Club Balai Isabel Escapade

Mi familia is lucky to be invited for a V-trip to Club Balai Isabel by HBB Flo and her sweetheart Pete and we were luckier our accommodation was courtesy of the couple. The resort is located in a hidden paradise of Talisay, Batangas - right on the shore of world-famous Taal Lake where you can see across the smallest active volcano. With its facilities and amenities it is perfect for destination weddings and corporate events. As a couple with baby on board, we can vouch for its baby friendly environment. It has swimming pool and playground for kids, and offers other activities for adults such as kayaking, sailing and various outdoor and indoor sports. There is also fish spa and butterfly garden. Food in their Terraza Café is delightful and affordable. Not to mention, courteous and attentive staffs. All-in-all, I highly recommend this resort for a family get-away.

Tips for a baby-friendly vacation:

1. Make sure to cover every necessity. Toiletries, cloth, food, milk, toys and first aid kit. You wouldn't want to be caught off guard once the need arise.

2. If you plan to dip your baby on the pool be sure they have a floater and you are always on the lookout, it’s your baby never trust anyone with their life. Make sure to put on bathrobe as soon as they rise from the pool to avoid chilling, hoody robe is recommended.  

3. If its a long drive, be ready for things that will entertain your baby like toys and books. Make sure that food and milk are within reach. Though not strictly implemented in the Philippines, it is always better to put baby on a car seat.

4. Don't forget to bring sun protection like sunblock and wide hats for day and jackets for night strolling.

This is not a travel blog, so allow these photos to speak on my behalf.



Lazy MomMa - Not!

Today I don't feel like doing anything, I just want to lay on my bed. Yes, that’s me singing. But unlike Bruno Mars, I said it, I said it but I CAN’T ‘cause it is still Friday, I have work and I need to be in the office. I must say, I like that song, it’s funny and groovy at the same time. Unlike this week, dragging and tiring. I had full load this week, not just in the office, not just on being a momma, but both - simultaneously. I literally got my home in the office. Confused? Simple, I brought mi bebe to my workplace. Yes, I can do that. I’m lucky its 1 of the perks of being in the government service, their lenient to mothers. Everybody relates and share sympathy on being yayaless parent and they understand you when you have no choice but to bring your kid in the office (or else you will not report for work). What happened to mi bebe’s yaya? Oh, that requires a totally new post. But mind you, since you have your kid in the office, you must also work doubletime. Imagine me drafting a memorandum while mi bebe’s fingers are on the keyboard as well. At least she answers the phone for me and calls the operator for no reason. Hay, this entails new post altogether. But it was fun, everybody in the office liked her. Ahhh, I missed her now, now that our room is silent and free from her chuckles.

Can a Nanay actually be lazy and tired? Never! But I believe a wife can, sometimes. lol Okay I’ll try my lazy-luck tomorrow with mi esposo.

TGIF!

Pig Out at Nuvali

Last weekend, we went to Batangas for a Pre-Valentine's Get-away. The truth is, we were merely accompany to sweethearts Flo and vacationist Pete, it’s his V-treat to his girlfriend. On the way to Batangas, we decided to stop-over at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna for a satisfying lunch and among the many restaurants in the place, we choose to dine at Pig Out “Your Family Grilled House”. This restaurant is a country style family grill and is the newest concept of the Bistro Group of Restaurants (the same company that brought us Italianni’s, TGI Fridays, Fish & Co., Flapjacks and Billyrock).

Pig Out's Ambiance: All tables are in long bench-type design without back rest. Perfect for a family picnic vibe. The tables are also spacious enough to accommodate their big plates and serving plates. Such type is also hassle free when it comes to food sharing. There are also widescreen TVs to entertain diners alongside with a stereo music (confusing right). High praises to the dinnerware. The air-conditioning, although not that cool (as evident by the presence of an electric fan) is forgivable. The only problem for me is where to put the baby chair. Using the word "family" in a tagline entails big responsibility, I think the owners should take this into consideration. I tried to bring it up to the manager and she explained that their tables are designed as picnic tables (as if not obvious) and suggested to put the high chair at the center. No, I won’t take that risk. That area is the only access space, it is where everyone pass especially the waiters with food tray, accident happens when you least expect right?

I decided to place it adjacent to me. Although she literally seats at my back, I rather let mi bebe's highchair rest there. It's inconvenient for me but safer for her.

If I were to suggest, I will recommend that instead of 1 long bench, why not divide it into 3 perhaps. Given situations like this, they can just take out one part and insert the baby chair, clever isn't it? And 1 more thing, please don't wait for guests to ask for a highchair, it would be a plus if your staffs are courteous enough to at least offer a seat for babies. Excuse my rants, this is a mom blog expect reviews like that. ;-)

Pig Out's Food: I believe their food is worth raving about. Don't worry health buffs, its not all about pig or pork for that matter, they actually serve a wide array of menu. We had solo order each of grilled tuna belly, peri peri chicken, fried calamari, pork sinigang in 3 kinds (although not sure if its the trade name, it was our favorite), garlic rice and chicharon fried rice. Again, this is not a food blog, I do not have the talent to give detailed description of each food. All I can say is, it's all yummy, satisfying, delicious and great. Try it if your in the area. Price wise, they offer fairly expensive array, specially for their "solo" orders. If you dine, try to consider their "to share" orders and maybe you can get more value for your money. A little spoiler, the chilled orange juice which mi esposo  ordered was actually Minute Maid Pulpy Orange with ice, I saw the bartender pours it straight from the bottle and sells it for P75, incidentally I bought 1 liter for our trip for only P22. I'm not complaining and I do not take it against the resto, I know how the marketing works. Only if I may suggest again, please be a little discreet, some customers may not be as accepting as I am. *wink*

Me MomMa tips: When dinning out with your baby, it is always better to bring their own spoon and fork, in that way you are assured that what their using is clean, sanitized and did not pass from one hand to another and not expose on the table for a long period. And don't forget other essentials like their water and bib and hand sanitizer for you.    

And since we're at Nuvali, we took the time for some photo-ops. I must commend Nuvali for putting up valentine's corner. They were also giving away 1 (uber) long stemmed red rose to couples who availed their boat ride.

      

Valentine's Day Surprise

I know I told you I'm not into Valentine's, but apparently this year, mi esposo thinks the other way around. He didn't just buy me a present but added a little drama in handling it over to me. He laid out a very romantic surprise that I almost thought he was proposing all over again. lol 

Early morning, he was persistent to show his wall post over Facebook, I thought it was just his cheesy valentine's message so there's no need to hurry. Seemingly, I was left behind, there were comments from friends already.

Mi bebe is in the office that time, I was too busy I didn't recognize this document at once.

This is what's inside:

Portion of the letter asks me to highlight the whole page and change the font color to black, then another message popped that gave me new instruction:

The hidden message told me to flip my keyboard. Felt like I'm part of the romantic edition of the amazing race. lol  

The message under my keyboard asked me to open the 3rd row of my drawer. Now, that made sense, early on he was eager in putting my bag inside that drawer, he's concealing his gift after all.

At last, I finally found it! 

This is what's inside. It is the "her" version of my anniversary gift to him last year.

To tell you honestly, I was tad expecting this gift, I saw him scouting for this one once. But I didn't expect it would be this way. Thank you so much Ba, my love, mi esposo. Now, this is what Valentine is all about. It's not about the gift, but more on the love you put in it. Labyu lots Ba..mwah

Happy Heart's Day

Among all fabricated occasions (read: invented by enterprising minds just so they can have an excuse to sell), Valentine's Day is the least of my favorite. My principle in life changes during this occasion. For instance, I am never a believer of moving dates for convenience, I believe the speciality of the event is taken-out if you celebrate it on different date, but not during Valentine’s day. Another example, in gift giving, I make it a point to give generous gift if budget permits, or execute well-planned, heart-warming, jaw-dropping, tear-jerking surprise on our every milestone, but never for Valentines. I made this realization after I was asked by HBB Flo of my plans, I said “none” (but it’s “yuck” in my mind. lol). I don’t want to corrupt her mind, to each is to own, as they say, maybe some people are not just for valentine and that includes me. But, I still prepare a little something for mi esposo every year I still don’t want him to be left out. This year, I gave him this: my proof of forever love in a photo frame, simple but says it all. He can put this on his office table or he can use it as a pendant, if he wishes. lol

"give of love" - heart's day 2012



God is love. Let us celebrate love every day, appreciated love-ones every minute and spread love every second. Happy love day!

PS: Interestingly, this is how the "Valentine's Corner" from this convenient store near our office looks like. See the connection? From chocolates to wines to condoms. Hmmm, are you thinking what I'm thinking? lol



Overcoming Stranger Anxiety

mi bebe at 8 months

Caught on cam! Mi bebe refuses her very own grandmommy (yes, my MIL). This is a clear manifestation of stranger anxiety. Stranger anxiety is a condition wherein young children is distressed with the presence of unfamiliar people. These unfamiliar people may simply mean people living outside the premise of their own home, irregardless if they are a family member or a close family friend. Babies tend to be more selective about who to hold them, play with them or even touch them. Babies can begin to develop this as early as 6 months and may last up to toodlerhood. At this time, babies are beginning to gain knowledge that all people are not the same. Again, this is another good sign of mental development, only if taken positively. Mi bebe started to acquire this at around 8 months and I'm glad to report that she is starting to overcome this situation. I am thankful that relatives like her grandmommy supports and understands her.

How to help babies overcome stranger anxiety: 

• Don't pressure your baby (and don't feel pressured as well). Allow your baby to be familiar  with new faces and situation in their own pace, don't push them to be sociable all at once. Forcing them will make them feel more uncomfortable and would increase their anxiety.
• Don't ignore baby's distress. What their feeling during these situations are real. Parents should address the upset immediately but without making too big a deal out of it. Parents should provide reassurance by giving lots of affection either by hugging and/or kissing. They should also make it a point to be available when babies are faced with new people.
• Warn your relatives and friends of the situation. These people are most often than not most excited to be with your baby and might feel bad and take it personally if the baby refused to be with them. They must be told to give time and space for your baby to warm-up. Also, teach them techniques on how to approach your baby. They can offer favorite or familiar toys (and wait for the baby to accept it).
• Start introducing or exposing your baby at an early age. Try to make your baby accustomed to meeting new people. Showing pictures of long-distanced relatives is also a good way to familiarize your baby.

Hap-py Friday!

I am having a hard time giving mi bebe her “before to bed milk” now. I had no problem with this ever since. She can finish 1 bottle straight-up even after she just had dinner. It’s part of her sleeping routine of some sorts. But this week, for some unknown reason she suddenly would not want to drink it. Either she just plays with the nipple or snobs it altogether. I am considering shifting to other milk formulas but it still have to pass thorough consideration and approval of mi esposo. Sounds too bossy, huh? In short, he just needs to choose either: 1) to shift other brands now; or 2) shift to other brands after the present formula is consumed. lol Just kidding, no decision yet, we still have to weight its pros and cons further. Anyhow, we both agreed that her present formula is the best in the market and her behavior might be due from other factors. We still have to observe.

Last night as I was forcing asking mi bebe to drink her milk, I told her sounding frustrated, “Do you know how to make Nanay happy? Just finish your milk”. Coming from nowhere she said “HAP-PY” in the softest and most angelic voice. It was the sweetest word I ever heard. Did she drink her milk? Forget it! But her Nanay is happy, still.

TGIF!