Parenting Archive

My thoughts on parenthood, and what it's like to be a mom in the Philippines.

Recommended Baby Apps for New Parents

Some of the things I wish I knew/ learned or existed when I first had a baby:

I wish I knew about sling and baby wearing back then. I only learned about the use of sling during my 3rd baby. I can do so many things while wearing the baby.. laundry, wash the dishes (though not that frequent because I really hate doing this)..clean the house etc.. etc.. etc.. and shopping was easy!

I wish I knew about fashionable and stylist maternity clothes back then..

I wish I knew about nursing tops and the likes..

And I wish Baby Apps for New Parents or parents with new baby existed back then..

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Ang swerte ng mga bagong nanay ngayon! Every information is within arm’s reach err finger’s reach? Almost everything is a click away! So many tools are available to make motherhood/ parenting easy and here are some Recommended Baby Apps for New Parents from Mommy PRO:

1. Baby Connect

Think of this as your online diary.. I mean your baby. Using Baby Connect, you can record the feeding, nursing, naps, diaper changes, your baby milestones..and not just that, you can also record the baby’s mood, temperature and the games your baby is playing. This is really helpful in tracking your baby’s growth and changes. It will also help new parents in assessing their babies and see if there is something wrong with the baby. With the use of this app, you can easily target the problem and can come up with a solution/ remedy based on the behavior of the baby.

2. Baby Pack & Go / Baby Travel

“I swear I have that feeling that we forgot something”

-that’s my usual monologue every trip.. may nakalimutan ako alam ko.. nafi feel ko talaga! if Baby Pack & Go and Baby Travel existed before, I could have save myself from worrying too much!

Baby Pack & Go and Baby Travel is like your mini travel organizer. You can access ready made packing list and you can create different for multiple children! Hmmm.. I think I will have to give this app a try.. specially that this year, we plan to travel more!

3. Guys Guide to the Delivery Room

There are absolutely no typos on that title. Wake the dad-to-be up, Mommy PRO! This one is definitely for him.

Hey Daddies! It’s about time you get involved and not just impatiently at the hospital corridor!

Here are some of the things you can learn from this app:

stages of labor and what to expect
how to provide comfort to your wife during labor
what you should bring (for you)
and yes, a lot more!

4. Baby Sign and Learn

Crying can be frustrating.. specially to new parents, when it is hard to “decode” what your baby needs. Baby Sign and Learn will help you with teaching your baby how to communicate with your through signs and not through crying.

5. Baby Monitor

This app is what all new parents need! Monitoring your baby even you’re out of the room and alarming you when the baby cries.. isn’t it amazing? A lot of other features was added to this app,so check it out and see for yourself 🙂

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How about you mommies? What are the things you wish you knew/ learned/ existed when you first had a baby?

can’t wait to hear your story!

How To Open A Savings Account For Kids

That little piggy went to market.. that little piggy went to bags (?!?).. but this little piggy will go all the way to the bank!

It’s the time of the year where we can spend a few extras and save a lot.. hello 13th month! Hello cash gifts from godparents!

I guess this is the best time to open an account for the kids and as I hop from bank to bank, I made a list of banks that offer savings account for kids:

BDO Junior Savers
BPI Jumpstart Savings
Eastwest Bank Cools Cavers Kiddie
PS Bank Kiddie Savers
Metrobank Fun Savers
RCBC Savings Banks W.I.S.E

Opening a Savings account for kid requires school ID or passport of the kids, photos (usually 2 1×1 photo) and of course the minimum initial deposit and application form from the bank. Kids ages 7 and up (or kids that can write/sign their name) can open an account of their own, while kids below the said age, can have a joint bank account with their parents.

Here’s a comparison of the 6 banks I mentioned:

Link for partner merchants:

RCBC Savings Bank WISE Account

Metrobank Fun Savers Club

BDO Junior Savers Club

If you look at the table, PS Bank offers the most, specially with their no initial deposit to open an account policy. PS Bank also has the highest interest rate per anum together with RCBC Savings Bank, the only difference is at RCBC, maintaining balance to earn interest is PhP 5000, while at PS Bank, there is no maintaining balance to earn interest.

I am still thinking where to open a savings account for the kids.. I’ll be very particular with the initial deposit since I will be opening 4 accounts this year (waaah) and of course the location of the bank..and the convenience of online banking. I was planning to allot a few percent of my online income for the kids, so it would be very convenient to me if I can transfer funds to their account thru online.

How about you mommies? Does you kids have their own bank accounts? If yer, what bank? Are you satisfied with your current bank?

And for those planning to open an account for their kids, where do you plan to open an account?

The Best Of Tagaytay

If you ask me where to go for a weekend, I’d always answer Tagaytay. It’s very near (1-2 hours travel time) and you’ll never get tired visiting the place.. every visit is a different experience, even if you dine or stay at the same place. And the weather is perfect for winter fashion OOTD hahaha

If you haven’t been to Tagaytay, let me make your first visit a memorable one with this post 🙂

Where to stay in Tagaytay (Family Friendly Tagaytay Hotels)?

Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay is the top on my list of where to stay in Tagaytay.

Price: Accomodation ranges from 4700- 10000 PhP

Amenities:

2 Swimming pools
restaurant
playground (vast land covered with grass where the kids can run and run and run)
play room with mini gym
vegetable picking and farm animals sight seeing
Hotel shop

Location: Crisanto M. De Los Reyes Avenue, Barangay Kaybagal North Tagaytay (a bit far from the main road.. so don’t expect the Taal View on your room)

Taal Vista Hotel. We haven’t tried staying at Taal Vista, but hey, all the reviews are positive and the amenities in this hotel is perfect for family with kids.

Price: 8000+ to 10000+ PhP

Amenities:

Kids room (play room)
Swimming Pool
Spa
Hotel Shop
Gym
Weekend Market
Restaurant

Location: 67.6 Kms Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay, right at the heart of Tagaytay.. some rooms offer lake view. If you want to weak up with Taal Lake saying good morning to you, then book this hotel.

Tagaytay Bali Village Hotel Resort And Spa. I haven’t been to this hotel too, but the place looks promising, specially with its price tag.. now I am tempted to book a night or two!

Price: 3000- 10000 PhP

Amenities:

Hotel Spa
Swimming pool
Small Playground

Location: Aguinaldo Hiway, Kaybagal South Tagaytay City. It’s along the higway but it’s on the other side of the highway, so don’t expect the lake view

Where to eat in Tagaytay?

The Grill By Antonio’s. We have been a fan of Leslie’s, but I can’t remember a time that our bulalo was served steaming hot..or is it becuase the place is open? anyways, they do serve good food, and you can actually see that from the lines outside.. but I want to eat steaming hot bulalo in Tagaytay! And so, that led us to The Grill by Anotnio’s.. yes the line was long but once inside, you’d say it’s all worth the wait. Their bulalo is very tasty (pero hindi nakakaumay) and yo! steaming hot!!! woohoo! plus plus points for this resto, now we’re a fan! But I have to warn you, The Grill is not big on ambiance.. don’t even say the word decors.. they don’t have any! The place is very simple..it’s all about the food baby!

Aside from Bulalo, please do try their spicy shrimp..err actually you have to try everything! The coffee! OMG! I just can’t explain how it taste..try it and tell me what you think about it.. for me it was.. I can’t put the words.. it’s not bitter sweet.. it’s more than that.. bitter and yet tasty.. ay shucks! just order a cup when you get there, OK?

Location: One Destination, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City

Our usual bill is 2000+ that’s 4 kids + 4 adults, 4- meals with dessert

P.S. they are big on condiments! Kalamansi, sili, toyo, suka, patis, bawang, sibuyas! jusme mga teh, PINOY na PINOY!

Carlo’s Pizza. And here’s another place that you should try! It’s near The Grill, actually same place..same parking space 🙂 and you know what I like most about this place? You can eat while enjoying Taal Lake view.

The food is really good, specially their buffalo wings and yes, the PIZZA! we haven’t tried their pasta.. saving that for the next visit!

Location: One Destination, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City

Our bill was 1500 PHP for buffalo wings (5 pcs), Potato Wedges, Pizza and 3 servings of Brownie A La Mode

Bag of Beans. This place has always been in our list..but there came a point that we got tired of the place.. the magic was no longer there. Bag of Beans now spells commercialism. The food is still the same but the ambiance..nah.. but still, for a first timer, this one is a must eat..their tapa is superb! and their cinnamon bites is sooo (heaven!).. don’t forget to order hot choco!

Places to go in Tagaytay

Sky Ranch Sky Fun Amusement Park. Amusement park? Why not? This amusement is strategically located beside Taal Vista, and entrance is free if you’re a Taal Vista guest, if not, entrance fee is 100 PhP (entrance only, rides not included).

Rides and Rates:

Sky Eye or Tagaytay Eye, P150 per person. According to The Wandering Peach: Tagaytay Eye is tallest Ferris Wheel in the country measuring 63 meters or 207 ft. It has 32 gondolas, beating the MOA Eye which measures 55 meters or 180 ft with 36 gondolas
Wonder Flights PhP50 per head (even babies)
Red Baron PhP50 per head (even babies)
Carousel PhP50 per head (3 feet below, free)
Express Train PhP50 per head (even babies)
Mini Viking PhP50 per head (even babies)
Super Viking PhP100 per head
Nessi Coaster PhP50 per head (even babies)

Other attractions:

Horse Back Riding
Water Ball

Parking Space available (PhP 50), food stalls inside and park is open daily 3 PM to 10 PM

*info from Our Awesome Planet

Residence Inn is a mini zoo and overlooking Taal Lake. Rate is PhP 250 adults and kids.

Attraction:

Mini Zoo (animals such as Lion, Tiger, Monkey..)
Zip Line
Souvenir Shops
Restaurant
Magic Show
Overnight Accomodation
Wall Climbing
Horse Back Riding

Location: Km. 65 Barrio Neogan, Tagaytay

Faithful Shepherd’s Garden is the place to go if you want to incorporate spiritual meditation to your Tagaytay weekend. The place is very peaceful also ideal for kids to learn more about nature.

Entrance and parking is free but you need to book in advance (click on the link for more details about the place and how to go there)

Where to buy Pasalubong in Tagaytay?

One Destination pasalubong stalls, yes the same place where The Grill and Carlo’s Pizza is located. There are at least 5 stalls there selling shirts and other items that are perfect for pasalubong. Tagaytay T Shirt price range: PhP 100 and up

Fruit Stands along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. A bit pricey but their pineapple is very sweet!

Orient- The Original Buko Pie.. yes! they have a branch in Sta Rosa now! This is the mother of all buko pies (and sylvannas too!)! The simplest buko pie.. not to sweet, not too much flavor.. just buko and pie. Their Los Banos branch is like a movie house showing a blockbuster film! ALWAYS! The line is loooong… and sometimes it will take an hour before you can order.. argh! it’s all worth the wait! Oh my!

So good news for Tagaytay lovers like us.. no need to go to Los Banos for this treat and this new branch has tables and chairs.. so even the line is long, your companions can sit (haha) and there is parking too.

Orient- The Original Buko Pie Sta Rosa branch is located along Sta Rosa- Tagaytay Road. LANDMARK: Caltex near Lumil National High School and Lumil Elementary School.

Price Range: Buko Pie is PhpP 170 and Sylvannas is PhP 200