Revisiting 2011: Singapore Trip part 2

Night Safari

Night Safari, the world's first wildlife night park was just a few steps away from Singapore Zoo. It was a unique experience to see nocturnal animals in action.  We rode a tram and embarked on a fascinating adventure.  We saw leopards, tigers, lions, hog badgers, Malay civets, tapirs, deer and many more. Flash photography wasn't aloud so I didn't bother taking photos.

The Thumbuakar Performance was amazing. It was a spectacular display of dance and fire-eating stunts. The human torches could blow flames up to 5 meters high! Imagine that! We could feel the heat from our seats.

 

We were entertained by the Creatures of the Night Show. It was a 30-minute show featuring trained animals such as otters, raccoons, snakes, wolves, hyenas, owls and many more.

Revisiting 2011: Singapore Trip part 1

Let me begin the year by filling the void I left on my blog.  Last year was a good year and I would like to take this opportunity to share some of those memorable highlights.

I'll start with our family trip to Singapore last summer of 2011. It was a very memorable vacation because it was Yohan's first airplane ride and it was our first trip out of the country as a family.  It was an adventure from the start because we didn't go on a tour. The tour packages we reviewed only featured selected places so we decided to go on our own.  It was a great decision because we were free to choose our destinations. I booked our airline tickets and hotel accommodation online.

Our Singapore trip was tailored fit for Yohan. We know how much he loves animals so we put the top 3 zoos in Singapore on our itinerary.

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo was so amazing! It was an adventure in a tropical forest. We came close and personal with different animals. Just imagine 2500 animals living in that 28-hectare sanctuary.

The animals in Singapore Zoo enjoy living in wide and lush habitats. They have a taste of freedom unlike the animals from other zoos that spend all their time in small cages.

 Some of the animal attractions in the zoo.

Here are just a few of the animals we encountered during our walk ...

It was a pleasure to see 3 beautiful white tigers, also called Bengal tigers. walking, swimming and playing in such a spacious habitat. 

One of the majestic white tigers at Singapore Zoo.

Yohan and I rode on the back of a beautiful Asian elephant. We also saw several other elephants playing with a huge ball and spraying each other with water. I've always been awed by the intelligence and strength of elephants.

Fun elephant ride.

  

There were free-ranging orangutans on top of the trees. It was so cool to see them swing, lounge and play right above our heads.

Swinging orangutans.

It was Yohan's first time to see a giraffe. We wanted it to be truly memorable so we let him feed one of the giraffes.  Just look at that long tongue!

Feeding the giraffe with carrot sticks.

At that time, Angry Birds was at the height of its popularity. It was funny because a foreigner approached my husband and offered to buy the shirt he was wearing. Jules politely declined. :)

The zebras were so close.

Before going home, we bought several furry pals and shirts as keepsakes.

At the souvenir shop.

How To Make a Cupcake Tower

For our son's recent birthday celebration, hubby made a simple 3-tier cupcake tower from scratch. It was fun and relatively easy to do. Even the birthday boy helped out.

Interested to make your DIY cupcake tower? Here are the materials and simple steps.

You will need: 
2 large Styrofoam boards
2 even sized Styrofoam squares
ruler or measuring tape
marker
decorative paper (or fabric)
scissors
cutter
tape
glue
long and thin wooden stick (BBQ stick can be used)

Procedure:

1. Cut 3 Styrofoam squares measuring: *8x8, 10x10 and 12x12. Use a ruler or measuring tape to get precise measurements. Use a marker when making measurements so you can easily cut the proportions using a cutter.

2. Cover the Styrofoam boards and squares with decorative paper or fabric. For paper, you can use craft glue. For fabric, it is better to use glue gun.

3. Connect the pieces using wooden sticks. You also have the option to glue them permanently.

4. Clean the surface of the tiers. You can gently wipe the decorative paper or fabric with paper towel. Arrange the cupcakes starting from the last level going up.

Enjoy!

* You can also use round Styrofoam boards or ready made cake boards measuring: 1×8″, 1×10″, 1×12″. Replace Styrofoam squares with cylinders.

Photo Hunt :: Sparkles

Come and join PhotoHunt

When you enter the Jellies room in Manila Ocean Park, you'll be tantalized by these dancing fairies in the water. These free swimming jellies illuminate the dark room.

Yohan and his cousins were awed by the jelly fish and the changing hues. Their dazzling natural performance bring sparkles in the eyes of the kids.

How To Make a Race Car Using a Box

Transform a big cardboard box into something fun and useful.  You can make a race car using a big box. It's a great project for the family. 

Materials:

• Big cardboard box
• 6-7 paper plates
• 4-6 red cartolina (poster board)
• colored paper or construction paper
• glue gun (ordinary glue if you don't have a glue gun)
• scissors

Procedure:

1. Fold the two long flaps of the box inside. Do the same with one of the short flaps. Glue them permanently using a glue gun.  Another option is to cut the three said flaps.
2. Fold the remaining short flap at the middle and form into an inverted V.  Glue the lower sides of the flap to the box.
3. Cover the outer box with red cartolina (or any preferred color).  You can use the rest of the cartolina to cover the inner box. 
4. Enjoy designing your own wheels using paper plates. Use colored/construction paper and cut-outs to make desired details. Simply attach the four wheels on the box using a glue gun.
5. Make a steering wheel using paper plate if desired. You can glue the steering wheel or secure it with a button fastener just below the dashboard.
6. Use two paper plates for the headlights.  Adjust the size by cutting it into smaller circles.  Use red colored/construction paper for the outer border and yellow for the inner circle. 
7. Cut red and yellow circles and glue them at the back of the box to serve as tail lights.
8. If you have a printer at home, you can search and print pictures of a speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer (rpm gauge), etc. Glue them on the dashboard.
9. Have fun adding more details to your car.  

My son requested for a Ferrari.  It was fun watching my husband and son create a cardboard Ferrari. All I did was print the Ferrari emblems. When it was done, Yohan grabbed his small chair and placed it inside. He hopped in and he let his imagination take him to his destination. Vroom ... vroom!!!

You can also use this cardboard race car as a toy chest.  I'm sure you can use this project to encourage your child to be responsible by putting away his toys after he play time.

Koi Action and Water Taxi in Nuvali

Nuvali is a nice and refreshing place where you can dine, relax and unwind with family and friends. Aside from restaurants, it also has a multi-functional lake, outdoor trail and wide open spaces. Visitors can feel close to nature because of its green surroundings.

Nestled at Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Nuvali is becoming a favorite place by many. 

A great activity that you can enjoy in Nuvali is fish feeding. Fish feeds are sold for P15 a pack.  Take note that only Nuvali fish feeds are allowed.  So don't make a mistake of throwing a piece of bread or chip in the water.

I've seen Koi ponds before but this is the first time I've seen a lake with a massive number of Koi. Adults and kids will surely be delighted by the overwhelming abundance of Koi swimming and eagerly hoping for Manna from heaven.

The moment you drop some feeds in the water, the exuberant Koi will swim frantically to get some of that coveted treat.  It's an amazing display of fin flapping and fish tail movements. You might even see one or two Koi doing a cartwheel in the air. No kidding!

Perhaps the Koi are doing it on purpose so that you'll go back to the booth to buy some more of those feeds. ha! ha!

I surely fell for it because I went back to the booth several times to buy fish feeds.  It was worth it because my son had a great time feeding the overzealous Koi.

Fish feeding at Nuvali is from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Riding the Water Taxi is another fun activity for the family.  The short boat ride costs P30 per head. 

Enjoy the refreshing wind on your face and watch birds flying nearby.  Expect to feel gentle water splashes as the boat makes a turn.

After feeding the Koi and riding the Water Taxi, my family settled for appetizing snacks at Conti's. Hubby had halo-halo, Yohan chose chicken empanada while I enjoyed a slice of Bananalicious Pie.

It was an afternoon well spent.

Soccer Summer Fun

Kids nowadays prefer to stay at home.  Inactivity among kids is often fueled by television, game consoles and computer games.

My son used to be a homebody.  His activities were not limited to television and computer games because I made it a point to interject activities like drawing,  painting, educational games and fun crafts.  However, I realized that something was missing.  He lacked agility and flexibility.

This summer hubby and I enrolled Yohan in soccer.  I admit I wasn't keen about the idea at first. I was concerned that the summer heat would be a problem since soccer is an outdoor sport. However, Yohan was insistent and his dad backed him up. I knew Jules would support Yohan's choice because he is after all, a soccer player himself.

I gave in and bought him soccer shoes. That sealed the deal. It was my way of saying yes. Both boys were happy. :)

I'm happy that Yohan chose soccer for his summer activity.  I've seen him in the field and I'm so proud of his developments. Soccer has definitely improved his motor skills. He is more agile and flexible. I also noticed that he has more endurance for physical activity. The running and sprinting will surely help build his muscles and strengthen his bones. The best thing about soccer is that Yohan is enjoying himself. He also made a lot of new friends.

I talked to Yohan's coach and he said that soccer will help the kids learn about coordination, determination and self-discipline. It's also a good way to promote teamwork and camaraderie.

Sports like soccer can help encourage kids to turn off the television, set aside computer games and get some much needed exercise.

Find out what sport your child is interested in.  There are a lot of great choices like soccer, tennis, basketball, badminton, Taekwondo, swimming and more.  Summer is a perfect time to enroll your child in one.

Summer Sport

It's summer and it's a perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy a new sport. Jules and I gave Yohan some time to choose a sport that he finds interesting. Among his choices are badminton, Taekwondo, swimming and soccer.

Yesterday he made a choice. It's going to be soccer! We bought him a new pair of soccer shoes. Yohan is very excited. I'll share more about it soon.

Yohan's First Camping

At first, I was not keen on the idea of my son going on an overnight camping. I felt he was too young for such an activity. I was reluctant to let him join the Prep camping. We had a family talk about it and ...

I was outvoted by the boys. Jules had no problem with it. He said it will be great experience for our son. Yohan was thrilled about the thought of camping with his classmates and teachers. He told me he would be sad if I didn't let him join the group. It was two against one so I conceded. Hubby and I also went to school to talk to our son's adviser. She reassured us that the camping activity would be safe and fun for the kids. It was a good way to teach the kids a little independence.

(Night Before) I felt a little sad as I prepared Yohan's things for camping. I packed his clothes and labeled them accordingly. I guess you can tell that I love zip bags. :) I made sure Yohan had enough drinks and snacks.

(At Bluroze Farms, Lipa) Jules and I brought Yohan directly to the camp site. I felt better knowing that the kids would be sleeping in a house rather than tents. Yohan was welcomed by his teachers and classmates. Yohan asked where his bed was and I saw his face light up with excitement.  Hubby and I kissed Yohan good bye. With a reluctant heart, I walked away from the house. As I followed the path leading to the parking area, I couldn't help but look back every now and then. On the road, I silently prayed for my boy's safety.

(Camp, Day 1)  Yohan told me that he had a great time on the first day of camp. They had a nature walk around Bluroze Farm. All the Prep students were given small bags so they could collect little treasures along the way to remind them of their camping experience. Yohan's treasures were feathers, plants and flowers.

Using leaves they found in the nature park, the kids did their own t-shirt painting.

Laughter filled the campsite during the evening. There were fun games, camp fire and hotdog grilling.  Meanwhile, at home, Jules and I couldn't sleep. It was not easy being away from our son for the first time.  We had a DVD marathon and slept early in the morning.  

I asked Yohan if he slept well that evening and he said "I cried silently that night because I missed you and Dad very much." His teacher told me that Yohan had a hard time sleeping at first because the lights were on. His classmates, on the other hand, couldn't sleep with the lights turned off. Dilemma! The teacher turned off the lights when most of the kids were already asleep and Yohan finally dozed off.

(Camp, Day 2)  The kids enjoyed singing, story telling and making arts and crafts. They also made pizza and dessert.

(Reunited again) Yohan gave me a very tight hug when we picked him up the following day.  I noticed he was teary eyed. I felt a tug in my heart. Awww ... my little boy missed me as much as I missed him. Before going home, Yohan showed us inside the house. His face was beaming with pride.

I'm glad we let Yohan join the camp. It was a fun and enriching activity after all.

Majority of the photos courtesty of Yohan's teachers.
Camp site: Bluroze Farm, Lipa
Camping period: Jan. 26-27, 2010

A Pirate For The Second Time Around

My family and I went to the mall to buy Halloween treats and a ninja costume for Yohan. Superhero and scary costumes were abundant but sadly they run out of ninja costumes. I couldn't believe it! I offered to buy him another costume instead but he didn't like any of the available ones. He told me he would rather wear one of his old costumes.

Yohan was unusually quiet. I thought he was upset about the costume but I found out later that he wasn't feeling well. We were at the grocery buying treats when he showed signs of nauseousness so we decided to go home early.

Hubby and I decided to let Yohan skip the annual village Halloween activity at the clubhouse so he could rest. Surprisingly, he felt re-energized after a short rest at home.

Treats for Trick or Treat

At last year's Trick or Treat, he was Thomas the Tank Engine. This year he donned his black shirt with a skull, striped pants and hook ... a pirate for the second time around.

Captain Yohan

Yohan was able to make a few rounds in the village but the rain came at an unwelcome time. We had to cut Trick or Treat short because of the weather. Thankfully Captain Yohan wasn't too disappointed. He still managed to have fun. The other kids were discouraged to continue due to persistent rain. I have lots of Halloween treats left. Care for some? :)

(edited: 11/06/2009)
In the spirit of Halloween, I helped Yohan make Halloween cards for his teachers and pumpkin cut-outs for his classmates.

Yohan thought of the concept. I just helped him make cut-out figures.

DIY Halloween cards

Reaching Level 34 on Farm Town

Last August 7, 2009 I finally reached Level 34, the final level on Farm Town (a popular Facebook game).


It took me more than two months to reach the last level. I must say I invested lots of time and effort on this game. I love its interactive interface. Farming with friends and even with my son is really fun. I found myself playing Farm Town until the wee hours of the morning. Yes, it's an addicting but rewarding game. I always got a sense of fulfillment every time I unlocked new seeds, trees, flowers, paths, ponds, buildings and decorations. One of my favorite parts of the game is decorating my farm.

When I reached Level 34, I was awarded with the privilege of buying a beautiful red mansion. Below is a screenshot of my farm (taken a few minutes ago). I have pumpkins ready for harvest. I decided to plant pumpkins in the spirit of Halloween.

My very own farm.

I love how Farm Town surprises "farmers" with new decorations. As you can see, I have decorated my farm with Halloween stuff. I have a basket of treats in front of my door. You are welcome to knock on my door on Halloween but beware of spooky things along the way. Trick or treat!

It's Halloween on Farm Town.