5 Recommended Indoor Activities for Kids During School Break

School is finally out! 

Staying at home doesn't mean being boring because there is just so many activities that kids can do to make this school break fun and productive.

We know that traveling and outdoor activites would be ideal but this may not be feasible for some families. Thus, we came up with a list of indoor activities that is equally fun, exciting and easy to organize. 

1. Art and Craft Projects

Art stimulates creativity and imagination. It is also known to help promote self-esteem and self expression regardless of chosen medium. 

Whether your kids opts to paint, draw or simply just color, take the opportunity to uncover their talents and develop value skills. They can even recycle common household items for their craft projects such making paper flowers, toilet paper frogs and a lot more. 

2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

If you are looking for a more physical activity, then an indoor scavenger hunt is a great idea. These activities boost your child's observation skills and encourages independent exploration, critical thinking and problem-solving. 

You can do this individually or by pairs (if you have a bigger household) in that way, you can also develop the value of teamwork and strategy. 

There are a lot of printables of indoor scavenger hunt lists available on Pinterest so, you can readily start anytime. 

3. Read Books

Reading should not be presented as a chore but rather it is a fun activity.

By raising kids who love to read, we teach them a fundamental skill that is essential to life as they grow older. It offers access to worlds of imagination and knowledge. Just like Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Some of favorite books include: 

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Age 2+) 
• The Velvetin Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco (Age 3+)
• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (Age 4+)
• Heidi by Johanna Spyri (Age 6+) 
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Age 6+) 
• Charlotte's Web by E.B White (Age 7+) 
• Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery (Age 9+)
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Age 9+)

4. Educational Computer Simulated Games 

Is your kid into computers? Then, this school break may be the best time to immerse them more in technology. Ofcourse, we are NOT talking about kids playing games such as mobile legends all day long. 

Instead, we are talking about software development games that can teach children about coding logic along with how software is made and tested. Websites such as mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/ offer these for free. 

One of our favorite games is Code Panda. This game is an introduction to programming where players will need to provide the movement codes to help a panda reach its bamboo. 

The game is very simple but it requires you to think. You can play all 32 stages. 

They also have a game called We Bare Bears Develobears which teaches players about the components needed in making a video game.

Tasks include painting pictures, making a chiptune, creating custom pixel art which appears in the game, and adding other unlockable in game elements. You will need to play through various combinations of level design, music composition, and characters. 

5. Cooking and Baking Lessons 

Maybe it's time to teach your kids to cook or bake. As early as 5 years old, parents can teach their children how to measure, pour, grate, peel and set the table with constant supervision. By age 8-11, kids can now follow, straightforward recipes, plans and menus. 

Whether they bake or try to cook a meal, making them feel comfortable in the kitchen is the first step in bringing their interest in this important life skill. Introduce working on a stove and oven. 

Aside from the cooking or baking skills, this opportunity allow allows you to teach your children the value of patience where they see that preparing food can't be rushed.  

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Let us all make the most out of these school breaks for our kids. This will leave lasting memories and lessons that they will surely value later on in life. 

Do you have other suggestions? Feel free to comment below. 

Superbook Season 5 is Landing Soon on Philippine TV!

Suit up! We are about to take off on a fun adventure with Chris, Joy, and Gizmo!

Superbook’s fifth season is finally set to air on Philippine TV in June 2024, 11 years after its debut in the country. It premieres June 3, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. on A2Z and Kapamilya Channel.

Superbook Season 5 follows our favorite trio as they learn how to have a deeper relationship with Jesus and discover what it truly means to be His follower. Each episode explores real-life challenges and victories that people from all generations can relate to.

With this exciting launch comes new interactive events and materials designed to encourage children and their families to know God deeper and share their faith with the people around them.

Superbook Philippines is preparing to bring “Sabay-Sabay Lilipad,” an on-ground events campaign to malls, schools, churches, and communities nationwide. New fun and educational materials will be available at partner outlets and online platforms as well.

CBN Asia’s head for Superbook, Icko Gonzalez, also teases an exciting project this year, “As we approach CBN Asia's 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming Superbook Musical Theatre, bringing these beloved stories to life on stage,” he revealed.

Gonzalez also invites everyone to watch Superbook Season 5 on A2Z and the Kapamilya Channel every weekday, beginning June 3 at 8:30 AM.

“Join us in exploring deeper insights about Jesus and the Bible through Superbook Season 5. We invite all Batang Superbook fans, young and old, to continue supporting this animated program that not only entertains but also uplifts our spirits,” he said.

Gear up, Superbook fans, because everyone is welcome to join our out-of-this-world adventure with Superbook Season 5, airing June 3, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. on A2Z and Kapamilya Channel.

Home Credit, Puregold secure partnership, give more Filipinos access to convenient and flexible consumer products purchase through credit

Staying true to its commitment of being the Filipinos’ financial ally, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) has recently formed a partnership with one of the country’s biggest chain of supermarkets, Puregold, to allow its customers to use credit when purchasing their necessities.

Recently launched, this collaboration offers Puregold customers nationwide an easy, convenient, and secure way of purchasing their groceries using Home Credit Card or Qwarta. In addition, they will get opportunities to participate in seasonal, brand specific, and other unique and exclusive deals.

Home Credit Card is HCPH’s premium revolving product that offers select customers the perfect first-time Visa credit card with 3% load discount, zero additional fees on bills payment, interest-free option for up to 45 days per month and low interest fee at 3%. Meanwhile, Qwarta is HCPH’s virtual shopping line that users can use via the My Home Credit App to buy load, pay bills, buy groceries (via QR), and shop online.

“Home Credit is steadfast in its role of being a financial partner to Filipinos to help them realize and achieve the life that they want for themselves. This collaboration with one of the country’s biggest chain of supermarkets enables us to strengthen this commitment and reach more people nationwide with offers that can help them better manage their finances,” Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, said.

This seamless payment journey only involves three easy steps, starting with the customers’ download of the My Home Credit App. Those who are eligible to use Home Credit’s Qwarta or those who have a Home Credit credit card may then generate a QR code that, lastly, they will present to a Puregold’s cashier for scanning to complete their purchase.

“As we approach the remarkable milestone of having 500 stores nationwide, our unwavering commitment to our company’s core values is stronger. We are not just a retail business, but an enterprise of service, dedicated to supporting lives and nurturing stronger communities across the country.

This strategic partnership with Home Credit Philippines allows us to further amplify flexibility and convenience for our valued customers and Ka-Asensos,” Jenny Jacintos, Senior Manager for Merchandising and Marketing Services of Puregold.

 To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shopping Mall Philippines.   

How to get paid as a Freelancer without a Bank Account? Claim your international remittances at M Lhuillier's

I remember when I was starting out as a virtual assistant, I was still young and was struggling to find my way through the freelancing industry (there wasn't any online VA coaches and mentors yet during at the time.) I had no idea how I would get paid and I did not even have my own bank account; however, I was eager to start my journey through the online world.

After 3 weeks of applying, I was lucky to land a job for a US-based client which meant I need to get everything in place including figuring out how to get paid. Opening a bank account was not an option since I barely had the funds for the maintaining balance. So, I had to do my research and find alternatives on how I can get paid as a freelancer without having a bank account. 

True enough, my client was able to pay me via Xoom and I was able to claim my international remittances via M Lhuillier. It was easy, fast and real-time. I only had to provide a valid ID and the KPTN or a tracking number. 

Months passed and I continued receiving my international remittance via ML Kwarta Padala (even though I already have my bank account) because I noticed that they offered better rates compared to other banks. Since then, they have been my reliable and trusted remittance center. 

To date, they have close to 100 international remittance partners making it easy for senders such as your client or even your family and friends abroad to send money here in the Philippines. Recipients, on the other hand can receive or claim international remittances at M Lhuillier's over 3,000 branches nationwide. 

Here's the list of M Lhuillier's international partners. 

• Asia United Bank (AUB)

• At & Services

• Atin Ito Remittance Ltd.

• Ayannah Business Solutions Inc

• Bank of Commerce

• BC Remit

• BDO (Banco de Oro Remittance)

• BM Express

• BPI Remittance

• Calsons Remittance

• Al Ansari Exchange

• Cash Express Worldwide

• Chinabank

• Citi Express Payment Phils.

• Czarina Foreign Exchange

• Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)

• EEC/Goldstar Philippines Inc.

• EZ Remit

• Family Express Canada Limited

• Fastpay Internationl LTD.

• Filremit

• Forex World

• Friendly Remittance

• Instant Cash

• Intel Express

• Jalandoni Foreign Exchange & Remittance

• Japan Remit Finance

• Kabayan Remittance

• Kabayan Remittance Canada

• Keb Hana Bank

• LDV Express

• LMI Express Delivery (Lucky Money)

• Lulu Money/Lulu Remit/Lulu Exchange

• Metro Express Remittance

• Metrobank Head Office

• ML Global

• Money Exchange Spain

• Money Gram

• Murillo Travel and Remittance Services

• New York Bay / Transfast

• Northern Union Remittance

• OMNEX/UNO/SHAREMONEY

• Optimum Exchange Remit Inc

• Pacific Ace Forex

• Pay2Home Remittance Services

• Paypal/Xoom

• Peramax (GRANSTAR GLOBAL SERVICES )

• Pinoy Hatid Padala

• Placid Express

• RCBC

• Reliable Peso Remit

• Remitly

• Rewire - Research and Development Ltd

• Ria Financials

• Signed and Delivered Inc. (also known as GEMINI)

• Sigue Money Transfer / Coinstar

• Steadfast Money Transfer PTE LTD.

• TML Remittance Center

• Tranglo

• Transfer To/Thunes

• Unilink Express Payment Phils. Inc.

• Uniteller

• UREMIT Int'l Corp

• Viamericas

• Western Union

• World Remit Limited

• Worldcom International Communications (WIC) 

How does this work? 

This means that senders can send money to you through these partner remittance centers abroad and then the recipient can receive or claim it at any of the M Lhuillier's branches nationwide. 

How can I claim my money? 

1. Just fill out the MLKP form and present a valid ID or a ML Diamond Card.

2. Get your cash from the Front Line Associate.

3. Get the copy of the customer's form.

The receiver here in the Philippines has the option to receive the money either in Philippine pesos or US dollars (depending on the currency set by his sender abroad).

Not sure if it's ready for claiming? 

The easiest way to track your transaction is to email at customercare@mlhuillier.com. Just provide your Tracking Number (KPTN) or Reference Number to the customer service agent.

By the way, M Lhuillier has branches that are open 24 hours allowing you to receive your international remittances fast and quick at any time of the day. This is also very helpful especially in times of emergencies. 

You may check the list of branches via this link: https://mlhuillier.com/branches/  If you are looking for a branch that is open 24/7, then just use the 'filter' option on the upper right side of the website.