When getting your child's first haircut at a kiddie salon, I would recommend first observing how the hairdresser works with other customers. My family and I had a terrible experience in one of the more popular kiddie salons in Makati:
My 3-year-old daughter's hair ended up too short and obviously uneven. As soon as my daughter was seated, I stepped out and left my mother in charge as I needed to go to the restroom. The moment I came back, most of the hair on her back had been chopped off (really, I cannot think of a better term for it!), but that's how FAST the process was. I would think that a hairdresser should be more careful in handling a 3-year-old. The hairdresser blamed my mom, saying that she did ask if the length would be okay. Granted, my mom may have misjudged the length, and I would have let it slide except for 3 things:
(1) In cutting the bangs, she did not bother to hold it up with her fingers the way most hairdressers do and instead used the scissors directly on the forehead. When we requested for her to hold the hair away, she insisted that she had perfect control of the scissors! She eventually relented, so I did not press the issue. She may have control of the scissors, but not of the child! This is a safety hazard as one wrong move could injure the eyes!
(2) She was too fast and rough in all things - cutting the hair, wiping my child's face with a paper towel, brushing away the hair, etc. I could see how my mom could not have properly assessed the length. Also, she's a hairdresser. She should have realized that the length was too short for a girl - the length is just above my daughter's earlobe and she needed to apply a razor at the back.
(3) This is my child's second visit to a hair salon. The first was in Rustan's Makati. That was a much calmer experience for us and the hairdresser took his time. This is my basis for saying that this second experience was a huge disappointment and could have been handled much better.
I have replied to the feedback form on their website and hope the management will look into it. I regret not observing them first. There was another little girl having a haircut and she did extremely well with the hairdresser assigned to her. I should have taken the time to see which hairdresser would work well with my child.
Showing posts with label makati. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makati. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Good Find: Total Basic Skills Preschool Workbook
The bargain books stall is once again up and running at the ground floor of Greenbelt 1, Makati mall, across Watson's. Hard to find books related to Disney characters (and Barney!) can usually be found within the assorted stacks of books. My mother recently came upon another great find within its bookshelves - the Total Basic Skills Preschool Workbooks. It consists of 300+ pages (easily 2x-3x the size of a Kumon book at roughly the same price), with writing and coloring activities covering all preschool topics: alphabet, numbers, opposites, shapes, etc. It also comes with colorful reward stickers!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Angry Birds Mania!
Are you a fan of Angry Birds? Are you desperately seeking all kinds of its cute merchandise? Check out Blade/Clipper at the ground floor of Greenbelt 1, Makati. They offer box sets of figurines (pigs included!), pillows, keychains, cellphone charms, stuffed toys, piggy banks, and bags at reasonable prices.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
KIDS in Day School
Another Makati-based preschool that has gained a lot of positive reviews throughout several mommy blogs is KIDS in Day School in San Antonio Village. The most notable comments were the teachers' ability to prepare their students for the big schools and help particularly shy students to come out of their shell and shine. I've yet to visit the school myself, but the fact that nearly all their slots have been filled is testament to their popularity.
I did find one blog that mentioned that the school does not have a fire exit. Again, I have not confirmed this firsthand as I've yet to visit them, but this is definitely one thing I'll be asking when I do drop by.
I did find one blog that mentioned that the school does not have a fire exit. Again, I have not confirmed this firsthand as I've yet to visit them, but this is definitely one thing I'll be asking when I do drop by.
Shops in Makati with Play Areas
More and more shops in Makati are setting up designated play areas for kids! This adds greatly to the shopping convenience of mommies and daddies who would like the freedom to browse without having to worry about keeping their kids sufficiently entertained. Here's a list of stores that have set up play areas:
(1) Toys R Us, Greenbelt 5 - Little Tykes swing and slide set, cars/scooters, and writing board set up in a corner next to White Hat. Parents can sit and eat (or shop!) while the kids play. THIS IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
(2) Hobbes, Greenbelt 5 - long table with chairs at the back of the shop serves as a puzzle area. Kids can play with a large version of the Rush Hour Traffic Jam game, put together something with the Zoob! building set, or - if you're willing to shell out some cash - paint ceramics.
(3) Powerbooks, Greenbelt 2 (walkway) - this bookstore has recently added a small toy section next to the children's books area in the 2nd floor. There is a large Thomas the Tank Engine set on display, which kids can tinker around with.
(4) Rustan's Ayala - the children's section has a semi-enclosed play area with chairs, tables, blocks, and toys. There is also almost always playground sets on display somewhere within the floor, which kids are free to try out.
(5) Toy Kingdom, SM - nearly every section in this huge toy store has toys kids can play with. I just let my daughter run loose and try everything from the Little Tykes sets to the kiddie laptops to the kitchen playsets...and so on :)
(6) Build City, Greenbelt 5 - at the back of the shop, there is a long table where kids can play with LEGO blocks.
(1) Toys R Us, Greenbelt 5 - Little Tykes swing and slide set, cars/scooters, and writing board set up in a corner next to White Hat. Parents can sit and eat (or shop!) while the kids play. THIS IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
(2) Hobbes, Greenbelt 5 - long table with chairs at the back of the shop serves as a puzzle area. Kids can play with a large version of the Rush Hour Traffic Jam game, put together something with the Zoob! building set, or - if you're willing to shell out some cash - paint ceramics.
(3) Powerbooks, Greenbelt 2 (walkway) - this bookstore has recently added a small toy section next to the children's books area in the 2nd floor. There is a large Thomas the Tank Engine set on display, which kids can tinker around with.
(4) Rustan's Ayala - the children's section has a semi-enclosed play area with chairs, tables, blocks, and toys. There is also almost always playground sets on display somewhere within the floor, which kids are free to try out.
(5) Toy Kingdom, SM - nearly every section in this huge toy store has toys kids can play with. I just let my daughter run loose and try everything from the Little Tykes sets to the kiddie laptops to the kitchen playsets...and so on :)
(6) Build City, Greenbelt 5 - at the back of the shop, there is a long table where kids can play with LEGO blocks.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Special diet? Drop by Zuni, Greenbelt 5!
To be honest, my mother and I had doubts about enjoying our usual Mother's Day lunch, given that my brother - who just last week had succumbed to a mild stroke at the age of 36 - was on a NO salt / NO fat diet. We decided to stick to our usual jaunt Zuni Restaurant at Greenbelt 5, Makati City, since their grilled selection has thus far managed to cater to all our dietary constraints (such as allergies and limited diet for my mother, who has cancer) without sacrificing the taste. Thankfully, we weren't disappointed. After explaining my brother's condition and presenting a list of his dietary restrictions, the chef came up with a customized meal covering appetizers up to dessert. The result? A savory set of dishes that left my brother quite content. The rest of us were able to enjoy our regular fare as well. Truly a happy mother's day for us!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
St. Therese Nursery and Kindergarten School
We ventured to the outskirts of Makati, near Sta. Ana, Manila, to check out a preschool that has gotten rave reviews on several blogs and has a reputation for getting their students into the big schools - St. Therese Nursery and Kindergarten School. The directress, Teacher Angel, is very accommodating and allows you to preview a class so long as you schedule beforehand. Summer school is ongoing so this is a good time to have a trial class.
The school itself is spacious with a large garden and play area and clean, well-maintained, air-conditioned classrooms. However, it is not a "play school" (no fancy cushioned rooms with slides and toddler gyms here!); rather, it is an actual preschool that prepares children for the big schools. Their teaching method is eclectic/traditional.
Unfortunately, my daughter still found the actual school set-up daunting and refused to have a trial class. I do have every intention of returning next year, though. I was impressed by the facilities and it is quite difficult to find a traditional preschool in the Makati area.
The school itself is spacious with a large garden and play area and clean, well-maintained, air-conditioned classrooms. However, it is not a "play school" (no fancy cushioned rooms with slides and toddler gyms here!); rather, it is an actual preschool that prepares children for the big schools. Their teaching method is eclectic/traditional.
Unfortunately, my daughter still found the actual school set-up daunting and refused to have a trial class. I do have every intention of returning next year, though. I was impressed by the facilities and it is quite difficult to find a traditional preschool in the Makati area.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Brainy Beginners Preschool
I am also considering Brainy Beginners Preschool for my daughter. Located in Prince Plaza condominium in Legaspi Village, Makati City, it is very accessible - a mere stone throw's away from Greenbelt 5.
The school follows a progressive methodology that incorporates learning through play. What sets it apart from other schools is the personal flair injected by its proprietor and head teacher - Teacher Richie. Teacher Richie works with both the parents and child to ensure that the child is learning at a pace that he/she is comfortable with, while at the same time, in line with the goals and rules enforced by the parent. This entails adjusting the learning process for each student - a daunting and meticulous task, and one that most endears me to the school. Another interesting approach is the presence of all levels (Toddlers, Nursery, Kinder, etc.) in one big classroom. Each level is designated their own work tables to for their lessons, but are given also given time to interact with the whole class to further build their social skills.
While the facilities and equipment are not as impressive to look at as other schools in the area, it has everything a child needs to experience the same level of education, safety, and appropriate playtime - work tables for children, educational toys and materials, play area (separated from the classroom), play mats, wash area, and two bathrooms. There is also a waiting area that is separated from the main classroom with frosted glass, through which parents and companions can monitor their children without distracting them. The assistant teachers are all certified nurses, on-hand in case of emergencies (another plus for me!). Children can only leave the premises as directed by the parent (i.e., parents should advise the school beforehand as to who are the only ones allowed to pick up their child).
The tuition fee is considerably less than other schools in this prime location, especially since it offers daily classes (most charge an exorbitant fee for 2-3x a week). Teacher Richie is also quite open to whatever concerns you may have regarding payment schemes.
Do drop by Brainy Beginners if you are school hunting. I guarantee that you won't regret it. Teacher Richie and his staff are very accommodating to drop-in visitors. Any and all questions and concerns you have will be properly addressed. I find their school tour and views very enlightening - several points were raised that I had not considered during my initial search for a proper preschool and I was given a better view of the progressive approach.
The school follows a progressive methodology that incorporates learning through play. What sets it apart from other schools is the personal flair injected by its proprietor and head teacher - Teacher Richie. Teacher Richie works with both the parents and child to ensure that the child is learning at a pace that he/she is comfortable with, while at the same time, in line with the goals and rules enforced by the parent. This entails adjusting the learning process for each student - a daunting and meticulous task, and one that most endears me to the school. Another interesting approach is the presence of all levels (Toddlers, Nursery, Kinder, etc.) in one big classroom. Each level is designated their own work tables to for their lessons, but are given also given time to interact with the whole class to further build their social skills.
While the facilities and equipment are not as impressive to look at as other schools in the area, it has everything a child needs to experience the same level of education, safety, and appropriate playtime - work tables for children, educational toys and materials, play area (separated from the classroom), play mats, wash area, and two bathrooms. There is also a waiting area that is separated from the main classroom with frosted glass, through which parents and companions can monitor their children without distracting them. The assistant teachers are all certified nurses, on-hand in case of emergencies (another plus for me!). Children can only leave the premises as directed by the parent (i.e., parents should advise the school beforehand as to who are the only ones allowed to pick up their child).
The tuition fee is considerably less than other schools in this prime location, especially since it offers daily classes (most charge an exorbitant fee for 2-3x a week). Teacher Richie is also quite open to whatever concerns you may have regarding payment schemes.
Do drop by Brainy Beginners if you are school hunting. I guarantee that you won't regret it. Teacher Richie and his staff are very accommodating to drop-in visitors. Any and all questions and concerns you have will be properly addressed. I find their school tour and views very enlightening - several points were raised that I had not considered during my initial search for a proper preschool and I was given a better view of the progressive approach.
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