I am so blessed to have met a lot of beautiful men and women who know how to live their lives to the fullest. They never fail to touch other people's lives by being genuinely kind, generous, caring, and helpful using their God given talents and skills. By being in their mere presence, I can feel how inspiring they are and their positive nature is truly contagious. They show that life should be valued and self-improvement must never stop for the better. 

One of the amazing people that I know is Teacher Khey Gingo. She is a Sped Teacher and Nurse by profession.

During her free time, she goes to remote places to serve in medical missions and on Sundays, she teaches kids and teens about the Bible leading them closer to God.

Aside from wearing different hats as a professional and volunteer, she doesn't stop from upgrading herself professionally by pursuing further studies, attending seminars, and reading books related to her profession.

Despite her busy schedule, she never fails to keep her ties close with her family and friends and of course, with the love of her life.

Obviously, she has a very, very active lifestyle and to keep herself well and healthy, she indulges herself with exercise, proper diet, and connecting with nature.

Above all her achievements, what makes her more beautiful is it comes from within. She is always comforting, assuring, and therapeutic. Her smile can surely brighten anybody's day. It's one of her assets and obviously, she takes care of her pearly whites the right and easy way.

Now, let's move on to the product itself...

iLED Teeth Whitening Kit contains:

- Two pens of whitening gel to be applied directly to the teeth and one pen with remineralization gel to help reduce tooth sensitivity

- Teeth Whitener Light with 10 LED lights that can be powered by a smart phone, computer, or external battery (iPhone, Android, and USB plugs included) so no batteries needed

- Mouth tray that is made with non-latex food grade silicone (not plastic) for comfort and comes with a ventilated carrying case for safe and clean storage

How to Use:

1 Apply teeth whitening teeth gel evenly on your teeth (thickness approximately 1 mm).

2 Connect light with phone (iPhone or Android).

3 Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and bite tightly. Press the power button, 25 minutes countdown with sound reminder. Then take off the mouthpiece.

4 Wash the mouthpiece with water after use.

5 Apply the remineralization gel (with calcium, fluoride, and phosphate) after treatment to strengthen teeth enamel to reduce sensitivity.

(Reference: https://www.whiteteethglobal.com)

According to her, this whitening kit was so easy to use and the result was visible after initial use. The stains on her teeth that she got from wearing braces were totally removed. The result keeps getting better as she continues using it. Well, you can see on the photos above that it's really, really effective.

iLED Teeth Whitening Kit is true to its promise. Like Teacher Khey, we can get that perfect smile safely in no time. The kit may be purchased through this website at $69.95.

Photo Credit: @kheygingo (Instagram)

If by chance that you were able to check out my article about Pillows by Uratex Philippines + Informative Pillow Facts, you had probably read that there were a wide array of pillow types that could fit each person's lifestyle and needs. I also mentioned my top choice, Permasoft Pillows, which I purchased several pieces to replace our old pillows.

Almost two years have passed, and all of them are still in good condition. For just Php439.75 each, obviously they are all worth every centavo. They serve us very well indeed. For months, we sleep comfortably and soundly without experiencing body pains and aches upon waking up.

While we are enjoying our Permasoft Pillows, Mom has her own favorite next to them. She says that ever since she's been using it, she doesn't feel back or nape pain despite prolonged sitting due to bead working. She feels that this pillow follows the contour of her body while feeling cool too. For more than a year now, it's her tool of comfort that makes her do what she loves better and longer.

The pillow that I am talking about is Senso Memory Celeste Gel Pillow. I got it as a token from the Uratex Sparty that I attended last year.

Why do Mom and I recommend it for those individuals who are experiencing body pain while resting, sleeping, or sitting and difficulty in sleeping? 

Well, it is specially formulated with Aqua Cool© Gel Technology that uses intermeshed, three- dimensional gel waves for greater airflow, resulting to a long- lasting, cooling sensation for the neck, back, and head.

It also uses high-quality memory foam for extra plush comfort feel, alleviating pressure points.

For Php2,699.75 you might be thinking that it's quite expensive but I tell you, it's one of the best investments that you can get for your health and wellness. It's comfy, durable, and functional.

I like more that it has a separate velvety soft cover that promotes more comfort that is easy to remove from the pillow, wash, and put back again. Isn't it cool?

Aside from the Permasoft Pillows, I also recommend this to my friends whenever they ask me the best pillow to purchase. I'm so glad that they agree that I'm right after trying. 

You may visit any authorized Uratex Philippines dealer or warehouse near you to buy yours. I am confident that you are not going to regret it.

Filipinos in general are thoughtful. Gift-giving is always a part of their special occasions and even during ordinary days when they just feel like doing it. Gift-giving never fails to induce a happy feeling to both the giver and receiver which makes their bond stronger and sweeter. It creates good memories too, no matter how small or big the gift that has been given or received. It's always the thought that counts. 

Speaking of gifts, just recently I have received these tokens from Inspired Gifts PH. They're perfect for ladies and gents who love perfumes like I do! 

#Gifts that inspire #love and #beauty warm the receivers' hearts. 😍 . Thank you so much, #inspiredgiftsph through #mommybloggersphilippines for sending these perfumes! 💕 . My initial impressions are the following: ❤ Sillage is sweet to musky. ❤ Longevity is longer. ❤ Packaging is superb. . More details will be live on my blog soon! By the way, you may find @inspiredgiftsph on Facebook. Have a great week! 😊 . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmreviews #productreviewer #scents #perfume #momblogger #igersmanila

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Apr 17, 2017 at 9:54pm PDT

Aside from perfumes this online shop sells other unique gift items as well and its collection is so interesting. Pinag-isipan talaga. The choices are intended for people from different ages and interests. Here are my top picks:

Aren't they cool? Inspired Gifts PH can be one of your top online shops to go to in case you would like to purchase gifts that inspire love, beauty, and anything in between. You may visit www.inspiredgiftsph.com and follow @inspiredgiftsph on Facebook. Happy gift shopping!

I chose "focus" to be my one word for this year. I decided to do what only matters for my personal and family growth and refrain from multitasking too much because most of the time it could result to more open ended plans and unfinished tasks rather than accomplishing more. 

There are studies about multitasking which says that it can cause forgetfulness. I can feel that it's happening to me and I don't like it. I feel so unreliable and irresponsible whenever it happens because I have the tendency to neglect some things that need my attention. I am also working on bringing back my prowess in tracking down things because for me, it's not an option and excuse to regress in this area especially that there are so many additional concerns that I have to attend to. I have to juggle my roles without affecting the welfare of my family. After all, I do things for its sake.

I said to myself that I should not be too hard on myself and never engage too much in multitasking. But still it's inevitable in my present situation especially now that irresistible opportunities in my family, blogging, and business careers keep on coming. Optimism and following the Law of Attraction help all the time but sometimes my mind is willing but my body is not due to exhaustion.

In times when I feel stressed that leads to muscle spasm, headache, and sleepless nights, taking oral medication is not my first option. I always rely on natural healing through eating healthy, visualization, and drinking lots of water. I also feel relieved when I use balms or salves to alleviate the pain . There are only two balms that I use alternately because they give soothing effect  or relaxes my body and mind that prompts me to sleep soundly. Just recently, I have another addition to my favorites and it's Favori Sleep & Relaxation Salve.

I'm so impressed with what it does. It is my current favorite because it doesn't only promotes natural sleep but also aids in  faster sleep turnaround time. I use it when I have migraine attacks, muscle pain, and even when I have insect bites. Ang sarap-sarap ng pakiramdam when I apply it on my temples, forehead, nape, and back. Very relaxing talaga siya at nakakatulog ako ng mahimbing. Whenever I feel exhausted and dizzy, I just open the tub and smell its contents. I love the light lavender-mentholated scent. It's made of natural ingredients and their combination has relaxing properties--- beeswax, sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, grapefruit oil, lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, menthol, ginger, Vitamin E, and phenoxyethanol, that makes me confident too that it's safe for me and the rest of my family to use. I just need  to apply a small amount and it works. Ibig sabihin matipid siyang gamitin and a tub goes a long way. Whenever I am too tired, I find it so hard to sleep. This salve lets me sleep faster. I am not kidding, it's really amazing! 

It's color is violet but becomes colorless when being applied on skin. It doesn't stain so no need to worry.

I had no idea about its price and availability because it was sent to me by a friend. According to favori.ph, it costs Php200.00. It can be bought online or in the following malls: Robinsons Place Manila, SM Megamall, SM City Marikina, SM Southmall, and Market! Market! I highly recommend this salve, Mars at Pards. Mapapasarap ang tulog ninyo at mare-relax ang inyong katawan sa sobrang ginhawa ng pakiramdam kapag ginamit ninyo ito.

Time flies! It's been almost a year since I've written my thoughts here in detail about the Belo Baby product line. When it comes to loyalty, I can swear on Belo Baby when it comes to taking care of my family's skin. We are using it for exactly 10 months and we are happy with what it does.



When it comes to quality and safety, we can never go wrong with Belo Baby that guarantees to have 100% natural and 0% harmful ingredients. It's "all natural" and crafted with care for the most delicate skin, for the most meticulous moms, and for the whole family as well. 

We feel safe whenever we use Belo Baby because it leaves out some harmful ingredients present in other brands and is composed of these main ingredients:

Cocoa Butter, an ingredient that contains antioxidant qualities that protect skin from the outside. It keeps the skin healthy by strengthening and deeply moisturizing it. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it also relieves common skin irritations like rashes.

Shea Butter, a known super food for the skin, as well as the hair. It heals, protects, nourishes, and moisturizes skin from damage and dryness. Because it is natural, gentle, and soft, it is suitable for all skin types especially the delicate and sensitive skin of babies. It naturally heals common skin conditions of babies like eczema and diaper rash.

Sweet Almond Oil, has the ability to lock moisture into the skin. It is also a good exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the development of healthier skin. It is generally safe for all skin types, including delicate baby skin.

Belo Baby provides a safer alternative unlike other baby products. Belo has taken meticulous care in choosing not only which ingredients to put in, but which to leave out.

Once more, I would like to stress out the things that our family loves about the following Belo Baby products:

(Php224.75)

- smells so good on skin and the scent stays longer

- makes skin from head to toe supple, moisturized, soft, and smooth without greasy after-feel; even a seldom lotion user like I do due to experiencing greasiness can be motivated to use it regularly

Among these three products that we truly love, Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion is our most favorite. I don't usually hoard, but see I have three on hand because our family can never let the day pass without using this.




My sons use this after every bath to keep their skin moisturized. Kuya, who is in his tween years, still likes the way it touches his skin. He can smell like a baby and it doesn't bother him anyway. 

Even though you're in your tweens, Kuya, you will always be my baby! . . Happy Baby Day, Kuya! I love you like I love Bunso! . . And because it’s Baby Day today, @belobabylove is giving away FREE #BeloBaby products to the first 1000 moms who register here: http://belobaby.ph/#!register . . . Hurry mommies! Here’s your chance to try the 100% certified natural Belo Baby products! . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmquotes #babyproduct #babycologne #babylotion #babysoap #bodywash #hairwash #2may2016 #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #bloggersngpinas #momswhoblogph #asianblogger #pinayblogger #giveaway #philippines

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on May 2, 2016 at 1:03am PDT

We have this massage ritual with Bunso at bedtime to address his sensory overload issues due to Mild Autism. Using Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion in his body massage makes him feel relaxed leading to uninterrupted sleep.

It's only during our kid's hospitalization that we have a chance to have a #staycation. Maybe you are wondering why I sound so positive about it. Yes, it is emotionally, physically, and financially draining but everytime it happens I do my best to look at it on a different perspective. . . Everytime we stay in the hospital, I become at peace with my faith in God. As the saying goes, PRAY MORE WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT TO #PRAY. I realize that I can do it. I am thankful because I have time to #REFLECT and realize that I am so blessed despite not being rich in material possessions. I have loving family and friends. . . When I told Kuya over the phone that Bunso would be admitted, he was crying and worried about his brother. I told him that it would be fine and he would be taken care of. The following day, Hubby brought the items in the photo and said that Kuya prepared them for his baby bro--- @belobabylove Lotion for his massage, his favorite books, new #HotWheels car. He even made a #Qixels doll to make Bunso happy. . . I was so nervous to be alone in taking care of Bunso because he was hyperactive during his previous hospitalization. I am so grateful to his therapists and teachers because now he is more matured and can easily follow directions. He stays in bed knowing that he has to rest and take care of his IV site. We just cuddle, read books, and play his favorite puzzles. His nurses and doctors are very caring and supportive too. It's evident that Bunso's recovery is quick. . . It's challenging when my kids get sick but it makes our family stronger and grateful. I know that it shall pass. . #richwellprime #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #momblogger #autismmom #keepthefaith #lifelessons #strength #hope #love #faith #autism #mommybloggersphilippines

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jul 5, 2016 at 2:34pm PDT

A day isn't complete without using this lotion. In my case, I use it as my daily face and body moisturizer especially when I just stay at home, I have a few favorite facial and body lotions that I use alternately but currently, this is my favorite because I never have a greasy after-feel now that the weather is so hot. I use it on my face together with Belo Tinted Sunscreen and I have observed that it gives my make-up a flawless dewy finish. No wonder that it was a recipient of Sample Room Awards 2016.


We really, really love Belo Baby. As I've mentioned on my review last year, it exceeds my expectations and is consistent in giving best results. The packaging is very attractive, functional, and durable. It has superb quality and clinically proven all natural, gentle, and safe for everybody and reasonably priced too. It's economical because the product goes a long way and only a small amount is needed for every use. I've heard good feedback from my friends, loved-ones, and even strangers that can attest how highly recommended it is for the entire family. Babies and adults can have healthy skin and smell fresh and pure all day!

Now, I would like to take this opportunity to greet Belo Baby a "Happy First Anniversary"! #BeloBabyTurnsONE! Yay! Our family wishes you more success and fruitful years of developing more all natural products for us to enjoy! Thank you for taking good care of our family's skin naturally.

1. Upload a creative photo of your Belo Baby moment with any Belo Baby product on Instagram. 

2. Make sure to write a catchy caption or description. Please include the hashtags #BeloBabyxAllAroundPinayMama , #BeloBaby , and #BeloBabyTurnsOne.

3. Follow and tag  @belobabylove and @allaroundpinaymama so that I can see your entry easily.

4. Only one (1) entry is allowed per Instagram account.

5. Here's a sample entry:

I seldom capture a moment like this because Bunso is camera shy. Maybe he is so happy with his body massage using his all-time favorite, @belobaby Face and Body Lotion  and it shows through his huge smile! Happy first anniversary, Belo Baby! Thanks for taking care of Bunso's skin naturally! @allaroundpinaymama #BabyBeloxAllAroundPinayMama #BeloBaby #BeloBabyTurnsONE

Contest runs from March 17 to 23, 2017 and is open to Philippine residents only. My family will choose one (1) winning entry. The winning entry will be announced on March 24, 2017 and Belo Baby will be responsible in shipping the prize to the winner. I'm so excited to see your entries!

Having a household without helper and composed of two active kids, one of which has Mild Autism, is obviously a very busy one. Paps and I share with the bulk of work in doing the chores and raising our kids aside from our personal jobs. Paps is a high school teacher by the day and he teaches in the school where Kuya studies while I take care of Bunso who is now attending Special School and Occupational Therapy. Paps and I still work for our homebased business from the moment that our kids are asleep. This staying up late at night happens all the time because we have no choice but to extend our efforts. It is merely impossible for me to cover for him and do his share in the business task after dropping Bunso to school and while he is staying there for two to three hours because doing so at this point is most of the time being substituted with chores. From the moment that Bunso and I are already home, my time revolves around him alone because he needs it and he is my priority. Then late in the afternoon, in the evening, or late at night when the two big boys arrive, as the schedule permits, our focus as parents mainly is to have a brief family time with our kids during and after dinner time and do the chores thereafter. And the cycle goes on and on and on...

Paps and I are not complaining. We love our job as parents and we also like what we do for a living. We also have the same hobbies and we are happy with our present condition. We always wish to live longer and watch our kids grow and build their own lives separately but would constantly look for each other closely.

Living longer entails hard work and discipline. I have also learned just recently that a study has been made that parenting can lead to longer life. Well, mainly it's because parents have more reasons to live longer. They have to look after their kids until they die. It's a motivation that is so hard to break because parents love their kids unconditionally.

When I say hard work and discipline, it includes having a healthy lifestyle. Gone were the days when we would indulge in fatty and oily food or binge eating with junk food. We eat a balanced meal and tend to indulge or have ourselves a treat with dairy or chips once in a while. We don't want our kids to be ignorant with food. We believe that balance is always the key. We also don't take too much medicines and we take them only when they are badly and truly needed. We always resort to natural alternatives which includes choosing the right food in healing a specific disease. Sometimes, skipping medication is not an option but still it should be reinforced with taking food alternatives to heal the target disease.

Like for instance, drinking lots of water, cranberry juice, and coconut water is good for Urinary Tract Infection and Canker Sores because they kill and wash off the bacteria that cause them.  There are so many articles found in the world wide web about the healing wonders of fruits, vegetables, and herbs and sometimes it takes time to search and look for the right ones. Most of the correct information based on experience comes from  Chinese or Asian sources.

I don't do that anymore at the moment because now I have with me this tiny book with huge information about Chinese and Asian superfoods turned into smoothies, which are considered to be the convenient way to bring nutrition and refreshment into our daily living. Healthy Smoothies---Traditional Chinese Medicine Inspired Recipes by Kimberly Ashton (health coach and food educator) and Zhang Yifang (Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor) teaches us how to make healthy smoothies while making us understand about food therapy that is suited to our individual constitution. Body constitution, by the way, makes up our physical state, including the function of the systems of our body and metabolism and of course, our mental and spiritual states too.

How do we know our individual constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? 

The authors mention in the book that the features of one's constitution can be detected in three areas: the personal physical build, the body's internal functions, and the psychological state. A person's constitution also depends on the stage of life he or she is facing, such as puberty or menopause perhaps.

There are also two origins of constitution: congenital natural disposition and post-natal lifestyle (nature and nurture, in short). Moreover, there are so many factors that influence the formation of the constitution when speaking about the "nature" part like parents' physical and mental health, at the time of conception or the mother's pregnancy condition. When it comes to "nurture", our own lifestyles and actions influence our constitution.

To help us maintain our present state of being or constitution,  we have to learn first the basic healthy food that can help us maintain, relax, or heal it. In this book, a self-assessment is included to find that out.  The result can help us know what foods to choose according to our individual constitution. Isn't it cool? We can just try and test different smoothies that we think can help us gain healthier bodies with a concrete basis. We are being guided properly by this book by knowing the basics of TCM and the first thing to do is to know more about what we really need.

Next step is teaching the preparation of functional liquids and bases. TCM also stresses that aside from matching our food therapy to our individual constitution, we should also consider the season we are in and what effects we want the smoothie to have in our health. The liquids and bases that are the key parts to smoothie making are divided into three kinds: cooling, warming, and neutral. After this step, choosing suitable food and building our very own TCM smoothie follow, may it be for nourishing nutrition, immune system strength, detoxification, refreshment, or digestion aid. There are almost 40 recipes to choose from that are explained in a very simple manner which includes usage, ingredients, method of preparing, and most of all contraindication. Each recipe is supported with colorful photographs that make reading this book and learning from it enticing and fun.

I recommend this book for the reasons that I've mentioned above. It serves as a reliable guide for us to achieve optimum health and well-being. Dr. Ann Wignore, a Lithuanian-American holistic health practitioner, once said, "When we learn to eat properly we begin to rebuild our bodies and to fulfill our purpose on this planet to grow in health, creativity, wisdom, and compassion." This book can help us do it rightly to achieve this goal.

Chinese dishes are my most favorite next to Filipino dishes. Their colors, textures, and flavors are so enticing and literally burst in my mouth. Whenever our family and loved-ones celebrate special occasions, we opt to reserve in our favorite Chinese restaurant because we are always sure that our guests would truly be satisfied and the compliments that we get are truly heartwarming.

My kids and husband can't say no to Chinese food like I do. For a cook like me who is fond of preparing quick and easy dishes due to my very busy schedule, my reliable source in giving me suggestions in finding easy Chinese recipes is my best friend Google (Moms, I know that you can relate. LOL!). I would search for the easiest and quickest recipes and of course, it also takes time to find the right ones and I would always end up cooking the dishes that I know--- Pancit, Lumpiang Shanghai, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Egg Drop Soup, and Siomai (using ready made wanton wrapper). Seriously, nakasasawa na and I also would always say to myself, "Sana mayroon namang iba."

Google search for this matter is finally over at the moment because now I have with me a copy of Easy Chinese Recipes --- Family Favorites from Dim Sum to Kung Pao by by Bee Yinn Low. It has over 70 great-tasting recipes to keep us covered when we crave for Chinese dishes- from appetizers; soups; dim sum and dumplings; beef, pork, poultry, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and egg dishes; noodles and rice; desserts; and drinks that are so easy to prepare and I guarantee that are so delicious.

How did Bee Yinn Low come up with this cookbook?

As mentioned in the book's preface, Bee Yinn Low grew up in a Chinese household in Malaysia. She watched her mother cook as she was growing up but wasn't allowed to help that much. After a few years as a working woman in California, her love for Chinese food kept her determined to replicate the unforgettable flavors that she tasted during her youth despite having limited time in the kitchen. She did her best to develop her own versions of her favorite dishes using the readily available ingredients in local supermarkets. She experimented, read, and tasted until her passion became an expertise. Thereafter, her meals became well-loved by her friends and loved ones that prompted her to share her love of Asian Cuisine through her blog, RasaMalaysia.com. Moreover, this website has become the internet's most popular Asian food site.

When I started reading this cookbook, I immediately felt the author's generosity in sharing her skills. All the contents were written and explained in a very simple manner, supported with detailed and enticing photographs that even people who still haven't experienced cooking or find it difficult to cook could follow.

Due to so much excitement, Paps, who is better and expert in the kitchen, cooked Sweet and Sour Chicken based on the Sweet and Sour Fish found on page 102. Wow! It tasted so good that he decided to cook it again the following day!

If I will be subjected to Marshmallow Test, I think I'll fail. Nah! Just kidding! This EASY CHINESE RECIPES, FAMILY FAVORITES from DIM SUM to KUNG PAO book by BEE YINN LOW from @tuttlepublishing is a winner! I can't help but share this ASAP before my scheduled review about it because hubby and I are so glad to have this in our cookbook collection! . . Last night, Paps @type2cell cooked Sweet and Sour Chicken based on the Sweet and Sour Fish recipe on page 102. It tasted so authentic but so easy to do. . . There are over a hundred authentic quick and easy to prepare Chinese recipes to try. Aside from that, the author developed versions of her favorite Chinese dishes that had all the taste but were a lot less work! Amazing! . . It's a must-have for cooking enthusiasts. Two thumbs up! . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #bibliophile #tuttlepublishing #BeeYinnLow #bookstagram #book #spotmyfood #chinesefood #yummyph #huffposttaste #buzzfoodfeed #wimyummy #momswhoblogph #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momblogger #foodblogger #7september2016 #igersmanila #makeitblissful

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Sep 6, 2016 at 11:24pm PDT

Bee Yinn Low would like her readers to nail Chinese cooking by first giving basic cooking techniques and tips, basic tools in utensils, and understanding Chinese ingredients. She even included the basics on how to cook steamed rice, make sauces, condiments, and dipping condiments that would compliment the recipes in the book. The content on this part of the book that our family enjoyed the most was how to make homemade dumpling wrappers from scratch (page 31). Our kids were giggling while doing this maybe because it was truly fun and amazing!


Lumpiang Shanghai is a dish that Kuya and Loley love so much. Knowing how to wrap and cook them properly (page 65) makes him love it more. This shows that even kids can follow Binn Yin Low's recipes and replicating her creations here at home make our palates and tummies satisfied at the same time creating wonderful bonding moments while cooking and eating them with the family.

It's Grandparent's Day here in the #Philippines that's why we've cooked Loley's favorite Lumpiang Shanghai for lunch. @beeyinnlow's Spring Roll wrapping technique found on her book, EASY CHINESE RECIPES from @tuttlepublishing makes cooking Lumpia hassle-free! See the photo to know how. . . #allroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #aapmreviews #aapmcollaboration #lumpia #springrolls #cookingtips #spotmyfood #foodie #chinesefood #momblogger #foodblogger #mommybloggersphilippines

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Sep 10, 2016 at 11:07pm PDT

It is indeed difficult to live in a world that is full of standards. Those standards, sad to say, are based on what the majority thinks are appropriate based on how they see themselves. If we are not like them, most probably they think that we don't belong.

In the story, Emma, a young school-aged girl, is just average in physical attributes but she looks very pleasant. She is good and studious but she is left-handed and she stutters when she talks. Those traits of hers make her prone to bullying because some of her classmates feel that she is not normal as they are.

Due to this predicament, Emma feels that she is inferior and doesn't belong which prompts her to write using her right hand instead. She also stops participating in recitations due fear of being teased. Her classmates make her feel that she's abnormal. What makes her situation difficult for her is that some of her relatives, teachers, and friends consider her abnormal and they don't even extend their efforts and patience to help her cope up.

Despite being treated differently, Emma chooses not to fight back. She does her very best to show her classmates that she is not ashamed of who she is. Her strong faith in the God and the belief that those challenges shall pass keep her moving forward. 

When her teacher gives her a chance to be her class' representative for the spelling contest, some of her classmates show that they are not in favor of her. Their teacher defends Emma and encourages her that it's her chance to show everybody that she is a good student and she can succeed.

Emma does her very best. She studies very well as she prepares for the upcoming spelling contest with the support of her parents. She's able to win and she wins the hearts of those who treat her unkindly.

They ask forgiveness from Emma. Instead of getting getting angry and thinking of revenge, Emma forgives her classmates.

Emma has a good heart. This story proves that nobody can put a good person down and our greatest enemy is ourselves. Instead of channeling our energy to think of revenge, focusing on self -improvement together with prayer is one the best ways to conquer our fears and challenges. No matter what other people say about us, the acceptance and love of our family can keep us going against all odds.

Courtesy: im-just-a-girl.tumbler

Reading this book together with my Bunso who was diagnosed with mild autism two years ago made me relate it to his current situation. It is inevitable that not all people are going to understand his special needs. We can't shield him forever from people who don't understand and don't even bother to educate themselves that children with special needs may be different in our normal standards but they are unique in their own right and they see the world in a different perspective. We may be surprised that they see things differently and most of the time, it's amazing. It is only if we go inside their world that we can see how they think. They think better, love more, forgive easily, and show affection without hesitations or judgment and we should learn from them. What makes them different from our normal standards makes them more beautiful. If we only accept them the way we want others to accept us and if we only forgive the way they forgive, this world is going to be a better place.

Courtesy: picturequotes.com

I encourage you, dear parents, to get a copy of this book. It teaches so many values that your kids can imitate and they can pass those values to their children in the future. The book is filled with life's lessons about showing respect, treating others the way we want to be treated, conquering challenges and fears, strong relationship with God through prayer, being self-directed, honing God's given talents, being forgiving, and being beautiful inside out.

Courtesy: jarofquotes.com

Talking about quality, the book is made with high quality printing materials and surely, your kids can keep it, just make sure that it is handled and stored with care, until it's time for them to raise a family when they can read it again with their children.

Emma Kali-kaliwete! Emma U-utal-utal! by Meanne Mabesa Mijares is available in all St. Pauls Philippines branches. Grab a copy now and you'll love it too.