'Come on and party' with Hi-5!

‘Come on and party’ with Hi-5!

Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 21, 2009

Interactively fun and packed with upbeat songs and dances, Angeli Domini Ho Lim’s recent 5^th birthday party was a happy Hi-5 fiesta!

Hi-5 is a popular children’s TV show originally from Australia which is designed for children between two and six years old. Its educational content is specifically catered to different learning styles with an exciting mix of stories, investigation, imagination and adventure.

“The idea of a Hi-5 party came to me some time ago while I was watching Hi-5 DVDs with my kids, Angeli and Matt. While Angeli was 4 years old, she had been asking to go to Hong Kong Disneyland so I had already planned to bring my family there during the sem break”, shares Angeli’s doting dad Lafayette.

“One time, I mentioned to Angeli that we will not have a party for her 5th birthday because we have only money for either that or going to Disneyland. To my surprise, she chose to have a party instead, and even agreed to go to Disneyland when she was already 10 years old. If she only knew how long a time that will be!”, chuckles Lafayette.

“Near the day of the celebration, there were thoughts of cancelling the party due to recent catastrophic events in the country. But, we were celebrating not at the expense of those suffering, but because of something that needs celebrating: life, love, and family”, discloses Lafayette.

Lafayette and his wife Jeanette decided to just keep the party as simple as possible. “No more booths, just plain party fun. And we invited only friends and family who had little kids that will enjoy the concept”, reveals the hands-on dad.

Through the magical expertise of Angeli’s ninang, premier party planner Annie Paz Lim, Apo View’s Top of the Apo was transformed into Hi-5 heaven.

Bright and colorful flower and star-shaped balloons filled the party venue adding to the vibrant Hi-5 theme. Personalized orange and blue-colored storage boxes with Hi-5 cartoon designs creatively served a dual purpose as party souvenirs and table centerpieces.

First on Lafayette’s Hi-5 idea list was to get five people to dance as Hi-5’s original cast members Kathleen, Kellie, Charlie, Tim and Nathan. To achieve this, Hi-5 videos were shown on a big screen while live Hi-5 dancers performed on the dance floor bearing the signature Hi-5 logo.

This proved to be a big hit as the active kiddie guests tirelessly sang and danced to well-loved Hi-5 favorites “Energy”, “Come On and Party”, “L.O.V.E.”, “Ready or Not”, “Inside My Heart”, “Build It Up” and a lot more.

For party prizes and cake toppers, Lafayette searched patiently on eBay for genuine Hi-5 action figures. He even managed to purchase online a hard-to-find Jup-Jup stuffed toy, one of Hi-5’s endearing characters.

Kids attended the party in their prettiest and funkiest Hi-5-inspired hairstyles and outfits. Declared as the winner of the ‘Best in Hi-5 attire’ was the charming Sara Nicole “Nikki” Dumlao Copeland who received a complete set of Hi-5 action figures as her prize.

Entertaining, thrilling and stimulating...Angeli’s one-of-a-kind celebration definitely gets the guests’ high fives!

Special thanks to Imagine Digital Fotofun for the party photos.

E-mail mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Love in Happy Land

"Love in Happy Land"

Sun.Star Davao, July 4, 2009

On Monday to Friday mornings, GMA’s “Unang Hirit” viewers can’t get enough of the reigning Reyna ng Kalsada--the indefatigable Love Añover as she dishes out the latest traffic situation, updates consumers on the prices of basic commodities and conducts interesting man-on-the-street interviews on current issues. Her infectious laughter and funny antics are guaranteed to perk up anyone’s day.

I first met Love in 2000 when she came to the city as a segment producer of the “Probe Team”. We assisted multi-awarded TV broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro, Love and the crew during their Davao shoot when I was still with the Davao City Tourism Office.

Although we have not kept in touch until recently, I remained to be a silent fan of hers through the years. There is something so “real” about Love’s persona. Despite reaching celebrity status, she has remained unaffected and continues to be down-to-earth and “jologs” as can be.

When I heard that she was one of the cast members of GMA’s latest children TV show, “Happy Land”, I took the opportunity to get re-acquainted with this amazing lady from Leyte.

Please share a little background about yourself. How were you discovered by Probe Team’s Cheche Lazaro?

My full name is Lovella Basibas Añover. I was born and raised in Leyte by my parents Jose and Lydia Añover. I moved to Manila when I was in high school and studied college at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines finishing AB Filipino, minor in Mass Communication.

During my college days, I was required to intern at the Probe Team for two months. Fortunately, before I graduated, I was hired by Probe to work starting out as a production assistant then editor, writer, reporter and senior producer.

I was discovered by Twink Macaraeg as a segment host when I acted as the emcee of the Probe Productions, Inc.’s Christmas party in 1999. In 2000, the “Pasakalye ” segment of Probe was born. Ito 'yung segment where I will use the big bombastic microphone to interview people, be it mayaman o mahirap, jologs o sosyal to get their opinion.

This was fun because I was able to tackle the simplest to the most controversial issues in society--environment, politics and anything under the sun. Me kasamang humor ang paggawa ko ng mga segment. I think nanalaytay sa akin ang pagiging isang Pinoy. Kasi 'di ba kahit anong problema ang dumating idadaan lahat sa tawa?

What were the other programs that you’ve been part of?

Aside from “Probe Team” and “Unang Hirit”, I’ve been part of GMA’s “Front Page”, “24 Oras”, “Lovely Day”; and “Love Life” on QTV 11.

In 2004, I also launched my self-titled debut album which was jam-packed with novelty songs with a mass favorite "Bumprr to Bumprr" talking about traffic.

I likewise became a reporter on a radio program called Saksi sa Dobol B, a daily morning radio news program on DZBB where I delivered stories on the segment Magandang Balita in 2004.

Was “Lovely Day” your first children’s show? How was it working with kids?

“Lovely Day” started as a good news show. I loved the concept kasi 'di ba sa dami ng puro negative na news sa mundo at sa Pilipinas, it is refreshing to watch something positive. Very inspiring and masaya!

Eventually, “Lovely Day” was changed to a children’s TV show. I must say that for the five years that the program aired from 2004 to 2009, I had so much fun! We were also able to air good stories but this time, geared towards kids. It was cool to work with kids. Feeling ko rin kasi lalo akong bumabata or baka mas bata pa ako kina Gabby, Bea, Chrisitian, BJ Jacob.

It was so nice to work with them because I was able to see how's it like to adjust myself sa ugali ng mga bata. I am not yet a mom but my co-hosts have taught me how to deal with children, how to discipline them and have extreme patience.

Why do you think you seem to be a favorite choice for hosting children’s TV shows?

I believe I am really a kid at heart. I have a happy and positive outlook in life. I am the eldest in the family so I know how to deal with my little sister and brother. Plus, I love being around with kids. They're real, innocent and sweet. When they laugh, para kang iduduyan sa saya. They can be tactless and yet so funny. Basta, gift from God talaga ang mga bata.

Tell us something about the cast and concept of your latest children’s program, “Happy Land”.

Happy Land is the very first children show where characters are so raw. We based our stories from reality.

Two adorable kids lead Happy Land’s cast of characters. Nine year-old Patricia Gayod plays Anna, Buboy’s loving sister who acts as a mother to Buboy while their Nanay works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, six-year-old Jermaine Ulgasan plays Buboy, a quick-witted kid who’s very dependent on his older sister. They are being raised by their strict but loving aunt, Tita Auring, played by veteran theater and TV actress Joy Viado.

Through Anna and Buboy’s story, the show intends to present reality to child viewers -- discussing social issues with no pretense or sugarcoating. Happy Land also seeks to address the issue of OFW-ism by helping its main characters cope with OFW parents, and hopes to impart Filipino values and character education to both children and adult viewers.

Hopefully, Happy Land will inspire young viewers to discover happiness despite the bad things in life.

What do you think are some of the unique elements of the show?

Happy Land combines animation, digital technology, and live-action photography. Aside from the narrative, the show will likewise teach basic pre-school subjects like Language and the Alphabet, Math, Science, and General Knowledge through independent segments.

In addition, the show has an animated creature: Mingming, the tenement’s resident black cat who will lead the children on their journey through Happy Land. Kid viewers will also get the chance to meet “Bulatelino,” an intelligent, talking earthworm who will teach kids anything and everything about Science.

Youngsters will learn more about geography as Popoy and Cocoy, Happy Land’s mice duo, bring them to all sorts of places through their segment “Mga Dagang Gala.”

How does it feel to work with Bb. Joyce Bernal for the first time?

Of course, I am very proud to share that Happy Land is directed by acclaimed film and television director, Bb. Joyce Bernal. I couldn't ask for anything more. She's a very talented and great director. Isa siya sa mga pwede mong tingalaing director of her time. Ibang level ng learning ang pwede mong makuha sa kanya and I can't wait sa mga susunod pa naming shoots.

How does it feel playing the role of Ate Belle?

Oh, I am so in love with Ate Belle! She's the friendly repairwoman who owns Bahay Butingting that serves as the children's portal to Happy Land, a fantasy world where knowledge thrives and problems are systematically solved. She's a very kind ate and neighbor who is always there to lend a helping hand.

Ate Belle can mend everything from broken irons and refrigerators to broken hearts and dreams.

'Yung endearment niya sa mga bata ay pamatay. I think the viewers lalo na 'yung mga bata will feel like ‘Oh, really, it's good to be nice to people’ because it is a great feeling to help.

I've been dreaming of this show for so long already because I grew up watching Batibot. I learned a lot from that show. I feel blessed to be part of Happy Land. I know and believe that this show will help a lot of parents, teachers, schools, ates and kuyas in teaching their kids.

Please invite the viewers to watch your show.

Mommies, daddies, kids, ates, kuyas and everyone -- never miss watching Happy Land every Saturday, 9:30 am-10:00 am via GMA. You'll definitely have a fun-filled and enriching 30 minutes. Let's enjoy learning together and discover Happy Land!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.

Mom TV

"Mom TV", Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 31, 2009

Armed with my ever reliable remote control, I was channel surfing one day when my husband Gary commented that there seems to be a proliferation of mommy shows on TV.

“Well, good for us, mommies!”, I said.

With our hectic schedules, having the free time to watch TV is such a treat. And, it’s definitely a bonus if we also learn valuable tips on becoming better mothers from fellow moms through these programs.

So, sit back, relax and prepare to be ‘mommyfied’ by these ‘Mom TV’ shows. Here are my top picks:

Wonder Mom

Hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist, 2008 Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee and mother of two young boys, Karen Davila, Wonder Mom is a one-hour weekly show with a parenting magazine format.

In Wonder Mom, Karen uses a softer, mother’s-point-of-view approach to her interviews which comes out as personal, effective and sincere.

Past episodes have featured diverse topics such as managing child tantrums, organizing children’s birthday parties, differentiating the role of yayas and mothers, making memories last, among others.

With the show’s tagline, “Sagot Kita!”, housewives and career-oriented moms have found a trusted partner in Karen. Through the program, Filipina moms are empowered to face day-to-day parenting challenges with confidence and ease.

Join Karen as she transforms ordinary moms to super mommies in this reality parenting show....Now where did I leave my cape?

Wonder Mom airs on ABS-CBN every Saturday at 9:45 a.m.

MomWorks

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan is one of my most admired celebrity moms. With her sunny disposition, you will be amazed at how she makes motherhood seem so uncomplicated. With four active kids, a successful career as an actress, author, lifestyle columnist, businesswoman and parenting advocate as well as loving wife to Anthony, how does she manage to still look fresh and fab?

MomWorks is a thirty-minute show that “focuses on the struggles and triumphs of our modern superheroes and the many roles that they play—as wife, mother and career woman” (Source: www.thelifeyoulive.tv). It premiered on the Lifestyle Network on June 18, 2008.

According to Lifestyle Network’s local production team, “The program is a venue for concerns and interests that are unique to the Filipina working mom. Segments feature everyday moms discussing issues and insights and applying tips and techniques for greater work-life balance”.

I just loved the episodes where they showed the gender bender role of househusbands, different views of parents about homeschooling versus traditional and progressive schools, fashion tips for the changing mommy figure, to name a few.

Watch out for MomWorks’ all-new episodes coming soon on the Lifestyle Network.

Moments

Normally, I don’t channel surf all the way to Net 25 but Gladys Reyes-Sommereux’s (yes, the versatile actress known for her kontrabida roles) Moments talk show became a good reason to give Net 25 my undivided attention. Gladys, who is a mother of two, proves in Moments that acting is not her only forte. She brilliantly shines as a gifted host in this parenting program.

“Moments is a one-hour talk show for 25 to 45-year old mothers with 0-12-year old children. The show is aimed at providing a practical guide to motherhood”. (Source: www.net-25.com)

Moments’ popular segments include:

“Certified by Moms: An infomercial segment focused on products and services targeted to mothers and children

Mom on the Go: Fast and practical tips on homemaking and child-rearing

Moms ABC: Step-by-step guide to taking care of the kids from the point of view of experts

Momstyle: Different mothers show various techniques in child rearing and how they perform their role as “domestic engineers”

24/7: Celebrity moms and common mothers prove that motherhood is a non-stop job
Momstop: Pressure free bonding moments between mothers and their kids”

Catch Moments every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on Net 25.

Quickfire

Mothers who work in the kitchen for hours to serve special family dishes day in and day out are becoming a rare breed. These days, there is simply too little time as we try to juggle parenting, marital life, work and household responsibilities.

That’s why cooking shows such as Quickfire by chef-mom Rosebud Benitez is an answered prayer to working moms. Believe it or not, it beats Rachael Ray’s “30-minute Meals” by 20 minutes!

In Quickfire, Chef Rosebud whips up 10-minute kitchen wonders through a step-by-step guide to delectable everyday meals using ingredients that are locally available. (Don’t you hate it when you watch some cooking shows and they have these hard-to-find ingredients that make preparing the dish impossible).

Yummy family-friendly recipes such as prawn tempura, pad thai, chicken kiev, Vietnamese pesto pasta, chicken kebabs are a cinch to make with Chef Rosebud’s time-saving techniques.

Delight in Chef Rosebud’s speedy culinary creations on QTV, Monday to Friday: 10:30 am, 11:50am, 6pm and 7:10pm; Saturday: 9pm; and Sunday: 9pm and 11pm. Check out http://quickfire.multiply.com for more scrumptious recipes.

Happy mommy viewing!!!

Photo credits: Wonder Mom (www.abs-cbnglobal.com); MomWorks (www.thelifeyoulive.tv); Moments (www.net-25.com); Quickfire (http://quickfire.multiply.com) and cartoon images (www.beforeyouarrived.com; www.tv-season-on-dvd.com)

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.