Issa

  • Grateful for the Gift of Travel in 2022: A Journey to Remember

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    With the three of us—me, my son, and his father—based in Cebu, my parents in Manila, and my partner’s family in Camiguin, every visit feels rather short. That’s why I try to plan small but fun moments. Simple lunch dates or quick beach trips that turn into memories we cherish long after the trip ends.…

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  • Review: Epic! Reading App for Toddlers

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    Have you ever needed a few minutes and wanted your child to do something productive? I found Epic! while looking for an app to keep my kid entertained while inspiring love of reading. Knowing how important fostering good reading habits is, I intend to instill that passion in my child.  Growing up in a house…

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  • Beach Vacation for Big Groups: Bakhawan Beach Home in Daanbantayan, Cebu

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    If you’re searching for a peaceful, private beach vacation with your loved ones, consider Bakhawan Beach Home in Daanbantayan, Cebu. This family-owned beachfront property offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Featuring four spacious bedrooms, a billiards table, a beautiful patio, and an al fresco dining area facing the shore…

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  • Making It Through the First Year of Motherhood

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    In the calm, milky light of dawn, my newborn son nestled against me, and a maelstrom of emotions crashed over me. One moment, I’m drowning in a tidal wave of love for this perfect, fragile creature who’s burrowed into my very being. The next, I’m gasping for air, slammed by the reality of the decision…

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  • Traveling With a Toddler: A Trip Back to Puerto Princesa

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    The last thing I’d expect to see while getting a passport renewed is a view of a vast ocean replete with flourishing mangroves. But that is essentially what happened. When we checked Cebu’s online passport appointment, we realized that the next schedule was next year, so we decided to look into other options. There were many…

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  • Best Quotes from “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green

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    In his essay collection “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” John Green explores the human-centered planet through a series of stories ending in Yelp-like reviews. Green is best known for his YA novels, like “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Paper Towns” (both of which I read back to back) but in this collection, he takes on topics…

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  • How to Create a Montessori-Inspired Nursery for Your Baby

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    Many new mothers are overwhelmed with choices when designing a baby’s room. What type of crib should I buy? Should I have a changing table? What should I put on the walls? Do I need a rug? How will I know if I’m getting everything right? As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you want…

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  • 7 Reasons Why Traveling With Your Toddlers is Worth It

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    Could anything be more enjoyable than a trip with the whole family? Exploring new places and making memories that will last a lifetime—it’s definitely something special. And if you have a young child, there’s no need to miss out on the fun. In fact, traveling with toddlers can actually be a lot of fun.

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  • 5 Things to Bring on a Flight With a Toddler to Make Life Easier!

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    Traveling with toddlers can be an adventure – a rewarding one, but an adventure nonetheless. Car rides are one thing, but airplane journeys with a little one? That’s a whole different game, as I discovered on our first flight to Manila. My son, Cyd, was barely two, his vocabulary limited to adorable babbles, and his…

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