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Wednesday, December 31, 2014 2
Few more hours to go and goodbye 2014, hello 2015 na. I want to share with you how blessed I/we this year, although there are ups and down in our family, still God has another way in showing his love to us. Last year, I listed my/our goals for 2014 and you know what most of them na accomplished namin and guess what, mas marami pa kaming blessings na nareceived. Thank you Lord!

Here are the highlights of our 2014!


 1. I just gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby girl!

This is my major achievement in life and I really love my new job - MOTHER! Ang magsilang ng isang baby, no one can compare how happy I am when I saw my baby love for the first time and it’s Amazing feeling! Basta para bang kumpleto na ang buhay ko because of her. Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing! Rhian is our angel, my everything.

2. Successful Baptismal Ceremony



We welcome our baby love in to the Christian World last April 26, 2014.

3. Staycation with Family.


Mother's Day Celebration
Hubby's Birthday
Rhian's Monthly Celebration

We visited 3 hotels this year just for staycation. Wohooo!!! More staycation on 2015!

4. Booked! 1st out of town (via plane) as a Family

When Rhian was 2 months old, my husband and I decided to booked a flight to Boracay in 2015 (Summer). So imagine 1 year advance nag book na kami. Di naman masyadong excited noh. Hehe.


 5. 1st out of town



Our 1st out of town as a family this year! Wohooo.. Hello Tagaytay! Thanks to my friends who accompany us during this trip.

6. My husband got his promotion!

Another Thank you Lord! I’m speechless! He handed me a letter from his company stating that he is promoted. Congrats Honey!

7. I won at the raffle, not once not twice but trice!

This year, I was surprised when I won at the raffle/giveways. Imagine,  for the first time in my working life, nanalo ako ng major prize – REFRIGERATOR! Woohooo! Thank you Lord!

 8. New Group, New Friends = Happy ME!
Photo c/o Mommy Joy

This year, I’m so active sa social media. FB and Instagram halos 24/7 akong online and because mommy na ko, I joined Mommy Bloggers Philippines wherein I met super duper gaganda at mababait na mommies.

9. More PR + Mommy Events

This year also I make it a point to update my blog as often as I can and happy to say I received lots of PR from social media and attended events as a blogger. I’m so happy talaga, because of this blog I was able to meet new friends and experience different thing in my life. #SarapMagingBlogger

10. New Domain Name

I started blogging since 2010 and after 4 years napalitan na ang domain ko. (Click here for the story behind this domain name). 

11. New Investment



We invested our money for Rhian’s future. We got a plan at Pru Life which is payable for 10 years. We really need this kasi gusto namin na sa magandang school mag aaral ang anak namin, and 10 year mabilis na yun right. Ika nga namin, pikit mata namin babayaran yun para sa kinabukasan ni Rhian.

Ian also got his Protection and Retirement Plan, he wanted to secure our future narin para kahit pag tanda namin may mahuhugutan kaming pera.

12. Good Health

Thank you Lord. This year, hindi kami nagkasakit mag asawa, then si Rhian since birth, twice lang sya nilagnat which lasted for 4 days (recently, yung 4 days fever nya which according to her pedia, viral daw), so kahit na nag ngingipin sya hindi sya nagkakasakit. Praise God! This is one of our greatest blessings this year! We have a healthy life.


13. Successful Breastfeeding Journey

Palakpakan! Congrats to me! I breastfed my baby for 11 months and counting! This is one of the reasons kung bakit healthy and super siksik ang anak ko. Breast Milk is still BEST milk for baby. Thank you Lord for giving me much milk. #ProudToBeBreastFeedingMom

14. Rhian’s Monthly Celebration


We make sure to celebrate every 20thof the month, birth date of my maCUTElit na baby. Thank you sa lahat ng sponsors during our celebrations.

15. Approved Loan!

My husband decided to apply for loan this year, thank God naapproved sya and now were thinking kung bibili kami ng bagong sasakyan (remember the car accident happened to us almost 2 months ago, well until now hindi parin ayos yung sasakyan namin! Booo!!!) or house and lot. Hirap mag rent ng bahay, pinapayaman lang namin yung lessor, imagine almost 2 years na kaming nagbabayad ng 10k monthly sa bahay na hindi naman mapupunta sa amin. Hayz. I will let you know kung anong final decision namin. :)

These were just a few of the highlights from this pretty amazing year. God is so good all the time that’s why I always thank the Lord for all the blessings we received, kahit na marami kaming napagdaanan sa buhay nalagpasan namin syang mag asawa ng hawak-kamay. We’re looking forward to 2015. Cheers!

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Sunday, December 21, 2014 7
I attended one of the best Christmas parties ever last December 5, it was organized by Mommy Lanie (TweenselMom.com), Mommy Joy (JoyGurtiza.com) and Mommy Louisa (ArtofBeingAMom.com) It was held at Spaces by BabyLand in Mandaluyong. The theme for the first ever Christmas Party is Winter Wonderland, so everyone is encourage to wear color blue or white and a little make-up for photo-ops, semi-formal attire and of course our exchange gifts worth Php 300.00.

Okay fine, I’m late. I arrived at the venue past 1 because no available UBER (if you want to get free Php 200.00 credit on your 1st ride, use my code: IANV15) that time but you know what natangal yung stress ko when I saw the room filled up with eye-catching decorations. Kudos to the team! Effort talaga!

 Mommy Lanie (TweenselMom.com), Mommy Joy (JoyGurtiza.com) and Mommy Louisa (ArtofBeingAMom.com)
Photo credit to Mommy Jho

Some mommy bloggers are enjoying the photobooth c/o YEAH, SHOOT Photobooth. It’s perfect! Ang ganda ng layout pati printing! And since we are all picture addict, I can’t remember how many time we went there for shoot.

Mommy Que, Mommy Jen, Mommy Rackell (That's Me!), 
Mommy Paulline and Mommy Aubrey
with Mommy Lally and Mommy Jen

The event was started with a short prayer led by Mommy Jho, followed by welcome remarks of Mommy Lanie (Head/Founder of MBP) and the warm-up game (getting to know each other) facilitated by Mommy Louisa. Actually, magulo yung game na to but everyone is enjoying it. They instructed us to divide the group into 2 with more or less 15 mommies each group and handed us a piece of paper with questions.  Tapos you need to answer the question na sasabihin ng kaharap mo in just 30 seconds tapos mag rorotate kayo para iba naman ang kaharap mo with another question naman, basta ganon. Ah basta masaya kami, di naman halata sa photos db. Hehe.


Group 1 
Group 2
Photos credit to Mommy Jho
with Mommy Jen and Mommy Lanie 

Right after the game, it’s kainan time. There are three caterers during the party and I must say that they are the BEST! Ang sasarap ng food! Thanks to Posh Catering, Shekinah Dishes and Kubiertos Catering who offers scrumptious dishes and Love Desserts for the sweet treats for mommies.
Posh Catering
Shekinah Dishes 
Love Desserts

The most awaited part of the event was the raffle. Eto talaga pinakamasaya sa lahat! Everyone was expecting for the Tablet and 32”Inch TV! Wohooo!!! I’m so lucky that my name was called! First time ito! I won limited edition plate from Glorietta and Air Freshener from Renuzit.  Eto talaga ang pinaka highlights ng party, ang makakuha ng plate kasi pagmeron ka nito VIP ka. :)

Congrats to Mommy Jinke for winning the Acer tablet and Mommy Paulline for taking home brand new 32” inch Sharp LED TV from Abenson.



There are lots of raffle prizes that day from our generous sponsors: The Cream Factory, Renuzit, Lazada and Glorietta.


Right after the awarding ceremony of the major prize (Congrats Mommy Paulline, actually para talaga sakin yun eh. Hehe.#Bitter) the traditional exchange gift na. Wohoo.. I’m so excited! Thank you Mommy Arge! Sa Christmas ko na sya bubuksan para surprise. :)

That day was full of fun, excitement and most important is that I gained new friends and ka chickahan. It was a blast! Everyone went home with loot bags full of gifts from our sponsors. (Teleserv, Nail-A-Holics, Trolli, Fly Ace Corporation, Zomato,Triumph and Nature Essentials)


I’m so sorry, I was not able to take lots of photo during the event. Ang sarap lang kasi tumawa ng tumawa and makipag chikahan sa ibang mommies eh. Kaya super thank you Mommy Joy for the photos. (some photos are credited to her). Now, I’m looking forward for more events and parties of Mommy Bloggers Philippines. I’m so proud and grateful that I belong to this group. Thank you Mommy Lanie for this opportunity to finally meet you and other mommy bloggers. (Although we met at MBP Halloween Party, this is the first time na nakapag papicture tayo. Hehe)


God Bless to us! And let’s plan for our next activities and events for the year 2015! Cheers! 
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Saturday, December 20, 2014 35
Time flies so fast. I can’t believe that you are almost a year old.  You know what sweetheart, the major milestones have been reached and to tell you the truth this month is super nakakapagod. Why? Because you are so kulit na. You want to walk, to crawl, magkalat and mangagat. But don’t worry baby, because it’s so adorable. I am so blessed to be your mother and I love waking up seeing your cutest smile ever.


Baby Rhian, I want you to know that Daddy and Mommy are doing their best to be the best parents for you. All our hard work and sacrifices are all worth it. You are so friendly, you interact with your environment like a real person (like a toddler should I say). You understand what I am saying like “Don’t do that”, Dirty”, “Bad Smell” etc. and even you know how to show respect to elders. (Mano po) Good Job Anak!

Rhian, always remember that I love you so much! You always brighten up my day, your smiles cheer me up and your silliness amuses me and you Daddy. If only we can stop the time and forever baby ka nalang, ginawa na siguro namin, but we can’t, we just need to accept the fact na mag enter ka na sa toddler stage. Oh my God! Am I ready?! Lord, please guide us. 

You are the most precious achievement of my life! Thank you for promoting me from a certified wife to certified mother! We love you to the moon and back sweetheart! Happy 11th Month Rhian!

Love, 

Mommy 
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Friday, December 19, 2014 2
Manila Philippines—Coming home has never been this sweet as SM Global Pinoy honored an OFW who came home to spend Christmas together with her loved ones. This tribute video is SM Supermalls’ way of saying ‘thank you’ to OFWs for their hard work and support, not only for their families, but also to the SM Global Pinoy Program. 

Watch the heartwarming SM Global Pinoy Video.


Now on its 3rd year, the SM Global Pinoy Program through Pamaskong Handog Para sa Global Pinoy held a grand homecoming last December 15, featuring celebrities like Piolo Pascual at SM City Dasmariñas, Angeline Quinto at SM City Clark, Xian Lim at SM City Bacolod, Sam Milby at SM City General Santos, and Daniel Matsunaga at SM Southmall. Our Global Pinoys and their families also enjoyed exclusive discounts from selected stores at the SM Supermalls’ Balikbayan Specials.

The SM Global Pinoy Program aims to honor the OFWs and their families. To pay tribute and appreciation for our modern day heroes, SM Global Pinoy provides them with an exclusive lounge inside the SM Supermalls malls nationwide and gives them access to exclusive events, activities, perks and privileges.

This December 29, our Global Pinoys may also get a 10% discount on all items for a minimum of P2, 000 single-receipt purchase at The SM Store Pasalubong Sale. Simply present your SM Global Pinoy or BDO Kabayan card.

To add to their #MerrySMChristmas, our SM Global Pinoy guests received several prizes and freebies from the SM Global Pinoy partners: BDO, SM Store, SM Cinema, E-Plus, Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, Barrio Fiesta SkinWhite, Tom’s World, Informatics Institute, V.Y. Domingo Jewellers, Nokia.


ABOUT SM GLOBAL PINOY

SM Global Pinoy offers exclusive privileges, discounts and services to its OFW members and their families. Just visit the SM Global Pinoy Center at your favorite SM Supermall to become a member. You may go to www.facebook.com/smgpc or email info@smglobalpinoy.com for more details.


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Thursday, December 18, 2014
I have a confession with you guys, I am certified traveler! I already visited some provinces from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I also explore Asian countries like Hongkong, Macau, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.I love to travel, my heart jumps whenever I was out of my comfort zone and I strongly believe that we need a couple time to relax and unwind. 

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The most seasoned travelers can attest--it’s really the little things that make the biggest difference when you’re exploring new territory. A few upgrades here and there and the necessary nuisance of going through airport security or going for a long-haul journey becomes a breeze; you might even get a couple of perks along the way.


From coach to business class

If you want to get upgraded from your cramped coach seats up to roomier business class, then you have to dress the part. Sure a t-shirt and flip-flops might be comfortable for your flight, but the airline will be less likely to put you with their top paying clientele if you don’t look the part.

From deluxe rooms to suites

The only time tardiness might actually be worth something. Checking in later in the afternoon or even evening gives hotel front desks a better idea of their occupancy; which means asking for an upgrade at this point might be more feasible. Remember to be polite (you are boldly asking for an upgrade, after all) and do so when there are no other guests around.

From casual to cosmopolitan

It’s hard to be fashionable when you’re essentially trying to fit a week’s worth of outfits into a single suitcase while making sure they’re comfortable, but it is possible. For instance, bring flat shoes that run a half size bigger (feet swell while on air and you’ll need the respite from all that walking), bring clothes that you can layer depending on the weather, try to keep your color palette strictly basic—blacks, whites, navys and nudes are easy to mix and match.


From falling into tourist traps to taking the road less travelled

Smart travellers know that most popular tourist destinations are expensive and sometimes, not even all that interesting; so try going for the road less travelled. If you absolutely have to or want to go to a popular tourist destination, go on a weekday and at a weird hour to minimize lines.

From holding up security lines to breezing through

Here’s a quick tip on how to make sure you don’t bumble through the security checks—place your shoes (and coat) on the first bin, your laptop and liquids in the second bin, and your purse or carry on in the third. As you wait for your things on the other side, your shoes and coat come out first giving you time to grab your bag and place your laptop back inside. Also, it pays to not wear belts and thigh high lace up boots to the airport.

From being unprepared to staying healthy

Travellers who have to share cabin space with 100 other humans who could possibly have cough and colds have to arrive at their destination healthy. It’s no fun exploring a new city when you’re running a flu, nursing a cold and dealing with a cough.

Before you go on a Vitamin C binge though, you have to know that it’s not advisable to double-up on your vitamin C dose. Our bodies our only capable of absorbing up to 400g, so anything more than that, will do nothing to boost protection for your immune system.


Instead, pop one capsule of Conzace to stave off germs and viruses from fellow passengers. Conzace multivitamins is proven to activate more immunity cells than plain Vitamin C.  And when your immunity is in top shape, you can better manage illnesses – allowing your body to prevent catching common viruses or recover faster if you do fall ill.

It’s available per piece and only for P12.40 per capsule, but when you’re trying to keep yourself healthy for a cross-Atlantic journey, you might as well keep a generous stock. Conzace is also easily available from all major drugstores and supermarkets over the counter.

Finally, here’s an added plus, the zinc and vitamins A, C and E, which all contain anti-oxidants, also help in maintaining great skin.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014 9
Hi guys! Ilang tulog nalang magpapasko na! You know what I’m super duper excited to the highest level because this will be our 1st Christmas as a family, first Christmas rin ng aming maCUTElit na anak kaya looking forward kami to celebrate it.

Anyway highway, andito na naman ang Kamote Family to share our not-so funny conversation. Bahala na kayo humusga kung nakakatawa sya o hindi, pero para sa akin, natatawa ako kaya isha-share ko sa inyo. Hehe.

GREAT GRAND MOTHER

After we checked-out at Berjaya Hotel last Saturday, my husband and I decided to visit her grandparents who lived at United States and now they are here at the Philippines for short vacation. When we arrived at their house in Manila, her Grand Father can’t stop telling me that she (Rhian) looks like her Father (“Kamukha ni Ian. Kamukha ni Ian.. Kamukha ni Ian”). Okay fine, hindi ko kamukha anak ko. Waahhh.

Me – Rhian, Bless kay Lolo.
Rhian – Huwaaa.. Huwaaa.. (Crying)
Lolo – Anak ni Ian? Kamukha nya eh.
Me – Oo nga po eh..
Tita Din (Ian’s Auntie) – Kamukha na sya ni Amie. (Amie is my Mother-In-Law)
Me – Talaga po?
Tita Din – Oo kamukhang kamukha talaga habang nalaki..
Me – Speechless..

After few minutes, bumaba na si Lola.

Lola – Ay ang apo ko, pakiss nga.. (kiss sa cheeks)
Rhian – Huwaa.. Huwaa.. (crying)
Lola – Kamukhang Kamukha ni Aaron (Aaron is Ian’s Nephew) para silang kambal.
Me – Talaga po? E di mukha pong lalaki si Rhian.
Lola – Kamukhang Kamukha talaga. Ang lakas pala ng dugo ng Villareal
Me – Oo nga po eh, wala nga po namana sa akin eh..
Tita Din – Meron naman, yung gender nya. Pero kamukhang kamukha talaga ni Amie
Lola – Hindi, kamukha ni Aaron. (say it 5 times)
Me – Speechless.

After 5 minutes..

Lola – Kanino nga ulit anak to?
Me – Kay Ian po Lola.
Lola – Kamukhang Kamukha talaga ni Aaron. (repeat 5 times)
Rhian – LOLA! (Pasigaw)


Lahat kami napatigil ng sumigaw si Rhian ng LOLA! I don't know kung nakulitan na sya sa lola nya pero dahil sa tuwa, nabigyan ang anak ko ng 100 Dollars. Good Job Anak!


REFRIGERATOR

Do you know na after 4 years ko sa Friendster, ngayon lang ako nanalo sa Christmas raffle and take note 2nd major prize pa sya. I won 5 cubic feet One Door Sanyo Refrigerator. Wohooo!! Congrats to me! But since we have ref na sa bahay, we decided na ibenta nalang sya. I asked my mom to help me find a buyer so I texted her.

Me – Ma, nanalo ako sa raffle, refrigerator. Kaya lang need na mauwi ngayon kasi dadating yung owner ng company namin.
Mommy- O cge anak, hahanap ako ng bibili nyan.

After few minutes, I received another text from my mom.

Mommy – Anak, hanggang magkano nga yung ref?
Me – Php 7,500 pero cash yun ha. Pandagdag sa birthday ni Rhian.
Mommy – Ganon ba, meron na kong nahanap na buyer, pero tinatawaran na 5k at uutangin pa.
Me – Huh? Ma!!!!

Then, my officemates joined our conversation..

Officemate1 – Ay ano ba yun? Dun ka na sa Php 7,500 pero sa January pa ibibigay kesa naman sa 5k tapos utang pa. Haha..
Officemate2 – Oo nga, tapos masaklap pa nun, utang na nga tapos 10 gives pa.
Officemate3 – So dapat installment rin ang pagbibigay ng parts ng ref.. Unahin mo yung pinto tapos ihuli mo yung saksakan.
Officemate1 – Tama, ibigay mo nalang yung saksakan pag natapos na syang magbayad. Haha.

O db, ang tatalino ng mga kasama ko sa trabaho. Very supportive! Pero in the end, napunta yung ref ko sa officemate ko. ^_^ 
  
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Last November 29, Saturday, together with my husband and selected mommy bloggers, we witnessed the Hello Kitty Grand Parade at Mall of Asia grounds. I was informed by Ms. Lanie, Head/Founder of Mommy Bloggers Philippines that there will be a VIP Kiddie Party happening first at TGIFriday’s which is located at Seaside Boulevard at the end of Mall of Asia before the main event.


We arrived at the venue before 4pm and the staffs are still preparing so we opted to roam around the place. They prepared candy buffet, light meals for the guests and media and a live DJ.

Super Gwapong DJ
Sweet Treats
Yummy Food
Team Villareal 
I’m so happy to finally meet some mommy bloggers -  Mommy Lally of Lally's Reflections and Mommy Jem of ESuperMommy 
New Playmate. Rhian with Mila (Daughter of Mommy Paulline)


Aside from mommy bloggers, there are also celebrities in the pre-event party. Fortunately, I was able to took photos with Venice Bektas, daughter of Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez. 


Then, all VIP guests were escorted at our seats. We were lucky to be seated at the 2nd row, talagang dun kami umupo kasi angstroller ni bagets nakaharang pag sa harap kami. Around 6pm, the parade started. For this year, Hello Kitty and other beloved characters such as Keroppi, Little Twin Stars, Badtz-Maru, My Melody and many more will spread joy and happiness for fans of any age. The 12 colorful Sanrio mascot floats, which depict Christmas celebrations around the world, will also be accompanied by a parade of mascots, dancers and performers to add to the fun! 


The Grand Festival of Lights motorcade will be held every Saturday until Christmas day. The parades, which will start at 5:30 p.m., will begin from the North Arcade and end at the SM MOA By the Bay with a big bang via a grand fireworks display.

My husband and I really enjoyed the event. Sayang tulog ang anak ko the whole parade. Huhu. But overall, ang sarap palang masama sa VIP. Hehe. Thanks Mommy Bloggers Philippines and SM for the one of a kind experience. 


For updates on fun holiday events, visit the Facebook page SMMallOfAsia or follow @TheMallofAsiaOfficial on Instagram and @TheMallofAsia on Twitter.


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