Five Reasons Why You Should Blog

For some, blogging is just hobby. For others, they do it to make money. Whatever your reason is for blogging, at the end of the day, blogging can be transformative. Every word posted can significantly create an impact not only to the reader, but also to the writer.

Here are the reasons why I love blogging (even if I do it on and off):

1.       “Writing is therapeutic.”

I heard this first from my friend, Ken Jamandre, who is now a successful college lecturer at UP Diliman. I have personally experienced how this is so true, at the time when my ex-husband and I separated (which was actually the initial reason why I created this blog account). At that time, I thought that I had to actively notice the beautiful things around me so that I could quit from being sad. I tried to search for little sources of joy so that I could blog about it and project that I am “happy.” Fast forward, I have moved on and I am ready to utilize this blog site to share more useful information; but this time, the approach would be different.  

2.       Blogging contests are enthralling.

As a mother who is always on the lookout for pleasant opportunities to share with my children, I have turned into blogging, specifically in Nuffnang, to join fun contests often made available. So far, the best experiences Nuffnang had given me are the Colgate-minion contest where I had the chance to bring my son to a movie date at EDSA Shangri-la; and the Mommy-bloggers workshop held at Richmond Hotel. Indeed, blogging can be your ticket to exciting things in life, most especially the free ones!

3.       “Portfolio is life.”

When I first attempted to apply for a writer position in a local government, I didn’t have a professional writing portfolio to submit, but my blogsite link. The stuff written there were entries that would pass for a personal diary. Little did I know that it would be my actual passport to my career path of being a writer. When I first joined Viral Media Source, it was also my blog site link which I have submitted to showcase my writing style to my head hunter.

4.       You have to take care of your skills.

BPO industry life and first-time motherhood combo has been my number one cause of stress during my mid-20s. I told myself then that I can’t be a call center agent forever so I reverted back to what I love doing which was writing. I kept on blogging making sure that the little talent I have for writing remains there. Nearly a decade after, I am a freelance writer with repeat clients for academic and political campaign writings.

5.       Leaving a mark is priceless.

I had a blog before where I kept my anonymity as I wrote about my hardships in life vis-à-vis rationalizing how my unpleasant experiences must be viewed with optimism. In a particular entry entitled, “There Can’t Be Two Queens in One Household,” I described the Filipino culture of living with extended families under one roof.  I wrote about how I consciously suppressed my voice due to fear of being misconstrued as a “rude” new member in the family. That blog entry elicited me an overwhelming feedback, describing my post as an eye-opener. 

You and I may have alike or opposite reasons for blogging. That’s cool. At the end of the day, what is the fun truth here is that a blog site is a useful TOOL that can serve your diverse needs to be in a business and to express ideas. Use it well because the online world is where most of us thrive now.

When Do You Stop Being a Parent?

It is a common practice among Filipino parents to give their children the gift of education as a way of planting seeds for their future. When students are asked why they want to finish schooling, the common responses would be – they want to help their families, they want to put an end to their poverty, or they want to assume the role as co-providers for the schooling of their younger siblings.

After I graduated in college, my father stopped working because he thought that I can already assume his responsibility as a family provider. I anguished quietly because I thought that he was being unfair. I surrendered my ATM to my mother so she could collect my bi-monthly paycheck and I was only being given a daily allowance, enough for me to reach and leave the office and maybe buy myself some candies. I suppressed the growing envy inside me as I watched my peers enjoy their salaries for themselves while me, I only get the chance to buy myself some new clothes when I am able to sell Avon and Natasha products to my officemates.

Later in life, my eyes were opened about when it is really the “end” of being a parent. I was demystified of what I heard from Mr. Ric Yu, a Fil-Chi businessman whom I have written a speech for when he was invited as a commencement speaker at the Valenzuela Polytechnic College.

He said, “You can never stop being a parent.”

Our children will have different needs as they progress in life.

·         When children are babies, they need complete vaccine, diapers, and milk;

·         When they start to go to school, they need parental guidance for their academic performance;

·         When they reach their teenage years, they may have identity issues or other concerns that a parent should be able to help sort out;

·         Once they finish schooling, a parent should remain supportive for their children’s job hunting or career decisions;

·         When they start a family, the children may still need the wisdom and the occasional financial help from mom and dad…

You see, there is no “graduation day” for becoming a parent. Our children’s life journeys determine the constantly evolving challenges that they will have to weather. And these journeys are best taken care of when backed up by the tender love and care of mom and dad.

Here's my loving papa-turned-baby sitter to my daughter Hami.

 So, when do you stop being a parent?

Never.

Hami Redeems Ninong Max’s Birthday Gift

Even before my middle child’s christening at Max’s restaurant in 2015, I already have high regard for their excellent service because a cousin’s wedding reception a couple of years back was done at their Roxas Boulevard branch; and I was quite impressed with the way they have swiftly delivered a solemn wedding program, not to mention their food which is timelessly, unarguably palatable.

This year, for the first time, Hami was able to redeem her free gift from her “Ninong Max.” Unfortunately, we were unable to get her free chickens previously, for her birth month and Christmas, because I lost the temporary card necessary for redeeming the Ninong Max goodies.

I thought I had to go through the hassle of securing an affidavit of loss before I could do the free chicken redemptions for my kid. I was mistaken.  One random day I visited the place to probe about the procedures to reactivate my child’s account to claim the food gifts, I was surprised to find out that Hami’s permanent Ninong Max ID was just sitting there for several months waiting to be picked-up.

So we redeemed her first gift from Ninong Max.

Here are the perks for a Ninong Max ID holder:

Promo details according to their Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant/photos/a.104349093070.91742.42321613070/10150274868013071/?type=3&fref=mentions

While waiting for Hami’s treat from Ninong Max, I indulged my daughter’s sweet tooth.

Thanks to the very long APEC break here in Metro Manila, I was able to do lots of mommy duties for my children – I was able to pay attention to Deirdre’s christening requirements, I had the chance to sit and play pogs with Vladimir, and for the first time, Hami and I were able to redeem her free crispy and tasty chicken from Max’s Restaurant!

Nanay Muring: An Epitome of Volunteerism in Valenzuela

Today I’m sharing a story of an unsung hero whom I had the chance to interview during a recent assignment. She is Nanay Murita “Muring” Paulino, a 65-year old senior citizen who is both a Bantay Estudyante volunteer and a Central Kitchen volunteer.

Nanay Muring in Bantay Estudyante Suit

In Valenzuela, citizens are encouraged to engage in volunteer works to help contribute in making our home city a better place to live in. When I asked Nanay Muring of her timeframe until when does she see herself serving our city, I was moved by her response, “hangga't kaya ko po dahil wala naman po akong sakit” (as long as I can because I am not ill yet).

I could not help myself from gazing at her using a xennial’s lens. Despite her wrinkled skin, hers are magnetic eyes that showed me her big heart. I saw in her a contented woman who has won and lost battles through the years, yet who remained steadfast in nurturing her pure motherly soul. Her voice was filled with love and sincerity as she described her joy in serving the Valenzuelano children. In my mind, I couldn't help myself from thinking that her sun-kissed skin is her natural badge for her unrelenting selfless service. My heart shivered.

If you’re wondering where my admiration is coming from, let me talk briefly about her two volunteer works – Bantay Estudyante and Central Kitchen.

“Bantay Estudyante” is the brainchild of our handsome mayor, Rex Gatchalian [writer swoons]. In Valenzuela, senior citizens are welcomed for employment by the local government despite their age. During school days, volunteers are posted on visible sites during the ‘alpha and omega’ of classes only. They are deployed near the streets of public elementary schools to oversee the safety of the kids from vehicular accidents. They also prevent youngsters from brawling nonsensically over petty things.  

The Central Kitchen is a different activity. Here, volunteer-mothers help in preparing meals for thousands of identified malnourished and undernourished children enrolled in public schools, from kinder to sixth grade.

I have conducted interviews with other kitchen volunteers in the past so I know how tough their sacrifices are. They have to wake up at least 3:00 o’clock in the morning, leave their abode before dawn, start chopping veggies once they arrive at the kitchen, and twerk until all packed lunches are delivered in schools. These, ladies and gentlemen, are the efforts exerted by our mother-volunteers at the kitchen. So kids, I hope you’d really study well and pay it forward someday.

Nanay Muring communicated with me the essence of satisfaction and love – these are two things that many of us fail to achieve despite the credentials we brag on social media, despite the hollow praises we get from people who don’t really care about us.

Nanay, how to be you po? I salute you.

Make Gift Giving Hassle-Free with GC Regalo!

As I prepare for the upcoming christening of my baby daughter Deirdre in November, the nostalgia of my being a god mother to my nephew to Pocoh rushed through my mind as if it was just yesterday.

Pocoh and Mirmir (2013)

Born Again Christians call their baptism as “dedication.” Pocoh was dedicated when he was one year old and the ceremony was held at Max’s restaurant in Caloocan City.

That time, I was still a Citigroup employee. I was a determined sales person. Part of Citigroup’s motivation strategy was to give away gift certificates, such as the Sodexo Premium Pass, to encourage their Citiphone officers to sell more and to hit their quotas.

MY FIRST TEAM AT CITI
Vince, the guy at the back wearing a cap, was the one who explained to me
the convenience of using Sodexo Premium Pass.

Shop Sodexo here: https://www.gcregalo.com/products/2-sodexo-premium-pass-gift-certificate-1.html

The very young, yet extremely talented Jordan Ga was our sales coach that time. He taught us how to sell credit card insurance because nobody in my new team could sell that product. He told us that he was going to give us ten GCs (gift certificates) of Sodexo Premium Pass pegged at Php100 each. So that’s a total of Php1,000 worth of GCs.

I knew that I will be a god mother to Pocoh. As a typical employee who lives from pay check to pay check, I was a bit concerned that my budget will be a little tighter if I will allot a portion of that for “pakimkim.” Haha! Yes, I was that poorita (until now, actually).

And so I prayed. And studied the sales spiel intently so that I could bag the award. Voila! I was able to hit the nail. As an added feather on my hat, my Credit Protector sale was also compliant.

Jordan was elated that time. I think he was happy not only for me but also for himself because he was able to prove to the management team that he was a coach that CAN deliver results, and a hardworking one I must say.

My name was bannered in a send-to-all email for everybody on the floor to read. It was an unforgettable experience. Nobody knew that my motivation to hit the target was my desire to give my nephew a rather decent gift for his dedication.

That was just one of the many happy experiences I had using GCs.

AS FOR MY CHILDREN:

Check GC Regalo here: https://www.gcregalo.com/

I appreciate the Gift Idea of my friends, who are my kids’ god parents, whenever they hand SM Gift Certificates to my little ones during Christmas. Receiving an SM Gift Certificate looks more personalized rather than receiving cash in an “ang pao.” The gesture also feels like, my friends warning me softly, “Hey Liz, the GC belongs to the kids; bring them to the mall where they could enjoy.” Pretty clever, aye? They’re making sure that the valuable gift idea will not go inside mommy’s pockets. Spell F-O-R-T-H-E-K-I-D-S-O-N-L-Y. Haha! Kidding aside, of course bonding moments with my kids, such as malling at SM North, is priceless.

When Yayabels Takes a Surprise Day-off

I have been absent from work for two days now because my daughter’s nanny had a very important matter to attend to. She had her medical examination at her agency because she plans to leave the country for Saudi to be an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker).

(Sigh.)

If you’re a working mom who is not accustomed to doing household chores, staying at home could be stressful, rather than peaceful. In my case, I am used to working at my station the whole day with occasional meetings and other professional transactions. So when my nanny left for an urgent concern, I felt like my routine was somehow disrupted. I couldn’t focus. Or perhaps I’m a certified workaholic now that I can’t help thinking of my current projects. 

But you know what, moms? There is one beneficial thing about working moms’ nannies’ unplanned days off – mothers get to bond with their children longer; so, they get to discover their children’s milestones which they often miss out. Like today, I have seen my baby Deirdre lie down on her stomach. It was a delightful sight!

Long weekend starts tomorrow. It’s going to be a long working weekend.

I wonder if “grace under pressure” will be applicable to me.

Make brushing more fun with Minions!

Let me start with a little whine.

The saddest part of being a single mom in a modern family is the very scarce time that a mother could afford for her children due to financial concerns. Like in my case, instead of me spending time to bond with my kids, I engage in other endeavors that would help me augment my income. It’s only in the evenings that I get to bond shortly with my kids. Most of the time, I get home a little past dinner time.

My Modern Family

The moment I arrive home, the first thing I do is to kiss my kids to let them know that mum is home. After a short while, I would ask them if they have already brushed their teeth which most of the time, the answer would be “No.”

My two-year old daughter, Hami, is the clingiest among my children. Since she always wants to follow me wherever I go, I also find her easier to prod to do tooth brushing compared to her big brother, Vladimir. Hami doesn’t speak straight yet. When it is already time for me to clean her up, I would just repeatedly ask her a one-word inquiry, “Brush? Brush?” Hami would then smilingly follow me to the rest room and we’d brush our teeth together while facing each other. This is our kind of "mother and daughter bonding" every night, and my way of making tooth brushing more fun!

Mommy And Hami

I’ve read in a parenting magazine before that “playing” is educational for toddlers. If you want to teach your child something, you have to be creative in coming up with some sort of a play to keep your child’s interest or attention. Teaching Hami how to brush her teeth had been such a breeze for me because of Colgate’s Minions toothbrush and Minions toothpaste. Both of these oral hygiene products are indeed perfect for little ones who are still learning proper oral care. Hami loves the Minion design and the soft bristles of her new toothbrush, as well as the sweet taste of her toothpaste.

I have been an avid Colgate user even before I was a mother. Now that I have three growing kids, of course I only make them use the brand that I trust. 

Are you also a parent who leaves early and arrives home late? Lessen that guilty feeling by not skipping your enjoyable tooth brushing fellowship session with your kids.

Go grab Colgate’s Minions toothbrush and Minions toothpaste through these channels:

Colgate Minions Kids 2-5 Years Old (Junior) Oral Care Pack:

http://www.lazada.com.ph/colgate-minions-kids-2-5-years-old-oral-care-pack-4804587.html?spm=a2o4l.sis-363.0.0.1sWUa5&ff=1

Colgate Minions Kids 5-9 Years Old (Youth) Oral Care Pack:

http://www.lazada.com.ph/colgate-minions-kids-5-9-years-old-oral-care-pack-4804586.html?spm=a2o4l.sis-363.0.0.1sWUa5&ff=1