Bacolod Mom & Baby Fair [Press Release]

The Bacolod Mom & Baby Club (BMBC) is a breastfeeding support group founded in July 2013. Our primary focus is on increasing breastfeeding rates one mother at a time not just in Bacolod but all over Negros.

On October 27, 2013, the club will be hosting the Bacolod Mom & Baby Fair. This event aims to educate mothers. mothers-to-be and their families about the benefits and importance of breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth diapering. It also aims to support mompreneurs who will be showcasing their businesses during the said event.

We have several activities lined up for that day. In the morning, La Leche League Leader and Certified Lactation Counselor Abbie Yabot will facilitate a discussion on Advanced Breastfeeding and Attachment Parenting. In the afternoon, we will have talks on Cloth Diapering and Babywearing.

The event is brought to you by The Bacolod Mom & Baby Club, District North Point, Cordlife, Cetaphil and Mommy Matters. Co-sponsored by Philips Avent, Pigeon, Medela, Smart Steps, Nursing Mom, Mommy Treats and Latch a Babe Nursing Wear.

Exhibitors for the event are: Bright Kids Preschool, Cordlife, Go Green, Krazelle, Little Panda Shop, Medela Moms, My Baby Dragon, Proactive Nanay, Pigeon, Saab and Meelo, Tickled Moms and Sugar Central.

Learn more about the Bacolod Mom & Baby Club by visiting the Facebook Fanpage -- www.fb.com/bacolodmomandbabyclub

Good Change? Bad Change?

Anyone can pretty much do anything online. It’s funny how much things has evolved in such a short span of time. I can still remember using the internet just to chat with friends at MIRC and doing a few research here and there. Now you can do a gazillion things.

Research. Internet has probably changed the way students do their research. Before, we used to stay beyond school hours at the library and browse through books and encyclopedias just so we have the information we need for school the next day. I even remember borrowing 2-3 reference books at the same time. Now, almost anyone have internet connection at home and Google is such an easy site to use. You just type the topic and in seconds, hundreds and hundreds of information can be pulled up.

Work. I never considered working from home. I always see myself wearing corporate clothes, all made up and going to work; until I met a few women who made a living at the comforts of their own home. This made me re-think about my priorities especially when I got really sick last year. So guess where I am now! Yes! I am now a work-at-home mom. Websites like Odesk, Elance and Online Jobs PH provide such opportunities. I got extremely lucky that I found great employers at Odesk. The perks are endless too! I can wake up early, pull my hair together, have breakfast and then open my laptop and go to work. You read that right. There are even days that I work before I had my bath. Ha ha! Aside from the perks, there are disadvantages too. Have you tried working with a toddler running around? It takes a lot to keep them distracted.

I work better when the toddler's asleep in bed.

Shopping. Forget about crazy crowds during mall sales, there are hundreds of deals available online. Online shopping is the easiest way to get the stuff that you need without leaving your home. You can either go to one of those group buying sites like Cash Cash Pinoy or one of those online shopping stores like Zalora Philippines. They offer a wide range of products from clothes to skincare to accessories. You don’t even have to have a credit card to be able to shop online. Zalora Philippines allows you to pay cash (on selected cities) upon delivery. How convenient is that?

Communication. Gone are the days when you wait for the mailman so you can get your mail. Now you can send emails anytime anywhere and your message gets sent in seconds. I must admit though that I miss those days when I head to the bookstore and buy those uber cute stationeries. And how can you not think about the social media sites like Facebook and Twitter? I’m probably one of those people who couldn’t let one day pass without checking my accounts because that’s how we communicate with my relatives in the US and my in-laws in Manila.

What about you? What do you think about the changes?

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls joins the fight against breast cancer with Pink Power

This October, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Eastwood City join the fight against breast cancer with the launch of Pink Power, a month-long information campaign that aims to empower women with the tools they need to help reduce breast cancer risk.

The campaign kicked at the Pink Power Cancer Forum at the Eastwood Mall Atrium. Done in partnership with Icanserve Foundation, the program hosted by Issa Litton included appearances from breast cancer advocates and health and fitness experts.

Guests were able to hear the story of Melissa de Leon-Joseph, Breast Cancer Survivor, and were able to get the facts on breast cancer from Dr. Katrina P. Ferrera, who discussed breast cancer myths and risk factors.

“Don’t be scared,” encouraged Melissa de Leon-Joseph. “It is better to have yourself checked and have peace of mind.” She also shared about how she and her friends held mammo parties, where they go to the hospital together to get their mammograms and then have coffee afterwards, to make the experience less frightening.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Ferrera advised women as early as 20 to start doing breast self-exams or BSE monthly, while women in their 30s should not only do a monthly BSE but also have an annual clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health worker and those in their 40s should continue their monthly BSE, have an annual clinical exam and a mammogram every year.

Aside from family history, some of the risk factors include early menstruation (before the age of 12), late menopause (after the age of 55), not having children or not having children before the age of 35, and lifestyle factors like being overweight and smoking.

To help women start living a healthier lifestyle, the Pink Power Cancer Forum also included a fun exercise break from Fitness First and a talk on nutrtion from Fitness First Nutritionist Fergie Icaro. Curves Eastwood’s Leizel Gilbero, a 3-year Curves Coach, Certified Zumba Instructor and Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, also talked about the importance of exercise in reducing breast cancer risk.

“Breast Cancer risk is decreased by 15-50% among physically active women,” Gilbero shared and added that “Most studies suggest that 30 to 60 minutes per day of moderate to high-intensity physical activity is associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk.”

Curves is a facility especially designed for women featuring a complete 30-minute cardio

and strength-training program that has been proven to be clinically effective with a positive effect on body composition, metabolism, and resting heart rate.

“Women will lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism rates – all these in just 30 minutes, 3x a week,” said Gilbero.

Tokyo Posh, the only brand in the Philippines specializing on hair extensions and hair enhancements, has also joined the fight against breast cancer. “For now. we help by providing up to date styles for full wigs that will instantly give back the confidence usually lost when going through cancer. We want them to feel beautiful and happy and this we believe will help them through their fight with cancer and journey towards healing,” said Denise Aquino, owner of Tokyo Posh.

She also advised women battling breast cancer to not be afraid to try and use wigs or extensions, putting on make-up and dressing up, which she feels will also help drastically change one's outlook. “Women should not avoid going out because of the disease, they should live life as normally as possible and enjoy it to the fullest,” she said.  

Guests also took home prizes from brands that supported this life-saving advocacy through trivia games and were later invited to make a statement and join the fight against breast cancer at the Pink Power Statement Wall.  

The Pink Power Cancer Forum was sponsored by Curves, Detoxify Bar, Fitness First, Jcuppacakes, Pandora and Tokyo Posh.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ also unveiled its other Pink Power activities during this event. On Oct. 25, 6pm, Lucky Chinatown will be playing host to the Pink Power Zumba Party. Shoppers can learn more about breast cancer at this event and also get started on a fitter lifestyle through a free Zumba session from Gold’s Gym. Interested guests can pre-register at the Lucky Chinatown Concierge for the chance to get fun prizes from participating brands.

The Pink Power promo which will help shoppers get started on a healthier lifestyle. For every single or accumulated receipt worth P3,000 from any Eastwood City, Newport Mall, Lucky Chinatown and Venice Piazza establishment from October 14 – 20, the customer is entitled to a pick-a-prize and win a gift certificate from participating sponsors David’s Salon, Big Apple Express Spa, Curves, Bikram Yoga, Pink Parlour, White Space Mind and Body Wellness, Body Worx Spa and Fitness Club and Bioessence.

Receipts can be presented at the redemption booths located at the Ground Floor of Eastwood Mall, at the Ground Floor of Lucky Chinatown, Binondo, at the second floor of Newport Plaza, Newport Mall and at the Venice Piazza Atrium in Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill.

The Eastwood Mall signage (fronting Eastwood City Walk) will also be turning pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; guests can show their support by getting their photo taken those locations and tagging Megaworld Lifestyle Malls at #MegaworldPinkPower @eastwoodcity on Twitter and EastwoodCity on Facebook.

To learn more about Pink Power at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, guests can call the Concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888, 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.

PER DTI-NCR PERMIT NO. 4807. SERIES OF 2013

Planet Mom Discovery: The District North Point Family Lounge

For the nursing moms in Bacolod, this post is definitely for you.  I have featured several breastfeeding stations in Metro Manila and the airports in Iloilo and Bacolod before so this post shouldn't be any different. I am just extremely excited that I have discovered this family lounge inside The District North Point in Talisay.

The community center is located along the national highway adjacent to the Ayala North Point in Talisay. The place has a very laid back atmosphere despite it being a commercial building.  I learned from my friend and breastfeeding mom, Jireh, that they have a family lounge which she suggests that I visit.  She describes the place as amazing. Curious about what it looks like and intrigued because I thought it would be a great place to feature here, I took my son with me at the second floor of the building.

Note at the Attendant's Table

I was greeted by the friendly attendant who asked if I am a VIPinoy or BPI cardholder. I said no and I asked if I can use the breastfeeding room.  She said yes and asked someone to lead me to it.

Inside the breastfeeding room are two smaller rooms with sliding doors that you can close if you need privacy. I also like that even if you are inside, you can still faintly hear the music being played inside the mall. Did I mention that the place is sqeaky clean?

A very comfortable and inviting couch greeted us but this is not the nursing station yet.

Surprise! There's a play area behind that comfy couch.

Love the breastfeeding room. Comfy couch and sliding doors for privacy.

It is indeed a lounge meant for relaxing. There are magazines that you can read. The couches are comfortable and the breastfeeding room exceeded my expectation. I later found out that nursing mom can freely use the space if they need to breastfeed.  Senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities can stay and rest for a while too.

Drop by the family lounge if you visit the mall. When you do, let me know what you think about it.

Planet Mom Recommends: Smart Steps Baby Laundry Detergent

I first found out about Smart Steps Baby Laundry Detergent when we attended several events hosted by the Mommy Academy. Prior to trying their detergent, we were just using one of the "regular ones" in the market to wash my son's clothes.  It was actually my husband's idea to try out the product and because it's new and interesting, we bought a pack.

Smart Steps is a laundry detergent that is clinically proven safe and mild for babies. It is tough enough to deal with stains yet mild enough for your babies' skin. It has no dyes, no bleach and no optical brighteners which makes it very safe for you to use on your cloth diapers.  What I like most about it is that, it is a very effective laundry detergent yet it is very affordable.  I am not really a big fan of buying really expensive stuff and the cost of Php 254 per 1.5 liter of liquid detergent is very well withing my budget. I noticed too that the clothes smell nice even if I don't use a fabric conditioner. :)

Purchased Smart Steps products on Sale at the SM Grand Baby Fair

Since I started using cloth diapers on my son, Smart Steps has become my laundry partner.  Although I ocassionally try out other "newer" brands to find out which detergent work best for my cloth diaper stash, I keep coming back because for just a fraction of the cost, I am able to get the quality that I am looking for

Learn more about Smart Steps Baby Laundry Detergent by visiting their website and their Facebook Fan Page. 

Dengue Terror + Bite Block Giveaway

Photo credit: Mrooczek262 from morguefile.com 

Here's the reality:
Nationwide, there is a total of 14, 837 dengue cases including 89 deaths as of June 2004 according to the Department of Health

In Metro Manila, the dengue cases has increased by 121% in the past three months compared to the same period last year.
In Bacolod, dengue cases has reached 904 with Barangays Taculing and Villamonte having the most number of dengue cases.

Personally, I don't want to part of those statistics nor will I want any of my family members to be one of those numbers. It's scary and it's life threatening.

Dengue, known as breakbone fever is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.  These mosquitoes typically bite in the early morning of the day or in the early evening.  Dengue is one of the common illnesses that anyone can get infected with during the rainy season.  That's because mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant waters.

Do you know that a female mosquito can lay 100-200 eggs?  That's 100-200 mosquitoes that can potentially transmit the virus and infect you or your family.

The good news is, dengue can be prevented.  One way to do that is to use an insect repellant.  There are different ones available and I have narrowed down my favorites.  One product on my list is Bite Block Insect Repellent and you can read why I love them here.

I've got another good news. Bite Block has sent over goodies for my readers.  You know what that means? It's giveaway time!

There will be 4 sets of winners:

One winner from Bacolod and one winner from anywhere in the Philippines will each get 2 (two) 100 ml Bite Block Kids, 1 (one) 100 ml Bite Block Daily and 3 (three) 5 ml Bite Block Daily.

One winner from Bacolod and one winner from anywhere in the Philippines will each get 2 (two) 100 ml Bite Block Daily, 1 (one) 100 ml Bite Block Kids and 3 (three) 5 ml Bite Block Daily.

The winners from Bacolod should be willing to meet up with me at the District Northpoint Ayala.

Prizes up for grabs

I will have two sets of rafflecopter on my page so make sure that you follow the instructions and use the correct rafflecopter.

The Bacolod winners will be announced on October 25 so we can meet up on the 27th. All winners should reply to my email within 24 hours. Otherwise, a new winner will be picked.


If you're located anywhere in the Philippines, use the one below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck everyone!!!

Moms on the Floor [Press Release]

Mommy Mundo, Manila’s go-to resource for young and modern active moms invite all pregnant moms, mom with babies 0 to 1yr of age, and mom with kids 1yr to 6yrs old to Moms on the Floor, happening on October 05, 2013 Saturday at The Loft at the Manansala Tower, Rockwell, Makati.

Attend this floor-based activity and GET DOWN ON THE FLOOR!

That means 1) Fitness, 2) Bonding and 3) Fun! While learning more about having a healthy baby and happy pregnancy!

It's true that everyone will literally be ON THE FLOOR just like what we did last year. My daughter, my niece and I had a blast during the event. 

Zumba fun!

the SoMoms and their kiddos

Now on its 4th year, Moms on the Floor will definitely be another fun-filled event with exciting activities for all moms, divided into three portions:

10:00am- 12 noon For Moms with Babies
Baby Play by toddlers and Teachers Inc.
Infant Massage by Rome Kanapi

1:00pm-3:00pm For Pregnant Moms
Preparing for Birth with Rome Kanapi
Prenatal Yoga with Urban Ashram

3:00pm-5:00pm For Moms with Kids
Kids Yoga with Michelle Aventajado
Zumba Kids with Roxy Araneta

The MOMS ON THE FLOOR is co-presented by Shop Mommy Matters, Philippine Association of Childbirth Educators (PACE), GlaxoSmithKline, Sponsors include, Cycles Mild Laundry Detergent, Cradle Bottle and Toy Cleanser, Philips Avent, and Primaries by Rockwell Land.  Also supported by Crystal Clear, Imagine Nation Photography, Wang Videography, Urban Ashram, Toddlers Teachers Inc., Sky Cable, and Digiprint. Media Partners include Working Mom Magazine, Lifestyle Network, Moms Today, Health Today, Crossover 105.1 FM, N@W, WhenInManila.com, Mompreneur Manila, Urban Mom Magazine and Mommy Pages.

Don’t forget to bring your exercise mats, mommies and kiddos!

Come to The Moms on the Floor on October 5 at the Loft at the Manansala Rockwell Makati City.  Participation is free but pre-registration is required, to register text 0908-8657245 the following details: your name and which portion you will join. Registered participants will get a confirmation text or email.  J

For more info visit www.mommymundo.com
Moms on the Floor event Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/events/385271304908305/.