Monday, April 07, 2014
Sunday, April 06, 2014
A Second Look At BrainFit Studio Philippines
Sunday, April 06, 2014It's school break once again loves and of course, the kids are at home everyday these days either playing game consoles, watching their ...
It's school break once again loves and of course, the kids are at home everyday these days either playing game consoles, watching their favorite TV show, drawing and painting, writing paragraphs (my 10 year old boy does that) or reading books.
My 10 year old son had a pretty good school year. No failed grades and he even got an award for his excellence in basketball (He's part of his school's varsity team!). For that we are already happy and proud parents. Though he did well academically, I found out again in my second visit to BrainFit Studio Philippines, that he could still really improve.
My 10 year old son had a pretty good school year. No failed grades and he even got an award for his excellence in basketball (He's part of his school's varsity team!). For that we are already happy and proud parents. Though he did well academically, I found out again in my second visit to BrainFit Studio Philippines, that he could still really improve.
Saturday, April 05, 2014
Mommy Practicality on GMA7's AM Radio Station DZBB 594 kHz
Saturday, April 05, 2014Any blogger for sure, has a strong desire for their voices and point of views to be heard. That's why we write, that's why we blog,...
Any blogger for sure, has a strong desire for their voices and point of views to be heard. That's why we write, that's why we blog, that's why we share information on the digital platform. I just had my voice literally heard all over the Philippines during an interview I had with Ms. Lala Roque (unfortunately for me, Ms. Susan Enriquez was out of the country that time, I would have loved to meet her) on GMA7's AM Radio Station DZBB 594 kHz.
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| Ms. Lala Roque and yours truly. :) |
Monday, March 31, 2014
What I Like About Working Mom Magazine (March Issue)
Monday, March 31, 2014I received my copy of the Working Mom Magazine March Issue early this month! Started reading it and I liked this issue in an instant becau...
I received my copy of the Working Mom Magazine March Issue early this month! Started reading it and I liked this issue in an instant because the cover signals the official start of SUMMER, my favorite season! :)
Sunday, March 30, 2014
A Constipated Blog-Cation
Sunday, March 30, 2014Do you know how it feels like when you want to do the number two (number one is to pee hihi!) and even if there's so much you want to l...
Do you know how it feels like when you want to do the number two (number one is to pee hihi!) and even if there's so much you want to let out, you just can't because you're constipated? It feels heavy inside not to do something your system is supposed to do regularly. That's how I have been feeling these past few days, not physically, but for blogging.
My blog has been on blog-cation lately. Blog-cation for some may mean leisurely taking a break to live life so that they may have something to write about when they come back. But that wasn't the case for me, my blog-cation was a case of constipation. I didn't feel complete and healthy for not being able to write from the heart for several days.
My blog has been on blog-cation lately. Blog-cation for some may mean leisurely taking a break to live life so that they may have something to write about when they come back. But that wasn't the case for me, my blog-cation was a case of constipation. I didn't feel complete and healthy for not being able to write from the heart for several days.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Red Ribbon's Macaroons For A Cause Giveaway
Monday, March 24, 2014Hello everyone! Last weekend, I received this special box filled with soft and sweet Macaroons from Red Ribbon:
Hello everyone! Last weekend, I received this special box filled with soft and sweet Macaroons from Red Ribbon:
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Oh My Gulay Artist Cafe in Baguio City
Tuesday, March 18, 2014One of the most memorable experience I had during my recent trip to Baguio was dining at Oh My Gulay Artist Cafe in Baguio City. Thanks to...
One of the most memorable experience I had during my recent trip to Baguio was dining at Oh My Gulay Artist Cafe in Baguio City. Thanks to my friends Zimon and Phoebe for letting me discover this garden restaurant secretly tucked in along the very busy Session Road. One wouldn't even suspect that there's an oasis at the penthouse of an old building called La Azotea where you have to take the old staircase up to its fifth floor to get there.
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Thursday, March 13, 2014
HOPE For A Woman With A Stained Past - A Life Reflection
Thursday, March 13, 2014Are there times in your busy life that you stop and recall what your life was ten years ago? Did you ever tell yourself, “I’m glad I did w...
Are there times in your busy life that you stop and recall what your life was ten years ago? Did you ever tell yourself, “I’m glad I did what I did because if not, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” My answers to both questions are: YES. That’s why, I’m writing this post today.
I admit and I am not ashamed to say that I wasn’t a goody and tamed kind of girl. I could pass the kind of a lady that a mom of a boyfriend wouldn’t approve of for her son. Young.
The Past.
Ten years ago, I already had my son from a previous marriage. Yup you read that correctly, I was married all for the wrong reasons (but that marriage didn’t last long hence was annulled in 2008). I just recently recovered from a near-death childbirth experience. My son was just four months old. I was jobless, didn’t have money and stayed at home. I didn’t have a mobile phone like everyone else in my circle of friends did. I didn’t have full support from friends. I was in a marriage I didn’t want in the first place. My life took a 180 degree turn, and I thought I was stuck in that miserable life back then. I thought I didn’t have any choice but to just accept, because I said, “This is the consequence of my actions, I should live with it.”
Road to Moving Forward.
I found hope for myself each time I looked at my child’s big round eyes. The fighter in me rose above everything else and convinced me to overcome my insecurities and fear, to clearly focus on what I deserve, to continue dreaming and to aspire for a quality of life that I want for myself and my son. I looked for a job after he turned one year old. I said to my ex, that I had enough. I gathered the courage to get out of the marriage that was nearly rotting me and probably my son’s future. I slowly got my life back together and started to commune with my new self again. I treated myself better. I became a better parent to my son. I performed well in my job.
The road to moving forward had its hits and misses. I turned to God while going through all these. I searched for Him and finally found him when I served in our church as a choir member. During this time God gave me a good friend who at that time also had troubles with the matters of heart. But while he was going through his own relationship battles a hundred fingers were pointed at me for being the culprit of his failed relationship, so I decided to disappear. I reconciled with my ex-husband, but unfortunately, it didn’t work again. A year later, I crossed paths with this good friend at the time when we were both free. We never separated since then.
Reflections.
Looking back if I just took in what little was given to me, then, I didn’t love enough and give value to myself. I would still be miserably living a life I didn’t want - A life that our society (spell relatives) expects a married woman to live.
If I focused on those judgmental remarks, comments, rumors, and harsh opinions of people about my life, I would have not been happily in love now. My life wouldn’t be as complete and perfectly imperfect right now.
LIFE Lessons.
LIFE is what you make of it. It is clearly up to you to deteriorate or invigorate it. We all have our ups and downs. People will never stop having opinions and judgment about you, dismiss them. It’s your life. You don’t owe anybody any explanation. Eliminate people that drag you down. Keep those who sincerely support and help you become a better person. Never think that you cannot accomplish something, just continue dreaming. Don’t focus on bitterness and hatred towards people who judged you, forgive them.
Your past do not determine what your future will be. Work everyday on becoming a better version of yourself at present. Don't let people who doubt and judge you limit you from creating a brighter future. Keep on moving forward my friend.
Yes, I did have a badly stained past - I almost died. My first marriage was a failure. I became a single mom. I was broke (spell no money at all). People harshly judged me even if they don't know me personally and what I've been through.
But my failure and other challenging life experiences motivated me to become STRONGER, BETTER, WISER, HUMBLE, and FORGIVING. I didn't give up on myself. I didn't lose hope. I didn't let depression take over me. I prayed hard to God to help me get through each day while I was fixing my life. He has given me so much, more than what I prayed for. Sometimes I think I am not worthy. So now that I am WHO I have become TODAY because I made my YESTERDAY motivate me to create my better FUTURE, I give it all back to HIM. I am thankful for this blog for it has become a channel for me to reach out to people who may have gone through, or still is going through, what I've been through.
I pray, if you're reading this and is currently in a difficult life circumstance, whatever it may be, DO NOT LOSE HOPE. May my life story inspire you to pick up the broken pieces, put them all together and fix them. Don't give your past the power to rule over your life and how you live it. Let it go. Forgive yourself. Pray. LIVE!
Photo Credits:
Spotless Future
Don't Judge Past
Keep Calm. Move Forward
Your past do not determine what your future will be. Work everyday on becoming a better version of yourself at present. Don't let people who doubt and judge you limit you from creating a brighter future. Keep on moving forward my friend.
But my failure and other challenging life experiences motivated me to become STRONGER, BETTER, WISER, HUMBLE, and FORGIVING. I didn't give up on myself. I didn't lose hope. I didn't let depression take over me. I prayed hard to God to help me get through each day while I was fixing my life. He has given me so much, more than what I prayed for. Sometimes I think I am not worthy. So now that I am WHO I have become TODAY because I made my YESTERDAY motivate me to create my better FUTURE, I give it all back to HIM. I am thankful for this blog for it has become a channel for me to reach out to people who may have gone through, or still is going through, what I've been through.
I pray, if you're reading this and is currently in a difficult life circumstance, whatever it may be, DO NOT LOSE HOPE. May my life story inspire you to pick up the broken pieces, put them all together and fix them. Don't give your past the power to rule over your life and how you live it. Let it go. Forgive yourself. Pray. LIVE!
Photo Credits:
Spotless Future
Don't Judge Past
Keep Calm. Move Forward
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Top Places To Visit In Baguio City
Wednesday, March 12, 2014I recently visited Baguio City for a business trip. I brought my son with me because I felt very guilty for being away from home for five d...
I recently visited Baguio City for a business trip. I brought my son with me because I felt very guilty for being away from home for five days and four nights. Travel experience and learning from a new place is something I believe that is also essential for his life journey and happy memory bank. It's just as important as learning within the four corners of his classroom.
Baguio City is most popular during their month-long Panagbenga Festival which happens every February. Apart from that, it's one of the favorite vacation spots during summer because of its cool breeze that you could feel even when you're under the sun in the afternoon. Who wouldn't want the cold weather on a happy sunny day during summer? At night, there's no need for an air-conditioned room, in fact, I'm sure you'll be requesting extra blankets!
I brought my son around the city, particularly the popular tourist spots there. Let me share with you the places we visited in Baguio City which may serve as your quick reference should you also go there with your family, colleagues or friends.
Session Road
It is the busiest street in Baguio City. There are many restaurants along the uphill street and shopping finds too. There's one particular restaurant that caught my interest, it's Oh My Gulay and I will write about it on a separate post.
Burnham Park
It is one of the most popular Baguio City landmarks. It's located in the middle of the city and is just a walk away from Session Road. It's accessible to public transportation and it's near hotels, SM City, market and restaurants. It's a place for relaxation, picnics and recreational activities such as boating, biking, skating and jogging.
Wright Park Riding Stables
Horseback riding is the activity which I let my son experience here for the first time. It costs P200/30 mins. If you're going to get a guide, which for me is important if it's your first time to ride a horse, you pay an additional P200/30 mins.
The Mansion House
You cannot really enter the mansion itself, so when you visit this historical place, you may just take some pictures. For those of you who may not know it, The Mansion House is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.
Mines View Park
If you want a view overlooking mountains through its quite small viewing deck, this is a perfect place. Shops are located within the area selling native products perfect for pasalubong. You may also look for Coco the cute St. Bernard dog and have pictures taken with it for P50.00/three shots.
Good Shepherd Convent
The convent is known for their quality products or delicacies such as ube jam, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, lengua de leche and angel cookies. Expect the shop to be always crowded especially in the afternoon. But not to worry, they have a systematic queuing for their buyers.
Camp John Hay
The camp used to be a venue for rest and recreation for US Armed Forces in the Philippines as well as US Department of Defense employees and dependents. Now it's one of tourists' favorite spots in Baguio to dine and shop.
Pink Sisters Convent
If you're looking for a solemn prayer time during your stay in Baguio, the convent chapel is a perfect place to be in. The Pink Sisters repetitively pray for various petitions from different people at a certain time of the day. Just write your petitions on a piece of paper provided in front with your full name and complete address, then drop in the wooden box.
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
You will find this grand church at the top of Session Road. You even have to take the 105 steep steps going there. Since we were there on a Sunday, we attended an English mass here at around 7:00 pm.
50s Diner
The small casual dining retro restaurant will never be customer-empty. They have big servings for an affordable price that's why people line up, just like how we did.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Make sure you ate a hefty breakfast when you're going here in the morning because you will be taking around 250 stair steps to get to the top.
BenCab Museum
If you're an artist or one who appreciates both classic and contemporary paintings and sculptures, this almost-out-of-town-four-level-museum should be on your list of places to visit. Located along Asin Road which is quite near Our Lade of Lourdes Grotto. Pay only P100.00 entrance fee to be fed with magnificence from Ben Cabrera's and other artists' masterpieces. Get a great view of the mountain at the garden level where you will also find Cafe Ysabel restaurant.
Bell Church
For us, the Chinese temple with its intricate architectural design, is a marvelous sight to see. There are Buddhism artifacts and a little history about China to be found in the Church.
La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
Make sure you visit this on your last day of the trip just before heading back home to ensure that you still have your strawberries as fresh as you picked or bought them. You may also try the strawberry taho sold in the area or buy native delicacies and products as pasalubong. Big strawberries are priced P100/kl while P50.00/kl for bite-sized berries.
My list of places to visit in Baguio City could be toured in two days. So on your next trip to Baguio City, make sure you visit most of the places listed on this post, if not all, to ensure a complete Baguio City experience!
Baguio City is most popular during their month-long Panagbenga Festival which happens every February. Apart from that, it's one of the favorite vacation spots during summer because of its cool breeze that you could feel even when you're under the sun in the afternoon. Who wouldn't want the cold weather on a happy sunny day during summer? At night, there's no need for an air-conditioned room, in fact, I'm sure you'll be requesting extra blankets!
I brought my son around the city, particularly the popular tourist spots there. Let me share with you the places we visited in Baguio City which may serve as your quick reference should you also go there with your family, colleagues or friends.
Session Road
It is the busiest street in Baguio City. There are many restaurants along the uphill street and shopping finds too. There's one particular restaurant that caught my interest, it's Oh My Gulay and I will write about it on a separate post.
It is one of the most popular Baguio City landmarks. It's located in the middle of the city and is just a walk away from Session Road. It's accessible to public transportation and it's near hotels, SM City, market and restaurants. It's a place for relaxation, picnics and recreational activities such as boating, biking, skating and jogging.
Baguio City Central Market
Looking for cheaper priced pasalubong such as delicacies, vegetables, Baguio walis (broom) or Baguio garlic longganisa where you could haggle for discounts? This is the place to be. It's walking distance from Session Road and accessible also to public transportation. If bringing a car, parking could be challenging.
Botanical Garden
The garden has improved a lot from the last time I visited. It features different interesting garden themes. If you're looking for a peaceful, quiet and meditation type of walk, you'd be happy to visit this place. You could also take a picture with the Igorots, just make sure you give them generous tips.Horseback riding is the activity which I let my son experience here for the first time. It costs P200/30 mins. If you're going to get a guide, which for me is important if it's your first time to ride a horse, you pay an additional P200/30 mins.
You cannot really enter the mansion itself, so when you visit this historical place, you may just take some pictures. For those of you who may not know it, The Mansion House is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.
If you want a view overlooking mountains through its quite small viewing deck, this is a perfect place. Shops are located within the area selling native products perfect for pasalubong. You may also look for Coco the cute St. Bernard dog and have pictures taken with it for P50.00/three shots.
The convent is known for their quality products or delicacies such as ube jam, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, lengua de leche and angel cookies. Expect the shop to be always crowded especially in the afternoon. But not to worry, they have a systematic queuing for their buyers.
The camp used to be a venue for rest and recreation for US Armed Forces in the Philippines as well as US Department of Defense employees and dependents. Now it's one of tourists' favorite spots in Baguio to dine and shop.
If you're looking for a solemn prayer time during your stay in Baguio, the convent chapel is a perfect place to be in. The Pink Sisters repetitively pray for various petitions from different people at a certain time of the day. Just write your petitions on a piece of paper provided in front with your full name and complete address, then drop in the wooden box.
You will find this grand church at the top of Session Road. You even have to take the 105 steep steps going there. Since we were there on a Sunday, we attended an English mass here at around 7:00 pm.
50s Diner
The small casual dining retro restaurant will never be customer-empty. They have big servings for an affordable price that's why people line up, just like how we did.
Make sure you ate a hefty breakfast when you're going here in the morning because you will be taking around 250 stair steps to get to the top.
If you're an artist or one who appreciates both classic and contemporary paintings and sculptures, this almost-out-of-town-four-level-museum should be on your list of places to visit. Located along Asin Road which is quite near Our Lade of Lourdes Grotto. Pay only P100.00 entrance fee to be fed with magnificence from Ben Cabrera's and other artists' masterpieces. Get a great view of the mountain at the garden level where you will also find Cafe Ysabel restaurant.
For us, the Chinese temple with its intricate architectural design, is a marvelous sight to see. There are Buddhism artifacts and a little history about China to be found in the Church.
Make sure you visit this on your last day of the trip just before heading back home to ensure that you still have your strawberries as fresh as you picked or bought them. You may also try the strawberry taho sold in the area or buy native delicacies and products as pasalubong. Big strawberries are priced P100/kl while P50.00/kl for bite-sized berries.
~Have you been to Baguio too loves? Any other places you'd like to add on my list?~
Monday, March 10, 2014
Dear Mommy Practicality #4 (Chat Room Affair)
Monday, March 10, 2014Good day loves! Our Dear Mommy Practicality feature today is long overdue. Apologies to our letter sender who most probably has been waiti...
Good day loves! Our Dear Mommy Practicality feature today is long overdue. Apologies to our letter sender who most probably has been waiting for this post to come out. As you may or may not know, I came from a business trip last weekend for work. Well, now I'm back loves and I have so much to share with you from my trip to Baguio City.
Meanwhile, let's read about the dilemma of our letter sender. She admitted having a lover while in a relationship. Here it goes:
Dear Mommy Practicality,
Gusto ko po i-share sayo ang love story ko about me,my live in partner and my lover. Nakilala ko si lover online last 2009. Everynight nag-cha-chat kami, Hindi niya alam na (in a relationship) na ako, (kaya) nanligaw siya sa akin. Four months after, umuwi siya dito sa Pilipinas at nakikipagkita siya sa akin. Nag-second thoughts ako dahil una, may boyfirend ako and second, hindi ko naman talaga siya type.
Pumayag din ako dahil sa pangungulit niya at nagpunta kami sa malayong lugar. Hindi alam ng ka-live-in partner ko lahat ng ito. Nakita ko ang magandang ugali niya at unti-unti may nararamdaman na rin ako para sa kanya. Na-miss ko siya nang sobra nung bumalik na siya sa Qatar. Sobra ko na siyang mahal at siya lang ang lalaking nakapagpatibok ng puso ko nang ganun.
Balik naman sa live-in partner ko, kami po ay may anak ngunit hindi po kami kasal dahil nga gang ngayun eh ayoko pa dn sa knya. Siya po ang naka-una sa akin at hindi po ako nagkaroon ng ibang boyfriend kundi siya lang.
Nalaman kong may pamilya na pala ang lover ko pero nagmahalan pa rin kami for three years at marami pong nangyari, sa kabila ng malaking bundok na namagitan sa ming dalawa.
Alam ko may kasalanan ako sa live in partner ko at sa mga anak ko, pero nagmamahal lang namn ako. Hanggang ngayun miss na miss ko sya at mahal na mahal ko pa din siya. Thank you mommy for reading and More power to your Blog..Stay Blessed!
~Luv BabyGirl J
Dear BabyGirl J,
First of all dear, thank you for taking time to share your story to us. It seems like right now you are somehow back and settled with your life partner and your children, and that your adventurous days are over. Hopefully, that is how you think of your experience with your married OFW lover.
It's a good start to a better and peaceful life that you are acknowledging your mistakes because it gives you a sense of responsibility to correct them by doing what is right and just and giving what your own family truly deserves: Time, Love, and Attention. Second, do forgive yourself.
Yes, we're humans and yes we make mistakes. But remember as humans, we're gifted with free will and that's what we use in every bit of decisions we make in life. Choosing what to eat, what to wear, which career to go for, parenting styles to apply, and even who to love. Everything that happens in our lives are results of our choices. We reap what we sow.
You may still feel love for your lover, but you may decide to end it. I think, that's what he did.. He went back to his family, because he chose his family. You also have that power to choose your children and your long-time partner above everything else. You're saying that you don't feel any love for your partner. Love is a decision. I used to not believe it, but being with the love of my life now, I am a witness to its authenticity. No matter how irritating he may get, I still decide to love him.
In any relationship, these are important: Love, Respect, Trust, Communication, and Transparency. Take one day at a time in repairing your relationship. Stay clear of any distractions and temptations. I would discourage you to join the chat forums and be involved in any activities that would destroy your relationship and cripple you into being a dedicated and loving mother. Be fair to him and more especially to your children. God bless you on your fresh start and make use of your second chance to correct your mistakes wisely. Pray for strength and continuous guidance. God bless!
Sincerely Yours,
Mommy Practicality
So there you have it loves. Have you got any advice to our letter sender? Please do write them on the comments form below. :)
First of all dear, thank you for taking time to share your story to us. It seems like right now you are somehow back and settled with your life partner and your children, and that your adventurous days are over. Hopefully, that is how you think of your experience with your married OFW lover.
It's a good start to a better and peaceful life that you are acknowledging your mistakes because it gives you a sense of responsibility to correct them by doing what is right and just and giving what your own family truly deserves: Time, Love, and Attention. Second, do forgive yourself.
Yes, we're humans and yes we make mistakes. But remember as humans, we're gifted with free will and that's what we use in every bit of decisions we make in life. Choosing what to eat, what to wear, which career to go for, parenting styles to apply, and even who to love. Everything that happens in our lives are results of our choices. We reap what we sow.
You may still feel love for your lover, but you may decide to end it. I think, that's what he did.. He went back to his family, because he chose his family. You also have that power to choose your children and your long-time partner above everything else. You're saying that you don't feel any love for your partner. Love is a decision. I used to not believe it, but being with the love of my life now, I am a witness to its authenticity. No matter how irritating he may get, I still decide to love him.
In any relationship, these are important: Love, Respect, Trust, Communication, and Transparency. Take one day at a time in repairing your relationship. Stay clear of any distractions and temptations. I would discourage you to join the chat forums and be involved in any activities that would destroy your relationship and cripple you into being a dedicated and loving mother. Be fair to him and more especially to your children. God bless you on your fresh start and make use of your second chance to correct your mistakes wisely. Pray for strength and continuous guidance. God bless!
Sincerely Yours,
Mommy Practicality
So there you have it loves. Have you got any advice to our letter sender? Please do write them on the comments form below. :)
