Saturday, June 08, 2019

Ready Steady Go Kids! Review

Sports teaches us a lot of values that our kids can acquire as they grow up. On top of the physical and emotional benefits, I believe that these three are the most important:
⚽Grit - the effort and persistence which makes one keep working towards a goal despite setbacks or failures.
🏈Resilience - the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
🏀Discipline - teaches a child about expectations, guidelines and principles.

At age 3, we felt that joining a structured sports class would be perfect for Coen in order to further boost his development. The Sports has to be demonstrated in a basic manner as we can't expect a toddler to totally understand the technicalities of the game yet. Our main objective in addition to those mentioned above, is to provide an opportunity for our son to socialize with others, to improve his compliance when given instructions (school readiness) and to achieve this without getting bored (learning through play). We anticipate that it is going to be tough though and to start early is crucial.

Moreover, it's still different when children are involved in not just play but a Purposeful play"Besides being enjoyable, it allows children to make meaning out of their experiences. It also requires teachers to thoughtfully plan for the play experiences and organize the environment to facilitate the child's play." -schoolbag.sg

With all this in mind, we found one of the best sports program for toddlers: Ready Steady Go Kids. They are conducting classes in different parts of the city and I'm so glad that they have one located near our place. It is Australia’s largest and most reputable multi-sport and exercise program for preschoolers (aged 2.5-7 years). It was actually hard to figure out which of the many sports will Coen be interested, given that he's still very young. Great thing about RSGK is that their physio-designed programme teaches children the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a fun, non-competitive, team-based environment which is awesome!

Life skills are introduced such as sportsmanship by encouraging kids to take turns, play by the rules, provide encouragement and cooperate with peers. They blend the basic concepts of colors, numbers and shapes in their routine. Even the equipment used and the music they played are designed and appropriate for our little ones to ensure reliability and safety. They also reinforce the importance of warm-up and stretching to help prevent injuries and proper hydration on every session.

The RSGK Coaches have Coaching qualifications under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme from the Australian Sports Commission and extensive on the job training experience in conducting lessons for preschoolers. We are so grateful to all of them for being so patient and professional. Their dedication to deliver quality training to kids is remarkable as they see to it that each child can participate and learn at their own phase. There were instances that Coen would stop, run away, lay down the floor or won't focus on the tasks. The Coaches gave him space and time whenever he needs it. They would also eagerly try to get him back on the routine or adjust the activities to keep everyone on track so nobody was left out.

"All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them." -Magic Johnson 😊🏈🏀

Here are some snippets of our 10 Saturday sessions at Circulo Verde with RSGK Team (8-Jun to 10-Aug, 2019):

Soccer

It's Coen's first time to step in a real Basketball court so everything looks new to him. It is also his first experience to join a class. Contrary to how he behaves in a usual play area, he is quietly observing and shy to go along with the group during the activities. Nevertheless, it was a fun day not only for Coen but also for me and hubby who gets to enjoy and exercise at the same time. Coach Sonny and Coach Anas' enthusiastic, theme-based and encouraging approach really does the magic!




Hockey

It's a rainy afternoon fun and learning time with Coach Armin. Today, Coen enjoyed the animals warm up exercise and experienced playing with a hockey stick. Dad & Mom said to try and don't give up. Amidst the very warm gloomy weather, Coen still continued with his practice.



Hockey (part 2)

Coen is getting more engaged with the team as they pretend play in a jungle safari exercise. Coach Sonny taught them hockey with a puck. He was also happy to see bits of improvement on Coen's compliance during the obstacle course.. small steps matters! The kids got 3 cute reward stamps for doing well. My mom was also very impressed with how the program works, she said that it was educational and it was like going to preschool but in an outdoor setting.





Athletics

Coach Anas is back with a big smile! We also had a chance to meet-and-greet with preschool Teacher Mags who has been dealing with children for 25 years in an International Montessori school abroad. She gave us pieces of advice and positive thoughts about Coen which we appreciate so much.





Football

Australian Football League is one of the most interesting Sport in the RSGK program. However, the yellow ball is very attractive for Coen and he loves to hug it so he ended up throwing instead of kicking the ball! He was excited to go through the obstacle course while Coach Anas and Coach Armin were still teaching about the basic skills drills. It was funny though and kids were so adorable no matter how crazy they play.





Cricket

More throwing and rolling exercises means double the fun for these little tots!





Cricket (part 2)

Pretend play with Coach Anas and Coach Armin driving around using a hula hoop while following the traffic light (colorful spot markers) was one of the enjoyable run and hop activities they did today. Coen has a lot of funny moments too!





Basketball

Rain or Shine.. it's RSGK time again! Coach Sonny and Coach Armin brought another yellow ball surprise. It's the much awaited Daddy Conrad's all-time favorite Sports.



Athletics (part 2)

It's a wrap for Term 2! Kids cheerfully joined Coach Anas as we welcome the start of Term 3 with energy, kindness and positive vibes. Hello to old and new friends 🤗



Long Jump

More friends, more fun!




Graduation Day!

Proud of this little athlete for earning his first ever certificate.⭐




"There is no giant step that does it. It’s a lot of little steps." -Peter A. Cohen 😊

Back at home, we can see Coen clapping, jumping, stomping, doing the Hi-five and uttering the "Ready-Steady-Go!" chant to show his excitement as he remembers his happy moments with the class. It was such a great family bonding experience too. An hour with our son every weekend in RSGK program is a time well spent. They helped Coen to continuously develop his gross motor skills and he is becoming more active now, trying to follow and communicate better. The Coaches' sincere guidance and straightforward routines has been consistent and spontaneous since Day 1. We never felt pressured or judged no matter how our son performed because the Coaches have shown their support and believed in each child's potentials. Another good thing about it was, Parents were allowed to assist and work together with the Coaches during the activities which I think is effective. After all, it takes a village to raise a child!


Thank you very much ReadySteadyGoKids! 

Visit RSGK Website @ http://readysteadygokids.com.ph/

Their online enrollment is simple and can be completed in 3 easy steps.

"The expert in anything was once a beginner." -Helen Hayes 😊🏈🏀

Monday, March 12, 2012

Wedding Supplier Ratings

As a W@W member tradition, we would like to share our personal experiences to soon-to-be grooms & brides. Please understand that whatever I say or post (ratings / feedback) here are solely based on me and my hubby’s observation and opinions during our wedding preparations and the day itself.

{Rating: 5 – Highly Recommended; 1 – Needs Improvement}

BRIDAL COUTURE: Zandra Lim
http://zandralimdesigns.com/

Rating: 5

When I think about simplicity, beauty and elegance, I had to look back on my wedding dress which reminds me of humility and satisfaction. I remember one time when I sent an email to Zandra regarding my concerns about the dress, she acknowledged it wholeheartedly and said "Rest assured, I’ll be giving you the gown that you like." And so come the big day, it was such a relief that the promise has been delivered exquisitely. She gave us not only lovely dresses but also considered value of money. I was so touched that she was present during my preps too.


I admire how Zandra sketch gowns effortless, she knows her craft very well; from the color, shape, style, length, fabric --FASHION, she knows it best!

Original sketch. Some edits on the waste part was made..
I wanted to have a simple gown with no beads, nothing too glittery and not white (a very light shade of peach). High neckline with layered laces, low-back with a lovely appliqué at the waist and an organza fabric for the A-line princess wedding dress.. classic, elegant and timeless! I also appreciate that she sent a petticoat for me which I thought that I’m not going to need, but thank goodness there is!

Applique with Feathers and a nice Brooch
I also adore my female entourage dresses. I wish I have one for myself that looks exactly as what they have :) I asked Zandra to design it plain so my girls can still use it for other party or events.


Top left: Edwin & Joann, Top right: Edward & Lacel
Bottom left: Dr. Jomar & Dr. Gem, Bottom right: Edgar & Mae
I chose the champagne color for the Secondary Sponsors as it highlights their complexion and pretty faces. And, pale pink color for my Maid of Honor to put a light blush that portrays a blooming fresh outfit.
                   
Ladies pictorial
And of course, for the most important women of our lives... our Moms, it was Zandra who suggested the old rose shade for them. Indeed, it was the perfect color. They all look stunning!


OTD COORDINATOR/EMCEE: Perfect 10 Weddings ~ Darlene Tan
http://www.perfect10weddings.com/

Rating: 5

Darlene possesses the qualifications, my hubby and I are looking for on a wedding coordinator. A person who knows how to manage her team and the crowd, can handle odd situations professionally, well-organized and detail-oriented, budget-wise, trustworthy and has a time management skills. She is very knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the whole event. She doesn't run out of ideas and advises as if she memorized a wedding event by heart and lives with it.

Darlene's short interview after the entrance.
The P10W package was brilliant! I really appreciate that we have someone who is there to assist all throughout the day which Brides really needs. The care was also felt by our guests and having her as our emcee was fun :) I was very calm during the "Big day" because I know that everything we have planned is going to be implemented perfectly with the help of P10W team and so it was!


Singles Game (for Ladies)
Singles Game (for Men)

Games for married couples







































































RECEPTION & PREPS VENUE: Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
https://www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph/

Rating: 5

Pie Lim was the Banquet Manager who handled the overall reception and preps venue. She is very accommodating and patient on our demands and requests. She introduced us to Chef Bienvenido who presented different sets and options of food to be served. We were so glad that our guests loved the sumptuous meals, the soup & bread, the main course, the carvings and the colorful-sweet desserts.


The Grand Entrance
Three-layered Fondant Cake
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel was absolutely a great choice! We felt extraordinary special as they gave us more surprises that we are so grateful for.. We are delighted to have been able to stay in their Two Bedroom Suite. The rooms/suites are big, modern and new, the grand ballroom is spectacular as we wanted a place that looks classic and the space is just enough for the number of guests that we have.

Welcome to the party!
The First Dance
This hotel made us feel at home.. no need to worry 'coz they got everything! Room accommodations, fondant cake, wine, buffet food, stage & sofa, flower centerpieces, sound system, white screen, etc.. are all-in.


CHURCH: Christ the King Parish (CTK), Greenmeadows
http://christthekingparish.ph/

Rating: 5

We attended a two-day Marriage Vocation Program wherein we get a chance to speak and collaborate with married and soon-to-be married couples which gave us a broader perspective of how critical a decision is on becoming a family man/woman. It was Ms. Lily, the Parish Coordinator who was so kind and helpful to all 35 couples of our batch in collating the documents and requirements.

























Christ the King Parish at Greenmeadows provided us a solemn and intimate Holy Matrimony. The ambiance was relaxed and joyful. The Church has a beautiful altar, it is air-conditioned, the carpet is blue, there are white Calla Lilies (which are similar to our table flowers at the lunch reception) and the doors automatically opens which gave us a dramatic entrance with the following marching songs:


• Canon in D by MOZART Pachelbel (Violin, Cello & Harp) for the Groom, Parents, Principal Sponsors & Entourage
• Book of Days by Enya for the Bride & Parents

A walk in the aisle
Rev. Fr. Allan Lapay who officiated the ceremony gave us a positive and meaningful homily. Here is one of our favorite line he mentioned:

``WORDS are nothing, at times they become USELESS. But the most important thing that we must do is perfect them in ACTION. And so, when one says "I will be with YOU until my death, until the last breath of my life... It means you must be faithful to one another.”




























PHOTOGRAPHER: The 12 Masters / Marvin Dungao

The event has made to be remembered forever.. as The 12M visualizes such beautiful scenes and captured every single moments that we will always look back.


Post-nup
MOH helping the bride put on the shoes & garter tradition
Marvin plays with colors, lighting, angles, pose & style. He has this talent of taking pictures being keen to details and makes everything looks very natural (realistic).


Gentlemen pictorial

Photo sessions with Marvin are both challenging and fun at the same time.

Although, they were not able to deliver the Album and Portrait within the stated period/timeline on the contract and we had to chase them (almost a year!), their service recovery was very good.. they have shipped the Album to our home overseas with no extra cost! :)


VIDEOGRAPHER: Chug Cadiogan
http://chugcadiogan.com/

Rating: 4

The on-site and wedding coverage videos has captured mostly of the important messages of the whole ceremony. They were able to execute the video transition of each part of the event smoothly.

The movie was a mixture of drama and happiness!

Watch the Onsite Video



However, I rate them 4 as there were missing scenes that we hope was there, which could have been video recorded and the initial copy of the edited video is corrupted so on the day our family gathered to watch it, our excitement turned into disappointment. Thus, we had to wait for a few more days for a good copy.



PHOTOBOOTH SOUVENIR: Party Pics

Rating: 5

We wanted our guests to at least have a souvenir of the event and thus thought that since everyone is delighted with taking photos of themselves, a Photo Booth is the best option to have wherein guests can strike a pose and get it printed immediately.


The Layout.
Party Pics is fast and responsive to our emails. They are easy to transact with, just give the monogram for the backdrop and photos and they'll do the layout and all for you!


BRIDE & ENTOURAGE FLOWERS: Vatel Manila / Dylan Gozum
https://www.vatelmanila.com/

Rating: 5

What we like about Dylan's creation is the uniqueness of the flowers he used to create lovely bouquets, corsages and boutonnières.


Bride's Bouquet

Some of it includes Esperance Ecuadorian Roses, Pink Hyacinth/Tulips, Queen Anne’s Lace, Pink Hypericum Berries, Baby Pink Carnation, Fuchsia Celosia, Cymbidium Orchids, Green Solidago Inserts, Ostrich Feathers and Grass Accents..


       
The hard work in putting up all those flowers and for the fact that they have delivered them at exactly 5:00 in the morning is something that we really appreciate.

Though everything is almost perfect, I felt that there is something more beautiful Vatel Manila could have created for the fabric boutonnière that is worth the pay. We have high expectations for this supplier as we admire several designs they made as seen on their site.

The Groom on his tuxedo


HAIR & MAKE-UP ARTISTS:

• (Pre-nup) Jeng Flores

Rating: (HMU Skills) 5, (Professionalism) 1

When it comes to make-up details and the complicated method of putting on colors to every part of the face, no questions ask --she's very good at it. However, her attitude during the make-up session (maybe because of no sleep coming from a late event the day before our photoshoot) she seems to be in a bad mood and was telling me that she hates doing make-up on Chinese or small eyes (ehem, ehem!). We were also shocked when she called her hairstylist over the phone screaming in front of us which is unprofessional at all.




• (Bride) Toni Rodriguez

Rating: (HMU Skills) 3, (Professionalism) 4

Based on what she's telling me about the difference of doing make-up for other occasions comparing with wedding events, I had the impression that she was not very confident on her work. Though still, the output is good as she was able to retain the natural look for a morning bride.


I love the pink lipstick she put as it gave life to my pale face :)
       

Headpiece provided by Zandra Lim

• (Entourage) Hazel Gonzales

https://www.hgstudio.asia/

Rating: (HMU Skills) 5, (Professionalism) 5

I didn't actually saw her (there's too much people all over the room) and I have never worked with this hair and make-up artists but I gave them a high score as I received positive feedback from my female entourage and it's obvious on the outcome that they did very well! I would definitely choose HG on future occasions.


Lacel having her hair done.
Gem having her make-up.

E-SESSION VENUE: Jardin De Miramar, Antipolo
http://jardindemiramar.com/

Rating: 5

We were looking for a near location from Quezon City for the photoshoot session and found the perfect venue at Antipolo. The Jardin is wonderful because there are so many scenes that you can take pictures on. Some of them are views of Intramuros, Casa Santa, Terraza and Galera settings. You'll found all these in one place!


 
      


BRIDAL CAR: Don Robert's Bridal Car

Rating: 2

The only supplier that gave me stress on the day of our wedding. The car is clean and fine. However, the driver doesn't know where the Church is and has no sense of direction. This is surprising as a transportation service, the driver must know how to bring his passenger to the destination the soonest possible time.



I still gave a 2 as we were able to arrive at the Church safe and not so late.


INVITATION: Printed Matter 


Rating: 2

The supplier that gave us headaches before the "Big Day" is Printed Matter. There are a lot of hidden charges which are not clearly stated during the reservation at the Wedding Expo where we found them. There are a lot of errors on the content itself which troubled us to go back and forth of their kiosk and experienced long wait as some delivered Story Book invitation cards are defective or not properly assembled.


Storybook Invitation

I still gave them a 2 for the final output which is because of me and my hubby's patience, effort and creativity.


WEDDING BANDS: Laricel's Jewelry

https://www.facebook.com/laricelsjewelry/

Rating: 5

Our most precious gift from our lovely cousin Lacel and Principal Sponsors Tito Larry and Tita Maricel. We were very grateful to be blessed with such beautiful gold wedding bands.



The rings would always remind us of the promise we gave in front of God, our families and friends.