Where to go in Tagaytay, for a Great Family Day Out, on a Budget

My friends were asking for information about our recent Tagaytay trip. So here are the details. It was definitely unplanned; all we want is for the kids to have a nice and relaxing day tour out of town. We left Pasig at around 11am. While hubby was driving, I just searched on mobile for places that we could go to, on a budget. We went to Nuvali, Puzzle Mansion, Sky Ranch and view deck overlooking Taal Lake.

First stop, NUVALI, Sta. Rosa Laguna. Good news is, it’s FREE! you’ll just have to park your car and have a nice walk to the lake.  Both our 6-mo old baby and 4-yr old son loved the place. Because of the fishes, lots and lots of them! Stampede! J It was a sunny day, that’s why we had to use an umbrella. But it was still relaxing (despite of the heat ) to look at the fishes swimming at the lake. And to make it more fun for kuya Shaun, daddy bought some food (for only P15/pack) so he can feed the fish.

Second, the Puzzle Mansion, Tagaytay City, entrance fee P100/head. Ms. Gina owner of the two-story Mansion is the Guinness World Record holder for the person who has completed the most jigsaw puzzles in the world. We went there because of that title, thought it will be interesting for our son. But he found it boring. Hehe! But it was still amazing how one person could finish all those puzzle pictures ranging from 100 pcs to 32,000 pcs!
 

Third, the Sky Ranch, Tagaytay City, admission fee is P100/head, we went on a holiday (50% discount) so we only paid for P50 per person. It has a great view of the Taal Volcano. On your way, you will immediately see the huge Ferris wheel along Aguinaldo Highway. Our son was very excited to ride this amazing Sky Eye, the Tallest Ferris Wheel in the country.  That he shouted louder in the car as we get closer and closer to the park (t'was kinda annoying, but FUN). 150 Pesos per person for a 10-minute ride to the Sky Eye. Pretty expensive huh? but it was worth it when we saw the big smile on our kids face. You won’t get dizzy riding here, because it’s air-conditioned and has music playing continuously. Oh let me tell you, before you leave this place you also need to pay for your parking.

Finally, EAT! Along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hwy, you can choose from different restaurants (Starbucks, Pancake house, Max’s, Chicboy, Leslie's to name a few). After eating,  just a walk, right behind those resto, you'll see a fantastic view of the Taal Lake for FREE!

It was a really great quality time with my family. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

*** If you find this article interesting or helpful, please leave a comment, like the page or share it with your friends.

 

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, oh puhhlease Go Away!!!

There have been several cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease around Metro Manila since August last year. It’s a mild but contagious viral illness. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years old, though it can also occur in adults. Sadly, my two kids and my nephew have acquired the said illness before 2013 ends.

I have noticed some red dots on my 8-month old baby's palm and toes, thinking they were just insect bites, I didn’t do anything. However, after a week, the redness didn’t fade. So, we consulted her pediatrician, and told us that it could be the HFMD. There were just few (less the ten dots), that’s why she was not able to confirm, was advised to observe if it continues. Fortunately, it didn’t get worse. Pretty sure it was because she’s an exclusively breastfed baby.  

 

 

After two days, my son had a fever and couldn’t eat. We found out that he got some blister-like sores in the mouth, called “herpangina”. He wasn’t able to take any food or even drink milk. He said it was so painful every time he swallows. He woke up and cried from time to time while sleeping and even jump on the floor while crying because he thought it will lessen the pain. His doctor told me to put xylogel on his tongue, rinse his mouth with cold water and give him ice cream to numb the throat, but to no avail. It was truly heart breaking!

 

My nephew’s case is different. (see photo on the left side) He had MANY rashes around his mouth, his hands up to his arms and on both feet. It looks really itchy, but he said it was not. Good thing also, that he was still very active and had no change in appetite. He was just advised to stay home until the rashes disappear.

It’s been a month now, blisters and rashes are gone. But the boys are having another issue. Beau's Lines- visible depressions running across the nail bed. According to their doctor, it is still caused by HFMD, The nails will return to normal after the illness has passed and the ridge in the nail will grow out.

It is so horrible to see our children sick. This kind of disease is caused by a virus; it usually runs its course. Antibiotics have no role in the treatment. So better give them vitamins to boost their immune system, and remind them to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. 

 

*** If you find this article interesting or helpful, please leave a comment, like the page or share it with your friends. Stay Safe Everyone! :)

**you may also want to read about  - How to Choose a Healthier Food

 

How to Choose a Healthier Food

                           

If you want your child to stay healthy, or you want to reach your weight goals. You MUST read the Nutrition Facts on food/drink labels. When you go to a grocery store, don’t just compare prices. Pay attention to some important information about the serving size, sugar, protein, calories and calcium as well. Here’s the Simplest Guide to Read Nutrition Labels – For a Healthier Choice of Food.

 

 

1. Serving Size – look for the number of servings in the package. If one serving of milk is 250ml equals one cup. But, you gave two cups to your child in just one serving. That doubles the sugar and other nutrient numbers.
 

 
2.  Sugar – watch out for this one. Better check the label of your child’s favorite cookie. Only 5-10g per serving is recommended.
 
3. Protein  –   It will make you feel full. Aim for 5-10g protein for kids and 10-20g for  adults per serving.
 
4. Energy (or Calories) – For you to tell how much food your child really needs, you must know the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI), considering the kid’s ages, body weight and how active he is. 
 
 Required Calories per Day



Source: Food and Drug Administration, Philippines
2,000-2,500 calories for adults


 
5. Calcium - Experts advise adults to take 1,000mg per day or 100%DV in a daily 2,000 calorie diet. some Nutrition label lists a %DV for calcium. In the picture below, you'll see that the  low fat milk has more calcium but less energy content than the fresh milk.

                                                 

 

*** If you find this article interesting or helpful, please leave a comment, like the page or share it with your friends. Happy healthy shopping!!! J

  

References

http://www.fda.gov.ph 

http://www.fda.gov/Food 

http://ph.she.yahoo.com/blogs/healthy-living

My Sleep Dancing Baby

Our little Sophia is now 8 months old. I understand that babies her age tend to roll-over real quick while sleeping. That’s why we’ve decided to put a mattress on the floor and not sleep on the bed, for her own safety. However, I just don’t know where she’s getting all her energy. That even when she’s supposed to be resting, she just couldn’t stop moving! She doesn’t just roll, but also crawl, kick and sit while sleeping.  Thank Goodness she cannot walk just yet!