You would agree for sure when I say there's nothing more joyous in the hearts of both parents than knowing that they've made their children happy and that they've created wonderful memories for them during their childhood.  That's exactly how we were overwhelmingly feeling at the time we were celebrating the children's birthdays.

In my previous travel posts over here, here and here, I shared that we celebrated their birthdays (they are both September-born babies) this year by vacationing to the beautiful island of Boracay.  Our flights were booked as early as June (Piso Fare Promo by Cebu Pacific during Independence Day) while the hotel accommodation was decided upon a month before the actual flight.

Being a practical mom, I love it when I scout for the best deals around to ensure we get the best value of the service or product we're availing, which should work with our budget but at the same time without sacrificing quality.  For me that's the essence of practicality (bow, echause!)  That being said, it took some time before Daddy Practicality and I decided on our hotel accommodation.

I'm sure you've heard of La Carmela de Boracay Hotel which is being endorsed by a number of celebrities, including Mr. Boy Abunda.  That's where we decided to stay for four days and three nights.

Why We Chose La Carmela de Boracay
I turned snob to the negative reviews about the hotel given in TripAdvisor because I've stayed there already in the past and I was happy with their service.  Yes, there were some parts in the resort that need to be renovated, but for me, it was okay.  You get what you paid for, so one shouldn't complain too much, unless of course if it would already involve food poisoning, accidents due to poor maintenance or robbery.  

1. Cleanliness - Cleanliness is one of the very first things I look for in a hotel or any place for that matter.  Being clean means the establishment has high regards for hygeine and concern for their guests.  When we arrived at our hotel room, I instantly inspected every corner of our standard room and I'm glad it passed my mommy standards for cleanliness.
2. Complete Standard Facilities - We booked a standard room for our stay because for me it's practical to do so since we will be out all day and just go back to bathe, change clothes and sleep in the room at night.  Even if we stayed at a standard room, the facilities were complete such as:
• Air-conditioned room
• Cable TV
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Private bath with hot & cold shower (soap, shampoo, towels, rugs and bathroom tissue)
• Safety deposit box
• 2 double beds with fleece blankets
• 4 fluffy pillows
3. Reliable Safety Regulations - It was raining at night when we were there.  Non-slip mats/rugs were available all the time at the walk path coming from the beach, starting from the dining area up to the entrance to the room corridor.  I also appreciated the strictness of their lifeguards.  They do not allow children to swim without a guardian nor go to the adult pool without supervision.  They only allow guests to swim in proper swimming attire.

Proper swimming attires required in the pools of La Carmela de Boracay.  Kids without adult supervision may not swim in the pool.  Lifeguard is present everyday, all day!

4. Welcome Drinks and Breakfast - Upon arrival, welcome drinks were served to us.  Breakfast coupons were also handed out.  Two set breakfast coupons were provided per room per day.  Additional set costs P150.00 per plate.  Additional P100.00 will be charged should you want to upgrade to buffet breakfast.  We're actually okay with set breakfast.  It's actually filling and besides we usually eat heavily for lunch than breakfast.  

Set breakfast comes with the following: Meat (Ham and Egg/ Chicken and Egg/ Hotdog and Egg) Garlic Rice, Juice and Coffee

5. Beach Front Hotel - No need to walk that far to get to the beach because this very affordable hotel is already beach-front situated.  I appreciate that when going out of our room and hotel, the beach is just there!  No hassles of riding a tricycles or walking along narrow and unlit alley going to and from the beach.

La Carmela de Boracay is a beach-front hotel located at Station 2, near Station 3.

6. Efficient Staff - The receptionist during our check-in and check-out transactions were quick to check our reservation, processed our deposits and explained thoroughly their rules and regulations.  There were instances during our stay that we complained about the coolness of the air-conditioning unit.  With just one call, the AC was replaced with another unit.  We called several times for housekeeping and we didn't have to wait that long for their service.  They are quick to respond to requests and they serve you with a smile on their faces.  

Friendly receptionists greeted us upon arrival and quickly accommodated our check in transaction.

7. Reasonable Room Rate - One of my most important of all considerations in choosing a hotel accommodation is the affordability.  La Carmela de Boracay is relatively cheaper than most of the beach front hotels in Boracay.  It is cheaper but didn't fall short on the completeness of their facilities and services.  It truly is a value for money and I have no regrets staying here.  They say when you pay for a cheaper commodity, you get a cheap and less happy experience.  We didn't experience it at La Carmela de Boracay.  All I know is we got quality services and amenities and a hassle-free and enjoyable stay.  To know more about their room rates, check their website here.

For your next travel to very beautiful islands of Boracay, you may want to consider staying at La Carmela de Boracay Hotel.  It's practical hotel accommodation but without sacrificing quality service and amenities.  Ours was a memorable and stress-free stay.  Hope you will enjoy your stay too!

For more information about La Carmela de Boracay Hotel, like them on Facebook or visit their website here.

Disclosure: There is nothing to disclose.  We paid our hotel accommodation during our vacation.  

Recommended For You:

• Travel Tipid Tips: Vactioning on A Budget
• Travel Must-Haves When Vacationing with Kids
• What to Pack When Swimming With Kids
• 8 Waves Waterpark & Hotel Review
• Quest Hotel Cebu Review

My second good news for you loves is: Mommy Practicality has reached 3,000 Likes on Facebook.  More likes mean, I could reach out and connect to more women and moms and hopefully inspire them the way I am inspired by other bloggers I follow and blogs I consume everyday.

These wouldn't be possible if not for you my dear readers, my friends.

Now here goes my speech (as if receiving a Best Actress award):

Thank you very much for supporting my humble blog.  Thank you for growing with me my dears!  Thank you to those who take time to message me or leave me heartfelt comments which make me more motivated to go on and create informative and inspiring posts, you all know who you are. :)

I share this achievement to all of you and I am deeply humbled by this.  If this blog grows big one day, that only means I'll have more opportunities to reach women and moms, to be able to help, inform and inspire more.  For now, I will keep doing what I'm doing which is to be sincere and genuine in my of posts.

Dear loves, thank you for reading my blog.  I will forever be grateful!  Have a lovely day!

I AM RICH! Yes, I tell that to myself whenever I know that I've kept true friends through the years. These are the people that have known me when I was at my innocent phase, was with me during experimental stage, stood by me during my "dark ages," guided me during my "wild" days, soared with me during my career highs, and witnessed my zigzag transformation from being single to being married then back to being single again. Then when a miracle happened in my life, being a mother, they were there to share my unexplainable and overwhelming joy. I'm rich. I'm rich.

But now, I AM RICHER! No I don't have a booming business. No, I don't have an unbelievably high paying job. And no, I didn't win any lotto. I am now richer because other than having found a second chance in life and love and with it is having a beautiful family, I have met yet another set of beautiful souls: Martine and Denise.

Meeting Martine


Meeting Denise



Mademoiselles Day Out
As fate would have it, October 5th happened when we met up for brunch and desserts. It was almost a half day of no holds barred sharing of anything and everything that concerns us as women, as moms, as wives, and as bloggers. There was definitely a synergy of mommy souls from different walks of life. Martine is a WAHM, Denise is a SAHM and I'm a working mom. Put them altogether, what do you get? RIOT. A beautiful riot which hopefully would blossom to deeper friendships.

Let me share some snapshots of that fateful day:

Myself, Denise and Martine having desserts already at Bizu.

Carbo loading for brunch: Pasta and Pizza quick-fix at CIBO.

My favorite Le Cirque Mango Crepe with Nutella and Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry shortcake and macarons go well with brewed coffee and a good book Martine is currently reading.

Macaron = LOVE

Mademoiselles Martine, Denise and Louise (photo taken by Martine's ex-boyfriend, now husband, Ton)

What happened or talked about on that table, will stay there and will remain sacred to us three.  We could actually create a whole telenovela out out what we shared with each other.  There was comedy, drama, romance (which sometimes led to rated-R,) and also suspense.  All I can say is, it was so much fun and definitely worth repeating.

Good day loves!  I have not told you how blessed and thankful I feel everyday, especially last September.  Remember that we celebrated the kids' birthday in Boracay?  I consider that of course as a blessing to be able to have the means to travel and to go there on a good weather.  My panganay's impromptu class party was also a blessing because, at least I had some extra to make it happen and not make my son feel embarrassed (because he announced he's going to treat the whole class for lunch without telling me first, kaloka!)

Another surprise blessing during Wes' third birthday house party two weekends ago, was his Ice Cream Party Package sent by Nestle!  What's a children's party without ice cream right?  So when I received an email about the package, I was so thrilled!  The kids and kids-at-heart (like myself) would surely enjoy this Nestle Ice Cream treat!

Here's what was sent right at our doorstep:

An ice cream box of our popular favorite Nestle Ice Cream

I had to order the package I want online through their website.  Let me show you how I did it quickly:

Step 1: Go to http://icecreamparty.ph then choose your selection.
Then pick a package from the list below:
Step 2: After choosing your package, you may still customize your order by what ice cream and quantity per ice cream.
Review and confirm your order.
You're all done!  It's that SIMPLE!

Is your child celebrating his or her birthday soon?  Try this hassle-free online ordering of your Nestle Ice Cream Party Package from Nestle! :)  Happy party planning loves!

Good evening muthers!  How's your weekend doing so far?  Mine has been great!  I was able to spend time with online-now-offline friends, Denise of Bebengisms and Martine of Dainty Mom, earlier for brunch and desserts.  I also got to have super tiring playtime with my kids when I got home.  Simple joys actually make my heart afloat and filled with excitement over what's going to happen the following day.  Excited much kind of peg.

Anyway, if you're following me on Instagram, I am sure have seen this photo I posted about having a facial treatment at The Medical City:
The treatment targets numerous facial skin problems such as pigmentation and discoloration due to sun damage, deep acne scars, wrinkles and saggy skin.

Intrigued by the result?  Actually ako rin.  I'm going through phases and I can't wait for the reveal.  Don't worry I'll share with you what the treatment is all about and the result on my face.

Why I went through this treatment you may ask.  I thought it's time that I pay attention to my face and give it some tender loving care.  Yes I do cleanse, tone and moisturize, but as we age, it's not enough pala.  We need tons of sunscreen and we also need to carefully choose the products we use on our face.

My dermatologist gave me an advice to only use a mild facial cleanser and moisturizer while my skin is undergoing change or renovation as I may like to call it.  It's now sensitive and dry due to the treatment and future scabbing that's going to happen, it's rough and itchy at time too.

Because of this, my current skin condition requires special care and attention. It needs moisture now without dehydrating it.  Most often than not, experts recommend Physiogel cleanser and moisturizers from Stiefel, a GSK company.

Physiogel is formulated with the revolutionary Derma Membrane Structure (DMS) Technology, which resembles the natural building blocks of the skin to effectively help repair the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss.Conventional moisturizers may only mask skin dryness to give skin transitory moisture; moisture that can be washed off by rinsing or washing. Physiogel, however, moisturizes by mimicking the natural lipid composition of the skin and keeps it hydrated for up to three days, even with washing or bathing

I was told by my dermatologist that I could still wear make-up even if my face right now kinda look like this:
(W A R N I N G!!! You might be disturbed at what you're about to see, so please, if you're eating, finish it first then come back to view it)

Yikes!  I told you eh!  It doesn't look so pleasing right now, as in my face has dots and grids all over it.  It's really rough, dry and very sensitive.  But good thing is I can wear make up to somehow cover it.  I learned also that if your skin is sensitive, it's best to use a foundation that is in powder form and that has SPFs, because they don't irritate the skin and clog the pores.

Make sure lang, that you don't sleep with make-up on.  It’s great to use Physiogel Cleanser as a makeup remover for women with sensitive skin. It can be used with or without water, just wipe off with tissue.
So right now, I'm using Physiogel cleanser because it's great for my sensitive, rough and dry skin. I also use its moisturizer to make it somehow supple even if it's really rough outside.

Anyway, soon loves, I'll be sharing with you my face's journey to its clearer, youthful and rejuvenated state.  I can't wait na rin.

About Physiogel:
Physiogel is the No. 1 dermatologist-prescribed moisturizer according to Philippine Medical Data Index (PMDI MAT 2012) and is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. It is also available in handy 10ml sachets. Ask your dermatologist and pediatrician about Physiogel.
This is the Physiogel advantage: Healthy, moisturized skin through repairing. With Physiogel, you can maintain beautiful, smooth, supple, and soft skin this season and beyond.  

For more information, visit www.physiogel.ph/ or www.facebook.com/PhysiogelPH

Being a mother is the MOST difficult role in the world.  I'm sure you all will agree.  Whether be it be Stay-At-Home-Moms, Work-At-Home-Moms and like myself, Work-Out-Of-Home-Moms, we all have a say at how tasking it is to fulfill this role.  There is NO PERFECT way to being a Mother and I will not preach how to be one.

We all have our own struggles and challenges on performing this high-profile job, that of being a Mother.  As they say, to each his own.  No one should judge how one mother performs her job of taking care of her family, even of herself, managing the household, tutoring her children, and handling her family's budget.  We are all unique individuals, our husbands or partners are too and that goes for our children as well.  As mothers, we listen and act on our instincts hence we do what we think and feel is right.

It's funny because sometimes, even if we've done everything we can in our capacity, we still feel guilty for thinking if we've done it right, if we've done too much or if we've done too little.  I've had that share of mommy guilt, which I've written about in my past post.  That's the beauty of our roles.  We have our own check and balance, we have our set of key performance indicators, we are always conscious and self-aware of how we are as mothers.  That sometimes, we become too hard on ourselves.  I realized, that we should just relax and not pressure or stress ourselves too much.  All we have to do is LOVE our children unconditionally and everything else will follow.

Working Mothers Conversations
I've had great conversations with my other mommy friends at work and off-work, and deep sharing about their parenting styles, their established study habits with their children, their children's achievements or lack of it, their struggles in time management, lack of sleep, their worries, their prayers, even their sex lives (or lack of it too), their countless guilt, their insecurities, and challenges on handling their children's academic performances and also behaviors.   How we'd wish we could bring our kids to work all day

I've shared a a thing or two to my mommy group of friends at the workplace.  Looking at our sharing from afar, I've realized that we all know we are not perfect and that we have some troubles keeping our household clean or organized at all.  That we all work hard to send our kids to school.  We sacrifice our times at work to be away from the children.  But that in order for us to be still sane while juggling motherhood and work there are certain things we need to fulfill our roles.

Source

What Working Mothers Need in the Workplace
As mentioned earlier, there are certain things we wish we all have in the companies we work for in order to support our roles as mothers and as well as a contributing employee to our team.  I've listed a few:

1. A job with complete benefits (Medical, Dental, Educational, Insurance, Loans) - I admit that one of the reasons why I stay with the company that I am working for is because of its benefits that may not be present in other companies.  I am blessed to be working where I'm working for because I don't worry much in case I or my children get sick or has an emergency case, because I can rely to our health care benefits.  One more of the benefits I appreciate is the educational loan at 0% interest payable in one year.  Now the bonuses are really a bonus should you have those in your company because it allows one to save, invest or but that automatic washing machine you've beeing eyeing for months.
2. A workable schedule - I am one of you who has a lot to accomplish first at home or attend to school programs and sometimes deal with a crying toddler due to separation anxiety.  But at the same time we don't want to be late for work or file leaves, so a workable or flexible work schedule would really help a lot.  Unfortunately not all companies allow this.  Sometimes, even if it's allowed we have to justify filing for it.  
3. An understanding boss - Working lives for mothers would be a lot easier if we have an understanding boss.  Most of the time, it's either he or she is a parent as well.  But sometimes, even if he/she's a parent, we cannot really expect their understanding all the time.  We may have our valid reasons for being late or for choosing a later work schedule, but if they are strict about coming to work at a fixed schedule all times, then there's nothing we could do but comply.  All we could just do is communicate clearly our situations, if there's any special arrangement you'd like to propose, and tell them what can be expected of you.  But just make sure that you deliver your outputs and exceed some expectations.  As they say, under-promise but over-deliver is better that anything.
4. A Nursing/Breastfeeding/Breast pumping Room - After I gave birth to my second child, I went back to work after two months of maternity leave.  How I wish it could be longer but there's nothing I could do, a policy is a policy.  I was breastfeeding and I carry my breastpump to work everyday.  I had duties at work, and duties as a breastfeeding mother.  I had to juggle both at the workplace.  It didn't help me at that time to breastpump in the comfort room.  No matter how comfort that room sounds, believe me, it's uncomfortable for breast pumping.  I had to go to the rest room every three hours to pump with the feeling of discomfort because it's not a proper room for doing it.  But that time I had no choice, but to do it there.  Fortunately, after a year, our company dedicated a room for breastpumping mothers.  Too bad, I stopped breastfeeding already for I had no more milk supply.
5. A Support Mommy Group - Stress gets to any working mothers' nerves at work and admit it also at home right?  We all need to destress.  Unfortunately, we cannot always afford a salon time or a spa just to release stress.  So one of the most affordable (what there's a cost?  If you just want to have snacks or lunch together) and most of the the free stress-reliever is a good laugh and sharing of tips with mommy friends at work.  Sometimes showbiz chismis or personal/relationship secrets are juicier topics to talk about.  Go and be social and you will find yourself lighter and more ready for work after that break full laughter and support from mommy friends. 
6. A Health and Wellness Program - I am guilty about having a lazy butt when it comes to exercising.  But I know that every moms need to take care of our health and well-being.  We need to give our bodies our attention as well.  Yes we do everything for the family and we try to be supermoms right?  But how will we able to sustain that if we're not healthy?  It would be very helpful if our companies have a health and wellness program designed for women/moms.  A discount at gyms, free Zumba or Yoga classes go a long way.  Commit at least a day of the week to this activity for a healthier and more stress-free you
7. Special activities for children - We do wish most of the time to be able to bring our kids to work with us right?  It would be such a treat if the companies we work for have certain activities where we could bring our kids such as during Summer (like a family outing) or Halloween (could be a trick or treat).  It will not only  

Hello Muthers!  I couldn't stress how I love to live practically, choose practically, dress practically, travel practically, shop practically and even celebrate practically.  If you would notice nga on my top posts at the sidebar, it's mostly birthday celebrations of my children.  I love celebrations, who doesn't?  I love it more if we celebrate it with oomph, but without causing holes in your pockets.  I love it so much more too if I'm not Haggardo Versoza preparing for the party.

I have another confession to make, I'm not your usually cooking mommy.  I do love to eat, we all do.  But I leave the cooking to Daddy Practicality.  Don't get me wrong loves, because I cook naman, but it's just not my strength, my expertise and my awesomeness.

In fact, I can brag right now that I cook the meanest Italian Style Spaghetti, Kare-Kare, Sinigang and Tinolang Manok.  I know my list is short, but that doesn't make me less of a mom or a wifey right?  But believe me when I say, it's my frustration, or let me put it this way, my DREAM to be able to cook and bake excellently for the family.


Having said that, you cannot rely on me that much in the kitchen, that's why when we have family gatherings or intimate parties at home, and I'm the one in-charge of food, patay na.  Hehehe!  Kidding aside, I have a homemade food catering service to rely on.  I've mentioned this on my previous post.  It's CCME Homemade Foodstuff Co.

Here's what we ordered during Daddy Practicality's birthday last July and during my Wes' house party last weekend:

• Kalderetang Baka
• Rellenong Bangus
• Lechon Kawali
• Adobong Manok at Baboy
• Laing
• Pinaupong Manok sa Asin

Thank you Del Monte for sending my these Tipco 100% Juices!

On our breakfast table, Tipco 100% Juices by Del Monte

Eight refreshing flavors of Tipco 100% Juices by Del Monte

Hello my dears!  This is such a long overdue blog post from me.  September went by so quickly!  Why?  It's a month filled with happiness and celebrations in the family.  September is the birthday month of my two sons, Dandre, who just turned ten, and my toddler Wes, now three years old.

Dear loves, I know this is such a long overdue announcement of winner of my Mommy Practicality Make Over Project FB Contest.

I compiled all entries and also the short descriptions which came with them which I want to share it with you.  The entries are ALL GOOD, that's also the reason why I am having a hard time choosing the winner.  

Without further adieu, here are the nominees for the Best Entry to the Mommy Practicality Make-Over Project contest (parang Golden Globe awards lang!)  Drum roll please...

From LEAH CRUZ-MANANSALA

From RUBY BHENG ABOY"Great performer" singer, dancer, cook, baby sitter, friend playmate and best housewife!!.. And that makes us a super momma!!

From ANGELIE FLORES-SARMIENTO Hi Ms. Louise  Here's my 8 yrs old daughter's entry. Ciara is now in grade 2, and loves to do artworks. She put musical notes as a design because she noticed that you are holding a microphone, she asked me if you are a music lover and i said yes, you are a good singer too!  Hearts, to show how much you love your family and stars because my daughter believes that every mom is a superstar in the eyes of her children  Sorry if there's no feet because you're wearing long gown daw eh

From NERISA MARTINEZ- NUNEZ Hi Louise, this is Neo's version of#MommyPracticalityMakeOverProject. The dress was a mess but since I'm a proud mom

From LEOVELYN VINAS RAMOSI made this project together with my daughter which I think really represent Mommy Practicality. We made it a colorful one specially on the skirt part because i think mommy practicality has a very happy and colorful life. We paired it with a simple white shirt with a big heart in the middle for her top because white symbolizes purity and heart symbolizes love, and I think mommy practicality has a pure and big heart, it shows on how she makes it a point that she has time to spend with family despite her busy schedule. We also paired it with a simple pair is shoes, flats in particular just to pair it with the simple, on-the-go style of the dress, which I think represents mommy practicality who is always on the go.. We also put a pink shawl because I know for a fact that mommy practicality is a singer. So just to put in a little drama that would show her being a singer we decided to add a shawl..  I think my entry should win because we worked hard for it and I made an effort to think of something that would represent mommy practicality but at the same time a simple one because just so you know, my daughter is only 3 years old, so I really have to guide her all the way, I even had to hold her hand in tracing the lines and putting color so that the outcome of the project will not be messy! But you know what, I enjoyed it, and I know my daughter enjoyed it too because she was just starting to learn how to write, and play with colors. This is going to be our first artwork together. Thanks to you mommy practicality!

From BETH P. ANDRESHere's my 9 years old son's Entry. His name is John Jude Michael Andres and he really tried is best to make the drawing very colorful. I think it is cute. He loves crafts & arts as much as I do. Hope he would bring home the bacon. God Bless & more power! #MommyPracticalityMakeOverProject

From CLAIRE PAJARILLO-SANTIAGO Here's my & my 7 y/o daughter's entry to the#MommyPracticalityMakeOverProject I asked my daughter what she thinks after reading your profile, she said, "Every Mom is great. Every Mom who loves her family so much & who does everything for the family & her home deserves to be a Queen," and we came up with this idea about Mommy Practicality. My daughter and I think that Mommy Practicality while doing her passions in life is still the Queen of her own kingdom - her home. While doing the things she love outside the house, she also manages to take care of her family & her home. While doing household chores, she still finds time to make herself beautiful inside and out. We see her as a woman who stands out in whatever she does, may it be the simplest things inside the house or the biggest challenges in the corporate world.