Family

Safety Tips During A Cemetery Visit With Kids and Babies

written by Stef

It has been a Filipino tradition to visit our departed loved ones at the cemetery during the “Undas” season (All Saints Day and All Souls Day), with the whole family. As a kid, I grew up “tomb hopping” as we visit relatives and I enjoyed collecting melted candles. The cemeteries in Manila get so crowded that some LGU had to limit and sometimes no longer allow cars inside, people had to walk. I did experience a tiring walk as a kid.

If you are to bring kids with you at the cemetery, what should you prepare and expect as well? How do we keep them safe and at the same time, have a hassle-free and worthwhile visit? I am no expert but here are some things to remember during a cemetery visit with kids. These are what I have learned through news, from reading and from experience too.

Cemetery Visit Checklist

Prep the older kids before leaving the house about the place to visit and about security. Make sure they have their IDs and that they know their parents’ name, address and phone number, if possible. Cemeteries, as I have mentioned, can really be overcrowded.
This is one of the many times your baby sling or baby carrier can be of great use. Go hands-free! You can also at least let your hands attend to other things your husband or other kids’ need. A sturdy stroller with harness is advised for toddlers though.
Pack sufficient food and water for everyone. You do not really need to bring a lot because, there are fast food stalls set up in every cemetery. For your babies, a pre-measured formula is a must. The baby sling is again of good use for breastfeeding moms.
Prepare wet tissues, soap, diapers, medicine, small towel and extra clothes in an easy to carry bag or backpack. Best to also bring some plastic bags for your disposables.
A tent or tarpaulin ( if there is a place to set it up) is recommended too. If there’s none, bring a water-proof picnic mat or changing pad, small folding chairs, umbrella and hats instead.
To keep the kids preoccupied, do not forget to bring books, board games, and soft toys. Make this an away-from-gadget day!

Never forget the candles, flowers and lighters. A photo of the departed can be brought too. And as you light the candles, gather the whole pack to offer prayers for the soul of our dearest loved ones.

As you visit the cemetery, list down the contact numbers of the security team or the police, there are over 3,000 assigned in each cemetery for Metro Manila. May this year’s visit be meaningful and as hassle-free as possible.

30/10/2018 0 comment

Finance Family Money Matters People Products

Dear Millennials, Be Responsible

written by Stef

Millennials

We are amazed of your generation’s achievements, but you have a lot more of what’s called Millennial dreams. We are genuinely happy that many young people like you has proven more than just being stereotypes. You have a vision. You are a dreamer. But then, life is not just about being a dreamer. It is not life at all if you just kept dreaming – you have to wake up and go get that dream become a reality. Something must be done to achieve these so called dreams. Along with the actions needed for such achievements, you have to be protected. Some kind of “assurance and protection” is necessary.

Millennials

Getting a PruLife UK VUL is a combination of care, love and responsibility. Know more about handling your finances and opportunities to let it grow too. There is a lot of ways to be financially responsible with the help of a good Financial Advisor.

Be a responsible Millennial, be insured! DO something your future self and family will thank you for.

29/05/2017 0 comment

Travels & Places Family

Wheel of Fate Fun Ride: Enchanted Kingdom Adventure

written by Stef

CNX Family Day

Concentrix has once again held their annual Family Day at Enchanted Kingdom. So, we were off to the park one more time. Last time we were here, we did not get to ride a number of rides and did not see some shows and attractions. This time, the husband and I decided to fall in line and go for a family ride at the Wheel of Fate. The kids cannot ride the Flying Fiesta and Space Shuttle yet. They did not have the courage too. =D

Family Day at Enchanted Kingdom

Wheel of Fate Ride

The four of us rode the big ferris wheel Enchanted Kingdom named Wheel of Fate.

Wheel of Fate

Roey held on tight her new furry friends as we settle on our seats inside the pod. Roey was terrified as the wheel reached its peak, especially when it stopped to load and unload people. The wind was swiftly blowing and made our pod swing a little. We were all a little afraid, to be honest. Roey eventually got used to the pod swings and conquered her fear. Hence, I got to capture her sweet smile in the next photo.

Wheel of Fate

She didn’t want to ride again but said that she had fun even it was terrifying at first. K got scared too but used laughter to fight the feeling. She even teased Roey and their Dad while the gondola paused at its peak. We all enjoyed the beautiful view of the theme park up high, over 130 feet actually.

Thanks to Concentrix (CNX) for yet another memorable family day. We are grateful for the opportunity and are looking forward to more fun-filled family adventures like this.

25/04/2017 0 comment

Events Family Words

Feast of The Divine Mercy

written by Stef

Today, I got up a little late for the Sunday mass on TV. Still, I decided to start my day with the mass. I missed about 80% of the mass but really learned something great. There, I found out that today is The Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter.

When I was a still a kid, I remember that my Grandmother (who was then a member of The Catholic Women’s League) would always encourage me and my cousins to come with her to church and attend the mass and even join processions. Now, I have realized that the procession that happens every Sunday after Easter is for the feast of The Divine Mercy.

I have then made a little research about the Divine Mercy Sunday and I am glad I did because today is also a special and blessed day for all the Catholics in the world. Popes John XXIII and John Paul II will be canonized today. The canonization of the two former Popes will be presided by Pope Francis during a Mass at the St. Peter’s Square. Huge crowd has poured in Rome as this is yet another global media event to look forward to.

Everything that follows herewith are the information I got from Wiki:

Divine Mercy Sunday is originally based on the Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy that Saint Faustina Kowalska reported as part of her encounter with Jesus, and is associated with special promises from Jesus and indulgences issued by the Church.

Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun reported visions and visitations from Jesus and conversations with Him. He asked her to paint the vision of his Merciful Divinity being poured from his sacred heart and specifically asked for a feast of Divine Mercy to be established on the first Sunday after Easter so mankind would take refuge in Him:

“I want the image solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it.” (Jesus’ words, Diary 341)

The first Divine Mercy painting by Kazimierowski (1934) at the Divine Mercy Sanctuary / Author=Alma Pater

“Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it.” (Diary 742)

The devotion was actively promoted by Pope John Paul II who, On 30 April 2000, canonized Faustina Kowalska, and officially designated the Sunday after Easter as the Sunday of the Divine Mercy in the General Roman Calendar.

A year after establishing Divine Mercy Sunday, on April 22, 2001 Pope John Paul II re-emphasized its message in the resurrection context of Easter:

Jesus said to Sr Faustina one day: “Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to Divine Mercy”. Divine Mercy! This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity.

The devotion to Divine Mercy Sunday grew rapidly after its designation by Pope John Paul II and is now widely celebrated by Catholics.

27/04/2014 0 comment

entertainment Family Featured movies review

Be Moved By Miracle in Cell No.7 Movie

written by Stef

Photo credits: kpopable site

My friend Pia recommended this movie to me when she tagged me in her Facebook status sometime last week. In her stat, she has declared how she has been touched by the movie that she had to suffer from a headache after crying (because of the movie).

From then, I searched for info and photos of Miracle in Cell No.7 and honestly got a lot more curious. Since last week was the Holy Week, I grabbed the opportunity to work for additional hours. We stayed at home and only until Sunday did we went out and attended the “Salubong” and Easter Sunday mass. I forgot about the movie already. My kids and I (while working) watched previous seasons of Amazing Race and also the pilot episode of The Bible. And then, I saw another good review of the movie Miracle in Cell No.7 which reminded me to look for a good link, so we can watch it online. I did found one and we watched the movie last night, at last!

Miracle in Cell No.7, if you will search through Wiki and IMDb is South Korean film which is a mix of comedy and melodrama. It is a story of a witty and adorable 6 year old girl and her mentally challenged father. The loving father who was wrongfully accused of abduction, sexual abuse and murder. It is a beautiful story of a father who will do everything to give his daughter the best he can (even given with challenges). A (real life) story of how people, in their words and in their acts can change and give another person’s life a twist. Bad and good, I should say. It is a sad story of how power and education (can I please include politics) can do great to someone’s life but can also ruin it – totally screw it!

The movie, Miracle in Cell No.7 is yet another movie a lot of us can not forget. We may have seen things in it in different perspectives but each of these views have touched our hearts and taught our minds. In the end, family is not just about blood. True friends are family too. The movie also reminded me that sometimes the little things have the biggest impacts in our lives.

This movie, by the way, is the 3rd most viewed Korean film. We highly recommend for you to also watch Miracle in Cell No.7 and better ready your tissues or handkerchief with you. No one is ever hard not to be moved by the movie.

23/04/2014 0 comment

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