I am married with 2 kids. I've been in this situation some months ago. During those times that my husband and I are having hard times in our relationship, this person came and he had been my outlet. Sooner he admitted how he feels towards me and even told me that he's willing to wait until I'm free again. He's still single and he is already stable. My mind somehow thought of the possibilities with regards to my marriage. At times I thought of giving us the chance to get to know each other (we don't know each other personally & we haven't met in person), but I believe that wouldn't be right. I stopped txting and chatting him and i refused all his calls. I focused on my family instead and tried to rebuild our relationship. 3 months had passed, i received an overseas call, it was him. I told him not to spend anymore time on me but he told me he just wanted friendship. Sometimes I accept his calls and reply to his chats on FB but hanggang doon na lang, I limit communications with him...tahimik na ang buhay ko and i still believe as long as i do the right thing hinding hindi ako pababayaan ng Diyos...ok lng b na pagbigyan ko sya sa pagkakaibigan?

                                                                                              From,
                                                                                              Mrs. X

Dear Mrs. X,

Thank you for your letter.  Hubby and I talked about your situation and we both agreed that what you're going through is tough.  First of all, the man you married, is the man you made a vow to - For Better or For Worse, For Richer or Poorer, Through Thick or Thin, In Sickness and In Health, Til Death Do You Part.  Whatever it was or still is that you're fighting about or in your words, having hard times with your husband, is still part of the vow that you made to each other, that you'll stick together come what may.  In these times, God tests our marriages.  In these testing times, it also makes it convenient for intruders to come in.  When we say intruders, this does not pertain only to persons, it could be career or a hobby that will keep your focus away from the marriage.  The good friend you met, however helpful he was to you at your low point, and however he was able to fulfill your emotional need at that time, is one of the distractions in your marriage that if not controlled or eliminated could cause infidelity or failure to your marriage.

Photo Source

It's very convenient for us women to find comfort from friends especially when we have problems right?  I also turn to my friends for support and encouragement.  But remember a good friend, will help rebuild a marriage, not break it apart.  A friend with good intentions will be like an angel, guiding you into fixing your marriage and not take you away from it.  I don't know the background of your new found friend, who just admitted his feelings for you, but from what hubby and I think based on your letter, maybe he is also lonely on the other part of the world he's in and has found an emotional attachment with you.  He may or may not be aware that in his pursuit of his own happiness and love, he could be destroying a family.  I will not even touch on the topic of the effects of a failed marriage or broken family to the children, that will be another long and sad story.

Personally, I believe that the start of infidelity in a relationship/marriage depends on us women.  We have the power to say YES to it and allow it to happen.  More especially we have the power to say NO to it and stop the intruders from entering our marriage.  In the same manner when let's say, the husband is the one who will commit infidelity, it will not happen if no woman will allow a married man to pursue her.  It's the same thing if the husband was just tempted into it, a woman must have initiated.  I am happy that you decided to focus on your family and children and put a stop into communicating with him.

Is it wrong or right to continue the friendship with him?  Ask yourself, will he help you and your husband be closer to each other?  Will he inspire and support you in becoming a better and more loving spouse to your husband?  Will he be able to nurture the love, respect and trust that you and your husband have for each other?  If your answers to all the questions are YES, then hubby and I think it's okay.  Make sure your husband is aware of this friendship especially if the person intends to help you with your marriage.  But if at least one answer is NO, then it won't be healthy to continue your friendship with him.

As married women, we should do everything we can to protect and safeguard our marriages.  The top of the list on how to do this is to communicate with God through daily prayers.  There's no better way to protect the marriage than to develop a relationship with God.  Put HIM in the center of your lives.  Second, safeguard yourself from new friendships with men, both offline or online.  Refrain from spending time alone with another man even if it's a harmless activity like sports or chatting, infidelity may start from these.  Lastly, continually bond with your husband and bring the sparks back.  Remember, no marriage is perfect.  As what Mignon McLaughlin said “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

Hope this helps Mrs. X.  Thank you for your letter and entrusting me your story!  God bless!

Sincerely Yours,
Mommy Practicality

Recommended for you:

• Finding Time For Communication, Romance and Intimacy
• How To Argue Productively With Your Spouse
• 10 Bonding Ideas With Your Spouse

January went by so fast as I finally sank into 2014 and also got used to writing 2014 on my dates too!  Now, recalling at how January was for me, I could say that it's been good so far.  I would like to call this a blessing list.  By the way, while I type this post, I and hubby are recovering from flu which hit us at the same time.  Imagine that, we were just resting in the room for two straight days and couldn't do much because of back aches, head aches, cough and colds.  So here's how January went for me:

First on the list is my first-ever Gardenia Philippines bread factory tour.  It was a work-related trip, but I requested that while waiting for the meeting to start, we tour their 6K plant.  I will be coming back and definitely with my kids in tow!

 Last year, I wrote about my Christmas wishlist.  One of my wishlists, was to finally be able to set up a home office so I could blog with more focus and do all my work stuff in one place.  Tada!  Here it is now, lovingly and patiently set up by hubby!  This makes me feel (more) motivated and inspired to write my thoughts on my blog and plan for where Mommy Practicality will be going this year! :)
Last but definitely not the least, I had a radio guesting on DWDD 1134 kHz AM Bloggers' Hour Program last January 31.  It's a milestone for the blog and I've said on my Facebook post, that God knows the desires of my heart for this blog, which is to be a channel to share, inspire, help and reach to more moms and women.  He is making it happen for me and I am truly blessed and happy to be able to talk about the blog, how it started and why I do it.  I'll be posting the video of the one hour interview as soon as I have it. :)

I also started my blog coaching with my friend Martine of Make It Blissful (formerly Dainty Mom) and the blog redesign will happen after I finish my coaching with her.  I've also accepted a brand ambassadorship project and my other blog projects continue to flow.

So there's my blessing list for this month, which I really think flew by so quickly.  I'm doing this partly because I've read in my Chinese horoscope by the way, that the year of the horse, doesn't necessarily mean a lucky year for a horse-born individual.  In career, I should be careful with colleagues and relationship with my boss.  In wealth, this year may be unstable.  On the lighter side however, horses are known to be have ingenious communication skills, are clever and kind to others, cheerful, perceptive and talented.  So instead of focusing on what's not so good about my year, I will just focus on and appreciate the blessings, month after month.  It's not that I firmly believe in Chinese horoscope readings.  I still believe that everything happens to us for a reason and the output will always be the result of the inputs and of course of our prayers.

Gingersnaps celebrates its 20th Anniversary Fashion Show at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier on February 1, 2014.  As the leading brand for children and maternity wear in the Philippines, Gingersnaps welcomes all to an afternoon filled with delightful thrills, colourful outfits, sweet treats, enchanting music, and childlike energy.

It was an honor for me to be part of this grand event because I've been patronizing Gingersnaps for my children and also one of the best choices for gifts to other young children.  When you have a Gingersnaps piece of clothing, you are assured of world-class quality material, which definitely makes it every Filipinos' pride.

Pre-fashion show, the event started with children doodling on their freedom photo wall, where my toddler was instantly attracted to.  There was a pick-a-prize game sponsored by 2nd Avenue, popcorn and cotton candy treats for the kids and cocktails were also served for the adult guests.


The fashion show was kicked off by their lovely host Ms. Daphne Osena-Paez.
Mr. Jerry Uy, owner of Gingersnaps, welcomed everyone in attendance.
He recalled how Gingersnaps started as a modest corner in a department store.  Today, Gingersnaps celebrates 20 years of international style with unbound elegance and classical modernity.  Loved by moms, dads and kids alike, the brand continues to create positive images of family, ethnic diversity, and creative style.  Every aspect of the production – from the casting, set-design, and the runway collection – have been created with the overall theme of grace, quirkiness, and global freshness.

The celebration started early with the Gingersnaps Kids Model Search – an online photo competition for kids to be the faces of Gingersnaps – and now culminates with the Gingersnaps 20th Anniversary Fashion Show.  45 kids get to walk the runway including the winning 10 new faces of Gingersnaps, namely Ananda Sadhwani, David Young, Emilia Ramirez, Jacob Hyatt, Jolijn Etten, Jean Santos, Maiko Bo, Llewellyn Casino, Ystelle Gaboriault, and Nicholas Almendral.

The stage is set as kids from ages 3-12 don on Gingersnaps clothing and walk the chic runway.  Guided by top Fashion Director Robbie Carmona and styled by Celebrity Stylist Pam Quinones, these little fashionistas are ready to give their fiercest Gingersnaps pose for the camera and the stage.  Here are some photos from the cute fashion show:
Shown here are my kids who obviously got entertained and had fun during the fashion show.

Thank you once again Gingersnaps for the invitation and congratulations on this milestone!

Last month, I had a pleasure to attend one of the more memorable events last year, which was Sangobion's Christmas Thanksgiving lunch. The event was hosted by Merck and Sangobion, held at Makati Shangri-la.  The sumptuous lunch was intimately enjoyed together with other bloggers and their media partners.

Ms. Giselle Sanchez was the entertaining host of the event and was in full costume and character as the Salaminkera.  She surely made everyone in attendance a ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing) experience as she delivered one punchline after the other.  I like her a lot because she was full of energy, she's sharp and you would definitely know that she's an intelligent woman from the way she spoke her mind out.
What touched me the most during my attendance in the Sangobion Thanksgiving event was when they generously donated to Red Cross Philippines.  I love the thought they are giving back by financially assisting an institution whose mission is to help those in need.

From L-R: Mr. Louie Roxas (Merck General Manager), Ms. Giselle Sanchez,  Ms. Janette Alcaraz (Director, Fund Generation, Red Cross), Ramonito Tampos (President and MD Merck).

Thanks again Sangobion for making me part of your 2013!  All the best for this 2014!

Know more about Sangobion and how you could be an IRON Lady in my previous post over HERE.

Hello Loves.

I was listening to one of the more popular morning radio show the other day and the topic was about Challenges Among Married Couples.  It got me interested to listen longer because of the answers and explanation of the callers who aired out their marital situations.

Most, if not all, of the answers were about finding time, romance and dating.  I would have wanted to call and say my piece too.  But I got shy and would rather type my thoughts on the blog.  I'll tell you some of the callers' answers that struck me.

• Caller A, Communication Problem: My wife and I are both working.  We only get to see each other twice the whole day.  Once in the morning before going to work and another at night when we're both home.  We don't talk the whole day nor text each other.  When we both are home too tired from work, we'd rather sleep than talk about how our day went more especially to make love.
• Caller B, Romance and Dating Problem: We can't seem to have time to date as a couple anymore.  The last time we dated I think was two years ago.  I can't seem to leave the kids alone.  On weekends whether we go to the mall, dine out or watch a movie,  we always bring the kids.  When we go out of town, we also bring the kids.  Sayang kasi if hindi pa namin isasama sa vacation.  Nagui-guilty kasi ako pag hindi sila kasama.  But I do have time to go out with my own set of friends, because I have my own life.
• Caller C, Intimacy Problem: After having kids, I've been more focused on my children than my husband.  I feel like my kids need me more than my husband, after all, he's already an adult, he could handle or take care of himself.  I also encourage him to be a more hands-on dad.  For me it's okay if we don't have time to make love as often as before.  Honestly, the urge or the thrill to be intimate with him kind of laid-low.

That time, Macky and I were praying for God's guidance on (1) what to do with this dilemma of having a pregnant yaya who first of all, deceived us about her situation and who planned to have the baby adopted (2) on managing the situation smoothly considering that both of us work out of home and (3) on finding a replacement soon.

GOD heard our prayers.

Just when we already talked to my kumare who teaches childbirth lessons in Nazareth Home to help us in the admission of our yaya to the shelter on the weekend of December week 2, she gave birth four days earlier.  My mom brought her to the hospital immediately when she complained about unbearable abdomen cramps at around 5:00 am.  Of course as a mother of two, I already knew that it was her time.  We were all expecting her to give birth on January 7, as stated in her first pre-natal check up.  Apparently, her count wasn't correct.

Our concerns and the answers were:

• Hospital Bill - It could have been so much easier if we just admitted  her to the Nazareth Home shelter because as what my friend said, the shelter will take care of all her expenses for childbirth and even her medications.  But things happened not according to our plan.  I had to take care of her hospital bill, the newborn screening plus food and transportation while she was confined.
• Other Medical Expenses - I made sure all her post-natal medicines were complete.  I couldn't risk her having post-natal complications or what others call binat.  After all, she was still living with us for a month after giving birth.
• Informing Her Family - Initially, she didn't want any of her family know that she was pregnant.  But that cannot be.  Her family had to know.  Her mother most especially had to know.  As a mother myself, I cannot bare to not know the important events in the lives of my children.  
• Adoption and Registration of Baby's Name - To tell you frankly, which I've also said in my last two posts about this, she was strong in saying that she's giving up the baby for adoption.  I was approached by a number of interested families after I wrote about this.  I gave her that option, not that I fully support her decision.  Another was admitting her to the shelter which will guide and assist her in processing adoption for her child.  But since she gave birth in a hospital, it was required that she registers the baby under her name.  As fate would have it, they got out of the hospital even when the registration of the baby's name wasn't processed at that time.  Any adopting parent would see that as a perfect scenario, because they could  seek a legal's assistance to register the baby's name following theirs.  But that's not what God planned.  There was one interested parent who was sincere in her plans to adopt the baby, but when the whole family discussed about it, the wind blew another direction.  
• Baptism - I let yaya stay in our house for one month after giving birth, to ensure she and her baby are okay and healthy.  But maybe because of kasabihan ng matatanda that travelling an unbaptized infant is not good, the baby had to be baptized before leaving our premises.  My mom and I helped her in this case.  This was also the compelling reason why she already had to register the baby's name in the Manila Registrar's Office through the hospital.  We took care of the expenses as well.
• Being Yayaless and Finding a Replacement - One of the hardest situations I could think of for a working mom/dad is leaving your child/ren to a stranger (yaya).  But worse than that is leaving them to no one.  There were days that I had to take unpaid leaves, the same for Macky.  I even had to bring my toddler to work, because I had no choice (but how I wish I could bring him everyday!).  Finding a replacement was also tedious because we don't get from agencies, only through referrals.  It took us a month to find a replacement.  We're blessed to have found a kind-hearted yaya, hopefully, she stays long with us.  

I had no choice one time, but to bring my son to work.  Here he was taking his afternoon nap.

Hello Loves!  I know right?  It's been five days since I wrote my last post.  If you follow me on Facebook, you would know that I just came from a recent Cebu business trip for the Sinulog Festival.  Yes, I could say it was mixed business and pleasure, but it's more of a business trip for me.  Who finds being away from your family (especially your adorable kids) pleasurable?  I don't, especially when it's more than three days.  But still, I am thankful for this travel opportunity that comes with my job.  To sum up my trip, here are my descriptions in ONE word (plus elaborated paragraph).

TIRING
I was there for work so work it all were!  The crucial days for me when I'm out of town are the first three days.  Training, setting up booths, supervising activation, reporting performance back in Manila, computing expenses, budgeting and managing people closely.  There were expected of me more, because my bosses don't see you.  It's my responsibility to make sure everything will run smoothly.  If they don't, I should have contingency plans ready to back it up.  It was a bit stressful, and when I'm stressed, my acne seeds activate and they grow, just about everywhere!  Eeewl!

TRAFFIC
Anyway, the Sinulog Festival was craaaaazy!  It was traffic everywhere!  There was one night that I was stranded in my friend/colleague's hotel that I had to stay overnight, without changing clothes (as in nada, not even, you know!) because no taxi was willing to bring me back to my hotel.  Good thing was, I had free breakfast and I had loads and loads of bacon!  The following two days, streets were closed due to parades and street activities, hence walking became a past time of people there.  You have to walk to get from one point to another.  Walkathon at its finest talaga!

CRAZY
The Sinulog Mardi Gras and street party happened last Sunday, January 19.  The moment every Sinulog party people have been waiting for.  My young colleague, Ian, badly wanted to go because I played the role of manang KJ (Kill Joy) to him last year because I didn't go.  So this time, I had to make up for that so I came to party with him.  Wow, I know, mommy practicality parties?  Yup sometimes.  But admittedly loves, it's not my cup of tea anymore.  It's not my crowd too.  Most of the people on the streets were college students, yuppies and single persons ready to mingle.  One word: CRAZY!  Yes, everyone was crazily greeting everyone Pit Senyor almost like a chant.  Some where whistling to the  tune of the chant.  Half-naked good looking guys were offering free hugs to random people (I got one! hehe!) and people were throwing water or beer at just about anyone who passes their street.  Also, some put paint on your face or shirt while greeting Pit Senyor!  Everyone was just so jubilant and energetic!

STAR-STUDDED
Last year, I was on the plane with Marian Rivera, Rafael Rosell, Dennis Trillo and Raymond Gutierrez.  This time i was with Daniel Padilla on the plane.  I can hear myself singing "Ne Seyo na Eng Lehet!"  Here's the picture I took of him by the way:
Ang gwapo niya dyan no? Hahahaha!  I was supposed to take a perfect selfie shot with him when a fan waved her hand and hit mine.

Oh, and during the parade of floats, one of which was ABS-CBN's, the fan girl in me came naturally out.  I found myself shouting na kinikilig pa the names of JOHN LLOYYYD!!! I LOVE YOU!!!  and SIR CHIEEEEF!!!  hahaha!  My friend took a video of them and I couldn't believe I was screaming my heart out!  So kilig that time!

DELICIOSO
Whenever I'm in Cebu, I make sure I taste their famous Cebu Lechon!  It really tastes more delectable than the lechons I tasted in Manila.  I had lechon twice, one in SM and another in Zubuchon Restaurant in Escario Center.  Of course, I also look forward to unlimited bacon during breakfast!  I don't know what's with bacon and hotels, it has to come together!  My colleagues and I speak highly of bacon in Cebu and even compare bacons from one hotel buffet to another.  Now, I am craving for lechon!  We also went to Larsian and feasted with their grilled pork bbq, lechon manok, grilled pusit, itlog na maalat with tomato and onion and their famous puso rice.  Also, who couldn't resist danggit, dried mangoes and my favorite rosquillos?  I'm such a foodie, their all delicioso!

MEMORABLE
Every Cebu trip for me is different which truly makes it memorable.  Last year, I was still able to visit the Basilica de Sto. Nino.  This time, it was close because it's being renovated after parts of it got destroyed due to earthquake last year.  The Sinulog street party at Baseline and along the street of Escario was truly memorable for me because I almost got into two (2) scary-life-threatening (almost) stampede due to the influx of people in that narrow street.  While to others who may be a little tipsy, it was a thrill or an adventure that they kept pushing people in front obliviously, to people who have families like me, I feared for my life that moment.  What if just one person fell, clearly, there will be a stampede.  I prayed hard and all I wanted to do was go back to my hotel.  Thank God, He heard my prayers.  He protected me, prevented the stampede from happening and brought me safely back to my hotel.
I also met up with a good friend in Cebu and had a very good girl talk with her.  We had dinner at Portos and our desserts were all chikkas about life and relationships!  :)

So that sums up my recent trip to Cebu.  It was quite an adventure.  What I wanted to experience next time are the Skywalk, Zip Line from one building to the other, and just lay around the beach!  The best part of this whole trip?  It was when I got home to my loves, priceless feeling!  I missed my kids so much!

I've always believed in investing in something you love.  Investing doesn't always mean monetary.  Investing also means spending time, effort and emotions.  When you invest on something, the returns could be unexpectedly brilliant.  There will be times though, that the returns are not what you wished for.  But what to do?  Take the risk and invest more or diversify.  It's just like any relationships, the more you give, the more you receive.  It could be a skill, a hobby or a talent.  Invest time in practicing and improving it.  When you do, you could use it to your advantage and use it for the greater good.

photo source

Let's take for example this blog which I love so much.  I am taking this one-year old baby of mine seriously and wholeheartedly.  That's why since last year, I've been attending blog and writing workshops organized by Martine de Luna of Dainty Mom, now Make It Blissful.   I yearn to learn more about my new passion, to improve on what I have started, to align all these to my practical working life, to make my features more focused on the brand and to be better storyteller.  I invested in workshop fees, in making time to write my stories and in attending the workshops.  Just recently, I decided to be mentored by Martine and also employ the services of Patricia of Fancy Girl Designs to revamp the blog's look.

Version 2.0 Coming Soon
Mommy Practicality's heart and soul is currently undergoing reconstruction.  My blog's design is also undergoing a beautiful transformation.  It will be a complete make-over and I am extremely happy and excited about it.  All these are the results of my valuable and inspiring takeaways from Martine's blog workshops.  I will be forever grateful that I took this path of blogging which is now a huge part of my life. Blogging has become a major catalyst for my personal improvement.  I never expected that it could affect me this much positively.  It helped shape the better and zen-like me since I decided to take it seriously.  I felt the inner responsibility and accountability to all my actions offline and what I share online.  I became more attuned to what I should be sharing on this blog, all for the pure intentions to inform, help and inspire my readers.

Yes loves, I will be transforming this blog, body and soul.  I hope you all are as excited as I am right now.  Gratitude goes all out to Martine for the blog inspirations and lessons I get from her.  I look forward to our coaching sessions soon.

Let me end this by sharing the blog mood board I came up with as a result of the last workshop I attended.  This will give you an idea on what look the blog will have after the revamp.

I cannot wait for the reveal - the launch of Mommy Practicality's Version 2.0.  Until then loves, hope you still support and stay with me as I go through this wonderful blog journey!

Oh by the way, I want to share Martine's schedule of creative workshops this year which you may want to attend to help you find your blogging bliss too:

For working moms and dads, we value the generous amount of vacation and sick leaves that our company allows us to take in a year.  That's why I cannot stress how important it is to schedule or plan our vacation leaves and make the most out of those free days!  It is for that reason why they are called VACATION, to enjoy and spend quality time with your family and even with yourself may it be just at home, out of town or out of the country.

The list of 2014 Philippine Holidays below will help you better plan your vacation leaves.  Usually we file for leaves on those long weekends.  There are four (4) long weekends this year, so take advantage of it.

Malacañang's Proclamation No. 655 enumerates 2014 Philippine Holidays, here they are:

List of 2014 Philippine National Holidays

• Long Weekend #1: Chinese New Year Celebration on January 31 (Friday)
• Long Weekend #2: Holy Week beginning April 17 (Thursday)
• Long Weekend #3: National Heroes Day on August 25 (Monday)
• Long Weekend #4: Christmas Season starting December 24 (Wednesday)

Mommy Practicality strikes SM Stores, Greenhills Shopping Center and Farmers Cubao (accidentally) for the post-holiday shopping just last weekend and was so happy about her practical shopping finds!  What?  Still hung-over from the holiday fever?  Yes, yes, yes!  Pagbigyan niyo na ako muthers!  If you've followed my holiday events last year, you'd definitely know that it wasn't a time for me to relax and enjoy the vacation.  First, my yaya gave birth early December which meant no help for me with the two kids and the household while I still go to work.  Second, I had flu during the weekend when I scheduled my Christmas shopping.  Third and last, my sons got sick, one after the other.  Imagine that!  Kakaloka ever!  Hence, the acne invasion on my face, which is sad and another issue I have to deal with.

Actually, apart from those reasons stated above, I also love shopping during post-Christmas season.  Why?  For several practical reasons:

• It's less crowded in shopping malls or tiyannges after the holidays.
• Merchandise are on SALE almost anywhere!
• You get great value for your shopping money.