#MommaDiaries | RL - AT YOUR SERVICE!

This summer, RL wanted to do a lot of things. As in, he had his whole game plan on what activities to do - drums, swimming, golf, Kiddie Crew, art, etc. Of course, he couldn't do everything at the same time... so while he had drums and golf on most days, we saved a week for McDonald's Kiddie Crew.

Summer is not complete without the annual Kiddie Crew Workshop at McDonald's! We were blessed to get a slot for the ABSCBN Branch, as it is nearest the office - next to EDSA Panay, which is currently under renovation.

RL getting briefed by Kuya Deo from McDonald's ABSCBN.

This isn't RL's first time at McDonald's Kiddie Crew. He missed last year's though, so he was eager to do this again this summer. Over 400 participating McDonald's stores are conducting Kiddie Crew workshops this year. This awesome family program has been running since 1992. McDonald's is a pioneer in getting kids to learn the ropes in running a store. The kids go through a fun-filled 5-day learning workshop that encourages them to develop a sense of discipline, hard work, teamwork, responsibility and sharing.

RL and front counter duties.

Happy, little server!

RL was all too excited for his week at McDonald's. His favorite day was Drive-Thru Day!

Excited to lead the afternoon team at Drive-Thru!

Serving a Drive-Thru customer.

RL was surprised to find his first-grade classmate, Ramon, as one of the passengers in a car that drove-thru that day. So yes, that was extra exciting for him. Our HR Manager, Mikey, also drove-thru this particular branch unplanned. RL was so proud. Haha!

These cuties made the Drive-Thru section fun!

The kids also learned how to make their own McDonald's Cheeseburgers. Having done this several times in the past, and being a regular at KidZania, RL felt like quite the expert - he even asked that they leave out the dill pickle for his set of ingredients.

Let me make you a McDonald's Cheeseburger.

All done!

Aside from actual store duties, the kids also do arts and crafts, singing and dancing.

Dancing to BigBang's Fantastic Baby!

Overall, it was a week well-spent. The workshop culminated with a recognition and awarding ceremony.

RL's batch of Kiddie Crew 2016 Graduates!

Thank you, Deo, for your hard work and dedication. You are very much appreciated!

Thank you, McDonald's for being part of RL's memorable summer. He claims it to be the best summer ever... so far. Hehe.

You can enroll your kids, nieces, nephews, siblings or cousins age 6-12 years old for a fee of PHP650. Kiddie Crew participants will get a workshop t-shirt, cap, bag, I.D., workshop materials, pin/badge for every activity, apron, chef’s hat, meals for five days, and a certificate. Kiddie Crew workshops will culminate in Grand Graduation ceremonies in nine major areas around the country such as Pampanga, North Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, and Metro Manila.

McDonald's Kiddie Crew workshops are running every week at several stores Nationwide. But you must hurry because last day for registration is on May 27, 2016! For more information, check out this link or visit a McDonald's store today!

| facebook.com/McDo.ph

#FamilySundays | MIRACLES EVERYWHERE

Note: This post originally appeared on my Facebook Page yesterday. But I am reposting it here, in case you missed it.

Because Globe has a problem with their Broadband service, and because the technician didn't come today as scheduled, I have zero access to the blog. Thus, I am leaving this here. ‪


#‎FamilySundays‬ | MIRACLES EVERYWHERE

I rushed to Rockwell this morning to catch the movie "Miracles From Heaven" with my family. Because I had to drive all the way from North QC, I barely made it to the 1240am screening. I took the first available parking slot (never mind that it was on the other side of the mall) and ran up to the theaters. T'was a nice movie. It was a great reminder to see miracles in everything around us.

We had just come out from the movie theater when I remembered I needed to get RL a pair of drumsticks for his first one-on-one music class this Tuesday. Right before separating from the rest of the family, I had asked KY where I could find a Lyric store aside from the other malls in the metro. I didn't want to go anywhere else since I was tired from yesterday. She didn't know.

As I walked to the other end of the mall where my car was parked, I was contemplating on checking the mall's directory to see if Powerplant Mall had a Lyric store. But since I didn't see a directory, I decided to just walk back to the car.

Thinking I didn't want to go to another mall after Powerplant, I asked God to help me find a store nearby. I needed one by tomorrow if we wanted RL to get to School of Rock ready for his lessons. I was planning on googling for "Lyric branches" in the car, when lo and behold, right when I was on the escalator heading to the parking basement, I spied a big sign that said LYRIC! There it was, a Lyric store INSIDE Powerplant Mall, at the Basement - right at the side where I had parked my car!

If you've ever been with me to Powerplant, you would know that I would never, ever park on this side. I have always had this preference to park at the very end where the Supermarket is located. I would never park here.

But today, for some reason I did. And there was that Lyric store, right when I needed one most.

Miracles happen. They are in everything. They are everywhere. 

"We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him..." Romans 8:28 (NCV)

#RLStories | PLAY FOR REAL WITH JOHNSON'S BABY

It is no secret that my little boy is addicted to his gadgets. I suppose it is momma's fault. But in this digital age, where even schools encourage and include the use of tablets, what can we do as parents but allow them to use it?

Watching Youtube videos early in the morning.

On the gadget even when we are out of town.

Playing Minecraft at a Blogger event.

Playing NBA Live while at my mom's house.

I try to justify his gadget use by convincing myself that not all of it is bad. There are educational apps that help kids learn phonics, and in fact, RL watches Youtube instructional videos to do arts and crafts.  And I try to implement a time limit.

Testing himself with a phonics app.

Looming while watching instructional videos on Youtube.

But like I said, it has reached a point where I can say RL is addicted to it. In fact, I had to ground him recently because all he did this past month was play on his gadget from sun up to sun down. I am at work most of the day, so this summer, when he is home from his reading classes, he just took advantage of the fact that I wasn't around to regulate his gadget time.

We were invited to attend a Johnson's Baby event recently. And RL was introduced to a whole new kind of play. Not that he doesn't play much this way, but because of his gadgets, he tends to keep himself cooped up at home either with a gadget in hand or in front of the boob tube.

I shall let the little boy do the retelling on the #playforreal event. He enjoyed that day so much, he has been bugging me to move to where we can have a yard for him to play in. We live in a town house with so little play space. The only place he can run around in is the courtyard we share with seven other homeowners. We don't even have a patch of grass, and there is not enough space to ride a bike!

~~~ * ~~~

RL: "My mommy took me to a Johnson's event. I like going with her because I can play with the kids of her friends. She said I should bring extra clothes because I was going to get wet. I don't like getting wet. When we got there, someone gave me an iPad to play with. Yes! I was grounded that day. It was my chance to play Minecraft. They didn't have the paid app though."

RL: "When the program started, they let us out to play in the park. The teacher told me to build something out of the empty Johnson's Baby bottles. I decided to build a rocket ship."

RL: "This was my favorite activity. I like building things."

RL: "Auntie Didi was making a car for K and C. My mommy also helped me with taping my rocket ship together."

RL: "After this, I went to the gardening area. I wanted to plant a tree, but they only had small plants. We have a lot of plants in pots at home, and I like helping out my mommy when she takes care of her spinach plants. This is always fun to do."

RL: "This is my plant. I forgot to bring it home."

RL: "I wanted to play here but the other kids were enjoying the play bins."

Photo courtesy of mymomfriday.com. Thanks, Michelle!

RL: "So I went around and decided to build a bee with the bottles again. Then I went to play with water. I was so careful because I didn't want to get wet. But mommy said it was ok. So I got really wet and dirty! Hahaha!"

RL: "The other kids were all hanging around the water sprinkler. I wanted to play also but had to wait my turn."

Kaye's Note: After this, we were called back in. I had allowed RL to go play some more. At one point, I had to change his shirt because he was dripping wet with paint all over. One of the teacher facilitators told me that RL even managed to lie down on the grass next to the sprinklers. LOL! Here was a kid who wouldn't even dare get himself wet. I guess he enjoyed too much!

RL: "I had so much fun at the Johnson's Baby event! That was my best summer day ever!"

~~~ * ~~~

Studies show that while kids can indeed learn from gadgets in many ways, they learn more from active sensory play. It is through sensory play that their five senses are awakened, and they learn to discover the world around them.

"Active play is integral and essential in the holistic development of children... As a brand, this is something we would like to keep reminding parents of. With the information and products we offer, parents can let their children turn playtime to a time of learning while they #playforreal," says Trina Tanlapco, Johnson's Associate Marketing Director.

Did you know that the brain grows up to 90% of its adult size from birth up to five years old? This is why Fiona Sandoval, a licensed clinical psychologist and play therapist, insists on the importance of stimulation for all five senses, especially in activities like active play where the neurons and brain connections are formed better. "Children develop fine motor, language and cognitive skills through sensory play," she adds.

Ever since that day at the park, RL has been more into sensory active play. When I think about it, he is only hesitant with active play mainly because we don't encourage it, protecting him from getting hurt or dirty. Oops! But he enjoys it every chance he gets.

Because it is the digital age, and like I said, even schools encourage gadget-use, the key to letting kids enjoy both is setting a balance. Today, RL is only allowed an hour of gadget play, and only on weekends. After which, he is encouraged to get his hands busy with other toys and activities - yes, even getting wet and muddy!

Playing with the sand at the beach.

Puzzles challenge him. He has been putting together 100-pc puzzles since he was two!

Building Lego sets is his favorite activity.

Building with big blocks!

Playing with water and learning how to wash his playhouse at the same time! Hehehe.

During the event, I was telling Didi and Cai how last summer, my kids convinced me to get them water balloons. We filled two buckets with balloons and played catch outside in our little courtyard. By the time we were done, I was spent! I remember vowing to myself to never buy water balloons again. I didn't realize I was doing so at my kids' expense. Children need real play. My little boy needs to be out there more.

I am making a commitment to allow my child to #playforreal more. Even the simplest activities can be more enjoyable and meaningful than the gadget - especially when we do those activities together.

How about you? When was the last time you allowed your child to #playforreal?

Johnson's | The #playforreal transformation
Kids learn from gadgets. But watch what happens when they #playforreal.
Posted by JOHNSON'S baby on Thursday, April 16, 2015

| facebook.com/JohnsonsBabyPhilippines

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Giveaway!

When my siblings and I were kids, our mom made it a point to fill up our summer vacations. I'm telling you, our days were packed! We went from music lessons (piano, guitar, voice, drums, etc) to art classes, swimming lessons, basketball clinic and yes, even Reading Dynamics! I remember just being dragged out of the house everyday to reading comprehension classes in Greenhills. Yes, those were the days.

There was a time, however, when we'd spend the early part of summer in Baguio for youth camp. I always dreaded the bus ride up the mountain - I always got sick. But everything would be okay once we reached the summer capital! Summers in Baguio were always fun! We'd pick seeds from wilting flowers (to plant back home) and gather pine needles, pretend it was hay, and make a bed just like the one Heide's grandpapa did in the cartoon. We'd ask for food from the commissary, even when rules were no snacks in between. We'd sneak out of camp to go to Maharlika to shop. Yes, those were indeed memorable summers.

One of those trips to Baguio. With my brother KM and cousin A.

When I finally had kids of my own, I found myself wanting to do the same! LOL! There must be better things to do than slothing off the summer.

Last month, RL had the chance to join McDonald's Kiddie Crew! We were among the first ones to register at the new franchised McDonald's Don Antonio store. While at first, RL needed a bit of prodding and convincing, he actually loved the experience, especially since he got to try everything first-hand at his favorite fast food joint!

When the five-day program was over, he actually asked me if he could join again. Our nanny is currently on vacation, and I am actually considering another stint at McDonald's before the month ends. McDonald's Kiddie Crew, now on it's 22nd year, runs until the last week of May. Last day of registration has been extended until May 25, so you actually still have time to get your kids to try out being part of McDonald's.

Are you looking for activities for your kid? Here's good news for you! 

McDonald's is giving out a Kiddie Crew Kit to four (4) blessed readers of The First Wives Club blog. It's so easy to join, but you must make sure that your child (son/ daughter/ nephew/ niece/ sibling) qualifies first.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Your child must be:

• ... between the ages of 6 - 12 years old.
• ... from NCR.
• ... be available to join the workshop on May 19 to 23 in their preferred store.

HERE'S HOW TO JOIN:

1. Follow the steps on Rafflecopter below.
2. Leave a blog post comment. This is the most important entry you shouldn't miss. You have to share your favorite childhood summer experience in order to join this giveaway. The other entry options are optional. But doing them will gain you additional entries (yay!). 
3. You may only join this giveaway (on this blog) once. No multiple entries using your different accounts please.
4. If your whole family is joining the promo, please make sure that your shared posts are made separately on all accounts. You may not post the link to one sole shared post and expect them to qualify. 
5. The giveaway will run until 11:59PM of Saturday, May 10.
6. Winners will be picked via Rafflecopter, and will be announced on May 14. Winners will also be notified via the email address they provided when logging on to Rafflecopter.
7. Again, winners' kids must be available to join their respective workshops on May 19 to 23. Dates will not be adjusted so make sure your kids are available that week. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget! Your child must qualify first, so do read 'Qualifications' first before joining this promo! Good luck!

PS. I know I've been behind on my weekly giveaways, so I'm making it up to you with this 4-winner giveaway! Hehe. Sorry, been really busy at work!

McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2014!

I've been trying to convince RL to join this summer's McDonald's Kiddie Crew Program. We missed last year's cut-off because the little boy had a lot on his plate (swimming lessons then Trumpets). Then again, he might have been too young anyway.

This year, I wanted to be on time (and first in line at the McDonald's store two minutes away from where we live), so I bugged the peeps at McDonald's for this year's workshop schedule. All year round, I kept mentioning the opportunity to RL (a bad technique, I know, as I was projecting my ideals on the little man, oops - more on this on another post), and he wasn't too keen on it at first... until I mentioned that his big sister, A, joined Kiddie Crew when she was around his age (and we all know how he just idolizes his big sister). So two weeks ago, after reassuring him that he can do basketball clinic after McDonald's week, he gave in. Yes!

(Yes, yes, Momma and her childhood hang-ups. *sheepish grin*)

RL and Ronald McDonald!

And it was a blessing-in-disguise when, exactly two weeks ago, we were invited to the media launch for this year's Kiddie Crew Program. There, RL got to try out being part of McDonald's. We missed the kitchen tour because we were late, but he got to try out other activities similar to those they have lined up for this year's Kiddie Crew. He got to do crafts, paint his very own chef's hat, make his first-ever McDonald's Cheeseburger and hang out with other kids who love, love, love McDonald's.

During National Breakfast Day, I made sure to enroll him right away, and was set to let him start this week. But then of course I forgot about my uber-packed schedule, what with Passion Manila 2014 happening Thursday and Friday. So I asked to resched and got him in for next week instead.

I have no pictures of the orientation that happened Sunday morning, because I was too busy being the proud Momma! RL was called to the front to introduce himself to the other kids, and he did really well! All this time, I thought he was a boy of few words. Apparently, I thought wrong (I am so glad school helped him with developing confidence). He gladly went in front when they called his name out, took the mic and said "Hi, I'm RL. I am five years old, and my favorite food from McDonald's is chicken, rice and gravy." Haha, okay, I know he's very talkative in front of people he's comfortable with (family, friends, my officemates, etc), but put him in front of strangers (or his teacher during PTC) and he clams up. I suppose he's more mature now, and all that training for Musical Theatre has worked. Teehee. Mighty proud Momma here, I tell you.

The kids and their letter M (for McDonald's)

So anyway, yes, he's all set for next week. Can't tell you just how excited I am! I can't wait to visit during his shift! Thank goodness McDonald's decided to open a store near our home!

~~~ * ~~~

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop is now on its 22nd year (imagine that!), and this summer, kids ages 6-12* can enjoy activities the McDonald's way!

For only Php595, kids get to join the special 5-day workshop filled with activities such as burger-making, crafts, singing, dancing and fun restaurant on-floor training! What a great way to instill important work values and skills to your kids! The workshop fee also includes a limited-edition Kiddie Crew Workshop shirt, bag, ID lace, snacks and all materials for their daily activities.

Aside from the 5-day workshop, you and your kid also get to join the grand graduation event. All Kiddie Crew graduates will receive a McCelebrations Gift Certificate worth Php500, plus freebies to enjoy with their Kiddie Crew Club Card.

Painting his chef's hat...

Making his first-ever McDonald's Cheeseburger!

Eating his work of art!

So let your kids have a memorable (and cool!) summer experience - the McDonald's way! Registration is now open at participating McDonald's stores nationwide. Workshops will run until May 30, 2014.

Workshop schedule for 2014.

SIGN YOUR KIDS UP TODAY! Registration ends April 30.


*Kids below 6 years old may participate provided that their parents sign a Parents Approval/ Consent form. Only selected stores will allow this, depending on store traffic and available personnel, so please check with the store before you enroll your kid/s.

For more information, and for a complete list of participating stores, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph


| facebook.com/McDo.ph
| twitter.com/McDo_ph