Saturday, November 26, 2022

How to Choose the Best School for Your Child

Where your child goes to school is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Given how their education can impact their future, you might be tempted to take control and decide for them. However, you might be doing more damage than helping them in the long run. 

Your job as parents is to support them throughout the process so they can choose their path and find an educational institution that will make them happy and bring out the best in them as they prepare for real life. Here are helpful ways you can help determine the best school for your child without going overboard:

Create a list of school options with your child. If your child doesn’t have a particular dream school, you should help them gauge their choices by brainstorming. You must take time to listen and understand what your child needs and wants. 

For instance, if your child is an independent learner who learns best at his own pace, he might do better in a Montessori school. If your child responds better to a structured teaching style, then a traditional school might be best for him. Keep an open mind and decide what will give your child what he needs.

Visit school campuses with your child. Some academic institutions have impressive websites with carefully curated photos, but the school leaves much to be desired. Instead of relying on brochures and the internet, visit school campuses with your kid. 

Schools are open to tours. You just need to schedule your visit in advance unless you’re an alumnus of that institution and have access to the grounds. You and your child can get a feel of the campus atmosphere to determine if it’s the right fit. 

Provide guidance and support. While your child should have a say on where they will study, you should give them advice based on the pros and cons and what you know about the school options. Choosing a school is a big decision and might cause anxiety for your child, so it’s best to be there for them. 

The best way to provide emotional support is by actively listening to them. You should make your child feel comfortable about discussing their options and fears. Listen to understand where they’re coming from so you can help them make the right choice. 

Prepare financially as soon as possible. Tuition fees are very expensive, especially with rising inflation, so you must prepare and provide for your child’s education. This way, you can give the best education for them. 

Once you have chosen your child’s primary education, it is time to consider and prepare for the next considerable educational expense: college. You can save up on your own, or you can get AIA Philippines’ Future Scholar, an insurance product that gives guaranteed cash payouts that can help pay for your child’s tertiary education. Whatever happens, you’re confident your child will be able to get the college education that you envisioned. 

Future Scholar doesn’t just help you afford costly school expenses. Aside from guaranteed savings, Future Scholar has an investment component so you can look out for your child financially even after graduating college. Moreover, you can build your child’s education funds in five years or until the child reaches the age of 17. Should you decide not to use the funds for educational expenses, they can also be used for other significant costs in the future, like buying a car or doing post-graduate studies abroad.

In addition, Future Scholar gives you peace of mind. Whatever happens, your child will have money aside for future needs. Aside from that, your child or your chosen beneficiary can also be entitled to an additional lump-sum cash benefit should anything untoward happen to you.

“We know the pandemic and the volatile economy have made everyone insecure about their savings. As a parent myself, I understand every parent’s desire to ensure that there are guaranteed benefits intended for their child’s future,” said Tennyson Paras, AIA Philippines’ Head of Products. “And this is what we had in mind when our Products Team designed AIA Future Scholar. We wanted to make sure that no matter what happens, a healthier, longer, and better life awaits our children.”

If you want to know more about AIA Future Scholar and how it can help you guarantee savings for your child’s future needs, click here

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Jamie "Jeepney Jaytee" Balmores, Filipino Hero of Edmonton, Canada

Jamie "Jeepney Jaytee" Balmores is the epitome of the saying hard work pays off. He left the Philippines over a decade ago to settle in Edmonton, Canada, where he worked as a resident nurse. Through hard work and a lot of side hustle, JT, as he is fondly called, rapidly advanced from his position as a resident nurse in Edmonton, Canada, to that of an authentic influencer and celebrity in his community and hometown. 

JT owns Jeepney Jaytee, Edmonton’s most famous and multi-awarded food truck. He launched his food truck business in 2015, and by the time 2016 rolled in, he was already a household name and had become a tourist destination. Everyone needs to stop by his food truck in Edmonton, or you weren’t in Edmonton. 

He promotes and highlights different Filipino delicacies by region regularly on Global TV, CityTV, and Dinner Television. He is one of the significant stakeholders when it comes to promoting Filipino cuisine in Canada. This is why everyone, not just Filipinos, lines up for hours to taste Jeepney Jaytee’s food. 

Jamie "Jeepney Jaytee" Balmores has won Best Foodtruck in Canada from 2016 - 2022, Best Filipino Restaurant Cuisine (Reader’s Choice Award) 2021, Best Local Social Media Personality Gold Award 2021, and Best Filipino Food in Edmonton 2022. His best-sellers are his authentic Ilocos Bagnet, Sisig Tacos/Sisig Fries, and Cheesy Bistek Shawarma. 

JT serves as an inspiration to his fellow Filipinos in Canada to work on their dreams. He firmly believes that nothing is impossible when you start planning your life and working hard for things you want to achieve.  

In fact, JT is the ambassador of Lexus of Edmonton West, Jack and Jones, East West College (with Cherry Tan and Jean San Miguel), Great Smile Family Dental, Lucky SuperMarket, Skinlueaur Laser Center, Prestige Vision Center,  The Captain’s Boil Edmonton, and Sta Lucia Hotdog. 

They chose Jamie "Jeepney Jaytee" Balmores not only because he’s popular in the community but because he embodies the virtues they are looking for in an ambassador: a good role model and someone who has integrity. 

This is proof that it’s never too late to be what you want to be, no matter what age and stage in your life you are. If JT can make it, so can you.  

Friday, November 18, 2022

Review of Damgo in BFRV, Las Pinas

Damgo means "dream" in Cebuano. When I first saw this little hole-in-the-wall kind of restaurant, I thought, "will their food be made of dreams, or will it be a nightmare?"


Damgo is located along J.B. Tan Street inside BFRV, Las Pinas. I have to say that J.B. Tan is slowly turning into a mini Aguirre of BF Homes. So far, there's around 5 food spots that are pretty good on this street. 


I love that this place may be small, but it is maximized efficiently. Inside, it can seat 12 people comfortably. There's even a really decent bathroom which surprised me. I gotta say that the bathroom is one of the best ones amongst the restaurants I've tried lately. Clean, efficient, and just a whole vibe on its own. 


This is the menu of Damgo. As you can see, the price point is actually very affordable. 


My forever date, my husband. 


This is the bar area. I can't believe they even have one because the place is tiny. 


We ordered the Calamansi and Spanish Latte. It was pretty good, and the serving was big. 


This is BAO. It was only Php220, BUT THIS ONE WAS OH SO GOOD! Definitely, a must try. 


Another popular dish was the Bulgogi with Braised Pork Belly. You'll find yourself reaching for another bite after another due to the mouth-watering flavor explosion.

The Chorizo Pasta, on the other hand, was just okay. It wasn't amazing, but it was okay. For me, it lacked that oomph that makes you go "Omigod, this is so good!" 

Overall, I did enjoy my dinner at Damgo. In fact, I'm already planning on returning to try out the other dishes, and I look forward to ordering the steak for my husband. I hope that one will also be made of dreams. Good dreams. 

Damgo Facebook Page

67 JB Tan, BF Resort Dr, BF Resort, Las PiƱas



 

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

2 Best Tarot Cards To Get in a Love Reading and What They Mean

Tarot is an excellent way to get accurate psychic readings of your love life. When asking questions about love, every card has its interpretation. However, some cards are especially significant for identifying "the one."

What Is Tarot?

Psychic tarot card readings involve a psychic medium intuiting your future and relationships with a deck of cards as guidance. You will ask questions about the cards and draw them. The specific cards you draw and their position, or spread, all contribute to interpreting their meaning.

When asking about love, there are a couple of cards everyone hopes for. Although the meaning of these cards in your life should always be taken in the greater context of the reading, generally, their significance is consistent.

The Lover

This card is reminiscent of the story of Adam and Eve in the bible. It depicts a naked man and woman with arms stretched towards each other. They are in a garden with a tree and a snake. They stand beneath an angel in the sky. In general, this card deals with concepts of union and harmony.

Upright

In the upright position, this card is considered a soul mate card regarding questions about love. You have a deep connection with your partner or will have one with someone who is about to come into your life. This connection is physical, emotional, and intellectual.

Reversed

The Lovers in reverse does not spell disaster for your relationship but does give you an indication that something is off. You may have a strong connection in one way, such as physically, but are lacking in another. You are not entirely on the same page in every way possible. You will need to work to find the issues and resolve them.

The Empress

The Empress' card depicts a woman sitting on a cushion holding a scepter. She is wearing a long dress covered in roses. She appears to be in a wheat field at the forest's edge. She represents the energy of motherhood. She is nature — the source of life itself.

Upright

This card is a strong indicator of increased romance when drawn upright in a love reading. Your relationship will become more profound and more loving, or someone will come into your life to sweep you off your feet. Good sex and plentiful affection are headed your way. Be careful because The Empress also represents fertility and can forewarn you of pregnancy if you don’t use protection.

Reversed

If this card is in reverse, it can mean you are going through a series of shallow relationships. You are suppressing your genuine emotions to engage romantically with all the wrong people. You need to get back in touch with your true self and bring down your walls to find more profound love.

Tarot cards are one of the best ways to get detailed and thorough readings of your love life. Take care to find the best psychics online so you can check in on your love life from anywhere at any time. Reach out to a psychic today to get started on your journey to self-enlightenment.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

UPDATED 2022 BFRV Eats: Hits and Miss Edition + 1 FOOD PLACE YOU NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM

Before I start, let me clarify that I paid for all my meals and that this is PURELY MY OPINION. It means that I am not right, but I am also not wrong. This is based on how I found the food, what it tasted like to me, and how it compares to others I have had that are similar.
 
These are food places that sell inside BFRV, Las Pinas. 

UPDATE! Here are the more recent food places I've reviewed inside BFRV, Las Pinas! 




The rest are from 2020 onwards. 



Hits: Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Taco
Miss: Chic-o-Sandwich

I loved their chicken sandwich and chicken taco. For the price, definitely worth every hard-earned money. It's also best to be one of the first deliveries since the sandwich will still be a little hot, adding to the flavor and experience.

Price: Buy 1 Take 1 99. Definitely bang for the buck!

Piaya


This is a MISS for me. It comes in Ube and Caramel but instead of tasting like piaya, it reminded me so much of the Hopia Baboy in Ube being sold in Binondo. They should have marketed this as hopia. I would have ordered more.

Senyor Juan

They are located across the clubhouse.

Hit: Suman Latik
Miss: Black Kutsinta



Loved the suman latik. It was definitely something that was worth going back to again and again. Price point was also fair though I can't remember the exact amount. However, the black kutsinta needed to stop being so fake.

Come on guys! It's kutsinta colored black and then sold in an exorbitant manner. It's not good. It's pure hype. You're wasting your money. Buy the real deal off the street.



Miss for me. It was a good attempt but it felt like the eating the sad, rejected brother of C
Silantro. I know I shouldn't compare but I did and I was really hoping that it would be a bit close to what Cilantro has to offer especially in terms of the burrito.

It was okay. That's the problem. It's just okay.

I wanted something filling, something that would make me want to grab a bottle of ice cold beer, sit in the garden, and mull about how great the world still is because there's good burrito and beer.

This one left me wondering why I paid so much for something that felt lacking.

Ronelli's Bagel aka WhoaNellie


HIT.

Grabbed this photo from their page because I forgot to take a decent photo of the bagel because it was so good! This should definitely be a staple in your breakfast area, I kid you not. Heat it, put cream cheese or salmon if you're feeling fancy.



HIT.

I've ordered this at least 6x since I discovered it last Mother's Day. I think that already says a lot.


This is located along Gloria Diaz. A HIT for me. I loved their mushroom burger the most.




This is definitely a hit in terms of taste. I ate 3pcs in one go. It was freshly made and filling!
 
 
The first time I tried Kani Allie, I wasn't impressed. I thought to myself, it was okay but it wasn't anything amazing. I tried it a second time though when I saw that they announced that they made some improvements. 

I'm glad I did. This time around, I was impressed with Kani Allie's baked sushi. 
This is definitely a hit. 
 

I was curious and I'm so glad that I gave in to this curiosity. The spam burrito was soooo good. Everyone in our family loved it and refused to share. I was glad that I got us one each.
 
This is made of seaweed sheet, Japanese rice, spam sticks, kani salad mix, Japanesse mayo, sriracha sauce, and egg. 
Definitely a HIT.
 
 
I tried the Spicy Salmon, California Maki, and Ebi Tempura with Avocado. 
HITS: The spicy salmon was on point. It was fresh, tasty, and refreshing. The california maki was good but nothing outstanding. Its the spicy salmon that was the real star.

MISS: The Ebi Tempura wrapped in Avocado was a downer for me. I had high hopes because it was the first time that I've seen an Ebi Tempura wrapped in Avocado. Sadly, I didn't really taste anything. No avocado, no shrimp, no mayo. I don't know what happened with this one but it was just bleh.



HIT. You can buy 3 pieces for only Php and even add french fries for just an additional Php20. The 4 flavors they have are:

• CLASSIC
Plain Dog inside dough + catsup + mayo

• POTATO DOG
Dog + Potato Cubes

• CHEESE OVERDOG
Cheese wrapped Hot Dog + Cheese

• DOG N CHEESE
Half Dog N Half Cheese

They deliver within BFRV for a Php20 delivery fee between 3-5pm daily.
 
 
 
HIT. These donuts are definitely not just any ordinary donut. For me, it's not as good as Krispy Kreme but it has it's own personality and taste. I personally liked it and would definitely order again when I can.  
 
Carnival Food Club Chicken Katsu 


HIT: The Chicken Katsu was made of dreams. This was the chicken katsu that I was dreaming of for months and finally, I got my hands on it. It was HUGE, it was tasty, and it was just so good. If I hadn't stuffed myself so much hours before I had this, I would have finished the entire thing all by myself. 
 


I asked the owner if I could have everything in a box of 10 and they were gracious enough to accommodate my request so I was able to try the OG Turon, the Ube, the Nutella, and the Pineapple one. 

NEUTRAL: The turon was good. The Ube and Chocolate ones were also good. The Pineapple, I didn't really get to taste it. I felt like it was lacking. 

So to be clear, it was good. It just wasn't good enough for me to order again, to look fo rit, to crave for it. It was just good. Nothing more. I was hoping that it would blow my mind and I'd crave for it again and again. 

Now the cream sauce is a whole different thing. When you dip the turon in it, flavors explode and happiness starts seeping in. So if you will go and try Marcuzo's Turon, make sure that you dip your turon into the sauce they provide you with. Better yet, ask for 2 more of the sauce so you can thoroughly enjoy your turon.


MISS. Definitely a huge miss. Food, service, presentation, everything was just miserable. It was so sad that I could hear the burritos crying about the injustice of it all. It was that sad.

My order was supposed to be at 430pm. 449pm he was just about to cook. I finally got the food at 928pm.

Also learned that he has SCAMMED at least 3 customers. They paid, food was never delivered and they never got a refund. They were even blocked by the owner.

His excuses are ALWAYS the following:

1. Meat was not delivered.
2. Need to run to supermarket and buy the PERFECT meat
3. Line is so long
4. Accident in the kitchen. It can be a fuse blew up or he had to run to the ER but he will be back in an hour. Really? In this time of pandemic?
5. He will add meat to make up for the delay.


DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS PLACE. I REPEAT, DO NOT. 

Other establishments I've eaten at here inside BFRV:




















Which one is your favorite? Have you tried any of the ones I've tried?

Review of Karsa in BFRV, Las Pinas

This quaint semi-little hole in the wall caught my attention when M and I passed by on our way to the groceries. The yellow signage, the cute wall decor, and the mix of eclectic chairs piqued my interest, that I said to M, "I wanna go there at KARSA." 


It happened last night. We came from a tree lighting and the food that was served was just good for merienda so I said I wanted to have a good dinner. We ended up here. 


The place is al fresco but thankfully, there were no mosquitoes which is one of my main worry whenever a place is al fresco. I loved that there were varying chairs and tables. It gave it a bit more personality. 


KARSA in BFRV, Las Pinas seems like a good place for casual dates and barkada hangouts. I can also recommend this place as a family place except if you have small children that still like to run around like a chicken without it's head, you need to be alert since it's right beside a street with cars passing by. 


I liked their menu because it wasn't overwhelming. There's enough choices that you feel like you have options but not too many that you may feel like "I don't know what to choose, I quit life!"


I had the Avocado Milk Shake. They don't use actual fruits but instead avocado ice cream so you are guaranteed that the shake would be good. 


M had the beef nachos and for the price point, this was definitely bang for buck. They didn't scrimp on the beef, the cheese, or even the nachos. 


I ordered the nacho crusted chicken fillet with rice. This was definitely a novelty for me and paired with the sauce that comes with it, it's definitely something that I can see myself ordering again. 


The pan de karne premium beef strips was super filling. Enough that we were only able to eat half and brought home the other half which our eldest devoured. 


This entire meal costs Php857 and I can say that this was definitely BANG FOR BUCK! Highly recommended that you guys give KARSA in BFRV, Las Pinas a try. It's also easy to locate because it's just down the street from Tablo. 

The food is not the best in the industry but it's what you would call comfort food. It's something to share with family, friends, and love ones. It's also something you can enjoy by yourself if you want to have ME TIME. 


These are the owners, Erwin and Grace. They are former OFWs who saved up to put up this little slice of heaven inside BFRV. KARSA is the sauce that Grace invented when they had barely nothing and had to make do with whatever was available. 

Eventually, she perfected this now and now, it's SAUCE for every KARNE available. I agree with this because I'm not a fan of sauce but this one, I actually ended up consuming the little dip dish that came with my chicken. 


We also got to try this vanilla pudding which felt like a warm hug. I actually remembered my brothers' cookies because it had the same vibe. 

This would have been perfect with a hot cup of toffenut latte. Hopefully soon, they can add coffee to their menu.  


KARSA is located along JB Tan Street inside BFRV, Las Pinas. 

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Tips for Storing Your Diamond Painting Stash

Earlier today I decided to finally sort my diamond painting, and I was blown away. I thought it would take me an hour, but apparently, I was mistaken. 


Over the years, I have amassed a huge amount of diamond paintings. This, on top of the ones I have given away and donated, was still mind-blowing. 


It took me 3 hours to sort things, but sadly, I was still not able to truly organize it because I don't have enough space. I placed all of my cross stitches inside the bayong and managed to put all of the boxes in one area, but the rest ... 

So I think that I may have messed things up even more instead of sorting things because last week this area had nothing piled on it but this time around .... 

There are so many diamond painting kits left outside. I need to go through them one by one and make sure those that need to be framed will be framed and those that I don't plan on finishing, I give away. 


Here are a few things to remember when you plan to hoard diamond paintings. 

  1. If it's in a box, keep it in the box if you don't plan on using it. 
  2. You need ample space, so you don't squish all the kits together. 
  3. Check on them from time to time just to make sure everything is still in order. 
  4. If you can get the architect's container for blueprints, it's the best storage for finished diamond painting. 
  5. If you can't, try to get those long styro boards to roll your unfinished diamond painting over it to keep its shape if the box is no longer an option. 
Interested in buying? Here are some sellers that I personally recommend. 

LOCAL SELLERS - DIAMOND PAINTING 
Sparkle Diamond - https://shope.ee/3KklCNsquN
Ruffa Reyes I PAINT U - https://shope.ee/79xTlPVrOv

This is my current WIP.