They say pen is mightier than sword, but there’s nothing more powerful and persuasive than letting your kids write and draw their dreams, in the most creative way.

The ability to creatively express one’s thoughts and feelings by putting ideas from pen to paper is perhaps the most important stage in a child’s development. Visualizing, drawing and finally displaying their creation is a fundamental stepping stone used by parents and teachers to build a child’s confidence and self-belief.

BIC®, founded in 1945 in France, has always been passionate about being part of the daily lives of millions of consumers. From their time-honored mission of making simple, inventive and reliable products, BIC® has always been advocating the importance of handwriting and drawing as essential factors in a child’s development. Here in the Philippines, BIC® recently launched BIC® Kids to encourage children to use their imagination to develop and enhance their motor skills, concentration, and creativity.

A collection of writing and coloring products especially designed for children aged two to ten years old, the BIC® Kids’ line comprises of high-quality yet affordable products that are all compliant with EN71 European toy industry standard.

Amongst their list of top-notch tools are the erasable and washable felt pens so kids can create fun effects and correct their mistakes on paper (or on their clothes); the wood-free Evolution™ coloring pencils range that are extra-resistant to breakage, do not create splinters and easy to sharpen; and the break-resistant wax crayons that do not stain on hands.

This back-to-school season, start your young ones on their first-ever writing and drawing adventure. Let their imagination run free and their creativity explode on paper. Allow them to play with color, doodle, make mistakes, and get messy. The future is brightest for those who find joy in creating something out of nothing and putting their dreams in writing. Together with BIC® Kids, let’s work hand-in-hand to start drawing a brighter future for the kids!

HOOQ, the largest Video on Demand service in South East Asia, has partnerships with the biggest names with kids’ entertainment—Nickelodeon, Nick. Jr., Kids Like Us, Hasbro, Turner and MoMedia—to bring some of the most popular kids titles into is catalog.

“HOOQ continues to deliver premium content for everyone in the Filipino family, and this includes entertainment for kids. This is why we continue to expand our catalog for kids,” said HOOQ Philippines Content and Programming head Jeffrey Remigio.

So while moms watch their favorite shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Once Upon A Time” and dads go for “Arrow” and other action shows and movies, the kids can also enjoy HOOQ’s personalized content.

Now available on HOOQ are “Adventure Time,” “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Ben 10.”

On June 7, HOOQ will air the Emmy-nominated show “Ben 10 Alien Force,” the second iteration of the Ben 10 franchise and the sequel of the original Ben 10 series.

“Regular Show,” a fantasy cartoon for older kids, will air on June 7.

HOW TO GET HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ’d. Customers can simply download the HOOQ app from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, to access HOOQ’s extensive library of Hollywood and Asian hits.  Smart users can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Globe mobile users can enjoy a 45-day free trial. Globe customers can get to try HOOQ for up to 60 days on selected mobile and broadband plans. Find out more and sign up today for a complimentary trial at www.hooq.tv.

Instead of the stressful long drive for an out-of-town family vacation, why not enjoy a Wonderful Weekend at Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

Makati Shangri-La’s Wonderful Weekends package is the perfect family staycation packed with activities and treats not just for the kids but also the parents where families can enjoy more room time with an early check-in at 10 a.m. and late check-out at 4 p.m. Transform the hotel room into a little playground with a tipi tent and complimentary kids mini bar filled with treats and goodies. Also, enjoy more room space and receive a 50% discount on the prevailing Best Available Rate by booking a second room just for the kids.

Set of activities are in store for the little ones as they can explore their creativity with pastry decorating classes, and arts and crafts sessions in the afternoon.

The fun doesn’t stop there as kids can grab away a special prize when they complete ten (10) exciting Wonderful Weekends Challenges!

While the kids are splashing away in the swimming pool, parents can enjoy complimentary use of our Health Club facilities, including the gym, tennis court, sauna, and hot and cold Jacuzzi.

In the evening, cozy up while watching movies, reading story books or maybe spice things up with a fun board game from our entertainment library. No need to worry about dinner plans with a Php 1,200 dining credit that can be used in all dining outlets including in-room dining.The next day, indulge in the extensive breakfast selection at Circles Event Café good for two adults and two kids below 12 years old.

Create new family memories with us. Our Wonderful Weekends offer is priced at Php 8,800++ per night.

Learn more about the package here: bit.ly/wonderfulweekends. For reservations, call (63 2) 813 8888 or email to reservations.slm@shangri-la.com.