PewDiePie-per Mache

My gamer boys and I just pushed our papier mache obsession to a whole new level.

BROFIST!!!

Presenting PewDiePie and the gang!

You know.  PewDiePie.  Yeah, you see him on YouTube.  You see him scream while gaming.  You see him create a whole new adventurous, spazzy, crazy world right in front of his gaming console.  All the while, getting entertained followers by the thousands.  Hundreds of thousands if you factor in his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

With this papier mache tribute, you can count my two boys in the Bro Army, I guess. :)

See the whole PewDiePie papier mache album on Papier Macheniacs right here.

Active Fun, Activated!

The 2, 3, or 4-storey play environment is an awesome invention for kids and parents alike.  For the 7 to 9-year old kid, it's his stab at independence.  He embarks on every journey the huge play area has to offer without parental guidance.  For the parent, it's a worry-free haven where she can leave her child while getting some quick shopping done.

Last weekend's play center sampler was Active Fun at Bonifacio High Street.
My immediate thought, "Hmm... this place isn't so huge.  Wonder if Kenji will have enough fun."  I filled up my admission slip, got Kenji's sticker number, and my numbered fetcher's pass, and...
Ok, call me an overprotective hen, but I didn't leave at all.  I just sat there drinking iced tea, getting up only for the occassional photo op.  Because motherbloggers are like that. :P 

My second thought, "Boy, this place is bright and airy!  Niiice!"  Unlike some of the other play area 'buildings' we've gone to, Active Fun has that lovely Bonifacio Global City sun kissing its glass walls.  Because the area is small, it also strategically laid out its play sections.  So there was ample space to move about.  Sure, it didn't have as much sections as its bigger counterparts, but that's ok.  Bonifacio High Street isn't as overpopulated as most shopping centers so there are less kids.  Unless, of course, you plan to have your child's birthday bonanza there --which I recommend if you want it more private and cozy.  Safety's a guarantee, too.  For a smallish play environment, Active Fun has a hefty staff that eagle-eyed every happy, hyper kid.  Neat!

Because I was dubious at the start, I only booked Kenji for a 30-minute playtime for Php155.  But, after realizing that the space, the ambiance, the minimalism, and the crowd control was going to work wonders for my boy, we had to extend for another 30 minutes for a very affordable Php85.

Active Fun at Bonifacio High Street.  Something fun and family-friendly to check out this weekend.  That is, if you're just about sick and tired of those stuffy, overcrowded malls.

Dog's Day Out Easy Tips

We should really have more public places that are dog-friendly.
So far, the one that fits that bill perfectly is Bonifacio High Street.  Huge space.  And it even has doggie water bowls at the door steps of some shops.  Without a doubt, Alpha loves BHS immensely!

On that note, we should have more dog owners who are more responsible during their doggie-day-out trips.
For our little diva, Alpha, it takes only a few easy steps.

1.  If you have to travel to your destination, your dog should be car-trained.  Our big dog, Ziva, gets car sick almost every time.  When she gets excited, she pees all over the car seats, too.  Not.  Good.  Alpha, on the other hand, is a natural when it comes to being chauffered.  Imagine that. :D

2.  When crossing the busier streets to the park, carry your dog --if she's small, that is.  You don't want her getting trampled on or getting too overwhelmed that she might nip on a stray human leg.  Heavens, no!  Can you say 'Sue'?

3.  Very basic.  When strolling, make sure you got a little emergency kit with tissue, plastic bags, and alcohol on hand.  Smelly accidents happen and you don't want to piss people off because of that.  (See what I did there?  Lol!)  Alpha, however, prefers to do her business at home before the trip.  She's a neat freak.

4.  Make sure your dog is trained to behave.  Not to unabashedly pat myself on the back here, but Alpha is one of the most good-mannered dogs I know.  She's a bitch, but she knows her place.  That's why she's always a welcome guest at Hobbes and Landes where my boys get their Legos and where Alpha gets her din-din packs.

5.  Lastly, make sure your dog listens to simple commands like 'Sit', 'Go' and 'Stop'.  You're in a public place so anything can happen.  When a child comes over to pat Alpha's head,  Alpha sits immediately.  When it's time to go, she doesn't get us into a stressful leash tug-of-war.  When other dogs try to mess with her and she messes back, a simple 'stop' gets her back to congeniality mode.

It takes a heap of preparation, but that's how you get to enjoy (that's you and your dog) your public walks together.  If only more places would see that potential, our doggie friends would have more places to play in.  *sigh*

6.  Oops!  Before I forget... after your successful doggie day out, always, ALWAYS, show your dog how much you appreciate her job well done.  Alpha loves that.  All dogs do. :)