Family Photoshoot 2022: Panglao Island, Bohol

Family photos are souvenirs that immortalize special moments in life and remind us about milestones, travel and happy memories.  We look at a photo, remember that exact moment and smile heartily as if we actually feel what happened when that shot took place. 

However, taking family photos is challenging to do during a trip when you have running kid/s in tow, luggages full of family stuff and at the same time, exploring new territories around you. Even if you are an expert in taking selfies, the outcome doesn't always turn out well.

So during our recent family trip to Bohol, we looked for a professional photographer who can take our photos. We got some proposals, but we were very grateful to be referred to Boy Kuyaw Photography, who is a talented gem in Bohol.

Sharing with you some of our photos:

What we loved about Boy Kuyaw Photography:

• Directed the photoshoot - came up with a story and helped us in coming up with candid poses
• Always cheerful and not a single frown even if the shoot took hours
• Super cool and provided fresh ideas
• Very affordable and delivered more than required 

We arrived in Bohol after typhoon Odette. The locals, including our photographer, were affected by limitations in electricity and resources, but Boy Kuyaw Photography was able to overcome all challenges just to deliver. He even arrived wearing a rash guard, because according to him, most of his clothes were wiped out by the flood. It was a good opportunity for us to help them in our own little way by availing of their services.

With a little bit of planning, engaging with the photographer and just being yourselves, you too can have a memorable family photoshoot and the souvenir of a lifetime. 

Contact Info:

Venue: Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol

Photographer:  Boy Kuyaw Photography

3-Ingredient Avocado Ice Cream

It is the hottest season of the year and so we are craving for ice cream. Sharing with you how to make a 3-ingredient ice cream with avocados. Super good for all of us – healthy, not too much sugar and easy to make. You can prepare this in just a few minutes.
 

Thankful that there are available avocados even during ECQ

Here are the three ingredients that I use: 

1. Avocado – the star of the show! Avocados have a smooth and naturally creamy texture that makes it such a perfect candidate to throw in smoothies and even make into ice cream.  
2. Fresh Milk – you may use coconut or almond milk if you want if you prefer a low-calorie alternative
3. Condensed Milk – you may use stevia or honey as a healthier option

Because we are under Enhanced Community Quarantine, these are the only ingredients available in our kitchen. Others may prefer more cream (add Nestle Cream) or top it with almonds or nuts. One tip though, add lemon juice to prevent the avocados from turning brown.

The smooth and consistent mixture we need to achieve

Here are the steps:

1. Slice the avocado and put all the ingredients in a NutriBullet Blender. Adjust the proportions based on your preference. You may also use an ice cream maker to achieve the same texture or whip it up manually.
2. Blend all the ingredients together. Afterwards, it will look like a super thick vibrant green smoothie, and that is exactly what we’re looking for!
3. When the mixture is smooth and consistent, transfer it from the blender to a loaf pan, put a tightly-wrapped plastic or clean wrap on the ice cream’s surface to avoid discoloration and freeze for a minimum of four hours. I did mine overnight.

Afterwards, you’ve got homemade avocado ice cream! Enjoy this refreshing treat with your loved ones. Stay healthy and stay home.

It’s time for a little summer treat while staying home. #StayHomeSaveLives

Jewelry Containing My Preserved Breastmilk

Women tend to become sentimental the moment they experience pregnancy, giving birth, and overcoming the struggles of breastfeeding. These moments are worth celebrating and remembering. 

For most moms, there’s nothing that signifies motherhood more than breastfeeding. There’s no better feeling than cradling their little ones and looking into their eyes while they nurse. So aside from capturing a million photos of breastfeeding moments, how can moms capture this special point in their lives when they are the only ones that their babies need — and that they served as a 24/7 buffet for their babies? The answer: preserve it of course with breastmilk jewelry.

Breastmilk jewelry is personalized jewelry that gives moms an opportunity to turn their liquid gold into wearable keepsakes. 

My breastfeeding journey lasted for 3 years and 2 months (April 2015 to June 2018). This includes all the struggles and triumphs of nursing and pumping. The weaning stage was a bittersweet moment because back then, I knew that the day would come that it will all end.  Breastfeeding moments will be over. The day would come that I shall nurse no more.

To my surprise, my husband surprised me with a reminder of my breastfeeding journey. Knowing that I always have pumped milk in the freezer, he gave me a pendant that contains my preserved breastmilk. I have never been a jewelry lover, but with the sight of a breastfeeding keepsake, I was so happy. 

My breastfeeding keepsake is a pendant containing my preserved breastmilk.

This is what it looks like when worn.

The necklace pendant was made by Pumped With Love, a jewelry store that offer customized jewelry made of breastmilk, hair, cut nails, umbilical cord, baby tooth, and even cremation ashes. 

My son has stopped breastfeeding for more than a year already. But every time I wear my breastmilk jewelry, I still have the moments close to my heart.

Memorize Bible Books - Activity for Kids

In order to study the Bible, it is important to teach children the order of the Books of the Bible.  This activity one of the initial steps for kids to love the book, appreciate its content and eventually, cultivate love in their hearts.

With a little help, repetition and fun-filled activities, most preschool children can master this task. We used flash cards (downloadable from www.jw.org) to help our son memorize the books in the Hebrew Scriptures from Genesis to Malachi. These flash cards may also be used as a game to quiz family and friends for fun!

Sharing a video of our three-year old memorizing the Bible books.



To download free flash cards, click here. 

Enjoy learning with your little one!

Enjoying Singapore with A Toddler

During our visit to Singapore years ago, we didn't have any toddler in tow so we just enjoyed the island city-state as is. Now that we travel with a toddler, we just had 2 major travel destination in mind:

• Universal Studios
• Singapore Zoo 

Universal Studios in Singapore officially opened in March of 2010 and since then many new attractions and shows have been added. The park is divided into five different themed areas:  Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World and Madagascar. Although there is a lot to see and do, you can easily complete the entire park in just one day. Sharing with you the first part of our travel video.

Second itinerary is the Singapore Zoo. Unlike other zoos where animals are caged, Singapore zoo implements the award-winning "open-concept zoo". We saw the animals roaming freely in their habitats, even the wild ones. Being able to get up close and personal with these creatures, we appreciated more the wonders of creation. 

Sharing the second part of our Singapore family trip video, featuring Singapore Zoo.

Here are some tips for families who want to take their kids to these two Singapore attractions:

1. Allot a whole day for each attraction. Catch a scheduled show (the times change daily, so make sure you get a schedule when you enter the park).  

2. Bring water and extra clothes - there will be spots where you can get wet.

3. Getting around is relatively easy.  There’s a convenient train system (MRT) or you can take taxis/ Grab rides. Family Grab rides offer car seat for children. Our Grab ride offered a booster seat, gave away lollipops and offered cartoons to keep kids comfortable. The driver even gave our son a souvenir.

Enjoy Singapura! :)

My Birthing Story - Bess Aguinaldo

37 weeks - that’s how long my baby had been in the tummy. My OB said that I could give birth any time but generally firstborns stay until  39-40 weeks in the tummy. And so, great! I have 2-3 more weeks before  we welcome our little bundle of joy. Being the usual busy bee, I attended an spiritual assembly during the weekend, engaged in field ministry,  went to work on a Monday and even pushed the grocery cart in the supermarket after work while waiting for hubby to arrive. There’s even an itinerary planned for the weekend.

As we were about to go to sleep around 10 PM of April 27, 2015, I noticed a  slight brownish mucus discharge. I remembered my OB’s words as she  mentioned that this kind of discharge is one of the early signs of labor. “Oh dear, this must be it!” I thought. I made calls to my mom and to the OB and hubby and I prepared the bags to be brought to the hospital.

After 3 hours (around 1 AM of April 28), my husband drove me to the hospital as per my OB's advice. I was checked and got advice to be admitted since I was already experiencing mild contractions, undergoing labor and was at 2cm. They strapped me in, checked vital signs, and observed the  monitor that calibrated my contractions and baby’s  heartbeat. But I did not feel anything at all. I was even chatting, walking and dancing (yes!) with hubby in the labor room. I slept and woke up in the morning, still not feeling any pain at all.

Fast forward 4 PM the next day, April 28, I started to feel it. So this is what they call contractions, the one I’ve researched from books and heard from other moms' real-life experiences. Nurses asked me how I feel and I said “Oh, slight dysmenorrhea.” It was like a wavelike motion that moves downwards. Mind you, it is bearable. Cervix had dilated for 6cm and I was asked to rate the pain from 1 to 10 (10 being the most painful) and I said “4”.

 At 8PM, I was advised to undergo epidural treatment, not because I felt extreme pain but because it had to be administered at a time when pain is still bearable. Asian Hospital is patient-friendly and allows companion from the labor room to the birthing room. As I was about to receive the epidural treatment, my mom and sister-in-law just arrived and with a big smile, I even said “Hello Mommy! Ate Rhy, hello!” Contrary to stories I’ve heard about the long needle and the pain, my epidural experience was not painful at all. I was like “That’s it?” and the anesthesiologist smiled at me.

After the epidural treatment, I was at 10cm and was transferred to the birthing/delivery room. My OB allowed the anesthesia to slowly wear off so I could feel the contractions. This helped me to push naturally. During this time, a proper breathing exercise was instructed to me so I can do the process properly. This ‘pushing stage’ was the most challenging yet the most empowering. A positive mindset and a lot of prayer really helped to be able to overcome this stage of labor. I remembered that I was even saying to my OB (yes, chatting during labor) that giving birth was one of my greatest fears and I couldn’t believe I was there. Also, there was a time when I was pushing really hard and I pulled the arms of an anesthesiologist and a nurse at the same time. I said sorry and they said “That’s the right thing to do! Go, pull!” and we all laughed. The whole medical team was very positive and was cheering for me. Yes, childbirth is a really team effort. My loving husband, who was with me from the labor room until I gave birth, was a great source of strength and I will never forget all his affectionate yet nervous cheers every time I pushed. And so after 2.5 hours (and countless sets of pushes), at 10:30PM of April 28, 2015, I gave birth to a healthy boy, Regan Bryce, via normal delivery.

We later found out that labor took some time because he was cord-coiled both around his neck and body. But with the presence of 3 factors - continuous & proper pushing, baby’s heartbeat not dropping and a great, expert and very patient OB, this was addressed. My heart still beats with joy and excitement as I remember this birthing moment. During the ‘Unang Yakap’ or First Embrace, my little one was given to me and placed on my chest. I cannot explain that wonderful feeling as I stared at him, listened to his cry and felt the warmth of his body.  As I thank my husband, my supportive family and friends, all the nurses and doctors of Asian Hospital, my OB (Dra. Leonila Estole-Casanova); I couldn’t help but marvel at how breathtaking this experience had been. And above all, I thank Jehovah God for the wonderful gift of life. Truly a treasure I vow to take care of.

At the delivery room - fully dilated and (nervously) smiling before the pushing :p

Unang Yakap - such a priceless moment!

That first cry - music to our ears

Baby's Bassinet - where baby slept while roomed in with us

Hello there, little one!

Sleeping cutie

Looking at Mommy

I couldn't have done this without this guy beside me.
With every push, he said comforting words of encouragement.
Thank you for your 100% attendance in all my doctor's check up until the day I gave birth.

Loot bag for baby - Thanks Asian Hospital for the comfortable stay.

Pregnancy Diary

First Trimester

When I found out that I am delayed for 3 days, which is unusual, we decided to have a pregnancy test. I never thought that those two lines would be the start of a life-changing journey. Upon getting confirmation from the OB and assessment of ultrasound results, we rejoice at the thought of having our little bundle of joy in the months to come. Of course, there were feelings of whether we’d be good parents and all, but with heartfelt prayer, a ready heart and an open mind, it was a positive experience. This was the time when I equipped myself with information. I read to be informed. I would also list down my questions to bring with me to ask my doctor during pre-natal check-ups. I filled myself with information from books and downloaded apps that provided updates such as What to Expect and Baby Center. I was fortunate enough never to experience the dreaded days of the first trimester such as morning sickness. But everything’s not perfect though. I had my own fair share of nausea, fainting attacks and dead tired weariness at night. They also say that this is the time when women get to eat what they crave for. I did not feel that to-die-for-craving, yet I found myself wanting ‘taho’ and hard-boiled egg all the time. I could eat hard-boiled egg for breakfast every day! As for taho, I regularly walked fifteen minutes a day just to buy taho in the morning. I wanted my taho with LESS arnibal (sugar syrup). I even had a funny encounter with my husband when he bought taho from the vendor in our subdivision. He regularly buys for us but that one morning, he forgot to mention that I want LESS arnibal, and that made me cry! Now, it seems like a hilarious encounter but yes, blame it to the hormones.

Second Trimester

If we are to name the golden age of pregnancy, I can say that it is the second trimester. I felt like my normal self again, with renewed strength and clearer mind to accomplish everyday tasks, except that I had to me more mindful of the baby inside me. Nausea bid goodbye and energy was restored. It is also the time when you’d feel the first movement inside you, such as a feeble and slight kick that will make you smile with joy. This is also the time when you can do the parent-baby bonding (hearing develops during this stage) or play a classical music track expecting that baby remembers it when it comes out. As excited parents, we regularly talked to our baby. Also, the baby bump develops and now is the time to show off to the world that you’re one great expectant mom. You can see strangers smiling at you whenever they see that bump. Priority lanes (together with senior citizen and PWD) become your best buddies. Another ultrasound can be scheduled during this period to check if baby’s fine inside the tummy and to finally experience the moment everyone’s waiting for – the gender reveal! Not everything turns out as expected though, as my gender reveal ultrasound experience turned out. It took 3 ultra sound appointments before we found out baby’s gender since his favorite position was crossing his legs. Feeling shy, right?

Third Trimester

The once-cute-lump turned into a big bump and it took effort to carry this baby bundle. Third trimester introduces slow walking (sometimes even duck walk) and side lying during bed time. It is also the time when expectant moms experience back ache due to the pressure of the baby’s weight. And yes, frequent urination kicks in as there is force on the bladder. I experienced going to the ladies’ room every 15 minutes. During this time, walking is the best workout. Swimming is also one of the best forms of exercise. Long travels are not recommended during this period and the waiting game is the most anticipated time of the third trimester. In my case, I kept myself busy and prepared everything I could before the baby arrives. I did not wait long before this trimester ended. Click here to read my birthing story.

Yes, pregnancy is one marvelous experience. Upon experiencing it, I can now understand when they say that the essence of being a woman is to bear a child. Every time I see a pregnant woman, I beam at her and at her bump, ensure that she gets the priority seat/lane, and think of a silent prayer to make her and the child safe.

Maternity shoot by  Baby Love Studio

https://www.facebook.com/babylovestudio

Coin Bank - DIY

Look at this A DIYed coin bank! Talk about creativity and resourcefulness of a little kid - a previously-used container wrapped with used paper and there you go, savings in the making! I fully understand that it takes much effort to instill to people the value of saving. Even grown-ups have difficulty applying the 80-20 money saving formula (save 20% of your net income, and then spend the rest for expenses). So I really appreciate kids who have the discipline to save and their parents who patiently teach them how to. But then, the kid is saving for what?

KH is written on the coin bank. What does it stand for? This stands for Kingdom Hall – the place of worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone is invited to freely attend Christian meetings in the nearest KH in the area. The little kid saves money, not for his own personal use, but to donate to the KH to support preaching work, relief activities and construction activities worldwide. How selfless!

A few months ago, I blogged about another kid saving in the same manner using a plastic bottle. These kids give just as what they have resolved in their hearts. These are just simple gestures, but impactful reminders to give and share. When we give, let it be with joy, out of love,  remembering that “God loves a cheerful giver,” and that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” ( Acts 20:35)

Farm Health Good Food at The Urban Farm

With its bright green signage, this restaurant never fails to attract my attention every time we pass by it along President’s Avenue in BF Homes Paranaque. After one fruitful ministry day, we decided to try out some real fruit (and other healthy viands). True to its slogan, ‘Farm Healthy Good Food’ is what it really offers. The food served in this restaurant was created by a US accredited chemist and master herbalist.

Hand-painted murals on the wall reveal uplifting messages with a sense of humor. The interiors are cozy and homey providing a feel that you are in a farm with white fences and gardening tools. Wait for a few minutes and the produce will be shortly served to you – fresh and clean.

We tried the following:

 Dijon Half Roast Chicken (Mustard marinated half of chicken with gravy fries)

 Salmon & Mash (Grilled salmon fillet with cream sauce and mashed potato)

 Beef Steak and Frites (Imported beef fillets with gravy and seasoned fries)

Being regular brown rice consumers, this time we enjoyed black rice served with the Mains.

For drinks I ordered a Healthy Smoothie - Fresh Strawberry Mint Lemonade (with herbs, spices and vegetables).

For the Starters and Mains, serving size is big enough for sharing. Food is fresh, unique and delicious.
The Urban Farm‘s concept is relatively new since they emphasize that they only use organic vegetables and grass fed animals.Truly, out of the many sprouting restaurants in BF area, The Urban Farm is definitely a must-try for the health buffs (and curious foodies) out there.

THE URBAN FARM
#4 President's Ave. cor. Adelfa St.
Tahanan Vill., BF Homes Subd.,
Paranaque City
823-8495

Loom Love

Just like any other fad, I thought the loom bands craze would just go away one day. But when loving kids gave me a LoomBands 101 session, i realized the value it instills on kids - patience, creativity and thoughtfulness. And so I got my own, loomed with love by Jannah :) I chose the rainbow-inspired set because life is indeed full of colors!

Keep on looming, kids (and kids at heart)!

Abe - Where Good Friends (and Families) Dine

Lately, it seems like the area in and around Parañaque and Alabang has been a hotbed for lots of fresh and trendy food-related developments. But nothing beats a Filipino restaurant that serves true Pinoy food and rivals with other foreign restaurants in terms of value and quality. 

So one late night, we had our family dinner in this place 'where good friends dine' - Abe Restaurant in Alabang Town Center. As part of the LJC group of companies, Abe serves similar dishes like the ones of Cafe Adriatico, Bistro Remedios, etc.

Homey as it appeals, we all got engrossed into talking and bonding, thus I have limited time to take shots. Sharing the top three favorites from our order list.

I am not so much of a Crispy Pata lover but my foodie loved ones wanted to have it in our list.

It was actually the guys who really craved for this, assuring the ladies that it was cheat day.

And so, the Crispy Pata to die for (with double meaning haha) was served on our table.

Abe's Crispy Pata is really good, with the perfect crisp and flavor.

 Oh well, mom's favorite, the all-Filipino Kare-kare!

Abe's version is more of a creamier one and has no artificial coloring - no orange color that stains the plate.

Hubby's pick - Bicol Express.

He loves the spicy sting put into every Bicol Express meal. 

Instead of having more meat, Abe makes their Bicol Express more of a 

vegetable serving with less meat and more greens. Truly healthy!

And oh, what (or who) is Abe, by the way? Abe (ah-beh) is a noun which means either of the two:

1. Capampangan word for friend, companion, and getting together.

2. Nickname of a beloved son of Pampanga, Emilio Aguilar Cruz (1915-1991), writer, editor, painter, connoisseur, bon vivant and legendary eater outer.

We can add another meaning, though. Abe = great restaurant. :)

So, if you are looking for a place with a cozy ambiance, great quality of food, value for money and friendly service; visit:

Abe Alabang Town Center
Lifestyle Strip, Alabang Town Center, Commerce Avenue, Muntinlupa City
Phone: 623 0899 / 804 2148-49 / 917 550 6033
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday / 11 am – 11 pm

Seating capacity: 140

Also, if you have foreigner friends (or balikbayans) who are craving for Filipino food, Abe is one great option. Certainly, Abe is not just a place 'where good friends dine', but is also a setting for families to reconnect and delight in each other's company.

Fine Dining at Home

Wife: “I prepare the food in less than an hour. You finish it in a few minutes. Even so, I will never get tired of cooking for you.”

Husband: “The food you serve is far more delicious than any meal a fine-dining restaurant can offer.”

These were our lines when I cooked for hubby a day after our 1st year anniversary. We both said it jokingly but it was a treasured moment worth remembering. Nothing beats a home-made meal cooked and prepared with TLC. And so, let me share the menu for that night: 

 Grilled Norwegian salmon 

 Crunchy Breaded-Shrimp

 Maki-inspired Salad

For ladies out there who want to reinvent something new or spark up a fine-dining experience at home, try cooking instead of dining out. I am no expert chef, but getting ready for more posts re: cooking milestones in this blog.

Ad Summit PH 2014

The Age of Enlightenment.  This was the theme of this year’s Ad Summit, where marketing teams and advertising enthusiasts soaked in inspiration, validation and energized motivation from the rock stars of the ad industry. Let me share with you a glimpse of our enlightened journey.



Day one started on a high note with crowd favorite Chot Reyes linking basketball and advertising.  The five-time PBA Coach of the Year and Sports5 head likened the advertising industry to a basketball game, saying
that scoring advertising three-pointers takes trust, effort, accountability and motivation (TEAM). Coach Chot made me see basketball in a different light and yes, our world of advertising has so much to learn from the
wonderful world of basketball.

Following Reyes was Y&R Asia Pacific regional executive creative director Marcus Rebeschini, who talked about taking on the Impossible. "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done," He explained that when things become difficult, many people think that what they set out to do is impossible. “You can either say it's impossible, or you can do the impossible."

From aspiration to inspiration, Sandipan Roy of Isobar, talks about how the transparency brought by the Internet has made brands more accountable to the consumer.  He discussed how the internet has changed things.  Because of technology, the four Ps of marketing no longer exist in silo of each other. With the advent of social media, Sandipan notes that purchase is no longer an isolated experience. Our social media friends provide a hyper-speed-word-of-mouth influence.



After an inspiring first day, Day two of the Ad Summit was packed with amazing case studies that provoked brands to challenge norms to truly make a difference.  Shu chang of Omnicom started the day by sharing 10
narratives that challenger brands use to overthrow competition. Chiu chang spoke about how challenger brands  can threaten big players.  Chiang said that "Digital and social media allows challenger brands with low budgets to reach consumers". Chiang also said that it's important for brands to remain true to their identity. "What's really important is to take a stance and stick by it.”  he said.








Perhaps one of the most engaging talks during the summit came from Merlee Jayme of DM9JaymeSyfu who shared various campaigns that changed the lives of people.  “Liking isn’t Helping” seeks to point out that tangible actions such as donations or volunteering are much more useful to help victims of war or natural disaster. The “Burry the Past” project has helped thousands of Filipino women whose lives have been affected by online scandals. And the Smart Text Books campaign has allowed millions of underprivileged kids access to textbooks in the form of a simcard. It was emphasized that the creative mind can do good, but the creative heart can do wonders.





On the final day of Ad Summit Pilipinas, advertising legends inspired delegates with a single message:   that brands can influence social change.

Other than the heavy rains of prizes, interactive gatherings from sponsors and star-studded activities, insights from this year’s ad summit surely created a big impact to how advertisers and the media people think and
implement things. Enlightenment it is.

Looking forward to the next Ad Summit. #adsummitph

Credits: Ad Summit Speakers, BPI Delegates