Ali-Bata Blog

Shout out to FilipiKnows for the original article! Kids (and adults) today are often too absorbed in playing digital games, so much so that we no longer know or remember how to play with traditional Filipino toys. Unlike their virtual counterpart, the old-fashioned Filipino toys nurtured our creativity and built a sense of teamwork among our peers. Heck, you can even create your own toys by using what was already available around you. Necessity, after all, is the mother of invention. Although we now live in a high-tech world, it makes sense to find a perfect balance between allowing our kids...

We are doing a giveaway in honour of Buwan ng Wika! 🇵🇭🎊 To enter:- Like the Ali-Bata Facebook page - In the comments of this post, tag a friend AND tell us what Filipino dialect you speak or would like to learn Prizes:- 1 x Sungka- 1 x Larga! Travel kit- Choice of: 2 x Adarna storybooks OR 2 x board books More information:- Giveaway closes Thursday, 22 August- Giveaway is only open in Australia- You must tag and comment on this post

And just like that, the winter school holidays are upon us! While the kiddos find relief in getting a break from school, I find that most other titas find this period a wee bit stressful -- whether that's in finding something to keep the young ones entertained or realising that your favourite cafe or park has been overrun by holidaying families.  If you're part of the first group and looking for something your younger children can do, check out the activity sheet below. Simply print and introduce your toddlers to some basic Filipino words associated with the different seasons.   What...

Despite growing up in the Philippines, I can’t recall having big celebrations for Independence Day except rejoicing in the fact that I got to skip a day of school. It’s quite unlike here in Australia where families seem to have planned for Australia Day in advance, whether that’s attending a big backyard barbeque or having a modest picnic at the park -- rice cooker in tow, of course!   In the spirit of making Independence Day feel more festive, here are 5 ideas on how you can celebrate Independence Day with your kids:     Watch a Filipino movie Plat...