Wee Kids ABC is designed for kids ages 5 and above.  It’s not just the simple ABCs but a big collection of letters and words for the growing mind. Thus, it is not fit for Gab yet who is just 2 years old.  But he does enjoy the “Catch the Letters” activity which is appropriate for his age.  Other activities includes word search, hangman and crossword.  All these activities are placed in a circus theme that gives a colorful background to every game.

Wee Kids ABC is a part of a series of educational apps developed by Ebooks&Kids.  Other apps developed for Wee Kids includes The ABC, Math, Wordsearch, Stickers, Maze, Shape, Puzzle, Sudoku, Draw&Color, Memory, and Math Path.  Know more about Ebooks&Kids and their lastest release at their website.

APP DESCRIPTION

Wee Kids ABC
By Ebooks&kids

Price: 2.99 USD, no in-app purchases

More info at iTunes

Wee Kids ABC – from letters to words – is an educational game for children, truly exciting and unique in its kind!

Play with circus performers, increase your language and spelling skills by moving between letters and words with colored graphics. It’s fun and most of all filled with innovative and intriguing games.
You will try and “Catch the letters!” by racing the quick bunnies.
Practice searching for words in the trapeze nets.
View all the letters of the alphabet and select your favorite images to help associate and remember the letters.
Be immersed into the world of your language with beautiful musical effects.

HAVE FUN!

 

PRO

• Lots of Word Activites – Wee Kids ABC has seven different activities that involves letters and words.  Lots of choices for your kids to explore.  It will take a while before they get bored or master everything.
• Fun Games – I definitely love the inclusion of the word search and hangman.  These games are certified hits for kids.
• Lots of Words – I can’t count how many words I have encountered so far but there must be hundreds.  Great for increasing your kids vocabulary.
• No Ads - No in-app purchases and no ads.  No distractions.  :D

CONS

• Help Please – The app has very few help instructions.  It doesn’t even have a title on the selection of the activities.  I have to guess what the game was the first time I tried the app.  But the games are very simple and you’d easily understand how to use it.  

Daddy Rating:  4 of 5

Wee Kids ABC Screenshots

Wee Kids ABC List of Games in a Circus Theme

Wee Kids ABC – Word Search

Simple Crossword Puzzles with Wee Kids ABC

A Hangman inspired game

Illustrated Help Screen for the Word Search Game

Wee Kids ABC Video

There have been mixed book reviews about Dan Brown’s Inferno.  But what bother me is how Dan Brown mentions the city of Manila in the book.  The first cities he described in the book were Florence and Venice.  These are beautiful cities and places where I want to visit someday.  Then towards the end of the book, Manila was mentioned. It made me wonder how Manila will fit in the book.

The book tells about the character, Sienna, visiting Philippines.  She is on a humanitarian trip.  She was expecting to be working in the beautiful countryside.  Instead, she found herself in the capital city.  Manila is then described as “the most densed populated city on earth.”

The book continues that “Manila had six-hour traffic jams, suffocating pollution, and a horrifying sex trade”. 

Sienna broke down upon seeing how helpless the city is that she ran and ran until she got tired.  She “run through the gates of hell”, the book says.  I won’t say what happened next since it might give away the story.  But the next scenes was still describing Manila in a bad note.

I am sure many Filipinos who read the book find those descriptions offensive.  A twitter friend says that it might be a national issue again.  I can foresee a lot of bashing on social media towards the author.

But the same friend says that much of that is true.  Manila has traffic, pollution and sex.  True.  And I believe many places on Earth are like that.  Even first class cities have that part in their city.

Too bad Sienna ended up in the worst part of the country.  It was an important part of the story, a turning point in Sienna’s life, that Dan Brown needs a strong scene for it.  He chose Manila among other cities.

Had Sienna ended up in the countryside and not in the city.  It could have been a different story.  A story not fit for the novel.  The countryside is “a wonderland of geological beauty, with vibrant seabeds and dazzling plains.”  Those were Dan Brown’s word when he described the Philippine countryside.  Beautiful isn’t?

So why choose Manila for such a horrific part of the novel?

Well, many critics thinks that the novel is written like a Hollywood script. So my guess is, if Dan Brown wants to make the movie for Inferno, Dan Brown wants to shoot the movie here in Manila.

Oh my… the movie will show Manila as the Gates of Hell, but Manila will treat Tom Hanks like he’s in Heaven!

Oh… too bad, the Manila scene doesn’t involve Tom Hanks.  :P

Photo from National Bookstore FB Page

I was a simple and relaxing overnight stay in Makati.  The room can be rented short term or long term.  When I spotted the deal in an group buying site, I immediately booked a night.

Suite 23K is located in Belton Place, Yakal St, Makati City.  If you a looking for a room or a place to stay near the Makati Business District, Suite 23K provides a good location.  It is also near several fast food chains.  It is accessible through jeepneys and taxis.  Plenty of options for food and transportation.

What we love about staying at Suite 23K is the amenities for kids.  There is a playground and a pool that Gab really loves to hang around.  He made the most of his stay by swimming at the pool and climbing at the playground.  It was not crowded even on weekend so Gab spent a lot of time as if he owns the place.

Playground Area at Suite 23K, Makati

Suite 23K is not really a hotel but the room is clean and cozy and the service is at par with hotels.  The room is fully furnished with a big refrigerator, microwave, induction cooker, cable TV, electric kettle and bread toaster.  We can bring our own food or cook your our meals.  But we decided to just buy food at Jollibee and KFC which is just around the corner.  We also had dinner at a pizza parlor at The Collective which is a few blocks away.

Our room at Suite 23K, Makati

The one handles the reservation was very polite and she was very accommodating during our stay.  They even gave us 2 discount coupons which we can use for our next stay at Suite 23K.

Pool Area at Suite 23K. The playground is on the right.

Gab enjoys playing on the kiddie pool

Dad and Gab

Mom and Gab

For short term stay, I would recommend the place.  The room rate is at 3,800.  They even have a Romance Package and a Honeymoon Package at 4,990 Php. But we got the room at a discount 50% discount at a group buying site.

If Gab want to have  dip at the water again, then we might be back for another night.

Know more about the Suite 32K at their website.

I love giving toys that fosters creativity for Gab. I got him some Megablocks and a few Lego pieces. He builds simple things and big things will soon come.  He builds things that he can only understand.  He says its a bridge or a robot.  I just have to believe whatever he says.

Nestle Kimy Ice Cream now comes with Playstix. Playstix are the simple plastic sticks wtih fancy holes that holds the ice cream. At the same time, they can be use to build whatever you can imagine it to be.

Kimy comes in a box set with 15 Playstix!!!

The holes allows you to connect, bend and lock, slot and twist, and slot together several Playstix. Then you can build a bike, a plane, a house, a tower, and even a ferris wheel.  Connecting, locking and twisting is easy with the Kimy Playstix.  Kids will surely enjoy building their own creation with Kimy Playstix.

Each Kimy Ice Cream comes with one Kimy Playstix. A box of 5 Kimy Ice Cream comes with 15 Playstix.  That gives you more adventure!!!

A seesaw made of Playstix

You can also join the Kimy Playstix Adventure Zones where you can build new worlds and new adventures. Catch the Playstix Adventure Zones Robinson’s Malls, Ayala Alabang Town Center, Abreeza Mall Davao, Lucky China Town, Market Market, Ayala Center Cebu, and Virramall Greenhills.

Join the KIMY Playstix Tournament this weekend at Glorietta! Get a chance to win a trip for 4 to Hong Kong.  More about the tournament at the Kimy Facebook Page.

Kimy is best shared with friends

Creative ideas with Kimy Playstix

More creative ideas with Kimy Playstix

Great news for toy lovers!

Bonakid Choco Boost, together with Toy Kingdom, brings the most thrilling promo for kids (and daddys this summer!

With Bonakid Choco Boost’s chocolatey goodness, you can power up your kids’ adventures by letting them join the Bonakid Choco Boost Amazing Toy Adventure Promo. By simply purchasing specially marked packs, kids get instant gift certificates and the chance to win an exciting 60-second shopping spree in Toy Kingdom.

It’s that simple.  I got two boxes of Bonakid Choco Boost and and won gift certificates 50 Php worth already.  But with the endless choices of toys at Toy Kingdom, the 50 Php GC is not enough.  I want the 60-second shopping spree! Mwahahaha!!!

Bonakid Choco Boost is a powdered milk drink specially formulated to help support the nutritional needs of children 7 years and older. It has boosted levels of Calcium, Iron and Zinc to help support children’s physical and mental development to power up their daily activities into everyday adventures.

The Bonakid Choco Boost Amazing Toy Adventure Promo will run from March 15 to May 31, 2013. Visit the Bonakid Choco Boost Facebook page for the complete mechanics and updates on the promo.

Discover the rich, bold flavour of McCafé Premium Espresso Coffee – McDonald’s very own authentic blend of 100% Arabica beans. Indulge in our McCafé Cappuccino, topped with hot frothy milk, sprinkled with chocolate powder. Or if you want something cooler, try our McCafé Iced Mocha – rich espresso mixed with chocolate syrup and milk, topped with whipped cream.

And as an extra tasty treat, we’re giving you Espresso’Clock! From May 6 to 10, you can upgrade your drink to a premium McCafé Espresso drink FOR FREE. From 9:00 AM to
10:00 AM, upgrade you value meal drink for free to a small McCafé Cappuccino or to a medium McCafé Iced Mocha from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This is available in select McDonald’s stores only. Check Participating Branches Here.

Summer is almost over – it’s time to snatch up some worthwhile quality time with your kids before you send them off to school!  

Let Mom and Me jumpstart your daily family play-time with a weekend full of bonding activities on May 25 and 26 (from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at Rockwell Tent, Makati – a last hurrah for the summer and the special Mommy month of May. The event is participated in by supporters of mom-child activities. 

This event aims to foster the relationship of moms and kids through activities that both can do together. While kids can learn from independent play as it nourishes creativity and imagination and organized activities with other kids as in summer classes, when parents and kids do activities together, it gives them a common sense of purpose and a goal. Kids love receiving the affection and undivided attention of their parents, and want to be able to spend as much time with them as possible. 

Choose between a relaxing yoga or fun Zumba workout sessions led by Beyond Yoga, or do both! Learn what kind of dishes you and your little tots can do together with McCormick. For something more exciting, Coach Stauro of Coach and Kids, Inc. will teach moms and kids how to kick and punch with a taekwondo demonstration. Young Artist’s Studio will spark you and your little one’s creativity with a workshop session on painting, drawing and coloring together. 

The educational talks promise to be an enjoyable one for both moms and kids as interactive games are included in each. Ives Lim-Esteban of Halo Philippines will talk about “The ABC’s of Safe Sleep” while Dra. Michelle Daddo tackles the topic of “Healthy Moms for a Healthy Family”. Mom blogger Mariel Uyquiengco will be share ideas to capture a child’s heart through the wonderful world of books with a short talk entitled “Childhood Happens Once: Read to your Child”. After the short talk, kids of all ages are invited to participate in a musical storytime that will get them listening, rocking, and moving!

Tiddle Tots will transport moms and kids to wonderland with a fashion show of fairies, superheroes, and princesses. For those with toddlers, Gymboree will conduct their crowd-favorite- Parachute Time, along with moms and dads. The Learning Library, an educational enrichment school whose mission is to develop the love of reading in English and Filipino among children, will host an interactive story-telling activity in Filipino. Wiggle and jiggle with Regine Tolentino, as she teaches an interactive fusion cardio, and dance some more with a version of zumba dubbed as “Swamu” by Slimmer’s World. 

The entire family can have their portrait photos taken by mommy photographer BG Valencia of Red Stiletto, and enjoy the beauty corner of Vanity Beauty Bar and Patisserie. Kids will also enjoy playing around Gymboree’s Play area plus glitter face painting from JAS Party Needs will be on hand. 

On top of all these activities that moms and kids can do together, top mom and kids brands will be showcasing their wares from clothes, shoes, toys, home décor and more! 

Entrance passes to this fun-filled weekend are at P499, good for 1 mom/dad and 1 child; additional participants at P250. Those who prefer access to only the booth activities such as the family portrait area, beauty booth, play area, and shopping area can get passes for P199.

RUNNR BHS
Bldg. B3 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Tel. no. 403-1787

RUNNR Trinoma
Space 2121, Level 2,
Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
+63 2 901 0046
RUNNR Shangri-la (inside Toby’s Arena)
GF, Shaw blvd.
EDSA
+63 2 633 7014
RUNNR Cebu
2F, Ayala Center Cebu
+63 32 505 2883

RUNNR MOA
G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd.,
Manila
+63 2 556 0445

RUNNR Davao (inside Toby’s Arena Abreeza Mall Davao)
2nd Floor, Unit 2065 & 2006, J.P. Laurel St., Brgy. Bajada,
Davao City
+63 82 321 9677

RUNNR ATC
Space 3025-3026, 2nd Floor, The Garden,
Muntinlupa City
+63 2 869 7343
RUNNR CDO (inside Toby’s Arena CDO)
Ground Floor Lapasan, Limketkai Mall
Cagayan De Oro
+63 88 856 4615

First of all, despite reading the book several months ago, I still haven’t built my own million dollar internet business.  But I have started one online business that will hopefully be the start of bigger things.  I also have other ideas that came about from reading the book.

In the book Click Millionaires: Work Less, Live More with an Internet Business You Love, Scott Fox provided several examples of simple internet businesses that can make it to the big leagues.  From these examples, you can draw your own ideas.  You can start from your own passion and find a niche where you can earn from it via the internet.

The ideas are not really new.  In fact, the examples are simple and obvious.  But I find it to be a strength of the book.  It makes you more confident that you can be successful in it as well.  What would probably scare you is how to start your own website if you are not that tech savvy.  Scott Fox provided a few links to online resources that can help you build your own website.

The book is written systematically.  It starts with the success stories to inspire and motivate you.  Then, it discusses the platforms that you can use to set up your internet business.  Finally, it shares several successful internet business that you can start as well.  These examples are great stepping stones to building your own Click Millionaire lifestyle.

Click Millionaires have several tips that have been valuable to me.  One of which is to carry a journal or notebook all the time.  Ideas would arrive at any time and having a notebook to write on would be a starting point of your internet business.

The book is not a get-rich-scheme approach.  What it provides are sound advice and principles.  It’s also designed for beginners.  If you have a background on internet businesses and blogs, then you might not get much from the book.

Overall, reading Click Millionaires gave a lot of inspiration.  The principles that were discussed provides a good foundation for those who are looking for extra income through the internet.  The examples and interviews of successful Click Millionaires were my favorite.  It was an evidence that anybody can have a Click Millionaire lifestyle and can start from simple ideas.

Daddy Rating: 4 of 5

You can get your own copy of Click Millionaires and other books by Scott Fox at Amazon.com.