Kids Archive

What my kids are like, and how to raise your child/children in this day and age.

Crazy for BMX Bikes – My Boys’ New Hobby

My sons’ new found love for BMX riding first began when Filipino-born Daniel Caulaug took the gold at the Asian Games. It was back in 2014 and ever since, they’ve been obsessed. Thinking they’re going to follow in the footsteps of his BMX hero, maybe one day he’ll also make it to the Olympics.

At first I was skeptical and a little worried. It’s an extreme sport, after all, and my first concern was for his safety. However, I did a little research of my own and learnt a few things about BMX riding. The activity is great exercise, builds strength and burns plenty of calories — approximately 610 per hour. And if you have a son of your own and are looking to build his discipline and confidence, you should try buying him one of the boys BMX bikes at Tesco or from a sports store and see how he gets on with the hobby. They really look forward to the next BMX competion to watch. Unfortunately, BMX was dropped from the 28thSoutheast Asian Games in Singapore. This would have been a brilliant opportunity for him to meet his hero and watch the professionals in action. I’ve been researching upcoming BMX events and if he’s lucky we may visit one.

UCI BMX Supercross World Cup

This premier BMX racing series features the world’s most elite male and female riders from more than 30 countries. It acts as the main qualifier for the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games to be held in 2016. Events have already taken place earlier this year at Manchester (Great Britain), Papendal (the Netherlands) and Engelholm (Sweden). The next in line is taking place from September 5th-6that Santiago del Estero in Argentina. The location has been a favorite on the circuit for the last three years and was voted the best event in 2014. Famed for its electric atmosphere and warm climate, you can see some of the best BMX bikers in the world at this one.

The final event of the year takes place on September 25th-26th in Rock Hill, USA. This is one of the largest cities in the state of South Carolina and marks a new location for the world cup series. A circuit has been newly built which will also host the 2017 World Championships.

UCI BMX World Championships 2016

This is one of the most thrilling events in the BMX calendar and one which my son would love to attend. The 2015 event has recently taken place at the magnificent Lotto BMX Centre at Circuit Zolder complex in Belgium. Next year it will be held at the new location of Colombia. The city of Medellin will host the competition with a newly built track.
Hopefully we’ll make it to one of these events. If not, we can still cheer on the riders at some of the smaller ones that are happening throughout the year.

Images by Gamma Man and Stig Nygaard, used under Creative Commons license

Kidzania Manila Opening Date And Ticket Prices

The most awaited opening finally has a date!! Mas excited ang mommies for sure! Sooo while most of my friends are present at the presscon happening now at Kidzania Manila, I have the luxury of time to blog about Kidzania Manila’s opening date and ticket prices!

Kidzania Manila will be open to public on August 7, 2015. Kidzania Manila tickets will be available for purchase at their ticket counter also starting on August 7, 2015.

Kidzania Manila tickets are priced as follows:

Kidzania Manila Rates for Kids and Adults

Babies and Kids below 2 feet are free of charge. Kidzania Manila rate for Children ages 4-14 years old are 1000 for Weekends and National Holidays

Take note that ticket prices for October 8 onwards will be higher, so take advantage of the soft opening prices! Sulit yan lalo if you have 4 kids like me! haha

KIDZANIA MANILA Operating Hours:

Mondays to Thursdays:
9AM to 4PM (1 shift)

Fridays to Sundays (and National Holidays):
9AM to 2PM
3PM to 8PM

Some interesting facts about Kidzania Manila (aside from the fact that it is highly educational and will be beneficial for our kids)

>>>>Kidzania Manila is open for educational field trips. Kidzania can accommodate up to 1500 individuals (kids and adults) per shift. They also welcome occular visit. For more inquiries on Kidzania Manila school visits, please send your request to schools@kidzania.com.ph.

>>>>Kidzania Manila is open for organized birthday parties or celebrations. For your child’s birthday or celebration, you will be able to choose from 5 celebration themes and numerous activity options! For inquiries, please email celebrations@kidzania.com.ph.

>>>>Kidzania welcomes all kids and their staff and facilities can accommodate children with special needs and disabilities. For more information, please email info@kidzania.com.ph.

>>>> Bringing of food is not allowed but you can choose from the variety of food establishments inside Kidzania Manila

And they parking space!! yay!! Ang tagal naman ng August 7!

(all photos and details from Kidzania Manila website and Facebook page)

ABOUT KIDZANIA MANILA:

KidZania Manila is a safe, unique, and interactive environment where children aged 4-14 can discover, explore, and learn about the adult world – in a kid-sized city built just for them!

Educational Entertainment: Education + Entertainment. KidZania Manila provides a dynamic way to help kids learn by taking on exciting role-play activities such as pilots, cooks, artists, firefighters, veterinarians, and even broadcasters.

All activities are reality-based, hands-on, and interactive. Kids also get to wear realistic uniforms and use realistic work tools! Here are some life skills that kids can learn at KidZania.

Real industries. Real experience. In KidZania Manila, each establishment is sponsored by a leading industry partner that provides technical expertise and know-how to each activity. The industry partners help guide the content with real life business practices – making the activities as authentic as possible! Here are the activities kids can do in KidZania Manila!

#PPSGxNatGeo Kids M.I. Expedition Glorietta Mall Tour

Thank you Progress Pre-School GOLD and National Geographic for putting up expedition such as this. Parents got to learn more about Multiple Intelligence and the kids got to experience different challenges that determines their smart dominance.

As we enter the exhibit at Glorietta Activity Center, parents were asked to sign a waiver and answer some questionnaires to determine the child’s smart dominance. As I sign the waiver and answer the questionnaires, my kids were given a few toys to play with:

After, each of the kids were given a pass:

In pairs, the kids were led to the activity area where they got to experience Body Smart challenges, People Smart challenges and Brain Smart challenges:

Sati finished the People Smart challenge while her kuyas finished the People Smart and Body Smart challenges.. ang hirap daw ng Brain Smart challenge accodring to kuya. Each got a medal from the smart challenges they finished:

Here’s Chico showing off his People Smart and Body Smart medals!

After completing the challenges, the kids were given a bag with goodies from Progress Pre-School GOLD and National Geographic:

Sabi ko akin na lang yung notebook.. ayaw ibigay sa akin! hahaha

They had fun digging the dinosaur from the National Geographic Dig It toy:

During the mall tour, participants were encouraged to share a photo to win National Geographic gift packs:

The Glorietta Mall Tour is just the first of #PPSGxNatGeo Kids M.I. Expedition Mall Tour. There are 3 more venues waiting for you mommies! And it’s happening not just here in Metro Manila! There’s one in Cebu and another one in Davao:

AUGUST 2, 2015 Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM – Venue 2: Trinoma
AUGUST 9, 2015 Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM – Venue 3: Ayala Center Cebu
SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM – Venue 4: Abreeza Mall Davao

So bring your kids mom, learn about Multiple Intelligence and let your kids explore their smart dominance!