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Lady Cess Was In The PBA

This humble blog was nominated by IMom and later chosen as finalist in the Philippine Blog Awards 2009.

I didn’t get the trophy, nonetheless I feel great. My efforts have been recognized and appreciated, and grouped together will all those amazing blogs! Yes, me, and those wonderful bloggers. I still can’t believe it.

Congratulations to the finalists and winners of PBA ‘09. I am honored (read: kinikilig to the bones) to be  lined up with you. Thanks to IMom for believing in me, my beloved FMB family for the love and support and the “pala,” and the PBA for taking notice of this simple blog. Salamat po.

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I think this blog needs a makeover, don’t you agree? I have been mulling over this for months now, and I think it’s time to put the plan to action.

Stay tuned :)

Posted in Yours Truly.


The Nightmare That Was Ondoy

My internet connection was gone for almost three days. No electricity for a day, and no water for two.

That was all we lost when Typhoon Ondoy wreaked havoc. We turned on the tv as soon as the power came back, and I watched the news with horror. I couldn’t believe how much tragedy could happen in so short a time. I couldn’t help sobbing as I watched the pictures and videos on tv. Sobra talaga.

We have already dropped off food, jackets, babies’ and children’s clothes blankets, and towels in SM Operation Tulong booth in The Block. I think all SM branches have put up these booths which makes it easier for many of us to extend help. I heard there is a call for more food, blankets, water and medicines, and we plan to answer the call in our own little way. The Lord has allowed me and my family to survive the storm unscathed that we feel we must do anything and everything to help.

I mourn for those who died in the typhoon. The grief must be too much to bear for their loved ones.

Posted in Disappointments.


Sweet Sibs

I love this photo so much I made it our PC’s wallpaper. Look at them smile. Look at how tightly Kuya hugged Ate. Look at how much Ate enjoyed Kuya’s hug. Nobody would think that days before this photo was taken I was at my wits’ end trying to keep the two from arguing over which tv channel to watch, whose turn it was to use the computer, and whether or not the Disney Princesses are powerful enough to beat the Transformers.

The tv, the computer, and the battle between damsels and robots were set aside for their fill of slides, trampolines and a sea of balls. This beautiful photo was brought to me by a visit to Active Fun in SM North EDSA.

Many thanks to Apple Morales, the owner, for the invitation to me and my fellow mommy bloggers.

Read more at The Filipino Mom Blog.

Posted in My Lovely Family.

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Stuff For The Baby

“Sanay sa karga” means the baby is used to being carried. Which, for many folks, is not good because this means the baby gets spoiled and therefore fussy when put down, thus mommy or whoever the caregiver is cannot do anything else.

But me, I prefer my baby to be “sanay sa karga.” I noticed that Bunso is not at all fussy when he is near me. I agree, though, that watching tv seems the only thing that is easy for me to do when I carry the baby.

And so I got this baby pouch.

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I have tried a couple of baby carriers fit for my 2-month old baby, and this one is the easiest for me to use. Just fold it, wear it, place the baby in the pouch, and tada! I’m wearing Bunso.

With this pouch, I am able to eat with both hands. I could hold a shopping bag in one hand while holding Ate’s hand in the other. Or help Kuya with his homework. I am wearing Bunso as I write this post. But of course, some things cannot be done even with Bunso in the pouch, like cooking.

Sometimes, Bunso is very fussy prior to using the pouch. But as soon as he is safely in it, he is peacefully asleep in about a minute or two.

Unfortunately, babywearing also attracts attention. I have been using this pouch for weeks in public places and I have yet to see anyone wearing a baby, thus I get stared at and ogled often. There was even this young couple in a bookstore who tried not to look too curious  by pretending to scrutinize the shelves beside me.

Another way to get gawked at is to use this boncho.

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I have used breastfeeding bibs in the past, but this boncho, or a breastfeeding poncho, is the best! With this boncho, I have breastfed in restaurants, in Star City, and even while hearing mass. Yes, I’m getting pretty used to feeling like a fish in an aquarium, haha!

Bunso does not get sweaty and hot under the boncho unlike the bibs I used. It can be worn in a variety of ways, but the one above is my favorite because it also covers my back.

Both pouch and boncho were ordered from Indigo Manila.

Posted in Uncategorized.

Tagged with , .


Rainy Days Mean Shabu-Shabu

I don’t like rainy days, but it sure is the perfect time to cook one of my favorite foods. Shabu-shabu!

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I put garlic, onion and satay in a pot of beef broth to make the soup base. Then I add sukiyaki-cut beef, the cute seafood balls I got from SM Supermarket, egg noodles, bok choy, chopped onion leaves and crab sticks. Add salt and pepper to taste, and tada! we have a steaming hot pot of homemade shabu-shabu!

Honestly, I’m not sure if that is really how to make the soup base. Nanghula lang ako, and the result is good enough for us. But if you have any tips to make yummier shabu-shabu, I’d love to know them!

Posted in Attempts in the Kitchen.


This Post Is Brought To You By My Favorite Vinegar

Yikes! I saw molds on the upholstered seat of our dining room chairs. Must be the changing weather, or the fact that my kids must learn how to keep their food and drink stay on the table.

I took my bottle of white vinegar and sprayed on the seats, and told my husband to let me be as he complained yet again about the smell. “Eto na naman si suka,” he muttered. You see, the vinegar has become one of my must-haves in housekeeping, it’s no longer uncommon for hubby and the kids to get in the bathroom or the bedroom and find that I have used it to clean the floor or something. They are still not used to the smell of it though, while I actually think it  smells kind of sweet that I prefer it over branded air fresheners.

Ah yes, the chairs. I checked a few hours later, and the seats were free of molds! They looked good as new! I’m so happy! I just wish I took a picture.

Posted in Making It Home.


Bunso Is Growing Up

Whoa! Is that my newborn baby?

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Mom, I think you need to get me some new clothes.

Cliche, but true – time flies so fast.

Posted in My Lovely Family.


Breastfeeding Station

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In this picture, I am feeding my son, not at home, but in a breastfeeding station – right inside a mall.

When I saw the breastfeeding station sign in an SM mall, Bunso and I hurriedly went inside to check it out, and I found a haven for moms and babies! The place is painted in relaxing pink. The walls are adorned with pictures of breastfeeding moms, adorable babies and posters about the benefits of breast milk. A couch is provided so moms can feed the little ones comfortably – I almost fell asleep! There is also a counter and a sink for changing diapers.

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Another mom came in and sat beside me to breastfeed her baby. Soon we found ourselves having a nice little chat. Isn’t that great – it could be a great place to meet mommy-friends.

Thank goodness for this! I do hope all malls have breastfeeding stations. I have breastfed many times in public, but I sure would love to go here instead.

Posted in Being a Parent.


Love Note

I taped this love note on his lunchbox, and I’m sure it will brighten up his day. No, it’s not for my husband.

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This love note is for Kuya. It’s mushy yes, but I also know he’s going to appreciate reading a sweet message from mom and dad while in school.

Who says love notes are only for couples? Calling fellow moms and dads, let’s all put love notes in our kids’ school stuff – even when they haven’t done anything special! Just imagine the smiles on their faces when they open their bags and see a note of love from home. I bet even the whole class will turn to mush. Of course our kids already know how much we love them no matter how naughty they can be, but  I’m sure they’ll still love getting these sweet little reminders.

Posted in Being a Parent.


When Baby Has A Cold

The best nasal aspirator cannot be bought in stores.

It is the mouth of a loving dad that can provide baby with instant relief and comfort.

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Daddy’s first time to suck a clogged nose was when Kuya was a baby. We bought an aspirator, branded even, which turned out to be useless, so Daddy took on the job. He did it so well, we didn’t even consider getting an aspirator for Ate.

Now it’s Bunso’s turn. Daddy got to work, and baby had a sweet, peaceful sleep.

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Posted in Being a Parent.