More Playground Parks in Cebu, Please

With a toddler at home, I am exposed to their excess energy brought about (probably) by their milk and vitamins or just plain toddler power. I am now trying to plan outings and play-dates that will allow the toddler to play, learn and socialize. Initially, I've scouted the "pay playrooms" in both Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu. I even scouted SM City Iloilo a month ago when I had to take the toddler out of the house just so he gets to run around and play. 

Two toddlers (JB & Nathan) checking out the passersby
inside one of the "pay playrooms" at SM City Cebu

Unfortunately there are only a few and the space gets really cramped on weekends ... yes, just about the only time adults have time to take their kids out. My cousin tells me there is a bigger one at Parkmall in Mandaue, I could check it out. 

But my idea of play is more outdoor. My thinking is that, kids nowadays are cooped up at home with their digital devices and TV shows, that I'd want kids to enjoy a bit of sun, grass and some fresh air. And yes, perspire a bit outside air-conditioned rooms. The more I think about it, the more I envy the First World Countries with all their parks and playgrounds.

Lovely trees at the Hyde Park in London

In my recent trip to London, I was in awe by the government's plan to ensure each village or town really have huge parks where people can stroll around, have picnics, exercise, read under the trees, look at the greenery and just enjoy nature. It was the start of summer and we could see kids playing and adults enjoying a great time outdoors. Yep, they just pack sandwiches and a picnic blanket and they have an instant outing!

Carousel at the Hyde Park in London

At one of the ponds at Hyde Park in London, we wished we had our picnic mats

Of course, I know with our weather (the heat can be unbearable at times) and the fact that Cebu isn't really as lush as we want it to be, having those green parks maybe hard to create. But we have the sea and reclamation areas that can be partially developed to become seaside parks with activity areas for the young and old alike. We can have those wonderful bay-walks or piers like in Sydney and Melbourne. Truly a lot could still be developed here in Cebu!

But for now, I'm thankful for an upcoming bday party to help add to the fun, play and socialization of this toddler. I'm thinking of bringing the toddler to Plaza Independencia and the Fort San Pedro for some running space and a look into Cebu's history. He is just 20 months old BTW!

But it's never too early to teach kids about our culture and heritage with some running around involved!

Mrs Jane B.

Simple joy ... simple play

Remember when you a kid and a simple corrugated box could already transport you to playing house or playing detective? My memories of play was always more fun with my cousins around. I think it's during summertime when the cousins are deposited in our place before and we would spend hours playing and resisting the mandatory afternoon nap. We would swap stationery, play lego, play house (luto2x sa kun), run-around, eat, talk, make up stories, read our comics from the local Funny Comics (remember Bardagol and Planet of the Apes?) to the american titles like Tom & Jerry, The Road Runner ... ah those afternoons spent writing new words because Mommy Junie will pay us 5centavos for each new word learned!

Those summertime meet ups didn't seem very expensive. We just needed to always have snacks (food) and a space to play around ... space could be anything, not a fancy park or mall. It was the company that matters! Ah, I wish I had a digital camera then so I could have captured those moments ... but I'm sure a lot of us have these memories at heart!

And so today, I came upon an old pic that showed not the whole Cousins Inc but a good number of us. I remembered this was taken the time before our Bandillo cousins were leaving for Germany together with Uncle Butch. I was probably a senior in UP Dill and we went to Nayong Filipino, a first for me and probably for the most of us. 

Striking a pose ... ah some of us were still so little then!

So I really want to maximize this cousin bonding magic and let our little ward experience what it's all about. In this modern age, we do a lot of digital stuff (like this blog writing) and sometimes forget that a good 2-3 hrs of cousin bonding time can indeed be just pure happiness and simple joy! Snacks ang katapat!

These kitties have LED!

"Magkabo ta!"

"Beh, naa bay water?"

Catch me if you can!

Priceless moments ... thanks to Cousins Inc!

Mrs Jane B.

Flying Toddlers

When we were growing up, I would remember several instances where we will be left under the care of our Aunt for several days while our parents would travel for holiday. When they got back I vividly remember once having a battery operated helicopter toy as gift from their Manila travel. Traveling in the 80's with children might have been such a nightmare for parents here in the Philippines. With air travel so limited, most would probably take the ships to travel to and from the different islands of our country. Besides, this was the 80's when disposable diapers where not the usual fare for mothers. It must have been really hard even if you had a yaya or nanny in tow.

Last year, I needed to travel with a one-yr old. I've done all the preps. His baby bag becomes my fashionable handbag and I opted to carry him (as he still couldn't walk) rather than bringing a body carrier or a stroller (he had one in our destination). I also prepared milk so that when we fly he sucks the bottle and wouldn't experience air pressure inside his tiny ears. Besides, this was a 30-minute flight, how bad could it be?

My first hurdle was checking in, thank heavens I had a four-wheel luggage bag that made it easy for me to push and endorse to the airline counter. So now I have baby bag and the toddler. Whew! Next hurdle was the final check-in, a bit easy since I only have the baby bag.

But when I got it, I remembered seeing a sign before in my previous trips that said Airport Playroom. So I asked one of the airport personnel if there was a playroom in the Iloilo Airport. And yes, there was! In fact, I was pleasantly surprise because the Iloilo Toddlers Area was very spacious and clean. The personnel in-charge was very accommodating and even told me that they have a breast-feeding room and changing table ready for use. I think most local airports have this already. I saw one in Davao but it wasn't as spacious as the one in Iloilo.

Don't let the "Massage" sign fool you, look up ...
The entrance to the Toddler & Nursing Mother Station at Iloilo Airport

The hallway leading to the play area

Play area which includes a TV showing child-friendly shows

Closer look at the play area, it also has lots of books!

As the sign says, one guardian only per child

So I put down the toddler and made him play on the rubber mat. Whew! Baby care duties made easy! And our flying from Iloilo to Cebu was a breeze ... I was just the adult who got stressed but the toddler just dozed off and woke up just in time for landing!

The wonders of modern living ... now flying with a toddler isn't that bad at all! 

Mrs Jane B.