Peaceful Parenting 101

Spare the rod and spoil a child.

Our generation, the 80's children, at least most of us, knows this parenting style so well, in fact we know it like a childhood friend. The whipping sound, the physical pain and more than that the cold sensation washing over our faces that we only later on know by its exact name--embarrassment. And they say, violence is a vicious cycle but for some miraculous twist of fate or call it the changing times, the cycle has been broken when it's our turn to take the cudgels. However, change has not happened everywhere, not to all of us. Barbarism is not kept away for good, not every hour of our life.

If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?

 If I can give one thing to the Philippines, I would give her the gift of sincerity. The gift of finding her own voice again and being faithful to it.

I was born in the early 80’s and was too young to fully comprehend what’s happening to my country then in the context of those times. But to my mind now, Filipinos, even the poorest of the poor, used to have dignity. Not because they were economically rich but because cinemas were bursting with glowing vibes of local movies, many are as mediocre as the present time films but some were gems waiting to be found, and there were sterling varieties, genre was a vibrant concept. Filmmakers were ambitious and in several times, rightly compensated for it. Sitting in front of the big screen meant ferreting heartfelt dialogues and emotions. Characters felt real, placed in real situations and predicaments, not some trying hard actors instructed to vomit overly condescending lines.

Music in the airwaves sounded either too dramatic or preachy for the modern taste but they all sounded soulful and genuine.

20 Most Recommended Children's Movies

Just because we're mother-and-daughter tandem of movie junkies. Just because it's a way of relishing our moments of togetherness in watching a screen unfold from point blank to a moving, complex story of humanity or alienity or animality, whether it's on a laptop, or a TV set, or the big screen. Just because it's fun making a list.

I come up with this list with the following criteria:
(1) Watchability for my daughter who is now in preschool age,
(2) Likability for both of us,
(3) The universal message it sends for both adults and kids.

Good and Affordable Children's Pinoy Storybooks

Giving your kids the gift of love of reading does not come with a dizzying price tag anymore. First, the internet gives you an unlimited variety of children's stories free and not, some even printable and downloadable. Second, there are countless kiddie apps on your mobile phones and tablets and there are great interesting ones even without upgrading to the paid versions. Lastly, gone were the days when the only good books you see in your local bookstore are imported and way too pricey for a family with just a regular budget. Check this out!

This is my daughter's growing collection of Pinoy storybooks. Adarna, Hiyas, Anvil, Lampara, few of the local publishers that brings to Filipinos not only cheap but great reading experience not only to our kids but to us grownups as well. Guess what? For only Php50 and up you'll be taken to fantasy and adventure lands. It comes with colorful and artistic illustrations which could raise to the roof our children's interest and imagination. Some of them also comes with big size edition, perfect for classrooms and gatherings.