Photostory: My Baby's First Surfing Inspired Birthday Party

August indeed was a very exciting and event-filled month for me and my family. Aside from finals week in school and other work related demands, it was also our baby's first year birthday party. I had about 6 months of preparation and even joined Manila Workshop's How to make your own kiddie party so I would be more guided as to what matters in a party and those little important things I might not notice or forget. I'd say I am a good student of Manila Workshop as we had one successful and memorable party. It was not only fun during the day itself but most importantly I enjoyed preparing for it. Even my husband and other relatives enjoyed the preparation as well.

So here's some of the photos from the party I love to share with you. Watch out for my tutorial posts on how I DIY-ed the party. All of the activities, and decors in the event was made by yours truly with the help of my husband, sister, mom, brother, in short my whole family. For now, enjoy the photos and you can always comment if you have any questions or inquiries on how we made the surfing party theme.:)

The Invitation: Lester Espiritu

The Venue: Aquasphere Pool Party Venue, Malate Manila

The Caterer: 6 Armors In-House catering of Aquasphere

The Cake: Max's Bakery

The Cake Topper: Carolyn Tongco, freelance artist

The Birthday Poster: Lester Espiritu

The Candy Buffet

The Surf and Smores Corner

Kids' Arts and Crafts Corner

Sand Art and Loom Band Making

Coloring Area with personalized coloring book

Nail Art and Tattoo Area

Pick-a-Prize area

My (Oh-so-trying-hard) Bento Box

The Pool Party

The Birthday (family :)) Boy

It was definitely a day to remember, maybe not for our little boy, but for us his parents. It will surely be one of our stories for him when his grown up. With the help of our family's official photographer, Mon Parica, it'll be a lot easier for us to share what happened that day to Enzo when he's big enough. 

Thank you, of course, to everyone who came and made it more special for our little boy.

We've been stoked and wipe out in Enzo's Surfing Party!!!:) 

Will post DIY tutorials soon, too so keep on reading! 

Thanks!:) 

EVENT: Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp

Tomorrow is National Heroes' day, and it is one of the holiday that Filipinos should always celebrate and commemorate. I am a Pro-Pinoy person, I like OPM, Pinoy Rock Bands, Filipino literature, local products and anything that has Filipino taste or blood on it. I also love reading about Filipinos doing great or becoming famous in any industry they are in. I also love Pinoy bloggers and I feel proud having to have read and know some of them. So what does it have to do with National Heroes' day? Well for me they are modern heroes in whatever field they are in. There are also unsung heroes in the country that are not recognized but has done enormous change in social change and do what they can wherever they are. 

Let me use an excerpt from Bob Ong saying: "Paano ka tutulong sa mundo, kung nadadapa ka sa sarili mong bansa" or in English "How can you help the world, if there are hurdles in your country"(I don't remember the exact words but its the same thought) As an NSTP teacher I always tell that to my students that we have to help wherever we are, do whatever we can with the time, effort and resources that we have. I encourage them to do one small goodness to anyone everyday and it will definitely go along way. I have written about one of my friend, Carolyn Tongco, one of the founder of Artist Madhouse and for me, she is definitely a hero. 

If you believe in the same philosophy as I do, come an be part of Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp tomorrow at Commune Cafe, Makati from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Leading the event is Hero Of D Day (HODD), a non-profit social media organization that believes there is a hero in all of us. Founded by a group of passionate individuals wanting to affect positive social change, their vision is for people to recognize the hero within and become everyday heroes themselves – mindful of the abounding good around them, grateful for these, and inspired to pay it forward.

To do their part, HODD collects stories of heroism and publishes them online. They also partner with organizations involved in social advocacies, community development, and nation building. They launch programs meant for personality and skills enhancement as well. One such program is the HODD Huddle, the HODD community meeting. Here, participants have the opportunity to learn more about the organization, attend workshops, and meet other individuals dedicated to the cause.

At the upcoming HODD Huddle Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp, talks and activities await Fellow Heroes. Andy Samaniego, a commercial lifestyle photographer and visual artist, will be giving tips on taking artful photos using a smart phone. Karen Galarpe, the City Editor for GMA News Online, will present social media writing tactics. Eric Melendez, a writer and researcher for non-profit organizations, a contributor for Esquire Philippines, and a renowned fictionist, will be speaking about writing for social causes and how to creatively tell a story. HODD Correspondents are set to share their experiences on finding heroes in their daily lives as well.

All in all, the day promises to be fun, educational, and inspiring. Get tickets today athttp://heroofdday.org/hodd-huddle/. Give P100 at the door for a Hero Of D Day kit and a certificate.

For more information on Hero Of D Day, visit www.heroofdday.org. Like them onfacebook.com/heroofdday.org and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @heroofdday. For inquiries, email info@heroofdday.org.

Every Mother Has A Story: Pediasure's Segurista Mom Stories

Everyday as a mom and a blogger plus a teacher, I always find new stories to tell. Most of which comes from my experiences as a mommy teacher. I even had a lot more stories since I have a baby boy who is bubbly and cheerful. If only time would permit I would want to document his every action, and milestone and even my own as his mother. As much as I love telling my stories, I also enjoy listening to other mommies stories, adventures, and misadventures. I learn so much from them and I feel that it will somehow someday be useful to me as a mom.

Every mother has a story, and its about time the world hear about it. With Pediasure, every mom can share their stories of being a Segurista Mom and get Pediasure trial coupons, and a chance to win Php50,000 and other prizes.

Just follow this simple instructions:

1. Go to www.seguristamom.com to watch and share the video on the website
2. Fill out the registration form and share their Segurista Mom Story, answering the question "what do you do as a mom to make sure your kids stay healthy?"
3. Upload a photo with the child, showing how the mom is as a Segurista Mom.

So Mommy get your pens and paper or laptop and start writing the story of your life as a segurista Mom and be Pediasure's Segurista Mom!:) 

Momble Philippines: Social Media, Redefined for mothers

Being a new mom, I enjoy sharing my stories and listening to other mom's stories as well. I enjoy reliving my pregnancy and birthing last year and to give tips to some new or soon-to-be mommy friends I know. I think the more I share about my experiences and insights, the more I understand the experience and myself as a mother and a person in general.

It was also when I became a mom that I took blogging seriously and it made me look at the internet differently. It was through blogging that I realized I can make myself productive while being online and meet other mommies who went through or going through the same things. It was such a breather to find mothers who knew exactly how I felt with certain circumstances or to listen to stories of experiences I have yet to encounter. I learned to look at social media or the internet in general as an opportunity to be with a community that is willing to share and inspire others. And just when I though I knew everything about social media and the internet, I came across Momble from Mommy Vix Parungao of www.mum-writes.com. (Go and take a peek into her blog, she's such a nice and informative mommy blogger. I'll tell you a little something about Momble Philippines:

What is Momble?

Momble Philippines is a social media site designed for parents, especially moms. 

Mommies form a community and are able to share and comment on other mommy related topics. Aside from that here other things you can do once you register on the site:

·         Ask advice. Post your parenting-related questions and let the local mommy community help you.

·         Find someone to share your pregnancy journey. Through Momble’s Belly Buddies program you can find another mom with similar EDD (expected delivery date) so can share the adventure together. 

·         Pregnant and clueless? Get help from a mommy expert.  Sign up for Mentor Mom and match up with a mom who’s been through it all so she can help you with your questions and concerns.

·         Show off your kids’ photos. You will always be in control of who gets to see these.

·         Find helpful tips on parenting, raising your kids, pregnancy, breastfeeding and many more.

·         Buy items at great, lower-than-mall prices from fellow parents.  And if you can buy, why not sell too? You can do both at the Momble Marketplace.

Other things you can do through Momble:

·         Share recipes and also try out other moms’ recipes too!

·         Get help conceiving by tracking your ovulation (i.e. your most fertile period in your cycle) by going to Tools

·         Make new friends, set play dates and reconnect with past friends

·         Win goodies! Is there a mom out there who doesn’t love freebies? We think not so we have prepared wonderful gifts for loyal Momblers so make sure to keep your membership active by regularly posting content and photos.

·         Find information on local events

Momble’s best feature is that the content is mostly contributed by other moms in the Philippines too, so you can be sure that the information you get is relevant for you as a Pinay mom.

Visit  www.momble.me to experience Momble for  yourself.  Registration is very easy and its for free. Add me as friend in Momble Philippines, my username is thereyoujho. Hope we can connect there too!:) 

For more information you can like them on their Facebook fan page here:  www.facebook.com/momblePH 

For other questions you may email them at askmePH@momble.com  

EVENT: Three-Day, Five Events in One Roof

To showcase beauty, health, wellness, tourism, job & business

A three-day, five co-located events will happen on August 28- 30 in SMX Convention Center, 

Mall of Asia in Pasay City. These five activity–rich events will focus on beauty, health, wellness, tourism, 

job and business opportunities that should not be missed! 

Top billing these events is the 2nd  on August 28 to 30 organized by Ex-Link Events. While its other co-located events are the People Management Association of the Philippines’ (PMAP) “National Wellness Summit (NWS)” on August 28; Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Chamber of Commerce’s “Philippine Health and Wellness Conference”, and “Happiness is Wellness Festival” on August 29. A “Fashion Show for the benefit of God’s Special Children” on August 30, in partnership with Miss Tourism World Philippines Foundation (MWTP) and a Job Fair, in cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer from August 28 -30. “This is so far, the biggest event Ex-Link has ever collaborated with private companies and government agencies and we are very excited about it, we even have plans of replicating it in Visayas 

and Mindanao region,” shared Michelle Ballesteros, CEO of Ex-Link Events who is the main organizer of this Three-day-Five-Events in SMX. 

This year, IBHWEX will showcase beauty, health & wellness industries all under one roof to 

support the success and growth of small and medium size businesses in the Philippines. The said Expo’s 

platforms are lifestyle, use of organic products for health, wellness and relaxation, and products that 

enhance health and beauty including natural cosmetic products and make-up accessories, body and 

skin care products, fragrance, machinery and packaging equipment, health care products and services, 

 International Beauty, Health and Wellness Expo (IBHWEX)” 

pharmaceutical, spa center, hydrotherapy and massage therapies, medical tourism, fitness workouts, 

fitness and slimming centre small exercising machines sport accessories sportswear, apparels and 

equipment fitness books, etc. 

While IBHWEX visitors enjoy different activities, the Expo is a great opportunity for the 

enterprising beauty, health and wellness enthusiasts to meet potential international partners, 

manufacturers and suppliers, promote their unique products to compete globally”, added Ballesteros.

On the other hand, PMAP, the country’s premier human resource organization, steps up its 

advocacy for promoting health and wellness within the workplace through its National Wellness Summit 

(NWS) in partnership with the Management Association of the Philippines. Some of the topics to be 

discussed are: Shaping the Landscape of Workplace and Wellness Programs in the Philippines, 

Work life Integration, Taking Control of YOUR Career and Family Life, How emotions affect 

Productivity and Relationship at Work etc. “We believe that a sound mind, body and soul are key 

factors in performing your best at work. In this summit, we wanted to advocate not just the physical but 

also the spiritual aspect of wellness of the entire workforce in the Philippines,” stressed Michelle Guce, 

PMAP Director for Wellness Fellowship.

All attendees of NWS will enjoy free entrance to the IBHWEX and exciting freebies from its 

exhibitors and sponsors.

 THUMBS UP FOR WELLNESS! Photo shows the organizers of the three-day, five events all in one roof on August 28 – 30 in SMX Convention Center top billed by the 2nd Wellness Expo organized by Ex-Link Events. The other co-located events are: People Management Association of the Philippines’ (PMAP) “National Wellness Summit”, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc. (PCCI) and Department of Trade and Industry’s “Philippine Health and Wellness Conference” and “Happiness is Wellness Festival”, Miss Tourism World Philippines’ (MTWP) Benefit Fashion Show and a Three-day Job Fair in partnership with the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI). Joining Ex-Link Events CEO 

Mitch Ballesteros (4th director of MTWP; Dr. Hernando Delizo, PCCI NCR regional governor and CEO of Clinica Manila; Carmie De Leon, VP for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical; Mitch Guce, director for Wellness Fellowship of PMAP; Baby Cruz, founder and chairman of Innovations and Concepts; Jesse Rebustillos, assistant vice 

president of PDI; Alma Dizon, sales manager of A.R.M. Skin Essentials Corporation and at the back, Jojo Alejandrino, VP for sales and marketing of Global Medical Technology Manila Inc.  International Beauty, Health and  from right) are from left, Candy Monasterio-Tuazon, media and public relations

For more information, contact Ex-Link Events at info@exlinkevents.com, www.exlinkevents.com, www.beautyhealthwellnessexpo.com, trunk lines 643-38- 87, 643-77-60 and 0920-924-2532 , or via facebook.com/beautyhealthwellnessexpo and twitter.com/IBHWEX2014

EVENT: Go Pinoy Go Global Pinoy Bazaar 2014

This August 22 - 24, 2014, get yourselves ready for the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2014 that will happen in World Trade Center. For eight years running, the Global Pinoy Bazaar has been successfully championing the excellence of proudly Filipino brands, proving that we can compete with big international labels.The flagship project of YabangPinoyhas built a community where business owners focus on craftsmanship and consumers expect loyalty.

In the 10^th Global Pinoy Bazaar on 22-24 August 2014, YabangPinoy moves to the World Trade Center, a venue three times larger, to showcase the breadth of Filipino entrepreneurialism. The lineup features almost two hundred local brands and business concepts, from loyal merchants to budding startups, in art, design, music, travel, technology, home, fashion, and food and beverage.

“A Filipino entrepreneur is someone who believes that Filipinos have the ability to exceed or at least be at par with established international brands in terms of product quality, process efficiencies, marketing, and branding,” says Mark Carrillo of men’s lifestyle brand Fledge Clothing. The new entrant to the bazaar is equally as committed to product quality. “People are always surprised when they learn that our products are locally made. We are joining Global Pinoy Bazaar to support the local industry, and show the quality of local independent brands,” says Mark.

This conviction is not lost in Martha Rodriguez of Vesti Clothing, which has been joining the bazaar since the brand was founded four years ago.” I started Vesti in October 2010 to showcase the beauty of hand-woven indigenous fabrics from Mindanao. I joined Global Pinoy Bazaar in November the same year because I felt that it was the perfect venue where people appreciate local art, culture, and heritage.”

The bazaar is also marked by various activities, from talks by crowdfunding platform Spark Project and app developer JoomaJam, to workshops by crafts studio Craft Manila, and a jamming session by dance school Samba School Imperatriz Filipinense, among others.

The Global Pinoy Bazaar also coincides with Buwan ng Wika and with the “Made in the Philippines Products Week,” as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 76.

By showcasing globally competitive Filipino brands, YabangPinoy strives to support and empower local micro, small, and medium enterprises, and develop the community of globally competitive Filipino brands.

The 10^thGlobal PinoyBazaar will be held on 22-24 August 2014, from 11am to 9pm at the World Trade Center. Please visit www.yabangpinoy.com for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Tan                                                                                          

Volunteer                                                                                           

YabangPinoy                                                                                      

Mobile: 09178208944                                                                      

Email: mark@yabangpinoy.com                                                                

Like their FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/globalpinoy.bazaar

Pork VeggieBalls in Malunggay Soup: Ajinomoto Porksavor Cook and Blog Contest

As a new mom, I find it challenging to be able to cook for my son and future kids (crossing fingers) so that I am assured that what they eat are healthy and nutritious. Although, I come from a family of cooks, I think I was not able to inherit their talents and maybe it was because I was a picky eater as a child. It was only when I was in my mid-20s that I realized eating different variety of foods, (with this I mean vegetables and other viands aside from fried ones) was enjoyable and delicious. Luckily, I have a husband who is also a food adventurer. He eats everything and anything and makes sure he enjoys it too. Our little boy isn't as picky with his food too except when he's sick. He was sick one week ago and it was difficult for us to feed him with any food aside from his milk. It concerned us, his parents, a lot because it might trigger his being a picky eater.
So to address this problem my sister and I came up with a recipe called "Pork Veggieballs in Malunggay Soup" that was made even more delicious and savory because of Ajinomoto's Pork Savor All-in-One seasoning mix.

Ingredients:

100 grams ground pork

2 pcs. eggs

1 medium sized carrot

1 small onion

2 cubes/squares of tofu (tokwa)

2 tsps. celery

2 cloves of garlic

1 tbsp spring onion

8 cups of water

1 sachet Ajinomoto Pork Savor All-in-one Seasoning Mix

Procedure:

1. Mix pork, carrots, tofu/tokwa, garlic, onion, eggs and 

Ajinomoto Pork Savor all-in-one Seasoning mix in a bowl.

2. Pan Fry until golden brown.

3. In a separate pan, boil 8 cups of water then drop meatballs.

4. Let it simmer and put celerey, salt and pepper and patis.

5. Add in malunggay leaves.

6. For more savory taste, add Ajinomoto Pork Savor All-in-one Seasoning Mix.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Yes, it is that easy and simple. With Ajinomoto Pork Savor All-in-one seasoning mix the pork veggie balss became more tasty and the soup had the pork flavor it needed. I recommend it  for the rainy and cold weather, for our sick mini me's and even for breastfeeding moms! So anytime you have a need for healthy soup for you and the family try this recipe out!

Pork VeggieBalls in Malunggay Soup 

This recipe was made more delicious by Ajinomoto's Pork Savor All-in-One seasoning Mix. Porksavor is made from natural pork meat extract and bone broth, complete with spices and seasonings to 

bring out the deliciousness of home-cooked dishes. The new PorksavorTM is available in 8-gram packs for only PhP 2.00 Suggested Retail Price (SRP). It is truly an affordable way to draw pork flavor goodness in dishes without the cholesterol.

A Mother's Kitchen Partner: Ajinomoto Pork Savor All-In-One Seasoning

Filipinos love food with strong meaty flavors, which is why saucy, soupy or stir-fried dishes would usually be 

accentuated with pork meat or broth. It is for this reason that Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) came up with a new product called PorksavorTM All-in-One Seasoning. 

Porksavor is made from natural pork meat extract and bone broth, complete with spices and seasonings to 

bring out the deliciousness of home-cooked dishes. The new PorksavorTM is available in 8-gram packs for only PhP 2.00 Suggested Retail Price (SRP). It is truly an affordable way to draw pork flavor goodness in dishes without the cholesterol.

Bihon Guisado

Ingredients: 

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1⁄4 cup sliced onions

60 grams sliced pork liempo

11⁄2 cups water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

125 grams Super Q Bihon

1⁄2 cup carrot strips

1⁄2 cup sayote strips

1 pack, 8 grams PorksavorTM

1 cup shredded cabbage

Procedure:

1. In a bowl, soak bihon in water for 15-20 minutes. Strain and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic, onions and pork for 1 minute over low heat.

3. Add water and soy sauce. Bring to a boil and add soaked pancit bihon. Mix well. 

4. Add carrots and sayote, stir-fry in medium heat for 2 minutes.

5. Season with PorksavorTM and mix well.

6. Add cabbage and mix until cooked.

7. Serve hot.

Calories 240, Carbohydrates 31g, Protein 5g, Fat 11g

Makes 3-4 servings

Dish Cost: PhP 79.00

Cost per serving: PhP 19.75

Bihon Soup

Ingredients:

Soup

1.5 liters water

3 packs, 8 grams PorksavorTM 

125 grams Super Q Bihon

Toppings

12 grams toasted chopped garlic

60 grams sliced carrot strips

60 grams thinly sliced cabbage strips

10 grams chopped spring onions

15 grams sliced red onions

30 grams ground pork sautéed in oil

10 grams crushed chicharon to garnish

Procedure:

1. Prepare the broth by boiling 1.5 liters of water seasoned with 3 packs of PorksavorTM.

2. In a bowl, soak the bihon until it is covered with water for 15-20 minutes. Strain and separate the noodles and set aside.

3. Combine the hot broth and the bihon noodles in your serving bowl.

4. Top the soup with the prepared meat and vegetables. You may adjust the quantity of toppings as desired.

5. Serve hot.

Suggestions: You may replace toasted garlic with 1 tablespoon of ginger cut in strips or add drops of sesame oil.

Calories 150, Carbohydrates 23g, Protein 4g, Fat 5g

Makes 5 servings

Dish Cost: PhP 60.00

Cost per serving: PhP 12.00

Watch out for my recipe of Pork-Veggie balls with Malunggay that was made more delicious with Ajinomoto's Pork Savor All-in-One Seasoning Mix!!

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Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is an affiliate of Tokyo-based Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Established in 1958, APC lives by its promise to provide consumers products that will always give the delicious taste to healthy and nutritious meals as embodied in APC’s slogan Ajinomoto® “Eat Well, Live Well.®” APC’s complete line of quality food and seasoning products are produced by international affiliates and local toll manufacturers using Ajinomoto’s license, quality standards and technological expertise. APC’s products include AJINO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, Ajinomoto® Brand Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brand Chicken Powder, PORKSAVORTM All-in-One Seasoning Mix, CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix, CRISPY FRY® Seasoned Crumbs, TASTY BOY® All Purpose Breading Mix, AJI-SHIO® Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brand Sinigang and FRES-C® Concentrated Powdered Drink Mix.

Easy Taxi -WeChat Promo

Getting a cab these days is really a "patience test", For me and my family, we have to take a taxi because we have our little one and its the most convenient way we can go from one place to another. Although, it is convenient it is at times a hassle because we have to still wait in line before we can get a ride. 

Great thing that there is already an app that can help us commuters to book a taxi using just our cellphone or other gadgets. Easy Taxi is the world’s fastest free taxi app that allows you to easily book a taxi and track it in real time! There's even greater news because it has partnered with We Chat and they have an on-going promo where you can win gift certificates. 

So the next time you ride a cab, make sure your easy selfie ready!!!

Calling all WeChat users! Take a selfie with your Easy Taxi driver and get a chance to win exciting prices from our partner brands!

What are the mechanics, you ask?

Here’s all you have to do:

1. Follow us on WeChat: EasyTaxi_PH

2. Take a selfie in an Easy Taxi cab with your driver

3. Send us your picture on our WeChat account

The 3 most unique selfies will win Php 8,000 worth of Gift Certificates from our partner brands! 

It’s that EASY! 

#EasyTaxi, your taxi one touch away! #EasySelfie

For more information and updates, like them on facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/easytaxiph?fref=photo