority. It is the season of the year where families go out and enjoy the moment together.

Fortunately, there are many beautiful parks around Metro Manila in which you can bring your family without traveling too far. These wonderful parks offered a lot of fun things to do with your family with very low spending. On the other hand, if you are looking for summer activities for your kids, you can check my excellent list of summer workshops around Metro Manila. The kids will surely love every summer workshop and the class they will get into this year.

Metro Manila 10 Amazing Parks You Can Bring Your Family Along This Summer

#1: RAVE Pasig
Website: http://rave.pasigcity.gov.ph/
Location: F. Legaspi Ave. Maybunga, everydayPasig City, Philippines
Schedule of Opening: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Rate: As low as 10.00, you can download their rates matrix for more details
Things to do: Site seeing, Boating, Swimming, Camping, Picnic, Train Riding, Playing, Running, Rave Park also offers wall climbing, obstacle course and skating course

#2: Rizal Park, Manila
Website: http://www.manila.ph/manila/info/rizal-park.html
Location: Roxas Blvd Ermita, Barangay 666 Zone 72, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: 05:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Rate: n/a
Things to do: Picnic, Site seeing, Playing, Physical Fitness Activities

#3 Ayala Triangle Gardens
Website: http://www.ayalatriangle.com/gardens
Location: Paseo De Roxas St Cor Makati Ave Cor Ayala Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Rate: n/a
Things to do: Run, Walk, Dine, Site seeing

#4: La Mesa Eco Park
Website: https://www.facebook.com/La-Mesa-Eco-Park-334461646643820/
Location: 4332, Quezon City Dr, Novaliches, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rate: Starts at 20.00, seniors are free
Things to do: Picnic, Biking, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Wall Climbing, Boating, Fishing, Paintball, Zipline

#5: Paco Park
Location: Belen, Paco, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Rate: Starts at 10.00
Things to do: History Studies, Attending church mass, Walking, Taking some quiet time with the family

#6: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
Location: Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Rate: Starts at 5.00
Things to do: Site seeing, Picnic, Seeing Zoo Animals

#7: Fort Santiago
Location: Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Rate: Entrance fee 75.00
Things to do: Kalesa Riding, Studying History, Walking, Site seeing,

#8: Arroceros Forest Park
Location: Antonio Villegas St, 659 A Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: n/a, please contact them for reservation
Rate: n/a, should schedule before the trip
Things to do: Site seeing, Studying rich culture, Nature tripping

#9: Manila Bay
Location: Port of Manila
Schedule of Opening: Open 24 hours
Rate: n/a
Things to do: Site seeing, Photography, Sunset watching, Picnic, Walking, Running

#10: Marikina River Park
Website: http://www.marikinalife.com/2010/06/marikina-riverpark-and-marikina.html
Location:  Marikina, Metro Manila
Schedule of Opening: Open 24 hours
Rate: n/a
Things to do: Site seeing, Dining, Shopping, Walking

Ano ba ang mabisang gamot sa pigsa? I am sure most of you already experienced having pigsa. Ang sakit sakit di ba?!?

Pigsa is a skin infection brought about by the entrance of bacteria through a hair follicle. Infection po sya.. hindi totoo ang sabi sabi na pag may pigsa ka eh dahil marumi ka. Of course, kapag marumi ka sa katawan, lalala lalo ang pigsa mo.

Staphylococcus Infection

Pigsa or Boils are usually caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus. This bacteria is already present in our skin and is harmless. It becomes harmful when  it enters inside our body which causes infection. In the case of Pigsa, it enters through hair follicles or oil glands.

Aside from pigsa or boils, Staphylococcus can also cause these skin infections:

• impetigo
• cellulitis
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

And other than the skin infections mentioned above, Staphylococcus infection can also lead to:

• food poisoning
• blood poisoning,
• pneumonia,
• toxic shock syndrome
• septic arthritis

YES! Staphylococcus infection is that serious! That is why it is very important to take care of a wound or a skin lesion. And improper treatment can lead to a more serious complications.

Eh di ba ang mga bata, kaunting kibot lang, nasusugatan na. Nakakatakot ung mga infections brought about Staphyloccus. Kaya naman I am very thankful that I got an invite to a recent event sponsored by Fucidin®. Proper way of taking care of wounds and cuts and how Fucidin® works when it comes to stopping Staphylococcus infection were discussed during the event.

#NoToStaphy Event

Mommy bloggers were invited to attend the #NoToStaphy event. Dr. Kristine Gutierrez talked about wound care 101 while Dr. Irene Gardiner talked about Fucidin® product and uses. According to Dr. Irene Gardiner, if the wound is MOIST use theFucidin® cream and if the wound is DRY use Fucidin® ointment.

Mr. Lars Olen- Vice President LEO Pharma™ (Global), graced the event and introduced what LEO Pharma™ is all about and its mission to the mommy bloggers.

Mommy bloggers were encouraged to join the fight against wound infection and participate in the say no to staphy campaign.

#NoToStaphy event is a sponsored event by Fucidin® in a parnership with PurpleBug® – digital marketing partner of LEO Pharma™.

About Fucidin®

Fucidin® (Fusidic Acid) is a formulation specially made to fight against a number of gram positive bacteria such as Staphyloccoccus. Fucidin® is a product of LEO Pharma™

LEO Pharma™ is a research-based pharmaceutical Danish company founded in 1908 and owned by LEO Foundation, which means commitment to delivering the best care for the patients.

They offer wide product range of dermatology products marketed in over 100 countries and has decades of trusted heritage in the Philippines. LEO Pharma™ Philippines is a Division of Zuellig Pharma Corporation

Steps To Proper Wound Care

STOP the bleeding.
Admit it mga inay, nakaka praning makakita ng blood.. and it’s a normal reaction. Just imagine how scary it is for the kids. Take a deep, calming breath then apply a steady but gentle pressure for 15 minutes with a sterile bandage to stop further bleeding. Elevate the wounded area, be it his arm, hand, knee, or leg, if necessary.

CLEANSE the wound
First things first, make sure nanay ang kamay mo ay malinis din ha. Wash the wound and the area that surrounds it with soap and lukewarm water for 15 seconds to prevent further contamination. DO NOT USE ALCOHOL and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. Remove these two in your wound care kit na, it can only do more harm than help.

SECURE against infection
While cleansing removes bacteria from the wound and its surrounding area, it doesn’t kill bacteria, particularly the much despised Staphy. To battle this and help your child’s skin’s natural healing process, apply a thin, even layer of antibiotic cream or ointment on the surface of the wound to keep it moist. The ointment will also keep the bandage from sticking into the wound. Your best bet is Fucidin® because it’s fast acting and deep penetrating yet it does not damage healthy tissues.

COVER bigger wounds with bandage
If it is a minor cut, you can leave it uncovered. For small cuts, you can used adhesive strips (try 3m steri strips.. highly recommended by yours truly! maharlika lang). If the wound is big or worse,protect the wound from dirt and further irritation by applying a sterile bandage to help keep it clean. Covering your kid’s wound aids in more efficient healing, decreases the chances of scarring and infection, and offers extra comfort and protection until the wound is healed completely. Tips on covering wounds:

• Hourglass-shaped bandages are great for wounds on tricky areas like his knuckles, heels, or fingers.
• Larger bandages or adhesive bandages with wings are great for joints like elbows and knees
• Separated edges of a cut can be closed with a butterfly bandage.

It’s actually a myth that bacteria will flourish under a wound dressing. Uncovered wounds dry out and form scabs, leading to greater chances of reinjury and scarring (you won’t want this happening to your child, especially a girl!). Using a sterile dressing will prevent further contamination. As long as your bandage is clean and replaced whenever needed, then you’re covered.

KEEP wounds wet
Don’t let it get dry and leave it exposed to air. Know that wounds should be moist, clean, and covered so they will heal faster. Moisture not only provides the skin’s cells with enzymes and nutrients to help fight infection, it also keeps bandages from sticking and causing further damage to the tissues. To do this, apply a layer of antibiotic ointment like the aforementioned Fucidin to help prevent infection. You may also apply Fucidin below bandages to keep the wound moist and protected from microbial agents, such as the dreaded Staphy.
REMINDER: Natural wound healing should not be disrupted and must be left covered for at least 24 hours.

CHANGE the dressings
If your child has a deeper, bigger wound that requires dressings, make sure to change it whenever the bandage becomes dirty or wet.
TIP: It’s always best to ask a healthcare professional for the proper ways of changing the dressings specific to the wound.

OBSERVE for infection
Eto na nga at pinaka iiwasan natin at ayaw na ayaw nating mangyari sa mga sugat ng mga anak natin. What are the signs of wound infection?

• redness
• increasing pain
• pus secretion
• warmth or swelling around the area

CONSULT a dermatologist
May mga  time talaga na hindi na kaya ng super powers natin. We really need to call the Avengers na.. err consult a dermatologist. Here’s what we need to take note to know when to seek medical care for your kid’s wound:

• If the infection fails to heal, is bleeding or oozing with pus, has read streaks, or if your kid has a fever
• If the bleeding cannot be controlled by a bandage, direct pressure, and elevation
• If his wound looks like it may need repair with stitches because of its size or cosmetic reasons
• If his wound is from animal bites
• If the wound is difficult to clean
• If there is any of the aforementioned evidence of infection

This is a long read mommies, but please make time reading this one and join the fight against wound infection. Itataya ko ang blog ko for Fucidin® (oy not because I received compensation for writing about them ha) nasubukan ko sya talaga. Pigsa developed in my breast area… sa dinami dami ng lugar di ba!! jusmeeee and two days after applying Fucidin®, matutuyo na sya! I also tried it for my son.. mahilig kumain ng kuko eh..so talagang upod na ang mga kuko nya. Iniiwasan namin na masugatan sya sa area na iyon dahil last time na nasugatan sya, bonggang infection ang naganap! Eh nag kasugat pa din.. syempre I followed the proper wound care and applied Fucidin®. Kinabukasan, wala na ang sugat nya. Kaya  talagang Fucidin® will now be included in our wound care kit.

Know more about Staphylococcus infection and Fucidin® by visiting the No To Staphy Website and No To Staphy- Fucidin® Facebook Page.