All-Around Pinay Mama

Pop Hub: Comics Splash x Fandom Fest Volume 2

September 13, 2019

Manila International Book Fair (MIBF)’s co-located comics and pop culture event: Pop Hub: Comics Splash X Fandom Fest is back for a sophomore run this September.

All-Around Pinay Mama blog, Pop Hub Comics Splash x Fandom Fest Volume 2

The episode continues as Primetrade Asia, Inc., MIBF and Best of Anime organizer is set to gather once again the comics and pop culture community on September 14 to 15 from 10:00AM to 8:00PM at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

This year, comic fans and Fandoms will definitely geek out as your MIBF ticket also entitles you to a free POP HUB entrance!

Following the success of last year’s POP HUB: Vol. 1 which featured distinguished guest artists and exciting activities such as workshops, cosplay competitions, training sessions, photo ops and fandom activities, Volume 2 is back yet again to showcase local and foreign comics, fandom groups and wide-ranging arts and entertainment.

Coming back again this year are the country’s notable comics personalities: Pol Medina, creator of popular comic strip, Pugad Baboy, comics superstar, Harvey Tolibao and award-winning comic book and artist, Randy Valiente. Prince of PH Cosplay, Prince De Guzman will also be showcasing anew more of his transformations on POP HUB’s stage.

Pop Hub rookies to watch out for in this year’s Volume 2 include: Don Suratos, Paramount’s Pet-Sematary illustrator, First Academy of Computer Art’s very own, Nick Trinidad and Ian Velasquez, writer of the new DI-13 komiks and grandson of Komiks pioneer, Damy Velasquez, brother of Kenkoy creator and founding Father of Philippine Komiks, Tony Velasquez.

Of course, a pop culture event isn’t complete without the participation of fandom groups. Largest Fandoms around the country will be present in the event as well– The 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, the only Lucasfilm and Disney-recognized worldwide Star Wars costuming groups; FightSaber, Hogwarts Philippines, USS Kalayaan (Star Trek Philippines), Ineffable MNL, Hamilton Philippines, Greasy Snitches, Supernatural PH, Justice PH, Westeros Cosplay PH and more!

Brace yourselves as POP HUB unveils more action-packed activities in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for more updates by following their official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @pophubMNL.

The Bucket List Summit

August 09, 2019

‘YOLO’ – you have certainly heard it several times or even came across this acronym as a hashtag on a friend’s post on social media. A tickle in your curiosity, have you ever asked yourself what YOLO really means? YOLO is the acronym of ‘You Only Live Once’ which was popularized by a renowned rapper in one of his songs. But there is certainly a more profound meaning in ‘YOLO’.

Given the frailty and brevity of human life, anything can happen to you at any point in your life. Set your mind that every day is a miracle and that you only live once so why not make the most out of it? It is always yes to do the things you most loved and savor each moment like it is the last. Regardless of your age, social status, condition, and circumstances, it is never too late to prepare yourself to live your life only once. To start, you can create your own Bucket List.

Have you ever watched the movie ‘The Bucket List’? Played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, it is about two strangers, one a billionaire and one a mechanic, who were brought with the news that they already reached the terminal stage of their life. Realizing that they had little time left to complete the things they had to do and to be reconciled to the ones they love, they decided to make a Bucket List – it is a list of things that they wanted to do before they die. They eventually set out into the world against their doctor’s medical advice and took on their adventure of a lifetime. This movie provided an accurate mental picture of how short human life could be regardless of your social standing and how you could never be able to turn back the time to change the past.

Since the release of this movie, the term 'Bucket List' is now being generally used by people from all around the world to mean that you only live once so do everything you can possibly do given a limited amount of time. Many people have seriously considered YOLO as a way of living and they even created their own Bucket List. Some have set out for the thrill of an adventure, some have traveled to their dream destination, some have still started school at a later age, some have preferred doing things right the first time every time, some have always chosen to do what they always wanted to regardless of the social stigma and taboos.

All-Around Pinay Mama blog, The Bucket List Summit, Happy Events by Deegee Inc., Events PH, SMX Convention Center Aura Events, SM Aura

Isn't it fulfilling to create a Bucket List and see how each item on your list is progressively being achieved? Have you ever considered creating your own Bucket List because ‘YOLO’? Join the Bucket List Summit, a platform that brings together leaders, speakers, thinkers, and experts who can help you be prepared emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially towards a life well-lived. The summit will be held on October 19 to 20, 2019 at the SMX Aura where renowned speakers will talk about the value and appreciation of life, financial wellness, spiritual enlightenment, physical challenges and its related solutions, psychological interventions, death and life, and more. Everybody deserves a quality life. Participate in this event now and know more about how you can live your life only once but to the fullest.

For more information, please call Happy Events at (02) 637-9084 or send an email at happyeventsbydeegee@gmail.com.

I was at the Book Launch of Beauty of 40, Unwrapping the Gift of Midlife

May 24, 2019

The admiration that I have right now for Dr. Michele Alignay has started when I've read her book award-winning book, "Family Goals, Embracing the Imperfections of Family Life". She is the kind of writer whom I can relate with kasi sakto lahat ng sinasabi niya sa book niya, tipong para siyang kapatid mo or BFF mo na nakikinig sa'yo at sasabihan ka ng mga words na kailangan mong marinig. Kahit gaano kasakit ang katotohanan, she is going to make you feel better after pero naliwanagan ka ng bongga!

That's why when I was invited by her personally to attend her latest book launching, ayayay, may kilig factor talaga, I swear. Saying yes to that invite was one of the best decisions that I made this month and probably for my entire lifetime.

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In the 11th of May this year, the intimate launch of her new book, "The Beauty of 40, Unwrapping the Gift of Midlife" was held in Miriam College. The book would be tackling about clarity, reflection, and sensible response to what is happening within us, tayong mga nasa midlife na (Yes, I am 40 and I am proud of it!) and beyond. The two-hour event was filled with an atmosphere of love, sincerity, friendship, and learning. You may watch the video by Kerygma Books through the link below to know more about the launch and the book itself HERE.

I am currently reading it and soon, I will review it. While waiting for it, you may read first my review about "Family Goals" on this link: Family Goals Embracing the Imperfections of Family by Michele S. Alignay. This book is available in religious and some parish stores nationwide and online at www.kerygmabooks.com for only Php320. Whenever I see this book in book stores, I tell the staff to recommend it.

By the way, Dr. Ichel will be launching her "The Beauty of 40..." book again on Sunday, May 26, at "Infini7e: Feast Marikina Bluewave's 7th Anniversary in Marikina Convention Center from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Don't miss it! If you will not be able to make it, you may purchase the book at www.kerygmabooks.com for Php380 only. Midway pa lang ako pero ang dami ko nang napulot o natutuhan.

Game Plan for Success Batch 4

May 16, 2019

The feeling of exhaustion on my part started in November 2018, when I started pursuing further studies. The workload was doable but the adjustment period and wearing so many hats kept my hands tied. What was emotionally draining was sickness afflicted my family members and I. Indeed, I could not serve more than two Gods at the same time. I had to choose between my duties for my family over personal concerns which included blogging. Subconsciously I thought that I would be giving less for my family if I spent my time and effort updating my blog and social media sites. The mere fact that I would open my email, website, and social media sites made me anxious. I told my blogger friends that I would lie low for a while and asked if they could pitch in for my duties in maintaining BKS Moms Facebook Page, a mom page that I co-founded with them. I was so fortunate that they understood that I needed to rest and recover from burn out.

Yes, I was in a state of burn out for the nth time. I would usually be emotionally, psychologically, physically drained towards the end of every year but the kind of burn out that I had recently was so intense that I became confused and lost my sense of purpose. I questioned myself if I was doing the right thing. I doubted myself and felt that blogging wasn't for me anymore.

Towards the start of 2019, I tried to finish my blogging and writing backlogs. But every time I do so, I would just stare on my laptop for a couple of minutes. Instead of wasting my time waiting for ideas to come out my head, I would just close it and send myself to sleep. I would feel so ashamed because I could not deliver on time. Despite it all, I was still grateful because most of the people concerned were understanding. Completing the tasks and delivering just for the sake of delivering made me survive. Mediocrity when it comes to work was not innate in me and it made me more sad and frustrated. The fear of handling more tasks and commitment made me decline invites and opportunities. I just wallowed. I knew that the reputation that I built would be tainted. I was worried but I was helpless. I was on the verge of depression but I did my best to perform in school and remained faithful in doing my mom and business duties.

I knew my priorities. I continued to be valuable and needed but no matter what I did, I couldn't escape blogging. Attending the "Game Plan for Success Batch 4" in April struck me. If I may say it in Filipino, "Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig at nagising sa pagkakatulog ng mahimbing. Para akong sinampal sa magkabilang pisngi." For this, I would like to thank Viviene Bigornia, founder of The Fulfilled Women, because every time that I would lurk in confusion, sorrow, and sadness, she was one of those few special people who would remember me and pick me up from being down.

I read her book From Depressed to Determined and attended her Visual Boarding Workshop that helped me to start dreaming again for myself aside from for my family but the Game Plan for Success Batch 4 was the workshop that made me see the path to my goals much clearer. It made me realize the true purpose that I was trying to deny. It helped me see that my purpose was just right in front of me that I should not look far to see it. All I should do is to embrace it fully to reach self-actualization to be truly blissful.

The workshop was light and straightforward but emotional. The speakers' and participants' sharing of experiences brought me to tears. That was the moment when I realized that all of us have crosses to bear and it is up to us on how to carry our own cross. The speakers reminded me that, "There is always sunshine after the rain."

I will not delve deeper into what we have tackled because I want you to experience it yourself. There is a huge difference when you are present in the workshop than by just reading about it through this blog. The Fulfilled Women Community members are so warm, genuine, and supportive. They will embrace you for who you are and will let you feel that you are valued and purposeful.

That's why I encourage you, my female readers to join Batch 5 of Game Plan for Success this coming June 1 and also don't miss the Vision Boarding Workshop on June 15! I assure you that all your dreams and aspirations will be aligned with what you are intended to do in this world. For more details, you may visit The Fulfilled Women on Facebook.

Family Bonding Made Happier at SM and McDonald's #NationalThankYouWeek

November 28, 2018

All-Around Pinay Mama blog, SJ Valdez, National Thank You Week, McDonalds PH, McDonald's, SM Supermalls, SM Mall of Asia, AAPM Events, Events and Workshops,

I was blessed to witness SM Supermalls and McDonald's National Thank You Week culminating activity in SM Mall of Asia's Central Atrium last Sunday, November 25, 2018.

In line with this, from November 22 to 25, all patrons of McDonald's stores inside SM Supermalls who purchased a Happy Meal was entitled to get a free vanilla sundae cone from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. It was indeed an exciting promo that every family went gaga for!

Family Bonding Made Happier at SM and McDonald's #NationalThankYouWeek (Courtesy: SM Supermalls)

It has always been an advocacy of those two power brands in the Philippines to celebrate the importance of family bonding moments to strengthen its values and relationship. That's why SM Supermalls and McDonald's leveled-up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families with the online and on-ground celebration of "National Thank You Week" on the said dates.

On its second year of partnership, SM Supermalls and McDonald's continue to promote the importance of having an emotional bond of Filipino families as they make memories and celebrate their togetherness with or without any occasion inside SM Supermalls according to SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Marketing, Mr. Jonjon San Agustin.

Family Bonding Made Happier at SM and McDonald's #NationalThankYouWeek (Courtesy: SM Supermalls)

As a digital campaign, SM Supermalls and McDonald's encouraged families to share their ‘thank you moments’ for a chance to win Php5,000 SM shopping money. All they had to do was simply taking a photo of themselves when they availed McDonald's Happy Meal with their free vanilla sundae cone using the #NationalThankYouWeek Photo App that could be accessed via www.smsupermalls.com until November 25.

Moreover, the grand culminating activity was held for families on the last day of the week-long celebration as mentioned above. For only Php180, kids and kids-at-heart experienced SM Supermalls and McDonald's Thank You Town where everyone enjoyed a wide array of exciting activities and awesome technology games.

SM shoppers were able to sign-up for McDonald’s Stripes Run, avail of the new McCelebrations Birthday Party themes, and experience fun games and activities during the event.

Another great news that makes us proud to be Pinoy, SM Supermalls is the sole Philippine finalist in this year’s World Retail Awards, held last April 19 in Madrid, Spain. SM's "National Thank You Day," an integrated live brand experience campaign in partnership with McDonald's Philippines, made it as a finalist in the ‘Best Customer Experience Initiative – Mall Owners’ category. Isn't it amazing? Nothing beats the beauty of being grateful and celebrating precious moments with the family!

To learn more about this event and other updates from SM Supermalls, check out www.smsupermalls.com, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

I also invite you to see more of my snapshots of the #NationalThankYouWeek culminating activity HERE.

SM Megamall Launches DREAMAGINATION: A Magical Holiday Spectacle

November 10, 2018

The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most." - John Ruskin

With the love of colours and a thoughtful spirit in mind, SM Megamall delighted shoppers with dreamy and magical #ChristmasSMoments at the launch of its Dreamagination: A Magical Holiday Spectacle celebration last November 8, held at the Mega Fashion Hall. It was indeed a wonderful feeling to see a dreamy and magical ambience of unicorns, rainbows, and candy-colored displays.

AAPM Events, Dreamagination: A Magical Holiday Spectacle, Events and Workshops, SM Megamall, SM Supermalls, #ChristmasSMoments, #MegaChristmas2018

Develop a childlike fascination with life and people." - Jim Rohn

"Every year we challenge ourselves to come up with a theme that surpasses the grandness of the previous year. We are very excited about this holiday season because we know our customers would love this year's colorful and magical theme," said Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations. Indeed, people from all walks of life will have a chance to rekindle their wonderful Christmas moments as a child and shall delight their childlike fascination as they visit Dreamagination.

During the media launch hosted by Tim Yap and Karla Aguas, the mall unveiled its 45-foot Christmas centerpiece, adorned with candy-colored jewels, rainbows, and iconic unicorn and you soldiers dolls.

SM Megamall welcomed the holidays with whimsical performances by local and international acrobats, such as the Twin Ballerinas Annika and Tisha; Eric Aranas as Toy Soldier and parkour stunts by member of Ninja Academy as Elf Jumpers; the awe-inspiring acts of global Vertical and Trapeze Dancers; and spiral pole and rope dancer Kristel De Catalina of Pilipinas Got Talent season 6.

I invite you to watch snipets of the Dreamagination: A Holiday Spectacle launch (Video Credit: Miss Reylen Castro of Made It Through Mum blog):

As the Christmas season approaches, there will be exciting events await shoppers exclusively at SM Megamall! You are invited to visit the DC Justice League Christmas Capers for a chance to play fun, interactive games. You can grab latest Justice League merchandise at DC pop up stores at The Event Center, Mega A and The SM Store, Mega B at the Event Center from November 16 to January 14, 2019.

Be part of the dreamy and magical #ChristmasSMoments and have fun with your friends and family at #MegaChristmas2018 holiday spectacle. Merry SM Christmas!

Pop Hub: Comics Splash x Fandom Fest Volume 2

The Bucket List Summit

I was at the Book Launch of Beauty of 40, Unwrapping the Gift of Midlife

Game Plan for Success Batch 4

Family Bonding Made Happier at SM and McDonald's #NationalThankYouWeek

SM Megamall Launches DREAMAGINATION: A Magical Holiday Spectacle

SJ Valdez

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