Manong Traysikel Driver, Merry Christmas to You Too.

It was exactly eight years ago when this happened. I can just recall it so vividly because I was touched.. really touched with his little act of kindness that made me believe in humanity. 

December 2006 was one of the most memorable times of my life. It was the time when Dabby was born and we were all alone -- no help, no friends, no relatives were there to help us get through the time. The wait, the birth, the post-birth -- it was just us. And for first-time parents who are far from home, it was no easy feat.

Some of you may have experienced the same and would agree that it is really a hard thing to go through. Most especially when the stress of urban living can make who hard-shelled and untrusting. And here in Mactan, having distrust as a shield made it an ever handy thing to use.

We have that kind of distrust for traysikel drivers. And for those who don't know what a tricycle is here in the Philippines, it's like this one below: A three-wheeled vehicle with a motorcycle attached to a sidecar. Philippines version of a rickshaw.

Why the distrust? Because sometimes, they try to rip you off. They want you to pay for the whole ride (Php 35) when you can just pay for one-way trip (Php 7). And I had to be eternally cautious of these kinds of drivers. All the more when it's Christmas season where the traffic and the peak time makes people's tempers reach boiling point.

That time, I had just given birth to Dabby. And I was required by the Ob-Gyne to visit her for a post-partum checkup. It was not after six-eight weeks like others since it was a bit of a complicated childbirth so she had to see me a week after. So again, this was not an easy feat. I had to leave the husband to take care of baby Dabby and venture out on my own. My body ached a whole lot this time. And I only had one wish -- that the trip would be okay and not torturous. 

And on that day, God gave me an angel for my trip to the clinic. I was given a very kind old manong driver to take me to the place. I was lucky to land a driver that did not ask me to pay more, that did not ask me to pay for the whole trip and that did not try to rip me off my meager fare.

I was the only person on that trip. It would have cost me Php 14-35 but I was only able to pay Php 7. But it was not the cheap fare that struck me most -- it was his service. He did not give a lame speech that I was the only passenger. He did not whine that it was only a Php 7 trip. He delivered me safely from Basak to Gunob even when his route is for the Opon market without asking for an extra fee. Best of all, he greeted me.

"Salamat. Merry Christmas," he said with a smile and he rode off after I handed him a few coins.

"Merry Christmas pud."

It was all I could mutter under my breath. It made me teary-eyed as I went inside the small clinic. 

Staying at Quest Hotel: Team and Family Outing

After our Ecommerce Summit, the team had a bonding session at Quest Hotel Cebu. We booked 3 rooms in total - two for the team and one for us.

This was also the first time that we were able to visit the hotel. Here's Dabby doing his Vine thing at the hotel.

Although the breakfast and location was really wonderful, what I wish were there:

That the rooms had bigger beds and that the internet was better. And that they had enough towels in the rooms. There weren't any when we arrived and we had to call housekeeping to help us.

But what me and Dabby were really after was the pool.

Although it was very, very shallow, Dabby and I enjoyed it. My team mates didn't want to go swimming though. It was too shallow for them to enjoy. They did spend some time lounging near the pool area.

Since it's the Christmas season, the decors were wonderful and perfect for infinite pictorials. We had our team pictorial at Quest Hotel.

Throwback: 80s Kids, Remember Visiting Lola's House? #1MCleanToilets

You've probably have stacks of memories visiting your grandparents in the summertime.  I know I have. And they are fond memories.

But my old folks don't have a huge hacienda of any kind. They were merely farmer folks who live in Siquijor who have a small patch of farm that they tend to. It was in the mountains too and we had to travel a long way via foot to get to their house.

Every summer, whenever we visit for a reunion. The whole relatives gather at their place. Imagine all the kids running around - cousins, brothers, sisters - bunched up together in one place to meet their cousins from another city coming to visit once in a blue moon!

And then the toilet, oh my, I remember the kind.

It's the type where you have to squat down when you do your thing.

It's the type of toilet where I wish no one saw me coming in and no one sees me coming out.

It's the type of toilet where I wish there were no peeping toms or silly cousins lounging around because they will definitely get to see a piece of you!

And it's not even lined up with sweet white tiles! Just cement blocks.. just blocks..

from toilet-related-ailments.com

Such were the type we have to struggle with in our vacation to the island of Siquijor.

That was years before and I am pretty sure toilets there would be better today.

This is what I can share to those who are celebrating World Toilet Day today - be happy you don't have toilets like back in the 80s.

It's weird having to appreciate toilets. But why not! Kids before (think: your parents) did not get to have the luxury of putting their shiny bottoms on a very clean toilet. And most probably not airconditioned, as the ones you are fortunate to use today.

So with that, Happy World Toilet Day! :)


=== Press Release ====

Community welcomes arrival of clean toilets in “Fiesta” video

It’s a scene typically played out during fiestas: People rushing to the streets, drawn to the sound of a marching band. Everyone is smiling, eager to see the “star” of the celebration. But instead of showing the face of a movie celebrity, a beauty queen or a politician, the video reveals an unlikely, yet welcome sight—a new, clean toilet facility.

Aptly titled “Fiesta”, the Domex video, produced by Unilever Philippines, is available on Youtube and shows how underprivileged Filipinos welcome the “arrival” of clean toilet facilities in their communities. “The video aims to make people realize the value of a toilet which most of us, unfortunately, take for granted,” said Dennis Chua, Domex Brand Manager.

The “Fiesta” video contributes to the efforts of Domex’s One Million Clean Toilets Movement. Each unique view translates into a pledge for the advocacy campaign which collects pledges from households to conscientiously maintain their own hygienic bathrooms. For every pledge received, Domex will donate P5 to UNICEF’s sanitation program, towards improving access to basic sanitation in deprived areas around the world, including the Philippines.

“By watching the ‘Fiesta’ video and asking our friends to watch it, we are not only raising awareness for toilet appreciation and sanitation, more importantly, we are helping less privileged communities gain access to clean toilet facilities,” said Benjie Yap, Unilever Foods and Home Care Vice President.

Clean toilets, germ-free communities

All over the country, people are welcoming the construction of new toilet facilities and the repair of dilapidated ones, since becoming aware of its role in disease prevention, especially among children.

According to the Department of Health, of the estimated 3,420 diarrhea-related deaths among Filipino children under 5 every year, around 2,000 could have been prevented by access to safe water, improved toilet sanitation and personal hygiene.

“This video should serve as a wake-up call for most of us. The little things we take for granted, like having a clean toilet, could mean the world to others and could definitely help save lives,” Chua said.

Pre-loved Toys? Drop them Off at Jollibee Perhaps?

Believe me, I've been there. 

Toys, toys, toys everywhere!

- me

Yesterday, I just had a huge cleaning session.

I went to Robinsons to purchase these huge storage boxes like 70ish x 50ish x 40ish large. They were expensive. Around 1,300 each. But I purchased 4. I had to organize our stuff.

And stuff - well, there was a lot to organize.

I sorted out new clothes unworn, old clothes too worn, and toys. LOTS of them.

The 4 huge boxes were not enough. It seems never enough. I even planned on buying 6 more. I still have loads of stuff to clean out on our front porch.

But then I realized, there's another option.

With the holidays coming up, why not give it to kids who could you a smile or a heartwarming package this Christmas season?

How about dropping it of at Jollibee?

I am sure you've seen these huge boxes there. These are the boxes where you can drop off pre-loved toys to give out to the less fortunate kids who don't get to receive much this Christmas.

Check out below, Sarah G's even donating toys!

On photo: Asia’s Pop Princess and Jollibee brand ambassador Sarah Geronimo drops off her toy donation at Jollibee Parkmall in Cebu to officially kick-off the 20^th year of the Maaga ang Pasko campaign in the region. Sarah and other brand ambassadors Nadine Lustre, Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi and family, and the original Jolly Toy Scout Aga Muhlach, together with other celebrities like Gary V. and John Pratts participated in various early Christmas activities for the kids, showing their support to the campaign.  They are also featured in a special music video of the re-arranged Maaga ang Pasko jingle to help drive donations for the cause. With Sarah are Jollibee regional business unit head for Visayas Shing Llanos and area manager Nonna Abad.

Now that my kid saw me writing this post, he eagerly said, "How about we give some of my toys. Coz I have a lot of toys!"

True indeed, kiddo. Let's do that.

On Halloween 2014: Costumes and Traditions

My son, Dabby, was talking to his Lala Fely on Viber on the laptop. They were chatting up and catching up. I could hear their loud voices as I look up from Dabby's iPad.

I was suddenly summoned close as they talked about what Dabby was going out as for Halloween. Why? They're going to search for ideas on Amazon and need my technical assistance.

With deft fingers, I brought them to the marketplace I know and love so well.

Dabby typed up the words - soldier costume - and instantly, I knew the motivation behind it.

You see, he has been so mesmerized with Rival Rebels, a mod on Minecraft where he gets to play as a soldier of various kinds - a rebel, a hacker, a nuker, an intel officer.

He is so fascinated by the game that he wants to be any of those and have an excuse to dress up as one.

That was back in June. 

Fast forward to November, he was definitely able to dress up as his favorite character - a soldier.

It has become a tradition for us to dress up Dabby during Halloween. Call it our cosplay-wannabe episodes but we do enjoy the season. We haven't reached the point of dressing up too along with him but that just might happen soon. Hmm! 

So, we went to the office in time for the staff to go home, had pizza (where only Lyrah was left). 

After such, we get him dressed with his uber soldier costume! He definitely looks like someone out of a video game. Like Call of Duty. He could have gotten a better gun, but Lala does not want us to buy any. So he resorted to his old guns and with his Nerf gun.

On the downside, the costume was very warm for him. He was sweating all over and had to get him out of it asap. You can't tell it on the photo, but he just had his shirt and shorts on! 

Our pictorial proved wonderful as friends commented on how nice his costume was. But this wasn't the fun part yet.

We both went to The Outlets at Pueblo Verde where the mall was having a movie night and a midnight sale. Armed with a bag full of candies, we went around to give treats to the kids who stayed up late like Dabby and were still with their parents.

The kids were overjoyed to receive candies. Some of them even stopped to pose with Dabby in his costume.

After such, we went back upstairs with a lighter candy bag but with fuller hearts (and sweatier clothes) knowing we've made kids happy. It's the start of a tradition. :)

Haiku: Frog and Clock

Frog jumping at me

Making us restless last night.

I am still sleepy.

Clock ticking loudly

Not one care in his own world.

I am very late.

Frog and Cough

.. are probably one of the worst reasons to be up and awake and NOT asleep yet.

A frog found its way into our room last night and was having the best time jumping around.

It even jumped on me twice!

Oh, the slimy, wet thing landing on my leg.. twice. I felt everything!

And each time, I had to go to the CR to wash myself from the filth. What if it's poisonous, you know?

Sigh.. 

After that, we decided to snuggle regardless of the jumping shenanigans happening so we can get a shuteye.

Then guess what?

I had a coughing session. Again.

I have been at it since Monday and the darn cough hasn't left me yet.

Already took Ascoff and Solmux and a good dab of Vicks everytime and yet it's still here.

I didn't want to disturb the boys sleeping so I'm here. Blogging. Oh, misery.

I hope the Solmux will take over soon so I can finally sleep. I guess I have to deal sleeping beside a frog as soon as it kicks in. I need my snoozes. :(

No Time to Wash. But Finally, 1Laba Sunday with Breeze

We have a reliable washlady who visits us every week to gather up all our dirty laundry, bring it to her house, wash at her place, fold, then bring the clean and folded laundry back to our house. 

It's quite a convenient arrangement. Except, I don't quite trust having her wash some of our stuff. 

Which ones? My business wear and these... our shoes and bags. Why so? It's not that I don't trust the lady herself. It's just that there's a huge potential for those to get lost along in her routine.

The thing is that she just loves to hang our clothes in an open area where her neighbors can see the items hanging to dry. Now, living here, we all quite know it might be so wise to just air out your laundry for every one to see especially that it's very accessible to everyone in the place.

So for these items, I decided to make it a task for us.

Well, it's such a task to the point that I can only allocate very sporadic times where I already really need to wash them.

So when my care package arrived from Breeze this weekend, it spurred my maternal instincts and I just NEED to wash something. My attention turned to all our shoes and bags. 

For two sittings (nope, we don't have a washing machine), I found myself washing, scrubbing, hanging our bags and shoes. All thanks to Breeze ActivBleach.

Oh, and by the way, Breeze is having a 1Laba Day this August 28 all over the country. I encourage all moms to join up! 

Press Release: Breeze ActivBleach calls on moms to join 1Laba Day

Breeze ActivBleach is treating mommies across the country to a day off from their laundry chores with the simultaneous nationwide event 1Laba Day happening on August 28.

Moms in barangays throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are invited to head to 1Laba Day venues and let Breeze’s revolutionary ActivBleach take care of their stained clothes while they take part in exciting activities Breeze has in store for them to celebrate every mother’s hard work and love for her family.

With 1 Laba Day, Breeze aims to wash 1 million stains using Breeze ActivBleach, which removes even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Participating moms can enjoy their ultimate laundry day-off as Breeze treats them to various entertainment activities, while the Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, White Westinghouse, Whirpool and LG, will take care of washing their clothes.

Simultaneous 1Laba Day events will happen in Metro Manila (Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasay), North Luzon (Tarlac, Pangasinan), South Luzon (Laguna, Cavite), Visayas (Cebu), and Mindanao (Davao).

Breeze with ActivBleach is the first and only detergent brand with 4-enzyme technology to remove more types of stains with less effort and time. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment. 

Be a part of the Breeze 1 Laba Day event and see for yourself how Breeze with ActivBleach removes 1 million stains in just one wash. Like the official Breeze Facebook page (@BreezePhilippines) and join the online promos to get the chance to win washing machines from partner brands. Consumers can also get free Breeze gift packs for every purchase of an Electrolux, Whirlpool and LG washing machine. 

Sweetest When Free: Staying at Resorts World Manila (Marriott Hotel)!

Everything's better when it's free they say.

Things are sweeter when it's free they say.

And what they said is true. Free is sweet!

We got to stay overnight at Resorts World Manila for FREE! Imagine that. OMG. And that is courtesy of our wonderful friend, Ms. Ysobel Hamidjojo. It was her birthday gift to me. :3

Here's Dabby's signature Do It For The Vine video!

The facade on the entrance of Resorts Worlds Manila is pretty! Check out the fountain.

The check in counter. I think it's 15k per room! 

Photo op with the hubby. Happy birthday to me!

Our wonderful hostess and kiddo Miguel.

The boys are still wonderfully hooked to their gadgets.

The classic point. Join us!

Cupcakes! My favorite!

More cupcakes!

And gelato!! MMMM!

Ahh! Resorts World is so wonderful!

Mom! Give me coins for the wishing fountain!

The obligatory family photo!

Such beautiful decors!

So pretty!

Thank you so much to the wonderful Hamidjojo family!

Staying in City Garden Hotel Makati!

City Garden Hotel Makati. That's all I can say.

It's our new home away from home in Makati.

Here's Dabby's obligatory Do It For The Vine!

A Picnic to Remember - Jollibee Family Bee Day in Cebu

After my talk at Gdays Mandaue, the boys and I went ahead to Plaza Independencia where the Jollibee Family Bee Day was held. I was surprised to see a huge crowd jamming to Sponge Cola when we arrived!

Thousands of families joined the simultaneous Family Bee Day from across Davao, Manila, Cebu, Pampanga and Laguna. The venues? It's as big as the Quirino Grandstand in Metro Manila, Bayanihan Park in Pampanga, Nuvali football grounds in Laguna, Plaza Independencia in Cebu and Crocodile Park in Davao.

What is Family Bee Day? Well, consider it as Jollibee's way of saying thank you to the supporters and brand advocates who have been there for them. It is also in celebration of Filipino's love for good food (alongside good company).

Jollibee says that "by turning an ordinary summer afternoon into a fun-filled celebration with exciting entertainment from some of the country’s leading celebrities and bands, outdoor fun and games and great-tasting food, the country’s number one family fast-food chain truly enabled thousands of families to celebrate the grandest picnic ever!"

Here are some clips and photos from our own bonding moment. And that was a day before Mother's Day!

Kids activities for the hyper kiddos. Dabby won some toys and even gifted me one of his winnings for Mother's Day.

Julie Ann San Jose raps and sings for the crowd. They went wild over Frozen's Let it Go. :)

And there's Gerald Anderson for the moms and ates to drool over. 

Seriously, huge crowd. And I loved the camera drone that hovered over us the whole time.

Hello kiddo!

Photo booth with the kiddo!

What I admire about Jollibee is its dedication to make the family's bond stronger. A picnic like this would be memorable for these families. 

"Hey, do you remember our picnic at Plaza Independencia last summer?" 

"Yeah, I do. I saw Gerald Anderson!"

Lines like that would still hold memories for years to come. In our case, that is. And yes, Gerald Anderson looks gwapo in person. :)