Hooray for 2017! Hello, 2018!

January 03, 2018

Brands Tupperware Brands Green Esthetics Teeth Whitening Global Gardenia Scholastic Asia Belo Baby Sanicare Senyor Juan Manila International Book Fair Folk Ties LoveHopeFaith Group Laureti Collection Hey Sugar! Nailaholics Jolly Cow Nippon Paint Fly Ace Corporation Gemz Lip Balm Maggi Philippines Nestle Philippines Herbalife Asian Skin Institute Shepherd's Voice Publication Claretian Publication Max's Chicken Minola Novuhair World Citi Med Baby Lactacyd Unipak Gum Alive Colgate Good Housekeeping Summit Media Manila Workshops Inspired Gifts PH Tuttle Publishing Pioneer Epoxy The Huddle Room Greenbulb PR Catalyx PR PercxPR Trendspotting PR Nuffnang PH Mommy Bloggers Philippines Metrobuzz Bloggers Bloggers Philippines Certified Bloggers Bloggers Association of the Philippines Moms Who Blog PH Filipino Bloggers Network Blogapalooza Bloggers

I have so many reasons to be grateful for last year. I am strong and alive. I have a chance to wake up in the morning to see and serve my family while doing the things that I love. These are the blessings that I am grateful for. My life is very challenging and exhausting at times but the love of the supportive people that surround me makes me feel that I am on the right track.

My perfume business partnership with my BFF that started in late December 2016 is still ongoing. We always see each other and it's one of the best ways to take a break from our usual routines. It's a nice way to mix business and pleasure, isn't it?

I'm in a blogging hiatus for a month because of the new endeavor that I really, really enjoy and that is trying and testing perfume testers with my best friend and eventually selling our favorites. Who wouldn't love to smell good all the time using designer perfumes at a fraction of a price of those being sold on reputable malls? Our mini online store is open to our friends at the moment but we are planning to open it publicly soon. We are still working on it. 😊😉☺ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #bargainhunter #perfume #eternityforwomen #jadore #jourdhermes #guccienvyme #perfumecollection #perfumetesters #onlinestoreph #igersmanila #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #momblogger #17january2016

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jan 16, 2017 at 11:10pm PST

I never thought that I would be fitter and stronger last year although I admit that I gained weight due to my "cheat eats" during the holidays.

I always see myself in front of the mirror that's why I can't gauge the huge transformation on my physique. One of my best friends that I didn't see for a long time told me that she hardly recognized me until she saw me walk. . What I am sure of is that I feel lighter and healthier right now compared three months ago. I lost 11 kilos after two months. Now I am enjoying the normal Body Mas Index for my height. . I'm also not used to taking selfies. To see the difference, I just use these photos taken during Blogapalooza 2016, while having my short talk about Bunso in his school on June 2016, and after my book hunting in Scholastic Warehouse Sale last summer. Kayo na po ang humusga. . For those who are asking, "Ano ang ginawa mo para pumayat ka?" I've written them in @psstphofficial and here are the links. Sana po ay makatulong sa inyo. . COMMON NUTRITIOUS FOODS THAT BURN BELLY FAT QUICKLY http://www.psst.ph/common-nutritious-foods-that-burn-belly-fat-quickly/ . HOW TO LOSE 52 POUNDS SAFELY IN 2 1/2 MONTHS http://www.psst.ph/lose-weight-safely/ . PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WEIGHT WATCHERS http://www.psst.ph/practical-tips-weight-watchers/ . EASY EXERCISE ROUTINE THAT BURNS BODY FAT QUICKLY http://www.psst.ph/easy-exercise-routine-that-burns-body-fat-quickly/ . Honestly, I am not that strict in following my previous diet but I refrain from eating the food items that are prohibited. I also cut down my exercise time due to my very busy schedule but I never let the day pass without stretching and exercising even for just 5-10 minutes. Dream ko na magkaroon ng magandang abs at mas toned na arm muscles. Uumpisahan ko na 'yan sa sem break. Hihi. . I was once a woman who accepted the fact that being fat was okay. Being married and having kids became the lame excuse for me. But sickness made me realize that I must do something about it and it was possible to bring back my body healthy inside and out.

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Oct 9, 2017 at 2:21am PDT

I blog and do freelance writing because they truly make me happy and sane that's why I don't feel that they're work.

In line with blogging, I never thought that it could be the channel for opportunities and collaborations to come way.

It's almost my sixth year of blogging. I am not selling myself short but I am aware that I have so much more to learn. Despite of that shortcoming, I feel elated when there are amazing brands and people who contacted me last year for collaborations and opportunities.

To the following, thanks for the love! I would like to thank you for making my blogging more colorful, meaningful, and purposeful in 2017.

Maraming salamat po,

Tupperware Brands

Green Esthetics

Teeth Whitening Global

Gardenia

Scholastic Asia

Belo Baby

Sanicare

Senyor Juan

Manila International Book Fair

Folk Ties

LoveHopeFaith Group

Laureti Collection

Hey Sugar!

Nailaholics

Jolly Cow

Nippon Paint

Fly Ace Corporation

Gemz Lip Balm

Maggi Philippines

Nestle Philippines

Herbalife

Asian Skin Institute

Shepherd's Voice Publication

Claretian Publication

Max's Chicken

Minola

Novuhair

World Citi Med

Baby Lactacyd

Unipak

Gum Alive

Colgate

Good Housekeeping

Summit Media

Manila Workshops

Inspired Gifts PH

Tuttle Publishing

Pioneer Epoxy

The Huddle Room

Greenbulb PR

Catalyx PR

PercxPR

Trendspotting PR

Nuffnang PH

Mommy Bloggers Philippines

Metrobuzz Bloggers

Bloggers Philippines

Certified Bloggers

Bloggers Association of the Philippines

Moms Who Blog PH

Filipino Bloggers Network

Blogapalooza Bloggers

Promocode Philippines and My Kids Need That, thank you for the recognition!

One of the quotes that inspire me to find meaning in daily living is from William Morris. He once said, "The true secret to happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life." May it be a household chore, conversation with a friend, sight of nature, small act of kindness, mistake that has left a lesson, or compliment from someone I know or I don't even know personally, are some of the details in my life that I truly cherish. . In line with this, writing is part of my life since high school. I may not be the best writer but the endeavor makes me truly happy. I'm so glad to know that some people also find meaning in what I do. It's such a big blessing for me. Nakatataba ng puso. ❤❤❤ . Thank you, www.mykidsneedthat.com, the world's #1 resource for the best kids' toys & gift ideas, for including me on your list. There are thousands even millions of bloggers in the world and I am so blessed to be discovered by you. Being one of your 50 Top Parental Blogs in 2017 makes me feel purposeful. Sabi nga, may saysay naman pala ang pagbabahagi ko ng aking thoughts. 😁😁😁 . Sa totoo lang, Mars at Pards, gusto kong himatayin sa kilig na makasama ako sa list with New York Times Best Selling Author Jill Smokler of Scarymommy.com. Ayayay! Pasensya na po kayo, masayang-masaya lang po ako. Minsan lang po itong mangyari, pagbigyan ninyo na po ako! May kasama pang speech! 😅😅😅 . 50 PARENTAL BLOGS WORTH READING AND FOLLOWING IN 2017 https://www.mykidneedsthat.com/best-parental-blogs/ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #momblogger #mommybloggersph #psstphofficial #psst

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Nov 6, 2017 at 8:41pm PST

Salamat po sa tiwala,

Marites Agbay

Kathy Kenny Ngo

Vance Madrid

Michelle Rose Campos

Richard Mamuyac

Joyce Denice Diaz

Michelle Alignay

Meanne Mabesa

Gatch Gatchalian

Almond Duldulao

Prelel Yu

Martine de Luna

Veni Anabo

Ginger Arboleda

Louisa Mercado

Lani Llutz

Joy Gurtiza

Tina Rodriguez

Ralph Huertas

Michelle Huertas

Macy Santos

Jennifer Rockwell

Alvin Maranan

Ka-BKS na kasama ko sa hirap at ginhawa:

Kat Santiago

Reylen Castro

Berlin Domingo

Nedy Lazo

Jho Anna Tacorda

Mamanee San-Luis

Yvette Calimlim

The legitimate #TitasofManila members were blessed to witness #nedyat40. Although we missed @mamaneesnest and @thereyoujho... . We love you @nedyclazo! Happy 40th Birthday. Stay humble, happy, kind, bubbly, true, and of course pretty. 😍 Nag-iisa ka lang na Mayora ng B.K.S. Mom Bloggers. Kung ano man ang ibig sabihin ng B.K.S., tayong 8 na lang ang nakaaalam noon. 😅😅😅 We wish you all the best life has to offer. You deserve them all. . 📷 @madeitthroughmum

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Nov 25, 2017 at 7:38am PST

Celerhina Aubrey for revamping my website... Love you.

One foreign blogger and editor has sent me an email that my website is easy to navigate and the design is superb! #Kiligtothebones kaya ang Mars ninyo! 😅😍😉😍 For the very first time, I've received a compliment like this because my website is not "chaka" anymore. Thanks to my good friend and well-rounded software engineer, @reigningstill, for beautifying my self-made website! Here's my chika about it. . CELERHINA AUBREY REYES OF REIGNING STILL BLOG DESIGNED MY WEBSITE'S NEW LOOK! http://www.allaroundpinaymama.com/2017/11/AAPM-new-blogger-website-design.html . If you are looking for a #webdesigner for #Blogger, I highly recommend her. She's one of the best. 😉😉😉 . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #aapmfavorites #reigningstill #momblogger #foodblogger #mommybloggersph #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers #metrobuzzbloggers #igersmanila #psstph

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Nov 8, 2017 at 1:26am PST

Yogo and Cream, I am so glad to meet you in person. Marami rin akong nakilalang bagong friends because of your meet and greet event

Still high on @yogoandcream's first meet-up! All of us had fun! . Congrats again, @me.an.clemente and @lloyd.urbino, for the huge success of your amazing blog! . More chika about this blissful meet-up will be live on my blog next week! Stay tuned! . . regram @yogoandcream Our readers are what fuel us to keep on producing content. A huge thank you to everyone who supports us 💕 We can't thank you enough. ••• 📷: @saycheesemnl ••• #lovefoodtravel #yogoandcream . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #aapmevents #fanmodeon #cocoteaph #goldstackph #saycheesemnl #travelorganizersph

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jun 28, 2017 at 10:40pm PDT

Janice Lim, thanks for my Dermplus prize.

It's never too late to start being conscious about skin health and sun protection. Thank you so much, @rollcoastermom and @dermplus, for this gift pack. I'll try and test these products soon! 💕💕💕 . #allaroundpinaymama #dermplus #sunscreen #momblogger #bloggermail #notsponsored #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Aug 4, 2017 at 7:13am PDT

Louisa Mercado, thanks for my TLC/Meat Men prize.

This #lovemail, my dear Mars at Pards, reminds me to blog again after a month of hiatus. Thank you so much, @olskj and @tlcseasia! I really, really love these #MeatMen Cooking Channel #cookbook and #TLCasia table cloth! "Everything needs a little #TLC" indeed! 😘😚😘 . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #bloggermail #mommybloggersphilippines #momblogger #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #foodblogger #artofbeingamom #igersmanila #bookstagram #book #cooking

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jan 12, 2017 at 11:21pm PST

Blogger friends na matagal ko ng kilala at bago pa lang nakilala, pagkadami-dami ninyo hindi ko na kayo iisa-isahin kasi bukas na ako matatapos, you know who you are. Love ko kayo.

Natupad ang dream ko na sumulat sa isang local online magazine. Thanks, Miss Kathy Ngo and Psst.ph family, for allowing me to be part of the team.

These beautiful people are part of my blessings to be thanked for in 2017. 😍 . Thank you, @psstphofficial, for making me #partofthestory and happy family! 💛💛💛 I will be forever grateful. 💛💛💛 . . #psstph #psstphTeamLunch #allaroundpinaymama #aapmwrites #aapmfavorites #blessed #thankful #grateful #friendship #team #Ilovepsstph . 📷 @purpleplumfairy and @mskathykenny

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:21pm PST

To the PRs and brands that I declined due to conflict in schedule due to mom duties, thank you for understanding and for still trusting this Mama.

Loyal readers and followers na naging friends ko na rin na nandiyan palagi to support hindi lang present kapag may giveaway ako. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It gives me so much joy to meet an amazing woman in person who happens to see me only online for the longest time. . Maraming salamat, @arleenoboguin, for appreciating me as a person and all that I share and do. Your gesture made my heart flutter. 😍 . . regram @arleenoboguin Nice meeting you @allaroundpinaymama. 😊😊😊 See u again! #meetmommyblogger . . #allaroundpinaymama #onlinefriend #blessed #honored #loved #kiligtothebones #momblogger #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #simplejoys

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jul 9, 2017 at 6:43am PDT

Kung may nakalimutan po ako, ipagpaumanhin ninyo po at ako'y may memory gap. I hope I didn't miss anyone.

My life this year like the previous years is all about family, mompreneurship, friendships, blogging, and relationships and I don't complain. I may not be rich in material possesions but I am proud to say that I am rich with so many memories and good company. My life is not perfect but seeing what's good in every imperfection keeps me going. Hindi naman tayo pinababayaan ni Lord. Just believe, have faith, and work hard!

Looking back at my five years of blogging, there were people who didn't understand why I keep on doing it. There was one person even asked, "Ano ba ang makukuha mo riyan? Bakit ka ba post nang post ng kung anu-ano? Para saan ba 'yan?" I couldn't remember exactly the words that I said to satisfy her curiosity. I just told her that I was happy.

"Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go."

- Natalie Goldberg

Happy new year!

It's nine days before 2017 officially ends. Bear with me if I share my #2017bestnine too early. It's my first step in going back to the things that I love doing. I have been in blogging/writing hiatus for a couple of weeks due to mom duties and our laptop won't cooperate as well. . 2017 is obviously more about my passion and bliss--- curating photos for @makeitblissful, writing for @psstphofficial, blogging as @allaroundpinaymama, homemaking for Team Valdez, and also pushing my #AutismAwareness advocacy. . Thank you so much for being part of my musings, Mars at Pards. Salamat sa suporta at matiyagang pagbasa at pag-like ng posts and photos ko. Thank you also to the people and brands who continuously trust me. Love, love... Merry Christmas! 💕 . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #psstph #makeitblissful #passionproject #mommybloggersph #metrobuzzbloggers #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #foodblogger #freelancewriter #freelancer #momblogger #grateful #blessed #happy . 📷 www.2017bestnine.com

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 22, 2017 at 5:13am PST

Moms Possess the Power to #ReShapeTheFuture of Their Children

December 03, 2018

All-Around Pinay Mama, SJ Valdez, Nestle Philippines, Nankid Optipro Four, Nankid, Parenting, AAPM Musings, AAPM Recommends, #ReShapeTheFuture

My childhood may be very challenging but my mom did her best to let me enjoy it. She would always let me play with my cousins and join them in out of town trips every summer. I considered those days as the best days of my life as I was growing up.

Now that I am an adult and a mom of two, I do my best to expose my kids to different life adventures, it may be outside or in the comfort of our small home. I encourage them to do what they love and discover the beauty of every endeavor even if they don't like some of them. I always tell them that in life, there are things that they don't like to do but they have to do them because it is necessary. I give them tasks to teach them the value of being responsible. I don't spoon feed them. I expose them to the outside world by learning how to commute and become street smart. I let them see that the world they live in is not just about what is beautiful and comfortable but of course, there are harsh realities that they need to see in order for them to value what they have and to find ways on how to live responsibly not just for their own sake but to coexist with others harmoniously as well.

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This #Binatilyo was on #OJT today. From delivery and merchandising, we went straight to shopping raw materials. He said, "Ma, tomorrow please let me stay at home and rest." LOL! 😅 . Exposing him often to the ins and outs of our humble #business makes him realize that money is a product of hard work, persistence, perseverance, and patience. 😉 . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #aapmkids #Kuya #tween #aapmparenting #parenting #son #mom #family #momblogger #mommybloggersphilippines #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers #metrobuzzbloggers #igersmanila #ust #ustchurch #9april2017 #faithshoppeph #wherejuanagoes #positiveparenting #nban #nothingbutanokia

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez | AAPM (@allaroundpinaymama) on Apr 9, 2017 at 4:10am PDT

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After two years of continuous support from his therapists and teachers, Bunso is now more comfortable going to and staying in public places. I am so happy that his senses are slowly adjusting to his environment. . Taking care of my dear Bunso may be challenging most of the time but the joy that he brings to my life is priceless . See, I am so ready to do more simple adventures with him, like having a fun LRT round trip for instance! This is a nice way to start #2017, isn't it? 😁 . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmkids #autismmom #momsofautismangels #autismspeaks #aokPH #autismawareness #lifeisgood #hello2017 #aapmmusings #momswhoblogph #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momblogger #igersmanila #LRT2 #train #trainride #1january2017

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez | AAPM (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 31, 2016 at 8:56pm PST

As a mom, I value virtues and relationships more than material things. I prioritize practicing being a good citizen more than being vain and focused on titles. I want people to treat me for who I am and not for what I have and this is what I always remind my sons to be.

Exploring the different parts of your own community, the entire Philippines, and the world is one of the best ways to learn. Learning or discovering new things and different cultures beyond the eyes can see matters to me that I want to pass to my kids. For me, learning to be appreciative of a person's background and culture as well as being empathic in his condition are the things that truly matter.

Childhood is all about learning, growing, and exploring new things. Every little detail of the child's exposure to his environment and the people who live in it contribute to a child's cognitive, emotional, and holistic development. It is possible at its best when you give your child proper nutrition, especially the one that has optimized protein such as Nestle NANKID OPTIPRO for your child to achieve his fullest potential.

Nestle NANKID OPTIPRO, a powdered milk drink suited for healthy children above three years of age was formulated in Switzerland.

It is a milk full-packed with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and DHA. It has no sucrose also known as table sugar to make sure that it is a healthy choice for kids. Furthermore, NANKID OPTIPRO has a high quality optimized protein, one of the most important nutrients for a child's growth and development, contributing to the building of brain, muscles, and body.

As moms, we have the power to #ReShapeTheFuture of our children. I invite you to watch Scarlet Snow's webisodes HERE to see how she is being supported by her parents, Doctors Vicky Belo and Hayden Kho, to become the best that she can be in the future.

How about you, dear moms? How do you #ReShapeTheFuture of your children?

World Education Exibition- Happening in Manila and Cebu!

November 15, 2013

Studying in best make-up schools abroad is one of my dreams and plans in the future. Everything is possible in this world! I know that someday I'll have the chance and resources to fulfill it. I also dream that my kids will have the opportunity to explore the world and get good education not just here in the Philippines but abroad too. All I have to do now is to visualize and work hard for it! Hindi naman masamang mangarap...

If you, a loved-one or a friend would want to study abroad, this event will surely help. World Education Exhibition is happening right now in Cebu and will be held in Manila tomorrow and this coming Sunday. See the poster below for details and CLICK IT to go to IDP's official website to register online. This will definitely start more opportunities ahead!

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About IDP Philippines

Originally known as IDP Education Australia, IDP was established in the Philippines in 1985 as support for a multilaterally-funded aid program. The Philippine office is the second oldest in the company’s overseas network. At the onset, IDP Philippines was involved in managing a number of projects as well as doctoral fellowship opportunities for some qualified students.

Over time, the focus of IDP Philippines has shifted towards student recruitment and administration of IELTS examinations. This is an indicator that global education is fast becoming the trend among countries including the Philippines.

IDP Philippines have offices in the two largest urban centres - Manila and Cebu. The IDP Manila office offers student services and is an IELTS Test Centre. This office was established in 1985 while the IDP Cebu office was opened in 2008 to support market growth in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

You may also visit IDP Philippines Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/idpphilippines

Acknowledgement: