Finger Puppets Narration

We started reading the actual plays of Shakespeare this school year and my son decided he wants to change the way he does his narration for this particular book.

He decided to make finger puppets just like Joseph Hoffman (his online piano teacher). Hoffman usually has a puppet show every after his piano lesson and my boys liked it so well.

Since we have no felt paper available, he used whatever materials we have. He tried using a cloth but didn't like the result so he ended up with colored papers. He drew all the faces and decided on their clothes based on the character.

Since the actual Shakespeare book is more of a dialogue, he acted out the story using these finger puppets. It helped him with his narration and he really enjoys it. If you want to have fun with narrations, you can also try this!

Finger Puppets Narration

We started reading the actual plays of Shakespeare this school year and my son decided he wants to change the way he does his narration for this particular book.

Finger Puppets Narration

We started reading the actual plays of Shakespeare this school year and my son decided he wants to change the way he does his narration for this particular book.

He decided to make finger puppets just like Joseph Hoffman (his online piano teacher). Hoffman usually has a puppet show every after his piano lesson and my boys liked it so well.

Since we have no felt paper available, he used whatever materials we have. He tried using a cloth but didn't like the result so he ended up with colored papers. He drew all the faces and decided on their clothes based on the character.

Since the actual Shakespeare book is more of a dialogue, he acted out the story using these finger puppets. It helped him with his narration and he really enjoys it. If you want to have fun with narrations, you can also try this!

3 Ways on How to Prepare for Retirement

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

Have you started thinking about your future and consider retirement planning seriously? It may sound too early to think of it especially if you are a Millenial. However, if you want to have a comfortable retirement, the best time to prepare for it is the soonest possible!

Let me share you 3 Ways How to Prepare for Retirement:

1. Save and Invest

Commit to setting aside a portion of your income for savings. It takes a lot of discipline and commitment on this one but having a specific and measurable financial goal will help you get motivated to kickstart saving and consider investments early on. Do not neglect to save for an emergency fund. This will protect you from unexpected expenses.

Look for initial investment vehicles where you can start small and determine how much you can afford. Stocks and Mutual funds are a great investment for building a retirement fund. There are other types of investments available to help you achieve your financial goal which assures the return of investments. 

If you want to know how long will your money last or if you are saving enough, try the retirement income calculator.

2. Take advantage of government-mandated retirement savings option

Here in the Philippines, we have different sources of retirement income such as GSIS/SSS, Pag-IBIG contributions and Personal Equity Retirement Account (PERA). Although, we should not rely on this to cover all our needs, but rather treat it as an additional income only.

3. Take care of your health

As we age, our health will start to deteriorate whether we like it or not. The cost of getting sick can really hurt our funds seriously. You can avail a Medical Insurance with benefits for critical illnesses and disability. The lack of preparation aggravates the cost of treatment and we don't want to be caught up by surprise and end up using all our of savings. 

With proper financial planning, the better prepared you’ll be to reach your retirement goals. Remember, the earlier you start, the better! 

3 Ways on How to Prepare for Retirement

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

Have you started thinking about your future and consider retirement planning seriously? It may sound too early to think of it especially if you are a Millenial. However, if you want to have a comfortable retirement, the best time to prepare for it is the soonest possible!

Let me share you 3 Ways How to Prepare for Retirement:

1. Save and Invest

Commit to setting aside a portion of your income for savings. It takes a lot of discipline and commitment on this one but having a specific and measurable financial goal will help you get motivated to kickstart saving and consider investments early on. Do not neglect to save for an emergency fund. This will protect you from unexpected expenses.

Look for initial investment vehicles where you can start small and determine how much you can afford. Stocks and Mutual funds are a great investment for building a retirement fund. There are other types of investments available to help you achieve your financial goal which assures the return of investments. 

If you want to know how long will your money last or if you are saving enough, try the retirement income calculator.

2. Take advantage of government-mandated retirement savings option

Here in the Philippines, we have different sources of retirement income such as GSIS/SSS, Pag-IBIG contributions and Personal Equity Retirement Account (PERA). Although, we should not rely on this to cover all our needs, but rather treat it as an additional income only.

3. Take care of your health

As we age, our health will start to deteriorate whether we like it or not. The cost of getting sick can really hurt our funds seriously. You can avail a Medical Insurance with benefits for critical illnesses and disability. The lack of preparation aggravates the cost of treatment and we don't want to be caught up by surprise and end up using all our of savings. 

With proper financial planning, the better prepared you’ll be to reach your retirement goals. Remember, the earlier you start, the better! 

3 Ways on How to Prepare for Retirement

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

Have you started thinking about your future and consider retirement planning seriously? It may sound too early to think of it especially if you are a Millenial. However, if you want to have a comfortable retirement, the best time to prepare for it is the soonest possible!

Nature Study: Blue Ruellia Flower

We usually do our Nature Study in our front yard. Every now and then, we have different visitors coming; a praying mantis, slug, wasps, etc. There's just so much our small land area has to offer for us to enjoy and observe that we need not go far.

Aside from our occasional visitors, we still have plants and flowers that we haven't really had time to appreciate and observe further. Last Friday, we all picked Blue Ruellia to study. This flower usually blooms in the morning only to fall in the afternoon. Yet it never fails to give us flowers every day. 

My 11 yo son Gabi, changed the game this time. He asked me if he can use his Dad's cellphone tools to dissect the flower. He said that is what Gregor Mendel did when he observed the peas. We read about Gregor Mendel in our Term 1 and I didn't realize how he was inspired by this friar. 

I was so happy to see his journal full of his observations, this is the first time I've seen so many entries without any promptings from me. So much win from our Nature Study!

My 5 yo also joined but he ended-up sketching a different thing, but that's ok.

The most valuable thing children can learn is what they discover themselves about the world they live in. Once they experience first-hand the wonder of nature, they will want to make nature observation a life-long habit." [from Charlotte Mason's Vol. 1 pg 61]

Nature Study: Blue Ruellia Flower

We usually do our Nature Study in our front yard. Every now and then, we have different visitors coming; a praying mantis, slug, wasps, etc. There's just so much our small land area has to offer for us to enjoy and observe that we need not go far.

Nature Study: Blue Ruellia Flower

We usually do our Nature Study in our front yard. Every now and then, we have different visitors coming; a praying mantis, slug, wasps, etc. There's just so much our small land area has to offer for us to enjoy and observe that we need not go far.

Aside from our occasional visitors, we still have plants and flowers that we haven't really had time to appreciate and observe further. Last Friday, we all picked Blue Ruellia to study. This flower usually blooms in the morning only to fall in the afternoon. Yet it never fails to give us flowers every day. 

My 11 yo son Gabi, changed the game this time. He asked me if he can use his Dad's cellphone tools to dissect the flower. He said that is what Gregor Mendel did when he observed the peas. We read about Gregor Mendel in our Term 1 and I didn't realize how he was inspired by this friar. 

I was so happy to see his journal full of his observations, this is the first time I've seen so many entries without any promptings from me. So much win from our Nature Study!

My 5 yo also joined but he ended-up sketching a different thing, but that's ok.

The most valuable thing children can learn is what they discover themselves about the world they live in. Once they experience first-hand the wonder of nature, they will want to make nature observation a life-long habit." [from Charlotte Mason's Vol. 1 pg 61]

Dancing Momma

One of the members of Saints Dance Ministry (the dance ministry I am currently involved in) asked us different questions about our background in dancing which I'd like to share here too.

Part 1: 

1. When did you start dancing?

I've been dancing since I was in Elementary years. I used to dance for different intermission numbers and dance competitions in school and barangay events. I was dancing until High School and College.

2. Is dancing a hobby for you or is it something you really want to pursue?

It's more of a hobby for me. Having a lot on my plate right now, I don't think this is something I can still pursue. However, given the time and opportunity, why not?

3. Who are your dance inspirations?

In the past, I wasn't exposed to different dance styles and there's no Youtube yet. Although, I can remember idolizing Sexbomb. Now, I am inspired by many from Saints (Yas, may pagka-loyal). 

4. Do you have a favorite style or is there a style you really want to learn/master?

Since my background is contemporary, I can say it's my favorite. With Contempt, you can show different emotions and create different stories. It's a struggle for me to dance hip-hop and I've been wanting to learn it since it's not my forte.

5. What do you like more: solo freestyles, solo battles, group performances, group competitions, concept videos?

I love group performances. I love the teamwork and unity. It also amazes me kapag nakikita ko na nagiging isa yung galaw.

Part 2:

6. Where have you taken classes or what is your dance background?

I've taken Contemporary Dance Class in our theater organization back in College. Our Director was part of Philippine Ballet and a great Contemporary Dancer. That was my formal dance class and then for other styles, it was with Saints. 

7. Where have you performed or what is your dance resume?

It was in college that I really get into dancing seriously. I was part of Maestro Dance Ensemble. We performed at different conventions, gatherings and theater play. Ginagawa rin namin siyang raket where we earned money. I also danced during the Encounter with Angels Concert as one of the backup dancers of Hero Angeles and Nina. Suki din kami dati sa Unang Hirit. I remember there was one time while we were doing Social Dance in PE one of the Pep Squad Members approached me and asked if I want to join PUP PEP. But I refused because I'm loyal to our Theater. When I left college and started working, I put off dancing. 

8. Why did you join Saints?

At first, I have no plans of joining Saints. I thought it's for Youth. But It was very timely because I came to a point where I asked God,  "Lord,  what is my gift/talent? I want to use it (talking about stewardship). I feel like I'm forcing myself to do things that I am not really good at (like blogging,  etc.). I also asked hubby the same question, he answered me, dancing! Sabi ko, uu nga ano. But then, my dilemma was matigas na buto ko, i'm not flexible anymore and kinakalawang na. Also, there's no more opportunity for me to dance. I joined Praise Moves, but I don't feel challenged, I know it wasn't for me. Then, one of my small group sister, invited me to join the Open Dance Class by Saints. I said no,  kasi same time with my son's soccer training. But then, I realized since dalawa naman kami ni hubby na naghahatid, pwede nman si hubby muna. So, I joined and that's how I started.

9. How has your dance journey been so far in the ministry?

The first few days was very disappointing. I'm disappointed of myself and my memory. I'm having a hard time with the steps since I have a different background and sobrang kalawang na talaga. Imagine, it was 10 years ago since I got to dance training. I was on the verge of giving up, every after training naiiyak ako kasi mahirap siya. But then, I praise God for B (our coordinator). She encouraged me to go on.

10. Why are you still in saints?

Actually, during the Praise Season, I thought I will leave Saints for good. I was crying out to God (we have marital issues) but He honored my desire and allowed me to dance for Praise 2018 😭. The journey is not easy,  juggling between home and ministry. But God is gracious to me. I am learning a lot from this ministry and it is a very humbling experience. God knows I love to dance and I will be with SDM as long as God wants me to be here.

Want to know more about Saints Dance Ministry? Like and follow the FB Group here. Also, watch out for the upcoming Open Dance Class for this year!

Dancing Momma

One of the members of Saints Dance Ministry (the dance ministry I am currently involved in) asked us different questions about our background in dancing which I'd like to share here too.

Part 1: 

1. When did you start dancing?

I've been dancing since I was in Elementary years. I used to dance for different intermission numbers and dance competitions in school and barangay events. I was dancing until High School and College.

2. Is dancing a hobby for you or is it something you really want to pursue?

It's more of a hobby for me. Having a lot on my plate right now, I don't think this is something I can still pursue. However, given the time and opportunity, why not?

3. Who are your dance inspirations?

In the past, I wasn't exposed to different dance styles and there's no Youtube yet. Although, I can remember idolizing Sexbomb. Now, I am inspired by many from Saints (Yas, may pagka-loyal). 

4. Do you have a favorite style or is there a style you really want to learn/master?

Since my background is contemporary, I can say it's my favorite. With Contempt, you can show different emotions and create different stories. It's a struggle for me to dance hip-hop and I've been wanting to learn it since it's not my forte.

5. What do you like more: solo freestyles, solo battles, group performances, group competitions, concept videos?

I love group performances. I love the teamwork and unity. It also amazes me kapag nakikita ko na nagiging isa yung galaw.

Part 2:

6. Where have you taken classes or what is your dance background?

I've taken Contemporary Dance Class in our theater organization back in College. Our Director was part of Philippine Ballet and a great Contemporary Dancer. That was my formal dance class and then for other styles, it was with Saints. 

7. Where have you performed or what is your dance resume?

It was in college that I really get into dancing seriously. I was part of Maestro Dance Ensemble. We performed at different conventions, gatherings and theater play. Ginagawa rin namin siyang raket where we earned money. I also danced during the Encounter with Angels Concert as one of the backup dancers of Hero Angeles and Nina. Suki din kami dati sa Unang Hirit. I remember there was one time while we were doing Social Dance in PE one of the Pep Squad Members approached me and asked if I want to join PUP PEP. But I refused because I'm loyal to our Theater. When I left college and started working, I put off dancing. 

8. Why did you join Saints?

At first, I have no plans of joining Saints. I thought it's for Youth. But It was very timely because I came to a point where I asked God,  "Lord,  what is my gift/talent? I want to use it (talking about stewardship). I feel like I'm forcing myself to do things that I am not really good at (like blogging,  etc.). I also asked hubby the same question, he answered me, dancing! Sabi ko, uu nga ano. But then, my dilemma was matigas na buto ko, i'm not flexible anymore and kinakalawang na. Also, there's no more opportunity for me to dance. I joined Praise Moves, but I don't feel challenged, I know it wasn't for me. Then, one of my small group sister, invited me to join the Open Dance Class by Saints. I said no,  kasi same time with my son's soccer training. But then, I realized since dalawa naman kami ni hubby na naghahatid, pwede nman si hubby muna. So, I joined and that's how I started.

9. How has your dance journey been so far in the ministry?

The first few days was very disappointing. I'm disappointed of myself and my memory. I'm having a hard time with the steps since I have a different background and sobrang kalawang na talaga. Imagine, it was 10 years ago since I got to dance training. I was on the verge of giving up, every after training naiiyak ako kasi mahirap siya. But then, I praise God for B (our coordinator). She encouraged me to go on.

10. Why are you still in saints?

Actually, during the Praise Season, I thought I will leave Saints for good. I was crying out to God (we have marital issues) but He honored my desire and allowed me to dance for Praise 2018 😭. The journey is not easy,  juggling between home and ministry. But God is gracious to me. I am learning a lot from this ministry and it is a very humbling experience. God knows I love to dance and I will be with SDM as long as God wants me to be here.

Want to know more about Saints Dance Ministry? Like and follow the FB Group here. Also, watch out for the upcoming Open Dance Class for this year!

Dancing Momma

One of the members of Saints Dance Ministry (the dance ministry I am currently involved in) asked us different questions about our background in dancing which I'd like to share here too.