A Mom and Daughter Bonding Like Never Before

Being a working mom, I sometimes find it hard to spend quality time with my daughter. Sure, we got the weekends to do stuff, but sometimes, especially when I had a stressful work week, all I want to do is catch up on my sleep. And when I say spend time with my very pretty, smart and sweet 7-year old daughter, Reese, what I mean is do things both of us would enjoy and not just me sitting beside her while she watches cartoons or while she plays her dolls.

That's why when I learned about Mom and Me's second event of the year, the Fun Circuit, I promised myself that I would not let this opportunity pass. I mean, imagine this. You get to spend an entire afternoon with your child, doing fun stuff (not one, not two, but three mom & child-friendly activities), riding in a bus like it's a field trip and you get to do everything without burning a hole in your pocket because it's only P750.00. Now who would want to pass that up?!

But I guess I am one of the lucky ones because Reese and I got to join the October 20 activity for FREE!!! I was chosen as one of the winners for that day. Yey!!!

My Winning Ticket!

Now, let's get down to business.

The pick-up point was at the back of SM Megamall building A. And here's the inside of our clean and cool bus.

Plush Seats and Red Carpet Aisle??

We got to our meeting place promptly at 11:30 AM (don't want to be left by the bus!)  and from there, our first stop was at the Moderne Culinaire Academy, located at The Fort in Taguig.

1st Stop: Modern Culinaire Academy

Our instructor for the day was Chef Raymar Reyes who briefed us the basics of making dough for bread and pizza! And yes, we are making our own pizza with fresh (not frozen) dough.

Chef Raymar Reyes

The MCA kitchen is located at the 2nd floor of the building where the magic happened. We were given the ingredients: ham, bacon, cream sauce, freshly cooked tomato sauce, 3 kinds of cheese, bell peppers, pepperoni (my favorite!) and of course, the dough.

Who's Ready To Make A Pizza?

For the first 10 minutes, Reese and I tried our luck with the pizza dough. Chef Raymar made it look so easy. But after the first drops of sweat started popping out, it was clear that we needed professional help.

Reese & I trying to make a round dough (pic from Mom&Me)

And alas, after 20 more minutes (and more tips from the Chef and more flour still), we did it! Our Pizza was ready for the oven.

Ready for the Oven!

Our second stop, the ACTS Dance and Arts Academy at Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong. We met our Hip Hop dance instructor, Apple Eyay (not real name, I think?)

Teacher Apple

Since the studio was a bit small, our group had to be divided into two. Reese and I were on the 1st batch. We started with the stretching and fast forwarded to the 1st steps of "Don't Drop That Thun Thun..." (LSS much after that, like for a week already)

1st Batch Ready!

Even though it only took 20 minutes and the studio was air conditioned, we were sweating profusely after our session. It felt amazing though, to dance, to shake those baby fats (wink) and to laugh at ourselves for missing a step.

While waiting for the 2nd batch to finish their session, we played some games in the bus. Reese gamely joined the first game as the 1st contestant. And although she did not win, I'm happy that she had the confidence to join by herself without me telling her to.

Playing the "Longest Game"

On our way to our last stop which was the Taekwondo session with Coach Sauro of Coach & Kids, Inc. at the Kalayaan Badminton Court in Quezon City, more prizes were given away. I got to take home a book of 2011 Signature Dishes of Top Chefs.

My Prize!

I also got a big can of Enercal. That's supplement for adults. Who says only kids drink milk?!

More Prizes for Me!

But no event is ever complete without loot bags. For this one, I got the Mom&Me white ecobag, Smart Parenting Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, Travel Life Magazine, two bottled water and a pen.

Loot Bags for Mom&Me Fun Circuit

 Now back to our Taekwondo session.

Coach Sauro of Coach & Kids Inc.

For this activity, I was a bit disappointed because the venue was held in a public place.

Taekwondo Session @ Kalayaan Badminton Court

While we were doing our stretching on one side of the court, there was a badminton game happening at the other end. And since it is a badminton court, there was very little ventilation. The humidity made us more tired so Reese and I had to quit early and did not finish the whole activity.

But at the end of the day, I really had fun and so treasure this day because I got to spend it with my daughter who is a child once. I hope she had as much fun as I did. And all of these was made possible by the people behind Mom and Me.

So, thank you to (left to right) Nicole, Jam, MJ, Ann, Roma, Mara and Migs!

The Mom and Me Staff