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Bare Nanay

Motherhood | Marriage | Freelancing | Lifestyle



A few weeks before our son's 3rd birthday, he told us he wanted to go to the mountain.

We're adventurous nature-loving parents, so we were ecstatic when he wished for this one. After his birthday celebration at school with his teacher and classmates, we prepped for our mountain adventure in Bangkong Kahoy Valley (BKV) in Dolores, Quezon.

Just a little background, we're more of the un-schooling type of family. We enrolled our son for nursery school as a trial and to allow him to socialize and have playmates because he's such a friendly toddler. That worked well, actually. But we still do bring him outdoors a lot. The matriarch's side of the family has lovely farm, though not in it's usual glory back when my grandfather was still alive, but we've managed to homeschool Popy with twigs, rocks, mud puddles, coconuts, chickens, leaves, trees and flowers.

My husband and I are also looking forward to creating a nature play school in a plot of land that my parents own near the family farm.

Going back to the story...

We are still commuters, as is with our previous travels, so from Lucena, we rode the bus bound for Manila and got off at San Pablo City, Laguna. Word of caution, if you know locals in the area, ask them for tricycle rates. If you ask, they'll assume you don't know. I'm sure there are honest ones, but ours overcharged us at Php 30 for less than 500m. I'm already sad for needing to give this tip.

We rode a jeepney from San Pablo to Dolores. We got off the Dolores Church in the town proper, right in front of their public market. Now, this I have researched beforehand. We need to ride a tricycle from there to BKV or we can also just ride from the church to Kinabuhayan (somewhere halfway) and then trek up to BKV. We chose all the way because we have a kid in tow.

The trike ride costs Php 300 per way if you'll book the same driver going down. It's Php 350 if it's just one-way. We booked the round trip and got his number but apparently BKV doesn't have network coverage (for Globe, not sure about Smart). So we just told him to come back for us at 9 AM in case my message fails.

Man, the trike fare was worth it. It was a mountainous ride, uphill was an understatement. Sometimes there was a concrete road. Sometimes, there's half of it. Sometimes, none at all. Just a beaten path of some sort. Plus they might not meet a passenger for half the way, so the fare seemed reasonable.

Our open-air cottage on the left

Check-in was a breeze. There aren't any complicated systems here. I just sent an email. They replied. You go there, that's it.

We got one of the open-air cottages, Erlinda for Php 2000/night (I'm not sure if this is an off-peak rate). Yes, open-air. There are only 2 walls. You see the inside from outside and your bed is covered with mosquito net. It has a small receiving area overlooking nature, 2 beds (one on the loft, which has more privacy and the other, beside the receiving area), and toilet and bath. The cottage fits 4 comfortably. Ah, and it comes with breakfast!

Outside looking-in. Yes, it's that open! That's the bed, right there.

View from our terrace
Our bed
Loft room

Speaking of food, it was buffet style. I booked for lunch and dinner on top of the free breakfast. Additional breakfast would Php 200 and lunch and dinner were Php 250/meal/person. The spread was not extensive, but they served good organic local food. And for its price, wow! For dinner and breakfast, they served it to us as a set for 2, but were told to let them know if we need some more. Whew! One set was definitely enough.

I can only share, what we had for breakfast because my camera won't do justice during dinner.

Breakfast spread!
Now, this I love! BKV's service water was tap water. Yep, no filters or whatnot. Straight from the faucet! Last time I had the enjoyment of drinking from the tap was back when we lived in my hometown which was a decade back, because our water came from Mt. Banahaw.

Water was cold as it is and refreshing.

Drink to your heart's content
There had been a few drizzles of rain during our overnight stay, but we got to run around a lot and play in the rain. Popy charmed his way to borrowing a Lightning McQueen car and bike from the staff.


Clouds kissing the mountain

Family photo


A game of tag

Love this one :)


My boys

It rained during the night. There were what we called dalo-dalo insects. They usually come when it's about to rain and they're attracted to the light. There might have been a bat, too, which didn't bother me one bit. We've had bats in the farm house back as a kid. Then a couple of big moths and butterflies. Nature, I tell you. It's just so crazy fresh and clean up hear, so you get all of them.

The weather was really cold with the addition of the rain, and we all slept so soundly.

Just look at my boys

They have nice coffee served in a thermos pot in the restaurant, fruit shakes (like dragon fruit, mango and banana), and veggie burger. I think I ordered a lot of the burger. They have souvenir items available, too.

They also have an Honesty Store filled with plants, crops and toiletries in case you forgot a thing or two.

Honesty Store

What made me sad was there was this family who came for a day tour. They were a big group and I caught one of the men smoking. If you're going to tell me why I didn't come up to the man and tell him off, they're a big group and I was alone that time with my kid. I'd rather veer my son away from the smoke. But I did inform the staff.

Unfortunately, when they were gone, I found a cigarette butt on the lawn where they were hanging around earlier.

Discipline. Tsk tsk.

On a good note...

We had a wonderful stay. I met the owner briefly with no proper introductions while I was having my dinner (Gab and I took turns because we can't leave Popy sleeping in the cottage). He just came by to ask if we're having a good stay and then went on to a meeting with some people from the community. The staff are wonderful. I've had lovely conversations with the people at the restaurant and a man, I presume, was in-charge of security.  I just hope the visitors can remain honest and disciplined and respectful of nature.

I've read comments how BKV should put in a pool. It's beautiful and relaxing the way it is. And well, it's too cold for a pool. I love BKV's movement in protecting whatever they have there and supporting their community. I hope people can appreciate that more.


We hope to be back soon!

_________________________________

If you're planning to visit Bangkong Kahoy Valley, you can find more information on their Facebook Page.

Ahon na! Naghihintay na si Inang Kalikasan!
1:08 PM No comments
I've been breastfeeding my son for more than three years now. Yes, more than three years! I never imagined (while still conceiving) that we'll go this far, though it's more comfort-feeding nowadays.

This is actually a long overdue post because we had to take a breather during the past few months. Or at least I had to take it. It was a little rough, health wise. The draft had been sitting in my blog for some time.

Back in Manila, I'd usually order baked goodies from my favorite lactation baker when I feel like I need a boost, but after moving to the province, I have yet to find one.

Lately, my supply had been dwindling because, well, he has not been breastfeeding as much as before. Hayyy. Someone's growing up too fast.

Unexpectedly, though, my neighbor met me one afternoon and told me I have a package. I wasn't really expecting any and to my surprise, I found Nature Earth's products. :)

Now, I have to be honest and admit that at this point in my breastfeeding journey, I'm not really expecting a boost in my breastmilk supply. Sabi nga "kahit kumain pa ako ng isang drum ng malunggay", if no one's latching (less frequent in my case), the supply really goes down.

But I was still ecstatic when I received the package.

Why?

Well, I've been really stressed out lately. Two jobs and yaya-less plus Popy's already going to school plus chores and well, you know the drill, I can't help but feel tired.

Like I've said earlier, it had been rough health wise. Sadly, I am no longer at my healthiest. I was diagnosed with PCOS a few months ago and the OB have advised me to take care of myself. I've been told to take vitamins, eat healthier, exercise, etc. I'm so bad with meds and I really wish I can manage cooking every single meal at home (kudos to you if you can), but I sometimes can't.

So lately, I've been getting sick, and I can't be sick.


My new discovery...

I've been seeing M2 for quite sometime, but have not yet tried. All I knew then was that it was made of malunggay. I was surprised to find out about the okra and ginger ingredients. I'm a biggie on vegetables, most of them. I love salabat. Okra, not at all. So thanks to this drink, the okra has become bearable. :)

Introduced in 2011, M2 is a concentrate tea drink that packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, potassium and calcium. The three main ingredients are low calorie veggies, which is great if you're watching your calorie intake. And you know how malunggay is such a celebrity in the breastfeeding world, so this is a hit among nursing mommas, too. But like I always say, supplements and lactation aids like this may or may not work for you, that's why it would always be best to ensure frequent latching along with this.

M2 can be prepared hot or cold. I tried it cold. Best served iced! At least for me, ha. :) I squeezed some lemon juice and threw in some slices for an added tang. It was so nice! Sweet, but not so, and a bit sour. You can taste the muscovado, too (which is, by the way, better than white and brown sugar).



Now, I'm starting to feel better. I'm not much of a medicine person and I'm so bad at keeping a sched of when to take vitamins, but this makes it so much easier, coz hey! It doesn't feel like a chore anymore. It's just enjoying a drink for me.

But wait! There's more!

Nature Earth is also offering healthy snacks like shing-a-ling. It was such a hit with Popy because it was crunchy and well, he likes the regular shing-a-lings sold as pasalubong but I found this one good because it has malunggay in it.

________________________________

M2 Concentrated is sold in 1L and 300ml bottles and they even have a 300ml ready-to-drink variant.

I found out they're being sold in Andok's branches nationwide. Yes, the lechon manok place! I haven't checked yet, but I found a nearby branch, so I'm heading there tomorrow to get a few bottles.

To learn more about M2, check out their Facebook page. :)
11:45 PM No comments


Babywearing is LOVE!

I am Nanay Nini, a third of the Perezes and Tatay Gab's better half. :) We are advocates of safe and ergonomic babywearing.

So far, we've had two hybrid wraps (one for each), two soft structured carriers (one was free love and we've given away as free love, too) and two woven wraps (an Abel Iloko habi and a Shadrach's Collection).

We started babywearing when our son was less than a month old. I thought of it as a solution to my growing woes as a yaya-less first-time mom. I was breastfeeding, had no helper and would spend around nine hours for five days a week with just the baby. Of course, other than baby care, there was food to be cooked, floor to be swept and laundry to be washed, among others.

I remember feeling so proud of myself for being able to wash the laundry, while breastfeeding and carrying and lulling my son to sleep all at the same time!

Babywearing helped me do all that.

All that and more!

I'm also a work from home mom. We also had an online store that we manage ourselves.

When I started WaHMing, Popy was still an infant. I'd wear him as I type away on the computer, while he would sleep and breastfeed. The joys of multitasking! :)

When we were sourcing out raw materials for our dresses, we'd also commute and babywear, so I can still help carry some stuff while my husband carried 16 kg of fabric!

Babywearing has helped me play all my roles as a mom, a wife and a career woman.



Just in!

I also babywear on our son's sick days.

We use the woven wraps for Kangaroo Mother Care especially when his fever shoots up.

Last night, actually, my son's fever reached 39.7 degrees Celsius. So I had to stop typing this and pack an overnight bag in case he needed to be admitted. I grabbed our SSC and wore him. He had to undergo a couple of lab tests while we were in the ER, including blood tests. And I was alone. I've been to an emergency situation without my carrier and it was stressful to have to carry a bag, the baby, sign papers, take lab tests, buy medicines and settle payments with no free hand to use.

Thank God for carriers!

Shadrach's Collection and Modern Mommas PH: International Babywearing Week Celebration

It's happening again, Philippines!

I feel that we're all so fortunate in this age that there are events like this for families to educate first-timers and celebrate those who are already doing it.

We were in the IBW 2017 celebration last year in Quezon City which was attended by 200 participants and their families.

This year's theme is Babywearing is Fashionable. If you haven't heard yet, babywearing has been a part of style and culture of parenting centuries ago and worldwide too. Now, luckily, modern parents and caregivers can manage kids and chores and also pursue their dreams as individuals.

On October 7 (Sunday) in cooperation with Shadrach Cares and Modern Mommas PH will hold the International Babywearing Week 2018 and Shadrach's Collection's 4th Year Anniversary celebration at SM Light Mall's GF Events Area from 10AM to 4PM. It's going to be a day of holistic learning with talks about babywearing, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, motherhood, blogging, finances, beauty and mompreneurship.

There also a lot of activities in store for the attendess, not to mention, games and raffle prizes!

Now, who would want to miss that?

For more information about the event, you can visit their official FB Event page.

Want to join mommy communities? Click here for Shadrach Cares and Modern Mommas PH.

If you want to learn more about Shadrach's Collection or purchase a product, do visit their Facebook Page and website.

________________________________________________________

Before I end this let me just share with you our babywearing journey:

KEEP CALM AND CARRY WITH LOVE! :)





4:14 PM No comments
I'm a work-at-home mom.


A WaHM...
A freelancer...
An online worker...
A.K.A. Yung kapitbahay mong di mo madalas makita sa labas... No kidding.

I honestly don't remember anymore when exactly I started, but it's somewhere between 2.5-3 years ago when my son was just a few months old.

If you're a follower of my blog since time immemorial, a friend of mine or a member of my family, you can skip this part because you might already know it.

But if you're new here, welcome! I hope this whole freelancing journey of mine will make sense to you and inspire you.

Beginnings…

I gave up a managerial job in a big retail company in the country when I was two months pregnant with my son. That was the last quarter of 2014.

It was on the 3rd week after giving birth when my sister came for a visit and gave her old MacBook to me. She was urging me to write for publications, so I can earn while I'm at home.

A lot of people felt sorry for me. Yes, you read that right. “Sorry”. Because I graduated at the top of my class back in college and had a good job, and there I was, a stay-at-home mom. Not that I thought bad of it, but apparently, some people did.

Stepping up!

I started really small. I’m an HRM graduate whose experience is along the lines of customer service, sales and marketing. I love writing, but my experience were only writing for school publications, journalism competitions and a blog that looked more like a diary.

I decided to write because that’s something I see myself doing for the rest of my life. I revived my blog and posted content for a month, so I can join blogger groups. I used this as my portfolio, and got writing gigs from different organizations. I’ve had rejections. I attended workshops and seminars. Then from plain content writing, I was able to go into social media management, B2B marketing and other writing jobs.

Ang dami pa ring nagtatanong sakin ng “Anong trabaho mo? Madali ba yan? Pasok mo naman ako.”

I asked myself these two questions when I decided give freelancing a go and these are the same questions I reply when I’m asked the above questions:

1. What can I do?
2. What would I love to do?

SocialGen: PH Team with our families and our Aussie bosses
Nothing comes easy. Like jobs outside the comfort of our home, we all need to apply, take tests, attend interviews and pass trainings. Just because your friend’s job seems easy peasy, doesn’t mean it’s for you, too.

Look at yourself. What are your skills? What is it that you’d love to do? Because as with everything in life, it’s always easier to work on something you love.

Then work on your portfolio. Polish a profile.

And most importantly… never stop learning

Don’t be stagnant when you score a job.

The whole world is the marketplace. You’re not just competing with 50 people. There are thousands, maybe even millions of people who can do what you can, so strive to get ahead by upgrading the skills you already have and learning something new.

We have access to learning and there are a lot of free resources online. Take advantage of it.

The Freelancer Fair 2018: Helping Freelancers Up Their Game

So this year, Manila Workshops, one of the few organizations that have helped me grow in this business, with the support of the Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT) and Digital Career Advocates of the Philippines (DCAP) will be holding The Freelancer Fair 2018.



I’m a bit sad that I won’t be able to attend this year, but I was there last year with my whole fam (tatlo lang naman kami) and friends, and we all enjoyed and learned so much from it. I even scored a few gigs from the network I made there. Growing your network is very important!

Here are just some of the amazing topics that they’ll cover this year:

● The evolution of a freelancer: From Newbie to top earner
● Maximizing online tools for freelancing, ie Social Media
● Design excellence
● Achieving success and happiness in freelancing
● Time management
● How to manage and juggle time on a being a mom, a wife, and a freelancer

So if you’re a mom like me who still wants to have a career while being wholly present for the family then head on to the 3rd Freelancer Fair: UP YOUR GAME happening this August 25 (Saturday), 9am at Metrotent, Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Ave., Ortigas, Pasig City.

You can still purchase your tickets at http://thefreelancerfair.com until August 23, 11:55 PM. Walk-in will be accepted at a regular rate of Php 1000.

Don’t miss this chance!

__________________________________

About The Freelancer Fair: The Freelancer Fair is an annual event started last by Manila Workshops, headed by the team’s CEO – Ginger Arboleda, a former employee, freelancer and now a serial entrepreneur / technopreneur, and mom blogger. The Freelancer Fair was built especially for aspiring and existing freelancers, companies, brands and organizations who want to support the Philippines’ freelancing industry.

8:40 PM 1 comments



Mental health.

You know, somehow, having been diagnosed with depression way back, I feel like it's still a taboo in this country.

Last year was the first time I opened up about my depression.

If you've met me now, you'd probably say I'm cheerful, friendly, positive... But in 2002, I fought a hard battle with myself. My life had always been an open book, but the depression was one that I leave out often, if not always. It took me years, maybe a decade or more, to embrace and accept that part of my life.

A few months ago, I succumbed to loneliness. It must have been my frustration with my weight gain and lack of time for myself that triggered it. I cried on several occasions about the needle in the scale and the weight of motherhood on my shoulders.

And you know, I tried to reach out, but I got this as a response:

"Baka naman ma-depress ka na naman. Hindi ka na high school. Mag-mature ka na. May anak ka na." (You might get depressed again. You're not in high school anymore. Be more mature. You have a child now.)

I wanted to say it wasn't a high school thing. That it can hit hard whatever age. That it doesn't have anything to do with maturity.

So I wrote and wrote and wrote.

Then someone told me again, "Don't post on social media." No, quite a few of them said that.

What was one to do when no one listens? Where do you go?

Postpartum Depression
This story isn't mine but my mommy friend's.

She had been battling postpartum depression after the birth of her third child. One night, she left home and her last message to me was wanting to die. Her suicide attempts happened many times in many different ways. My heart broke every single time.

Because it's hard when you try to talk and people dismiss your feelings into kaartehan or worst kabaliwan. Then when you die, they gather at your coffin realizing they should have listened. Does it always need to come to that?

And I talked to her, even adopted her for a few days.

How I moved away from trying to die. How if she dies, her problems might be solved tomorrow or next week, next month, next year... but she wouldn't be there anymore to enjoy it. I would even joke how hard it would be to regret when she's just a soul.

I told her my story and how it was hard but I did my best to stop myself from trying to die.

"If I died then," I said, "I wouldn't be here for you now. It was worth not dying because I've come to this moment when I can tell you to keep going."

I am a living story.

When I was invited to contribute "art", I politely declined. I can, I guess, but that's not my forte.

I volunteered to write. This is my outlet, my kind of art.

From sadness, I am here.

Now, I am a mom of a happy toddler and a wife to a supportive husband. I have two jobs as a freelancer that gives me a sense of self-worth. I have advocacies that I live by and volunteer work that I perform with my whole heart. I have dreams and I have a family to raise.

It still gets sad sometimes. I still get anxious, panicky... Some of my friends would say that I explain too much. So I thank God for even one person who listens to what I have to tell.

I encourage you to be that one person to another who is struggling.



Sining Kamalig welcomes home artists who journey with mental illness.

It's that time of the year again when we celebrate art out of our beautiful minds.

Boxless Society, a mental health support group for artists and their caregivers (which I am proud to be a part of), is now on its third annual exhibit at Sining Kamalig. Here is their truth in both foreign and familiar colors  that they've always wanted to unravel in the exhibit Despite My Being ________, I Am a Living Story.

Pain and healing, light and darkness, victories and losses, allow the members Jessica Antonio, Tisa Uy, Angel Anastacio, Joan Villa-Espina Soriano Honoridez, Megumie Alcala, Moi Baltazar, Marla Biolena, Heaven Villegas, Cosmos, Monica Vinas Macaliano, Anna Cunanan, Chesca Quimora, Ja Turla, Elaine De Guzman, Daffodil Soriano Capute, Melissa Villa-Real Basmayor, Mimi Michelle, Mohini Ochangco, Poala Cerda, Zaeli Eliza, Lian Zhilfein Zuniga, Issa Villapando, Ana Knicolai, LJ Navera, Tsina Lee Pineda, and Czarina Danielle Yap show you depth and beauty of their worlds through an extraordinary art show that hopes to open the eyes and minds of people towards mental illness.

The group has also organized workshops and talks for its members to be enlightened and encouraged in this time of doubt and fears, for them to be reminded of their purpose and importance in this society. If anything, we all matter.
The art exhibit will open on 21 July 2018, Saturday, at 5PM in Sining Kamalig Art Gallery, Upper Ground Floor, Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City, Philippines, and will run until 14 August 2018. You can visit us at any day of the week, from 10 AM to 7PM.
For any inquiries, please email art@worldexperience.ph.
_____________________________________________

SINING KAMALIG | Art Gallery | Art Restoration | Artistic Services
Upper Ground Floor
Ali Mall, Araneta Center
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Contact us: art@worldexperience.ph  
Follow us: on Facebook!

We aim to democratize fine art by promoting original Filipino art and artists in ways that inspire and energise all peoples in their everyday lives whilst seeking to make fine art more acquirable to the general public. We also assist artists by focusing and developing their original art forms.

10:22 PM No comments
To celebrate our family's new chapter, I took the boys to Silangang Nayon Park and Restaurant located at Brgy. Bantigue, Pagbilao, Quezon.





Despite living a little over a decade in Quezon Province from way back, I've only been to Silangang Nayon once. My memory of it was very vague. I went there when my Ninang's family invited my mom and I to join them for dinner.

So coming with the boys there for lunch was like a first time for me all over again.

If you're coming from Diversion Road or the Old Manila Road, I think most public vehicles would be familiar of Silangang Nayon and just tell them to drop you off there. There are two tricycle terminals servicing the areas, one for the nearby village and another for Bantigue where Silangang Nayon is located.

The distance from the national highway is around seven kilometers long and we were charged Php 90 for a one-way trip. It took us around 15 minutes to get to the restaurant. The road was smooth and had a wonderful view of rice fields.

Tables in their floating cottages were full so we opted to get a small cottage of our own overlooking the sea.

View from our cottage




The restaurant boasts seafood in their menu. Some of the dishes, you can buy per gram. We ordered Sweet and Sour Fish, Szechuan Suahe, Lemon Chicken, Yang Chow Rice, Chocolate Milkshake for Popy and Fresh Buko for Gab. You can have the coconut cut open when you're done with the juice.

L-R Clockwise: Lemon Chicken, Chocolate Milkshake, Fresh Buko, Szechuan Suahe,
Sweet and Sour Fish and Yang Chow Rice

We walked around the property after eating. There used to be a mini zoo, but only a few animals were left, mostly birds. They also have a playground for the kids.

The path to the mini-zoo
Playground for the young and the once young. :)

Silangang Nayon now has a hotel. Room rates start at P3750 for two. Staying at their hotel grants you breakfast, free access to the pool and use of the cottages for free (as long as you buy the food from their restaurant). You can check their website for more details.

Just a few tips:

1. We came back a few weeks ago with my parents and a couple of relatives, a few weeks ago and they got a table at the big floating cottage. My cousin had been calling me but the signal was weak. We went straight to the cottage and apparently, you have to order at the counter near the entrance. I volunteered to go back up. Not fun at all. One of the staff asked us if our companions have ordered already, and we didn't know. He didn't tell us we can't order from the floating cottage.

The distance from where we were. Hay, taas pa naman tapos ang init.

2. The restaurant is far from the main road, 6.5km to be exact. If you're commuting, get your tricycle driver's mobile number as he'll be the one to pick you up again when you're done. This is the only mode of transportation over there and there aren't a lot plying the road.

3. I like the cottages better than the ones on the sea. The makeshift helicopter zip-lining across the sea to deliver the food sure is cute, but the water out there sure isn't crystal clear. You can sea the oil on the water, probably coming from the leftover food visitors feed the fishes. I'm not very comfy with that.

The big dining hall is boat-shaped, so it's very mabenta with the kids. Careful though.

Overall, lunch was great. We enjoyed the food and the view. We'll definitely still come back for our little celebrations.

You can also find them on Facebook for inquiries. :)
11:38 PM No comments

Toys. Toys. Toys.


I woke up in the morning, one holiday, with my toddler giddily screaming, "Naynay, let's buy new toys".

My husband and I don't always give in to this because (1) we don't want to spoil him, (2) our room already looks like a toy storage, and (3) sometimes it's just not in the budget.

And just to echo my 3rd reason on why I don't always give in, I'm a very practical and matipid (thrifty) kind of nanay, so this was just perfect.

It's always a challenge for me to get gifts when we're invited to go to kiddie parties, because I'm always on the look out for something useful, and a lot of times the toys sold in malls are too mainstream and very expensive.

And where else do we go to if we want more choices for less the price? Divisoria, of course!
Recently, I found out about Anding's Toys and Flowers Inc. (ATFI) Yes, that same shop where you can buy those beautiful artificial flower arrangements. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the price range of their toys were from Php 10-15,000.


Divisoria has been Anding's home since 1972, and their more than 10,000 options include educational toys, outdoor and sports toys, pretend play, games, and infant and baby toys.

Popy got his favorite fire engine, a fireman costume, a drawing mat and a couple of educational toys like shapes, letters and numbers.



Another thing is, he will start school this coming June, and lately, I've been fussing about his birthday because it will be in July, just a month after school starts. Of course, we all know how expensive school is these days, and I'm very budget conscious since we've just paid for the tuition. There will be more kids now than his last two birthdays, so I've been wondering what to get for game prizes and loot bags that won't hurt the pocket.

Anding's is the answer to my prayers! 


Anding's also carries local toys manufactured by the company itself. These toys were produced, tested and packaged locally. They've undergone chemical testing to make sure that they're safe for our kids. If you're a sigurista nanay like me, just look for the New Anding's Trading and Manufcaturing branding on the packaging. But if you found an imported toy in the shop, there's no need to worry because those were tested, too.

His stash :)

A favorite from the box.

Here's the best part...


You know, ever since having a child, one of the things I appreciate the most is CONVENIENCE.

I'm a provinced-based work-at-home mom. I do go to Manila a couple of times each month, but sometimes, I don't get the chance to. Even when we lived in Manila, we don't always get to visit Divi (no matter how much I long to go) because Popy's a handful to take in crowded public places and there's literally no one I can leave him with. Anding's thought of this, and has recently put up their own Shopee online store for all of us parents who can hardly get out of the house.

You read that right! There's no need to squeeze ourselves in Divi with our kids! You can get your toys via their Shopee Account and it will be delivered right to your doorstep. You can also check their products on Facebook or their website  They deliver nationwide! Talk about convenience.

Thank you, Anding's! :)


It's so much easier nowadays, isn't it?

So what are you waiting for? Shop now! It's never too early to stock up for Christmas and birthday gifts. :)

____________________________________

If you're still the kind that prefers going to physical stores, so you can check the items personally, you can always head on to any of their branches:

Tutuban Branch
NL01-NL03 3rd Flr., Primeblock, Tutuban Center Claro M. Recto Ave., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tels.: 775.1942, 359.6408, 230.4258
Mobile: 0922.826.4629, 0922.876.7816
Email: atfi_tutuban@yahoo.com

Tabora Branch
847, 849 & 851A Phase 1 & 2 L&J Bldg. Tabora St., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tels.: 245.9752; 241.9378 Fax: 241.7010
Mobile: 0927.4537154, 0922.8333121
Email: atfi_tabora@yahoo.com

Bodega Sale
AREA 1: 7, 8, 9 2nd Flr. NDCC Bldg., Bodega Sale Center Sta. Elena St., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tel.: 241.6629, 245.9752 Fax: 244.9365

AREA 2 & Flower Shop: Unit 81 2nd Flr.,NDCC Bldg. Sta. Elena St., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tels.: 242.5133; 243.0429
Mobile: 09273032367
Email: atfi.bodegasale@gmail.com
8:09 PM 2 comments
Mother's Day has always been a special day for me, then as a daughter and as a granddaughter and now as a mother.

I'm a sucker for flowers, so much that I passed on the tiara and wore a flower crown instead on my wedding day. My husband used to surprise me with roses back when we were still boyfriend/girlfriend. And with all the bigas memes circulating in the internet, I am still an old soul who loves receiving flowers.

So, imagine my excitement as I opened a package coming from Anding's Toys and Flowers Inc. (ATFI) and found, not one, but two beautiful flower arrangements inside that greeted me a "Happy Mother's Day!"

Bigas maybe common nowadays, but I'm still an old soul. :)

My son kept picking them up and giving it back to me x infinity saying:

Nanay, flowers!

Yay! My little romantic!

ATFI has been around in Divisoria since 1972. Aside from their toys and decors, they also offer affordable flower arrangements for all seasons and occasions.



The flowers are artificial but they're so beautifully done. Dahil sa flowers nila, naniniwala na akong may forever. :) I borrowed my son's baskets, so I can see the flowers on my workstation everyday. Just look at them! They can brighten up any room.

Aren't they lovely?

Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, why not surprise the special moms in your life with a flower arrangement from ATFI? They can be your mom, your wife, your lola even your mommy friends. Surely, there's a mom or two in your life. :) They have five arrangements for this season and they're offering free shipping along with it. Isn't that the best deal?







ATFI now has three branches you can visit:

Tutuban Branch
NL01-NL03 3rd Flr., Primeblock, Tutuban Center Claro M. Recto Ave., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tels.: 775.1942, 359.6408, 230.4258
Mobile: 0922.826.4629, 0922.876.7816
Email: atfi_tutuban@yahoo.com

Tabora Branch
847, 849 & 851A Phase 1 & 2 L&J Bldg. Tabora St., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tels.: 245.9752; 241.9378 Fax: 241.7010
Mobile: 0927.4537154, 0922.8333121
Email: atfi_tabora@yahoo.com

Bodega Sale
AREA 1: 7, 8, 9 2nd Flr. NDCC Bldg., Bodega Sale Center Sta. Elena St., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tel.: 241.6629, 245.9752 Fax: 244.9365
AREA 2 & Flower Shop: Unit 81 2nd Flr.,NDCC Bldg. Sta. Elena St., Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Tels.: 242.5133; 243.0429
Mobile: 09273032367
Email: atfi.bodegasale@gmail.com

You can also visit their website, Facebook, Instagram, Shopee accounts for more information. :)

Advance Happy Mother's Day fellow mamas!
9:06 PM No comments
Almost six months ago, I vividly recall my message to my friends as I told them how my family fell:

It will be hard. But I know we'll come out stronger after this.

In a previous post, I mentioned that 2017 crushed us.

Image from Pixabay
This was how it pulled us:
My husband lost his job, the computer I was using for my online jobs crashed, and we had two attempted theft incidents (one was on a Christmas Day). We felt so lost. There were bills to be paid: rent, water, electricity, Internet and cable, groceries, and a house and lot that we're still paying monthly.

My husband was diligent in finding a new job, but because it was the last quarter of the year, there weren't a lot of opportunities around. He was either overqualified, salary expectation is too high or he didn't fit the role.

I was thankful because he wasn't like husbands I often read about in mommy groups who were unemployed, had vices, and acted like they were kings. He took care of our son during this time while I worked as the breadwinner. He fed Popy his breakfast, gave him baths, changed his clothes, played with him and took him to the playground. He never complained. He figured that since I'm working for the family, he should, at least, help lighten my responsibilities at home by looking after our son. He was a true life partner.

The boys hanging out at my high school

Watching our neighborhood dogs

Gab helping Popy to eat

Playtime with Tatay

Homeschooling Popy


The day after, the last company he applied for rejected him, he got a call from an agency deploying people to Saudi.

Going abroad was our last resort. I knew Gab was growing more desperate. Even when he didn't say anything, I knew how important it was for him to provide for us. The interview was scheduled that afternoon, too, and like an answered prayer, he got accepted. He was offered a good basic salary, free accommodation and transportation, and a hope that he could bring us to Saudi on his second contract. The only catch was he won't have a vacation till he finishes his first two-year contract.

We moved to my province to cut on our cost of living. It was the city next to the town our house will be built. Rent was half of what we used to pay in Manila. The mall was walking distance, so commuting wasn't so hard and expensive. There was an abundance of everything that didn't cost as much, so my salary was able to afford us something more.

The day that we moved to a new place.

Our developer was kind enough to allow us to defer paying our monthly installments until we are stable again. To top it all off, we've received kindness from so many of our friends and family members. It was all good. They had bought us time to pick ourselves up. We would survive this, that's what we would say.

First, he was told he will be deployed in January, but the agency had some issues and couldn't release some documents, so I told Gab to try applying locally again. Come March, a local company called, so Gab, as usual took the bus to Manila to attend the interview.

Days later, he was called again by the same company and was told to come the next day. Gab left the night before. On the day of the interview, I fell sick. I was alone with Popy and I couldn't get up. This isn't one of those ailments that I can shrug off. My colleagues know how dedicated I am with coming to work even when I wasn't feeling well, but that time, I really couldn't. I was vomiting, dizzy and my head felt like it was going to break. I couldn't tell Gab because I wanted him to do well in the final interview. A few minutes after he said it was done, I couldn't reach him online anymore. I asked my friend to text him, at least, to let him know that I was sick. He hurried home, but of course, hurrying meant a four-hour bus ride...

...and while he sat there worrying about me and our son who I couldn't take care of, the woman on the other line said he was HIRED.

Rising each time we fall...

I had never been religious, you know. I am what I prefer to call as faithful.

What I can tell you and what I can attest to is that Gab's life and mine had been a series of manifestations of God's grace.

When he proposed to me back in 2013, we didn't have savings for a wedding, so we decided for a civil ceremony. But God wanted a church wedding, so he led us to a church that we can afford, trailed us with signs, made me win Php 10,000 cash in a raffle, and gave us sponsors who helped with some of our wedding suppliers.

There were times we didn't have grocery supplies and God would send a writing project my way so we can buy some food. He even moved Gab to a better paying company when I got pregnant and I had to resign from my corporate job.

During the time we had to move to a more expensive rental because our previous will undergo renovations, God gifted us with freelance work. I am now with one company for almost two years and the other for a year.

Aside from Gab's good news, I was blessed to have been promoted at work, which also meant a boost in my salary when my family needed it most. Our developer also started construction of our house a few weeks ago, another achievement that we are looking forward to. 

Almost there

Tomorrow, Gab will start in his new job just in time for Easter. I thought he will be miles away from us by this time, and I praise God for letting him stay. I will be losing a great amount of help at home. I will miss the coffee and sandwich that he used to bring me in the morning, and Popy will probably miss him too, but we are happy for him and proud of him. 


Cheers to a husband and father whose heart never gave up! The heavens must have thought of me well to bless me with a man as resilient and as wonderful as my Gab. Know that I will always be your strength when the world turns less than ideal. God has granted your prayers and from tomorrow you will provide for this family again. I want you to know that for the last five months, you have provided us well with your love and time.

Cheers to my family because, together, we are strong and because we waited for the perfect time.

And today, as we honor the Risen Christ, I pray that all that we do with the blessings that He has given us continue to glorify Him. Cheers to our Lord because You truly are exceptional, the Giver from which all things come from. You are the Rock of our family, and the Light that shone in the darkest of our days...


Happy Easter! As we open a new chapter in my family's journey, we pray that God's promise of a new life be evident in yours as well.
Love, The Perezes
10:47 PM No comments
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Hello! I'm Nanay Nini

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