All-Around Pinay Mama

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December 08, 2014

My Realizations on Blogapalooza 2014

October 13, 2014

When Blogapalooza 2014 was set on October 11 due to bad weather on September 20, it coincided with Kuya's Scouting Investiture in the morning and drum practice until 1:00 PM. But it didn't stop me to go to SM Aura and attend the event for the very first time. I prepared for it and I told myself that by hook or by crook, I should be there.

Blogapalooza is a much awaited event for newbie and seasoned bloggers because it brings bloggers and businesses together for partnership. The businesses introduce their products and services to the bloggers and bloggers blog about them. In return, the businesses feature the bloggers on their social media sites or websites. Both parties get more exposure on the world wide web which means greater opportunities are in store for both of them. The event is being organized by Mr. Vince Golangco of www.wheninmanila.com and Mr. Anton Diaz of www.ourawesomeplanet.com.

I arrived in the venue at exactly 4:00 PM and I was overwhelmed with the presence of huge crowd! It was jam-packed! To maximize my time, I took photos of the booths first and did booth hopping on products and services of my interest. There were so many people and the exhibitors were too busy accommodating all of us. All I thought about was next time I should come 30 minutes before or on the exact opening time.

REALIZATION 1: Being early or on time gives us more chances to learn about ALL the exhibitors/sponsors and their products; get press kits, perks, and product samples; to play games; and to have ample time introducing ourselves and our blog. The talk starts after lunch so there's more time talking to other bloggers, meet new friends, and take photos.

I came all by myself. I was able to see other mommy bloggers but they were done doing all the activities and booth hopping. That was the advantage of arriving early. They were able to bond together.

REALIZATION 2: Being with our blogger friends is more fun! We can play and have more photo opportunities together!

Everybody was busy and some exhibitors were almost tired already to entertain late comers. Bloggers waiting on the line signing up the guest book was piling up. Good thing I brought calling cards with me!

REALIZATION 3: Bringing at least 100 calling cards really helps. Exhibitors have fish bowls where we can shoot our calling cards. It saves time in filling in guest books.

I chose to wear comfortable clothes and flat jelly shoes due to the rainy weather. It was much easier to move around and join games.

REALIZATION 4: Wearing comfortable and decent clothing gives exhibitors an impression that we are serious with what we are doing, and of course more photo opportunities are in store so might as well look good. It doesn't necessarily mean that we should wear formal clothes. Smart casual is fine.

After my brief booth hopping, I stopped by the food sponsors to quench my thirst and fill my hungry tummy. Imagine I traveled for two hours, walked in the rain, did booth hopping, took photos, played games immediately after arriving at the venue. I was also overwhelmed by seeing so many people and for me alone it was exhausting. After eating, I felt better. When Marie of Mamanee's Nest told me that she was going home, I decided to go home too.

REALIZATION 5: We don't need to bring our own snacks or food because sponsors have food in store for us. Bringing our own water can save us from being tired easily due to so much socialization and participation in many fun activities.

May of Fully Housewifed told me that I already went home when my name was called during the raffle. Sayang talaga!

REALIZATION 6: It pays to be on the venue from start to finish. There are series of talks in the afternoon where we can gain more knowledge about blogging and business. There are raffle draws and games where fabulous prizes are at stake.

Marie was carrying five big ecobags. She told me that she arrived during the opening so she got more freebies. That was the advantage of being early!

REALIZATION 7: Bring big ecobags to place freebies and loots. The organizers and exhibitors have lots of freebies in store for us especially during the first five hours of the event. Vince is giving away more prizes until the end.

I stayed for an hour only and my tablet and phone's batteries didn't get discharged. I also brought with me a back-up camera phone just in case.

REALIZATION 8: Cameras and phones are must be fully charged. Bringing extra battery is a must too. Most of the raffles and games require us to register online or there are apps needed to be downloaded to join.

Despite staying just for a while, I enjoyed my first Blogapalooza experience. It could have been more fruitful if I came early.

I hope and pray that there will be no other family activities that will fall on the same schedule as Blogapalooza 2015. I will sleep, wake-up, and go to the venue early to enjoy the event to the fullest.

Nevertheless, I am so excited to blog about most of these brands.

Guess what, guys? I received an invite from one of the exhibitors yesterday. See how influencial Blogapalooza is!

I'll definitely join again next year. To all my fellow bloggers out there, I encourage you to do so.

For more updates, you may like Blogapalooza's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/blogapalooza.

You may also visit http://blogapalooza.wheninmanila.com.

For more tips on how to maximize your Blogapalooza experience next year, visit this link: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2014/10/blogapalooza-10-blogger-power-tips-to-maximize-your-blogapalooza-experience.html.

Photos of Blogapalooza's logos and sponsors courtesy of Blogapalooza Facebook Page.

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How "The Undo List by Alu Aluzan-Aran" Changed Me

June 21, 2014

I was rigid and perfectionist before I read the article "The Undo List by Alu Aluzan-Aran" (pp.84-85) on Working Mom Magazine November 2013 issue. My friends would tease me and say that I was the ultimate OC (Obsessive Compulsive) of all. The article turned me around. It changed the way I looked into my routines - as a mom who pushes herself to the limits, who wants everything get covered by the dot, and changing the schedule would make the day quite unpleasant.

I also remembered the time when I was still teaching. I would carry with me a small notebook where my so called "Things to Do" list was written. My co-teacher, Mrs. Tin-Tin Alcala would tell me, "O, ano? Magagawa mo ba lahat ng nakasulat diyan?" ("Hey, what? Can you do all the things written there?") I would just shrug my shoulders and laugh about it. At the end of the day, I would miss three to four activities. I was too hard on myself then. I would feel bad if something was missed. Then I would include those missed activities on my next day routines. The same pattern would happen over and over until I got burned out.

I didn't learn from that experience. I still did the same thing when my first child was born. I would still sit down and write all the things that I had to do for the day. Hubby would tell me, "Ma, you have to be flexible. You are not a machine. You have to admit that you get tired and you need to rest. Don't be too hard on yourself. You're a great mom! Remember that."

As years passed, I learned to be a little flexible. But the eagerness of becoming a SUPER MOM continued.

After reading the article, I realized these:

1 There's nothing wrong if I pause for a while and give time for myself.

"Thirty minutes can change your day."

Honestly, I would feel guilty when I stop doing my motherly duties. I would feel like stealing time from my family.

Yes, it's true. We, moms, should have a daily me-time or appointment with ourselves that could be anytime between 30 minutes to two hours. It's time to maybe take a nap, do some crafting, read a chapter or two of our favorite novel, exercise, take a leisurely bath, meditate, or do something that we really like.

2 I should lessen my expectations and do what is best at the moment.

"There are seasons which will impact over time and can be confusing."

I have less me-time due to the demands of my very young children. It's not possible at the moment for me to review, take the Nursing Licensure Exams, and start a nursing career.

I learned to accept it and believed that it would pass and I would have my time someday.

3 I must know my priorities.

Following a "To Do List" drove me crazy in the past. It controlled me. It made me unable to focus on what was more important. I was physically at home taking care of everything but I was mentally absent, worrying about the future. I was hurrying to have a career outside our home, to grow professionally, not considering the fact that my kids still needed me. I wasn't contented of having a small business while taking care of my family.

When my kids got sick, I appreciated my being WAHM. They should be my topmost priority.

4 It's okay to slow down.

I love multitasking. It could make me finish all my daily tasks. But is this necessary all the time?

"It is important to be firm and single-minded when it comes to taking care of our personal needs, and using the time to do only the chores and tasks that matter to us and our family. Everything else is secondary."

HAPPY & CALM MOM = HAPPY & CALM FAMILY

Now I am more relaxed, contented, and happy with my spontaneous life as a mom. I don't care if I'm not able to finish everything in a day. After all, there's another day to look forward to. I just take a deep breath, smile, and say, "I know what matters most. Everything's gonna be okay."

A Letter for My Dad

June 16, 2014

When I read articles, see posts on Facebook, hear greetings on the radio of people talking about nice things about their father, it makes me pause for a while and think, "Why do I feel empty?".

I know it's not normal. But that is how I feel. Really...

Nevertheless, I have my own perception of a good dad.

A GOOD DAD...

is a good provider and doesn't count and record every centavo that he gives to his family.

says words of encouragement and would never mock or belittle his children.

is selfless and prioritizes his family above anyone else.

preserves the honor of the family and will not do something that will destroy its reputation.

is a priest of the home that brings his family closer to God.

treats his wife with so much love and respect.

takes good care of his children and doesn't do anything to hurt or harm them through words and actions.

This is my perception of a good father. It may be unfair for my dad to say this but why do I find it vague?

I thank the Lord everyday for giving my kids a good dad.

I thank the Lord for letting them experience the things that I didn't.

I thank the Lord for giving me the reason to celebrate Father's Day for 10 years.

I thank the Lord I made the right choice.

Source: www.disneybaby.com

To my Dad, if you have the chance to read this, I am not mad at you. I love you that's why I'm hurting so much. Maybe I am just sad because you didn't try harder to understand and accept yourself. You would always blame us for all the misfortunes that would come your way.

You drove us away unconsciously.

Dad, forgive me if I'm not yet ready to see and forgive you. I'm sorry if I decided to shield my children from you. I am so afraid...very afraid... I am scared of you. I am scared that you'll hurt us again emotionally. I don't want my kids to experience the trauma that I still have when I hear the word DADDY, when I hear the telephone ring, when I see a drunk person walking towards me on the street or when a drunk person sits beside me in public. I would literally shake like a helpless child. You have no idea how difficult it is for me to go outside. I feel sick when I am on a crowd because I am afraid to see you again. I don't want to be in the same situation that I had for 22 years. But I am doing my best to overcome my fear...my fear seeing you. Just give me time.

Being far away from you doesn't mean that I don't care. You may not know this but I still think of you everyday. I still care, Dad.

If it's a sin to be away from you, I am willing to suffer the consequence. I believe that the decision I made five years ago was the best option for all of us.

I still look forward to the day that when we see each other, all wounds are already healed. Let us give each other more time to recover. I LOVE YOU, DAD. All of us know the truth. All I am wishing for is for you to accept the fact that you hurt me, my brother, most especially mom. We were victims of your false beliefs, hang-ups, unprocessed childhood experiences, and displacement of anger. Maybe you were not aware because you were a victim too. That gives me consolation.

Dad, please don't live in the past. The only way that you can move on is to accept your shortcomings.

DAD, THANK YOU. Without you, I wouldn't be here. All that I am right now is because of you and mom. Despite the hardships and pain, I still manage to keep moving forward and do my best to become a good person. The mistakes of the past taught me to make the right choices. I am strong because of you. That I am thankful.

Happy Father's Day and I'm sorry, Dad. Somehow I know that you still think of me. Don't worry, I'm okay. I am blessed with a man who takes good care of me and our kids. He is the reason why it is easier for me to still long for you despite of what happened. Take care of yourself. I am looking forward to see you, hopefully soon, before it's too late.

Teachable Moment: Humility

June 06, 2014

I can't move on until now. I'm still affected of my experience last Tuesday.

To keep myself updated about Ate Esperanza's condition, I call National Kidney and Transplant Institute on a daily basis.

I mentioned on my comment on A Mom's Call for Financial Aid to Extend the Life of Her Ailing Daughter that on Wednesday at 8:00 AM, Sir Ethan of NKTI informed me that the patient was still under their care and they were waiting for the doctor's order. He was not aware if Ate Esperanza would be transferred to East Avenue Medical Center or not. The patient would like to refuse their medical assistance. She chose to have her dialysis on Friday and stay at home thereafter.

Yesterday afternoon, I tried calling the Emergency Room twice but nobody was answering my call. I called again at 11:00 PM to check if the patient was still admitted.

I was sick worried about the family. They didn't have money to cover the hospital expenses.

I waited patiently on the line. I felt relieved when a lady picked up the phone. Here was our conversation.

I: "Hello, good evening po! I am SJ Valdez. I would like to ask if a patient named Ma. Esperanza Galindez is still under your care."

Lady: "Ay, sandali lang po at tatanungin ko."

I heard that she asked her companions.

Lady: "Wala na siya rito, discharged na."

I: "Ah ganun po ba? Would you know, Miss, if she was transferred to another hospital? Did she go home? I'm sorry, Miss, I know that you can't disclose the patient's details or diagnosis on the phone. I would like to know kasi wala po talaga silang pera. I am not a relative of the patient. My mom and I were just there to meet them last Tuesday when she was sent there. Pasensya na po for calling up very late."

Lady: "Hindi ko kasi alam dahil kate-take over ko lang. Basta nakalagay dito sa computer, discharged na siya."

I: "I was able to talk to Sir Ethan, Miss. Naaawa kasi ako sa patient dahil wala talaga silang kapera-pera..."

Before I finished talking, she cut the conversation.

Lady: "Doktor ako, doktor ako, sige..."

Then she hang up. I was shocked. I was so polite to her. Maybe she was pissed off because I didn't call her DOCTOR or DOKTORA. I felt sad and a little disappointed. Would it make her less of a person if she wasn't called by her title? I treated her with respect. She should have told me that she was a doctor when she answered my call so that I could address her according to her preference. How would I know that she was a doctor? I was not there in the first place.

I can't imagine how she treats other people especially if they are indigent or uneducated. I feel sorry for her. Why is it that some people give so much regard on titles? I called her Miss. I talked to her the way I should talk to anyone regardless of age or status in life. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to ask her name.

All the NKTI nurses, social workers, and doctors that I met last Tuesday were all humble, kind, and compassionate. I hope that lady doctor would not destroy the good reputation of the institution.

When Ross woke up this morning, I thought of sharing my experience to him. I invited him to sit down and listen to my story. He said that he was also shocked and disappointed.

I: "Anak, hindi ba, Papa and I told you that you should talk to other people with respect regardless of who they are? Rich or poor, educated or uneducated, young or old alike, you should not be arrogant. Prophet Muhammad said, 'The best of people is the one who humbles himself; the more his rank increases.' Calling a janitor 'Sir' or a waitress, 'Ma'am' is the proper way to address the person. Will it make you less of a person if you do that?"

Ross: "No, Mama. I hear you and Papa call the taxi drivers and janitors 'Sir'.

I: "There's nothing wrong if you call a doctor or even the president of the Philippines 'Sir' or 'Ma'am' because still it's a form of courtesy. Don't be like the doctor that I spoke with last night, huh? If you become rich or famous someday, be humble. Live the same lifestyle that you used to. Don't be concerned with titles. All of us are equal in God's eyes despite the fact that the society or other people sometimes consider that titles and achievements measure the value of a person. It's improper. Let's face it, Anak. This is reality. But don't be like them. You have to know how to mingle with people from all walks of life. Don't belittle other people. It's not acceptable!"