Hands-On Parents While Earning Summit

Majority of parents nowadays chose to be hands-on with their child's upbringing and development and that includes myself. I have been a stay-at-home mom for a year now and life has been simpler. Simpler meaning there's not much social activity to brag about except for my toddler's milestone diaries. Everyday we challenge ourselves to keep our expenses at a minimum so as not to use up our hard-earned savings. Sometimes, I would be tempted to apply for a full-time job outside just to satisfy my thirst for adventure but looking at my lovely daughter, I really can't. I invite you to read this post on how I enjoy being a hands-on parent to my toddler.

When I saw this upcoming event entitled "Hands-On Parents while Earning", I got interested with the line up of program. However, upon checking out the learning fee, I was saddened because it's too costly for me. Sigh!  But I am sure that this H.O.P.E. Summit would be a nice event to consider attending as the speakers are really experts in this field, being hands-on to their kids while earning.     

Event Details

The mommy behind this big parenting event is none other than Ms. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag, bestselling author and inspirational speaker. Hands-On Parents while Earning or H.O.P.E. Summit is set to happen on August 8, 2015, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the AVR of PLDT TelTech Building, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. This whole day workshop on hands-on parenting and working smart in the new millennium seeks to inspire and teach parents how to marry hands-on parenting with earning for the family.

A Glimpse of Baby & Family Expo 2014

I always look forward to attending events about baby and mommy for the reason that I want to know the latest trend and product that I myself can relate to. Last year, I wasn't able to attend the first Baby Expo because it happens to coincide with my baby's 1st birthday. This time, they are having a second run, 2nd Baby & Family Expo 2014 happening from Dec. 5 to 7, 2014 at SMX Hall 1.

I decided to visit them on the first day so I can share with you my experience. Upon walking towards SMX, I already saw lots of tarps announcing different events at SMX. Aside from the Baby & Family Expo, there's also a Property Expo Philippines, Shoes & Bags Sale and Toy Kingdom's Toy Sale, all happening in one place at the same time. I thought that this would be a great family bonding place since there's something to check out on by everyone.

After walking pass through the other 3 event halls, I've finally reached the expo that I'm supposed to visit, the Baby & Family Expo which is located at the far end of the hall, near the church side. There's not much people yet at around 10:30 am but the queue was quite slow. There was no separate lane for online registrants that time. 

What kept me busy while waiting in line was these life-size figures displayed at the entrance. I think this is the start of their so-called "Toy Museum".

I wasn't able to take much photos except for some of the booths that were new or interesting to me.

My BRAVE Experience

I'm so fortunate to be able to join the very first workshop and launching of Brave Philippines last Feb. 22. Thanks to Ms. Kat Enerva for the exclusive invite plus the chance to bring along two of my friends. To know more about this program, please read my previous post here.

First of all, thanks to the instructions and map posted on their website. The three of us were able to find our way in going to the venue, coming from Manila. Here's an outside picture of the building where Studio M is located. Address is at 2/F V.G. Miranda Bldg., 9699 Pililla St., Brgy. Valenzuela, Makati.

The venue is at Studio M, rehearsal studio of the stars.

Upon entering, we were greeted by the organizers, gave us a hand-out and had us sign a waiver form before proceeding to the training area.

Intently reading what was written on the waiver form.

I chose to invite my two mommy buddies because I know we would need this kind of training to protect ourselves and our loved ones. We want to have the confidence and skill which we could use in times of danger. We were actually joking ourselves that after this training, "Lagot sa atin ang mga asawa natin mamaya pag-uwi." or "Kakaratihin natin ang lahat ng umaway satin!".

Excited for the self-defense workshop! Let's get it on!
Wearing blue is Mommy Edel, wearing black is Mommy G.

The session began with a self-introduction by SSgt. Joy Castillo, the female lead instructor followed by each of the attendees, then a brief orientation and run down of the course syllabus. 

Look at these attentive attendees.

Let me share with you some of the important points that are worth knowing.

Brave: Women's Self-Defense Workshop

I have been so used to commuting since I was a kid until today. At some point, I would ask myself why my parents allowed me to be exposed to the uncertainties of commuting. But thinking of it now, I am thankful for training me to become street smart, be equipped with navigating directions and be brave enough to commute to places even if it was my first time. And I thank God for always keeping me safe in my everyday journey. But because I am a mom now, commuting would be a different story especially if with baby. I actually don't dare to go out with her that's why we are not that mobile.

Lately I came across an invite to a workshop called Women's Self-Defense Workshop brought to you by Brave Philippines. It actually got my attention because I have been wanting to learn self-defense. Let me tell you more about the program.

As lifted from their website:

BRAVE is the first and only self-defense system specifically designed for working women. We understand the complexities of modern women's busy schedule that is why any program of BRAVE is optimized and can be completed in just a day. Martial arts and fighting background is not a prerequisite. In just a day, a woman will learn the principles, techniques, and methods on how to protect herself in times of violence.

After any BRAVE program, a student is guaranteed to have the knowledge that can be turned into power in violent situations, and the skills to protect her from people who want to hurt or take advantage of her.

Brave Self-Defense System is based on Kali, the Filipino Martial Arts. Kali is one of the most effective martial arts in the world. So effective that it was used by Matt Damon and Tom Cruise in Bourne Series and Mission Impossible. It was also alleged that Jeet Kune Do (system founded by Bruce Lee) was mostly influenced by Kali because of Bruce Lee's partner, Dan Inosanto who is an instructor of Filipino martial arts.

A working woman is an independent woman. An independent woman must know how to protect herself.

What: Women's Self-Defense and Real Life Combat Training

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm (7 hours with breaks in between)

Price: P2,500.00 

Date: Feb. 22, 2014 (Saturday)
Venue: Studio M Makati

What will I learn in BRAVE?

Registering for a BRAVE Self-defense program would equip you with essential skills that will heighten your awareness in an assault and enable you to protect yourself and your loved ones in times of danger. Registering yourself for a self-defense immediately increases your safety by 90%, guaranteed!

Here are some of the things you will learn:

• Effective striking
• Releasing from various grabs (hair, hand, arms, neck, etc.)
• Dealing effectively with distance
• How to anticipate certain types of attacks giving you advantage
• Disarming and stopping an armed assailant
• Effective counter attacking
• Defending from any line of attack (front, back and sides)
• Immobilizing an attacker
• Taking down an attacker
• Self-awareness and reflexes
• Combat training applicable to real-life situations 

After completing this workshop, you are guaranteed to gain the confidence and skills to protect yourself in times of danger. Your fear will turn into power.

How can I join?
Inquire.
Send a text message: 0927-659-9718 /0936-330-3650
Email: bravephilippines@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BRAVEph
 
What should I wear?
Be in your most comfortable. We suggest coming in with shirt, jogging pants/gym pants/jeans and rubber shoes.

 

What should I bring?
Though we provide lunch, snacks, and hydration on our workshops. Feel free to bring in your own snacks, juices, and bottled water. Bring in face towels and extra set of clothes too.

Where is the training located?
Our venue for workshops is at Studio M Makati.
 

For more info about Brave Philippines, you can visit their website: http://www.braveselfdefense.com/

I'm so excited to attend this self-defense training so that I won't be that scared whenever I go out and commute. Hope to see you there!
 


Mommy Sally


P.S. Please proceed to this link to read about my personal experience on the actual workshop.

Seeing Doubles: Support Group for Moms with Multiples

Medela House, where Medela Moms (Ms. Maricel Cua and Ms. Beng Feliciano) fulfill their advocacy, had been very instrumental and played a big role in my motherhood journey. It was where I first learned all about breastfeeding and got inspired to choose only this option in feeding my baby. I have been a loyal or frequent participant of their numerous parenting classes up until now. 

If there's one decision that I was able to make it right, it was purchasing my Medela breast pump directly from them, the Philippines' authorized distributor. Not only am I ensured of the quality of their products, they even offer to their valued customers free seats to some of their workshops as part of the perks. Aside from organizing learning events, they also offer breastfeeding counseling and help pool breast milk donations whenever necessary, among other things. 

Knowledge is very important that's why I enjoyed attending seminars in order to equip and update myself on the modern ways of parenting. One of the most sought-after topic is breastfeeding. Everyone knows that breastfeeding can be challenging and demanding, what more if you are nursing multiples, i.e. twins, triplets. But according to them, double the effort, double the fun too. 

Medela Moms is inviting all couples who are expecting twins or multiples to come to Medela House this Saturday, February 8, 2014 as they launch their first-ever Support Group for Moms with Multiples entitled Seeing Doubles. Medela Mom Beng would be there to share her first-hand experience of her own set of double blessings. This is the best time for parents with multiples to raise their questions and concerns and meet with other fellow "multiples moms".

Alongside the launch of "Seeing Doubles', there are also other exciting programs lined up for moms. These include:

• launching of SweatPea Nursingwear and showcasing of Walnut Melbourne Philippines stylish kiddie shoes through a fashion show featuring celebrity moms Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Marilen Faustino-Montenegro and kids. Listen too as they share their own modern day mom breastfeeding experiences.
• book signing by Amanda Jacob's Project Mom Book, co-authored by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and a limited number of books will be available for selling.

This event is free of charge but attendees are required to pre-register by texting Medela Moms at 0917-8110821 or sending an email to medelamoms@gmail.com.

Event: Seeing Doubles: A Multiples Support Group
Date: Feb. 8, 2014 (Saturday)
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am
Venue: Medela House

I know how important a support group is. I, myself, am very thankful for having mommy friends who have babies with same age as mine because we support each other especially in breastfeeding. And I'm happy that I am still breastfeeding my 14-month old.

Sign up now to experience the first support group for mommies of multiples in the country!

Giveaways, special promos, candy buffet, and other treats are in store for participating mommies. See you there!

Mommy Sally

My Pregnancy Journal - Second Trimester

On the onset of my Second Trimester, I came to the point that I felt that researching by my own is not enough. With not much resource person to ask, I took the courage and initiative to privately message thru Facebook my mommy acquaintances to interview their experiences and get some advice. I instantly gained some mommy and preggy friends and got instant access to the mommy world. It dawned to me that I still have so much to learn and prepare for. I was happy that all mommy friends I asked were really passionate to help and share their stories. Mommy talk is my proven way to start a conversation and make friends! :)

Aug. 4, 2012 at 20 weeks or 5 months.

On my birth month, many things had happened. I felt my baby's first kick on Aug. 1 at the end of 19th week. I was so thrilled! And because we were so eager to know the gender of our baby, by the time I turned 5 months or 20 weeks (half way through the journey), I underwent a Congenital Anomaly Scan and thank God everything was normal. At last, we were able to finalize the name of our baby girl.

Findings: Female, Cephalic presentation, No congenital anomaly seen.

By this time (Aug. 15), I had started to use BabyPlus

which a friend of mine had lent me. It's a small sounding device that I attach to my belly for baby to listen for an hour twice a day. But sometimes I forgot to use it especially when I'm out the whole day or when the battery ran out. Actually, I didn't finish the lesson and I'm also not sure of its effectiveness to the baby. I also listened to classical songs every night as they said it makes the baby smart.

At this month, I started inquiring for Childbirth Classes, Breastfeeding Classes and Cord Blood Banking. Yes, the journey to motherhood needs a certain amount of preparedness too. On the day of my birthday, I signed up for Cordlife and other classes. From then onwards, my weekends became fully loaded as I was so busy attending baby-mommy related events and workshops, apart from reading mommy blogs.

Some of the classes that I had attended are as follows:
1. Medela Breastfeeding Class
2. Rome Kanapi's Childbirth Class
3. Makati Medical Center's Pregnancy & Beyond
4. Mothercare's Baby & Me Club events
5. Mommy Mundo's events and bazaars

I bought this for myself after reading about it from someone else's blog. I love it coz it's full of information and no ads.

I enjoyed attending the workshops because not only did those helped me in my preparation for delivery and baby care, but I also gained a network of mommy friends from different walks of life. Not to mention that there are also lots of freebies awaiting the participants. Through those connections, it opened lots of opportunities for me to learn and grow as a new mom.

Aug. 18, 2012 Cordlife event at F1 Hotel with Ms. Everlyn Dalacat. My first ever event attended.

Aug. 25, 2012 All About Baby event in Rockwell Tent. My first baby bazaar attended.

Sept. 15, 2012 at Medela House with Ms. Abbie Yabot and Ms. Maricel Cua. My first breastfeeding class attended.

Sept. 29, 2012 at Mothercare BHS with Ms. Rome Kanapi. My first Baby & Me Club event attended.

Oct. 13, 2012 Moms on the Floor at The Loft@Manansala Rockwell. Made friends with a total stranger, Mommy Edel.

Tip: Enjoy your baby's kicking movements while inside your womb. It's an amazing experience that you will surely miss when he/she's out.

My last trimester is an exciting one. Read on my next post.

Mommy Sally