Why Clean Water is Necessary for Postnatal Care

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A woman who has just given birth needs to drink more water than her regular intake to safeguard her and her newborn’s health. More importantly, she must make sure that the water she drinks is absolutely clean and potable for proper hydration. 

Dr. Mary Anne Ilao, chairman of the Department of Newborn Medicine of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, emphasized the importance of hydration during pregnancy and after delivery to avoid health implications and difficulties. The need for clean drinking water is more necessary for postnatal care as mothers undergo physiological recovery while taking care of their newborn babies at the same time. 

Dr. Ilao, who is also the coordinator of the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) ward at Fabella Hospital, says that the lack of water, or drinking contaminated water, may cause illnesses like diarrhea and UTI. These are the types of illnesses that will force the mother to take in medicine. Chemicals from the medicine, she says, may be transferred to the baby through the mother’s breastmilk. 

Aside from hydration, it is also important for mothers to know the right amount of water to drink to help in the production of breastmilk. Water intake must be increased during humid days when the body naturally demands for better hydration. 

To help promote proper hydration and overall health for mothers and their babies during postnatal care, Absolute Distilled Drinking Water provided wellness bags to mothers in the Fabella Hospital’s maternity wards. The hospital is only one of more than 40 hospitals in GMA, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, Pampanga, and Cebu who are beneficiaries of the same advocacy in celebration of Absolute’s 4th Mommy Welfare Month. 

The Absolute Mommy Welfare Month is a program of Absolute Distilled Drinking Water that focuses on supporting first-time mothers and their newborns as they go through postnatal care and wellness. Through this advocacy, mother and child are given access to safe, pure, and 100% distilled water. 

“The brand Absolute advocates pure love between a mother and her child. Absolute wants mothers to know how much they are valued and how their well-being is just as important as caring for their little ones. When mothers are well taken care of, they develop a bigger capacity to love and to nurture, which are the strong foundations of a beautiful and enriching motherhood.” 

says Alveen Ramos, Absolute Brand Manager

Absolute Distilled Drinking Water goes through a high-quality distillation process certified by the National Sanitation Foundation International; and, a member of the International Bottled Water Association that ensures compliance among bottled water makers around the world. With this, it sure will give new mothers the peace of mind that they made the best choice to guarantee their newborns’ right nutrition. 

The Absolute Mommy Welfare Month focuses on the wellness of first-time mothers by addressing key issues on infant development, after-birth physical recovery, and postpartum conditions. Photo shows Absolute Brand Manager handing over a wellness bag to one of the new mothers in Fabella Hospital. 

For these mothers, taking care of the baby should never be compromised. Absolute visited them as a show of support, providing wellness bags in celebration of the Absolute Mommy Wellness Month. 

Let's Celebrate Mother’s Day for a Cause at City Garden Grand Hotel

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The journeys through motherhood, whether it be struggles, triumphs, or anything in-between,  is the most difficult, but rewarding and wonderful gift of life.  From all walks of life, we always think how we become - it's because of our mother. 

Making it extra special and memorable, City Garden Grand Hotel invites you the grandest celebration honouring all the moms this coming Mother’s Day. Treat your mother only with the best gastronomic varieties in the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Spice Café.

On May 27, 2017, City Garden Grand Hotel will be having Mother’s Day Buffet Dinner for a Cause at Spice Café, guests will enjoy a buffet dinner with relaxing jazz entertainment in the background for only PhP1,500 per person. A short program will be held honouring the “super moms”, and to make it sweeter and memorable, a balladeer will be performing to serenade during the night, not to mention the goodies and giveaways that will be given for the mothers. 

The Mother’s Day event proceeds will be given to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Incorporated, to help the women, especially mothers, who are fighting from breast cancer. 

Guest can also enjoy the month long offer of Spice Café’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea and experience delightful merienda treats for only Php 250 per person, wherein guests can enjoy a choice of brewed coffee or tea and a selection of pastry sets and sandwiches available from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM only. 

In addition, treat the whole family to a sumptuous brunch buffet at Spice Café for the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Special on May 14, 2017 for Php 1,100 per person. There will be selections of luscious continental, eastern and local cuisines.

For more information or to book a table on the Mother’s Day Buffet Dinner for a Cause, visit Spice Café located at the 7th floor of City Garden Grand Hotel or call at +632 554-3428. reservations@citygardengrandhotel.com.

A Mom's Unbreakable Bond With Her Child

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The relationship of mother and child remains indescribable, strongest and unbreakable bond on Earth. 

Seeing your body change, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, feeling the first kick from your insides—these are the moments that build the invisible but irrevocable connection between a mother and her child. 

Because of this growing connection, you feel most responsible for your baby, so it is all but inevitable for anxieties to spring up left and right. 

You worry if you are giving enough nourishment. You worry if your baby is developing normally. You worry if your baby will get diseases passed down from your family. 

“I’m always thinking about my baby 24/7. I worry about his life so much so that besides adjusting my lifestyle for him, I also do a lot of research online. I ask advice from my friends and family about how I can take better care of my baby because I can never be truly 100% sure about his well being all the time.”  

                                                                              – Lea, 30, first-time mom

Like mommy Lea, maybe it has dawned on you that you cannot protect your baby for the rest of your lives, but what if we can alter that reality. What if there is a way to help secure your child’s life from several life-threatening diseases by preserving that one-of-a-kind connection between you and your baby? 

The umbilical cord is your child’s lifeline inside your womb. It is through this physical connection that you are able to give your child the gift of life. But after childbirth, this life giving cord is simply thrown away, not realizing the worth of the blood inside it.

Throwing the umbilical cord is like throwing life away. Cord blood contains the youngest and inherently valuable stem cells that may help save your baby from leukemia and other blood cancers, solid tumors, immunodeficiency and metabolic disorders.

With Cordlife, you can now make that one choice to take that one chance to protect your child’s life. Being the 1st and only registered Cord Blood Bank in the Philippines and part of the largest stem cell banking network in Asia, Cordlife gives you the chance to save your family by banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood. 

By storing your cord blood that is painlessly extracted from your umbilical cord right after giving birth, you can give your child a fighting chance to survive life-threatening diseases. 

Cord blood banking can provide the stem cells needed to replace and regenerate damaged bone marrow, treat blood cancers, correct genetic defects, and be a potential source for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. 

By preserving the visible connection between you and your baby, you can have your much-needed peace of mind when it comes to doing everything you can to secure your baby’s life.

Don’t throw life away. 

Save your baby’s cord blood. 

Save your baby’s life.

To know more about cord-blood banking, call (02) 332 1888 or visit https://www.cordlife.ph/

LRT Celebrates Unconditional Love with Mother’s Day Tribute Video

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The Light Railway Transit (LRT1) is one with the riding public in celebrating the unconditional love of every mother this Mother’s Day.

In its two-minute video, entitled “Paano mo pasasalamatan si Inay?”, LRT1 sends the public a heartfelt message leading to Mother’s Day. It pays tribute to the struggles and sacrifices of every mother in raising their children. 

In line with this, LRT1 riders will also be given the opportunity to send their respective mothers a special message at its stations on May 8, 2016.

Happy Mother's Day ! 

Para Sa O.A. Kong Nanay by Safeguard Philippines

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Safeguard’s Para sa OA kong Nanay video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saBmywa5Wwk

What beeing a mother really means ? It's a greatest gift, a connection that is unmatched and insurmountable in any form or other relationship. It’s a love that grows continually.

You will never truly understand the depth of a mother’s love until you become a parent yourself, and we salute you for that!

This Mother’s Day, Safeguard celebrates every Filipino mom, including the woman who made you the wonderful mom you are today. This video pays tribute to our moms, whose love and protection are beyond compare.

Happy Mother’s Day! 

The Dangers of Sick Days ? Here's the children’s new disease-fighting sidekicks!

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When kids are on their sick days, parents always think what they can give their suffering child to make them better faster.

Despite the limited forms of cure of diseases, they can be extremely uncomfortable nuisances, resulting in a staggering number of missed days from work and school. It is not surprising that many people are willing to try and pay for almost anything to relieve the annoying symptoms of the common cold. 

When kids skip school due to illness, they miss more than just a class – they miss opportunities for growth

More and more Filipino children are contracting viral and bacterial disease because of weak immune systems, a recent clinical study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism reveals. This growing prevalence of infection in school-age populations is particularly urgent because a single sick day may affect many different facets of your child’s life, including time-sensitive activities like going to school to attend classes.

Multiple sick days are likely to set back your children’s education, as well as their overall development and growth. Classes are typically dependent on very specific timelines, and whenever schoolchildren get sick, they miss valuable lessons that may prove to be crucial later on in the school year. This compromises the pacing for their growth as individuals. It can be very hard for students who are often absent to get back on track.

With school in full swing, it’s important to make sure that your children are kept safe from infection.

Here are some best defense, new disease-fighting sidekicks!

- Stay clean and clear of people who are coughing and sneezing. 

- Good hand washing will help your family avoid most infections. 

- Clean toys and teach older kids to wash their hands and to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, or tell them to bend their arm and sneeze into the crook of their elbow. 

- Let them get some air. Breathing fresh can do wonders for a croupy cough. 

- Drinking fluids can also loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. If your child refuses water, offer juice, the age-old remedy - chicken soup and of course, the best defence - fruits! 

 - A serving of pineapple a day helps strengthen immunity

Thus, there is a strong need for better ways to give children the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Thankfully, parents have an easy, enjoyable way to help protect kids from infection and keep them in school – pineapples.

Gelli Victor hosted the round table discussions regarding the children's immunity and the importance of fruit consumption in a child's diet, held at the Loft 2 Museum Cafe, Ayala, Makati City, August 18, 2015.

Just what do canned pineapples have that make them our children’s new disease-fighting sidekicks? 

As studies show, a lot actually!

The said clinical study checked the possible effects of canned pineapples as a practical immunity booster. A nine-week randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 98 elementary school students in Paco, Manila. The students were divided into three groups. Two of the three groups of children were regularly served Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits. The third group served as the control group and was not given any canned pineapples.

Only the groups who took regular servings of Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits had an increased resistance to disease and infection, with those taking two servings (140g per serving) demonstrating higher granulocyte production.

Granulocytes are key components of white blood cells and are important players of the immune system. They are the fighter cells that detect and kill disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Finally, a healthy solution that’s tastier than most!

The results show that adding 2 servings of canned pineapples to your children’s daily diet goes a long way towards protecting them from sickness. Giving children #DMPineappleADay is a quick, easy, and delicious way of strengthening their immunity, while supplying much-needed nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, fiber, and manganese. 

A stronger immune system can help prevent children from missing out on many opportunities.

With this, children will be able to fight off infection, keep attending classes, and make the most of their precious time in school.

#DMPineappleADay keeps the doctors away... #DMPineappleADay is the best disease-fighting sidekick! 

Some Photos: c/o Arts & Travel Magazine

Solane invites moms to take Cuisinera Challenge

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Solane, a leading brand of cooking gas, invites moms to take the exciting Cuisinera Challenge: 2015 Mommy Edition! Be part of the challenge that proves great Filipino family food is not solely found in restaurants offered by chefs but is authentically found at home.

Happening this July, Cuisinera Challenge is a cook-off where contestants are tasked to prepare an original recipe that can be prepared in 30 minutes. Serving as the program adviser is Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Filipino food promoter, culinary researcher and food journalist. 

The winner will take home P30,000, a one-year supply of Solane LPG and eight 11-kg Solane refill gift certificates. The second and third place winner will be awarded P10,000 and P5,000 respectively. The remaining final participants will receive a Solane gift pack: Solane USBs, branded aprons and collectible mugs.

Solane’s Cuisinera Challenge is open to a Filipina mommy (22-50 years old) who lives in Metro Manila and Greater Manila Area: Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, and Pampanga. She shouldn’t have credentials in professional cooking and is not practicing chef duties in any establishment. 

To join, interested parties must send an original 30-minute recipe with the name of the dish, ingredients (in metric measure), procedure, photos of the dish with at least three angles of perspective, a short description, why they chose to do the dish, and from whom did they learn to cook the dish on short bond paper. On a separate page, contestants should include a short biography along with their name, a recent photo and contact details. 

The criteria for judging are recipe logic and correctness (40%), quality of answers in the essay questions and mandatory information (30%), quality of photos (20%), and completeness of documents or requirements (10%).

Mail your entries in a short brown envelope labeled “Cuisinera Challenge 2015” to Isla LPG Corporation, 14/F Citibank Center, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City from June 10, 2015 to July 13, 2015.

Twenty entries will be picked for the cook-off round on July 31, 2015 at an event venue to be announced soon.

For more information, visit www.solane.com.ph or text +63918 887 5555.

Boy Abunda's Advocacy : MYNP honors Nanays nationwide

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TWO years since Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, Inc. started, MYNP continues to deliver its message to all to make our nanays proud.

Last May 5, 2015, recipients of Gawad Ulirang Ina ng Muntinlupa visit the office of the founding chair, Mr. Boy Abunda of Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation. Also in the photo are officers of MYNP. From left is Ms Bemz Benedito, Managing Director; Ms. Aileen Robles, Treasurer and Ms. Nini Borja, Vice President and Mr. Boy Abunda, founder and chairman.

This year, MYNP embarks on various activities including: Rehabilitation Program for Typhoon Ruby Survivors in Eastern Samar, Tulong Kay Nanay, Research Project, MYNP-Radyo Balintataw text Tula, MYNP Hong kong Project for Overseas Filipino Working Mothers with Generika, Outreach Project, Soup Kitchen Project in different areas in Metro Manila, visits to the liberty-deprived women and mothers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and “Meeting of Nanays” where dozens of nanays from different communities shared their experiences with Ms. Nini Borja, MYNP Vice President; Ms. Bemz Benedito, MYNP Managing Director with the support of MS Sicat Construction and Nikon Tough Mama.

MYNP Founding chair, Mr. Boy Abunda shares his love and advocacy on mothers during the Meeting of Nanays last May 22, 2015 at Mesa Moderne Restaurant in Timog, Quezon City

On the other hand, the MYNP book is still at the top as one of the bestselling publications. The book is a compilation of poems, reflections, anecdotes, musings, stories, photos and artworks of close to 100 people who were asked, How Do You Make Your Nanay Proud? Another project is SineNanay, a student film festival using cellular phone cameras.

MYNP Founding chair, Mr. Boy Abunda were surrounded by nanays from different sectors during a gift giving in Brgy Roxas, Quezon City.

Recently, MYNP has formally announced its search for the Best Nanay Awards 2015, which is on its 2ndyear.

The 10 winners will each receive Php 10,000 cash, a handcrafted mother-and-child trophy carved by Ifugao sculptors, along with gift certificates.

The nomination of the Best Nanay is now on going until August 31, 2015. The Nomination Forms can be downloaded at www.makeyournanayproud.com or you may contact the awards committee atmynpawards@gmail.com or 0917-611-1556.

All the best shopping treats in one click!

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Lazada Philippines launches Mom Loves – a shopping extravaganza for all the moms

May maybe coming to a close but Lazada Philippines – the country’s one-stop shopping destination has prepared something for the moms out there happening this May 26 until June 4 via www.lazada.com.ph/mom-loves

Mom Loves is a shopping event designed for every mothers out there. Whether you are social media savvy, on-the-go, urban lifestylista, or even the stay-at-home type of mom, Mom Loves has something in-store for every mom. From exciting flash sales coming from top brands, to hot discounts and exciting games, Mom Loves is packed with all the coolest deals that every mom could get to nurture her family.

Lazada carefully took into consideration a couple of fun mom facts into designing this year’s mom-focused shopping event:

1.    60% of mothers visit social media sites such as Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram

2.    Mothers in emerging markets such as the Philippines consider a variety of other product information beyond quality, price, and convenience, such as branding and packaging;

3.    8 out of 10 moms would buy frequently but of lesser basket size due to the management of cash flow;

4.    Top items bought by moms in Lazada would be the following:

a.    Learning Toys

b.    Home Appliances

c.    Home and Living Items

d.    Fashion

e.    Health and Beauty

Giving back to Mom with special gifts for the most women in our lives

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Do you have gifts for the most important women in our lives?

“When you’re young, it’s easy to take things for granted. Now that you’re older, it’s a chance for you to give back [to your parents]. Mother’s Day is a perfect chance to do so.” - RJ Buenaventura, Philips General Manager for Personal Health reflects.

Even through sleepless nights and the general stress of family life, your mother has always seen you through all of your ups and downs.

This Mother’s Day, take the opportunity to thank her. Invest in these gift ideas guaranteed to keep your mother beautiful inside and out. 

Surprise mom with healthy meals and more

“Mom’s lovingly prepared meals and snacks area huge part of any family, “says Philips Business Development Manager for Domestic Appliances Reah Ronsaryo. “If you want to surprise your mom, preparing her a great healthy treat is hard to top. Surprising her by letting her keep the latest innovative kitchen gadget is even harder to beat.”

The Philips food steamer is a sure hit with its amazing features. Make every dish mouth watering with its built-in aromatic infuser. Using the steamer is a real breeze with its 9-liter capacity, built-in timer and warmer settings. It also lets you know when it needs water and comes with a side spout for easy top-up. A warm treat for the warmest person you know!

One of the healthiest ways of cooking food, steaming ensures that your food keeps all the nutrients you need to stay fit and look your best. Many steamed fruits and vegetableslike broccoli contain an abundance of vitamin A and antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin and protect it from further damage.

If she’s into the sweet stuff, your mother will surely love smoothies, which aren’t just for summer afternoon treats anymore. In fact, you can have a body-boosting smoothie forevery day of the week if you’d like!

With its powerful 600w motor and extra-sharp blades, The Philips blender can blend its way through pretty much any smoothie idea you put your mind to! It also comes with multiple speed settings, so you get just the right blend every time. When you’re done with your sweet creation, the blender is also a breeze to clean with its easy to remove blade assembly.

Making the queen of your house look like a princess

“Who doesn’t want to feel pampered? If you feel good after spending some time on yourself, imagine what your mother would feel after having to take care of everyone for so long. Moms definitely need a break,” JC Gallegos, Philips Business Development Manager for Personal Care.

Bring out your mom’s inner beauty without her having to go through the hassle of a long trip to the salon!

The Thermoprotect Ionic Hairdryer gives your mom that salon-grade blow dry she’s always needed with 2200w of pure styling power. With variable speeds and ThermoProtect technology, hair dries quickly without the danger of overheating. Its ionic conditioning feature also keeps hair frizz-free and shiny all day.

Any mom should also confidently wear any clothes she wants. Make her feel and look good in skirts. Your mom’s legs will stay silky-smooth for days with the SatinSoft Epilator. 

Optimized for both wet and dry use, the epilator fits into any woman’s routine and comes with easy to clean caps for and hypo-allergenic construction for maximum hygiene.

When asked about this coming mother’s day, RJ says: “Make mother’s day great. Give her the gift of health and pamper her. She only deserves the best.”

Successful Mompreneurs Give Winning Tips at Annual Summit

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The country's successful moms have gathered to inspire and encourage future mompreneurs to create businesses with passion and soul, during the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at the Edades Tower, Rockwell in Makati City.

HyC150, the latest collagen drink from Japan, helped mounted the lively event that provided an outlook into the lives of successful mompreneurs and possibly take a cue from them on how to manage the juggling act. Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a premium blend of natural elements that builds beautiful, flexible skin and joints from within. It replenishes the body with essential nutrients to maintain radiant and youthful skin, strong and healthy bones, joints, muscles, hair and nails. HyC150 is truly an ally of successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

HYC150 JOINS 3RD MOMPRENEUR SUMMIT AT ROCKWELL --- HyC150’s Maru Agustine (left) and host Patricia Bermudez-Hizon join the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Erica Enriquez Valerio, Sales Manager at Bitmarket.ph, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Valerio said: 'I never say die #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

Of course, the highlight of the gathering was the valuable insights and learning provided by the speakers based on business models that could help mompreneurs re-discover a meaningful motivational drive in achieving success. They were Hindy Weber-Tantoco, owner, Holy Carabao Farms and The Fun Farm; financial expert Rose Frees Fausto; AA Patawaran, Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Editor; Mia Fausto Cruz, Smartparenting Magazine; Eileen Juan, founder, CEO, The Picture Co.; Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, and Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez, co-founders, Happy Skin Cosmetics; Mutya Laxa-Buensuceso, founder, Sprinkie and Country Manager of Luxasia Philippines; and Jill Gerodias-Borja, president and CEO, Manang's Chicken.

We narrowed down the 10 winning tips which could help mompreneurs re-discover their passion on top of being an active mom and successful homemaker:

1) Pay yourself first. It should not be less than one-tenth, no matter how little you earn;

2) Get only in a business you understand. Seek advice from competent people;

3) Make your gold work for you. Make an army of golden slaves before you buy luxury;

4) Manage your time. Schedule meetings so that you can spend quality time with the family. Drop everything for your family;

5) Make financing a family affair. Teach your children how to save money at an early age;

6) Eliminate guilt. Don't feel guilty leaving your kids at home with their yayas. If you do, you will not go anywhere and you will not progress;

7) Get yourself support system. You just cannot do things on your own. When you want to achieve a lot of things, you need the help of other people;

8) Have a work system. Having a schedule and a rhythm will allow you to keep sane despite the craziness, routine, and pressure around;

9) Quality not Quantity. It's not about spending day-in and day-out with your kids. You can tell there's quality time if your kids are really enjoying;

10) Create your own happiness. Discuss or plan new ways with your family that will keep everyone simply happy!

Here are the #SecretWeapon Contest Winners

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner – Joy Mendiola, mom and blogger, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Mendiola said: 'My best weapon to success as a woman, mom, wife and entrepreneur, is that, I embrace both success and failures that come my way. At the end of the day, my#SecretWeapon, I enjoy every moment because we only get one ride in life' #HyC150.’ Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Sheryl Ann De Jesus wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. De Jesus said: 'My best weapon to success is my supportive husband #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Erica Enriquez Valerio, Sales Manager at Bitmarket.ph, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Valerio said: 'I never say die #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Joy Astilla, businesswoman, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Astlla said: 'My family is my inspiration #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

For more information, visit our website at www.HyC150.com; like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HyC150; follow us on Twitter #HyC150 or Instagram @HyC150, or call (02) 5467297, 09177750779. 

HyC150 is available at selected Watsons stores nationwide.

Your baby’s precious CORD blood can save his precious life

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As mothers, you will do anything for your child. Even way before they are brought into this world, your instincts kick in and you tirelessly worry about your baby. You want to learn everything there is to learn and more importantly, you want to protect them from anything and everything that can harm them be it the common cold or a fever; and if you had your way, you would gladly get sick for your child. 

And your anxiety is not without reason, since there are many childhood diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to children.

Niña Corpuz, popular reporter, decided to bank with Cordlife, she knew it was an investment in her baby’s and her family’s future. Like any mom, Niña wants to give her baby the best that life has to offer and her baby’s long-term health and well-being was the primary reason for her to consider banking her baby’s cord blood and cord lining. 

“Having my child was the most fulfilling moment of my life. I never thought I’d be capable of so much love and sacrifice until I gave birth to my wonderful kids.” said Corpuz. “Every day is just a joy and as early as now, I think of the many things my child and I will do, experience, and share. I invested in my baby’s cord blood and cord lining because I want to be sure that my baby is given the best investment I could ever give.”

Leukemia is perhaps the most common type of cancer compromising 47.8% of all childhood cancers1. Hodgkin’s Disease1 or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is the third childhood cancer comprising 9% of childhood cancer. Aside from these types of cancers, certain brain disorders are also common in children. These include cerebral palsy and neuroblastoma. Cerebral palsy severely impairs the development of the motor functions and afflicts 1-2 percent of the Philippine population2. Neuroblastoma, on the other hand, causes the sufferer to lose the ability to empty the bladder, experience paralysis of the hips, feet, legs and uncontrolled movement.

Research into the use of cord blood and cord lining stem cells have been ongoing since the 1980s and has shown promise of saving lives and treating life-threatening diseases. More than 30,000 cord blood stem cell transplants3 have already been performed since 1988. 

“The strides made in cord blood transplantation has made this manner of treating diseases more widely accepted by people,” said Dr. Arvin Faundo, Cordlife Philippines Medical Director. “Currently, umbilical cord blood transplant is considered as one of the standard forms of treatments for leukemia, among others. Also, many clinical trials4, 5 worldwide are ongoing for which the results are encouraging. In fact, Duke Medicine is studying the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells6 to treat autism and related brain disorders. While the trials are still in the initial phases, we are hopeful that these will yield positive results.” 

Last June, Duke Medicine received USD 15 million funding by Atlanta-based Marcus Foundation. Apart from treating patients based in the United States, Duke Medicine has also opened its door for possible participants from outside of the country provided they meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria7 to be considered, patients must be aged between 24 months and 72 months old. The patient would also need to travel at least three times to Duke Medicine in the United States – at the infusion, the six- and 12-month follow up stages. A stipend worth U$1,000 will likewise be provided to the trial participant per trip to help defray travel expenses.

Today, Cordlife has served over 3,000 families in the Philippines alone and is trusted by 100,000 parents8 worldwide.

“We are definitely seeing a growing acceptance and openness of the Filipino market to the idea of umbilical cord lining and cord blood banking because I believe that the parents are now more proactive in finding better means to complete their family’s health protection plan.” said Michael Arnonobal, Cordlife Philippines Managing Director. “More importantly, today’s mothers see investing in their children and families as paramount to ensuring their legacy and their well-being.”

For more information, download Cordlife’s free infopack @ www.cordlife.ph or call (02) 3321888 to know how you can invest in your children’s future.

Teacher Georcelle: Dancer, Mentor, Mother

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The geat dancer, choreographer, and mentor - Georcelle Dapat-Sy.

Georcelle is first and foremost a dancer – mention “dance” and her name is bound to crop up in the entertainment circle of the local industry.

Her dedication and commitment to her craft has earned her a niche in a saturated industry that will make room for someone who has worked hard to distinguish her talent. However, Georcelle’s talent in grace in motion is not confined to the stage or the studio alone; it spills over into her personal life, in her mothering, and ultimately in her mentoring of the next generation at large.

Teacher Georcelle Dapat-Sy talks about unlocking latent talent in young kids.

Once again, Georcelle gets involved in Promil’s Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp, which aims to tap the inert talents of the very young and to help them wield the potency that they hold inside.

“The Promil Pre-school program is about recognizing talent. When the potential is seen in a young person, it is categorized,” Georcelle says. Whether innate intelligence or a natural inclination for arts, the mother of three is keen on picking out kids who are naturals in dancing. And this is when the fun starts.

Georcelle knows the benefits of early intervention or starting the mentoring while they’re soft and pliant. She herself started out that way.

A strong sense of determination despite limitations

Contrary to popular notion, being well off is not necessarily a prerequisite to the proper developing of talent. Though many families are blessed to be able to send their children to the most expensive dance schools and hire top of the line instructors, Georcelle didn’t have that kind of privilege to start with. However, she was blessed with parents who were musically inclined.

Her parents quickly recognized her abilities and brought her to the dance program at the Metropolitan Theatre. She took up different styles like tap, jazz, ballet, folk, contemporary and Hawaiian. And because she didn’t come from a wealthy family, her mother was always looking to get her a scholarship while bringing her to auditions at the same time.

In the midst of diligent quests, divine intervention took place. Once, on a trip to UP Diliman to get into the dance program of Tony Fabella and Eddie Elejar, Georcelle and her mom made a mistake and ended up in Felicita Radaic’s class instead. “When we met her, akala niya (she thought) I was an aspiring ballerina, because I had the build. She then wrote a letter to Metropolitan Dance Theatre’s director to put me in the dance scholarship.” This was a heady lesson for the young dancer:

Georcelle learned that where funds were lacking, a strong sense of determination would more than make up for it. And fate did the rest.

But the whole process was tedious, testing the young Georcelle’s patience. Nevertheless, Georcelle looks back now and realizes that not everyone gets a chance to study with the best. “My teachers were the best in the country (Agnes Locsin, Noordin Jumalon). They guided me. And true enough, once I started dancing, tuloy tuloy na from there.”

Georcelle was all of 10 years old when she began. At the age of 14, she had become a professional.

Nurturing her children through her passion for dance

Georcelle feels that dancing as a passion promotes closeness and love. As dancing is likewise a part of her, she used it to nurture her children, and not exclude them from an area that dominates her life.

Eventually she exposed her children to the best. “I show them performances, either in concert or ‘You Think You Can Dance’ or ‘America’s Best Dance Crew.’ Then I tell them that the performers trained hard before they reached the level of their performance. My point is that you have to train if you want to be the best. It’s achievable as long as you know the ABC’s and basics. And from there you take it to the next level.”

For Georcelle, the foundation of mentoring kids is love. “We do a lot of hugging, especially when the dancing mood strikes them. Outside of dance, it’s 24/7 parenting. I take my kids to school in the mornings. When I get home from a busy day, I hug them and kiss them even when they’re asleep.”

Does she see herself in them? “Teachers say my kids show qualities in leadership. They have a sense of command. That’s what they got from me.”

The top dance choreographer pays it forward

Not content with just being the top dance choreographer in the land, Georcelle has also had a hand in building G-Force as the leading dance company in the showbusiness today. This has been instrumental in her mentoring the next generation of dancers. Dance classes called ‘Me and My Little Force,’ are designed for the parent and child.

“I started dancing na wala akong pambili ng sapatos (when I had no money to buy shoes). I had a dream to give a chance to those who didn’t have the means.”

For Georcelle, it was all about expressing her gratitude for having all those great teachers when she was young. “So now this is my way of paying it forward.”

Today, the G-Force Project is becoming more and more of a family event. It started out as morning classes for kids, until she eventually decided to put in the moms who were requesting for zumba classes with the kids.

“Me and my 4-year old son dance together, so that’s where I got the inspiration. In class the little ones would mimic their mommies and that’s a great way to develop motor skills and photographic memory. When they grow up they’ll remember the fun, the exercise and the bonding.”

It’s clear that being a mother has made Georcelle not just a better person, but a better mentor as well.

Moms get royal treatment at the Araneta Center - All Out Mommy Royalty

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Mothers love and take good care to her children, and even other people under her care. Even with all of these responsibilities, she always manages to keep going with a smile on her face and she is always there if you need a hand. She influenced our lives by being there when we need her most.

She has experienced many difficult obstacles and decisions in her life but has faced each one with integrity and courageousness. 

When we were kids, our moms meant the world to us. And as we grew up, our moms continued to be there to guide us, pushed us to be the best we can be, and serveed as our inspiration. We cannot thank them enough for being such a huge part of our lives.

This month, you can turn the tables and give your moms the royal treatment.

Indulge the Queen of your home at the All Out Mommy Royalty—a Mother’s Day extravaganza at the Araneta Center. For the whole month of May, royal treats for moms worth over P100,000 will be given away! 

On Mother’s Day, May 11th, show your mom some love at the Mother’s Day Royal Bash at the Gateway Activity Area, where mommies can expect fun games and prizes to be given away during the event. 

The Mother’s Day Royal Bash will be made more special with performances from TV5 artists, and a soulful serenade from ASAP Sessionista Princess. Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, Binibining Pilipinas International 2014 Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2014 Yvethe Marie Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014 Kris Tiffany Janson, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2014 Parul Shah, and runners-up Laura Victoria Lehmann and Hannah Ruth Sison will also grace the event with their moms. 

Get the chance to win pampering packages for your moms in our Mom’s Royal Treat when you buy P500 worth of purchases in any Araneta Center store (Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza). Prizes up for grabs include a whole body pampering package from Dermcare Luxe, a luxurious dinner feast for four at Gloria Maris Banquet Hall, an overnight stay for two at Best Western Antel Suites with buffet breakfast, and stylish, high-end travel bags from Vova Rova. 

Plus, take a selfie with your mom and post it on the Araneta Center Facebook page from May 2-15 for a chance to win a special dinner for two at Gloria Maris Banquet Hall. The most creative selfie shots with mom takes home the prize. 

The All Out Mommy Royalty event is brought to you by the Araneta Center, Gateway Mall, Gloria Maris Banquet Hall, Dermcare Luxe, Best Western Antel Suites, Vova Rova, Diet Diva, Kogi Bulgogi, Easy Taxi, Zalora, and Groupon. 

For more updates on Araneta Center events, visit www.aranetacenter.net or like the Araneta Center Facebook page www.facebook.com/AranetaCenter.

Alaska Milk Corporation and Royal FrieslandCampina partnership brings dairy expertise, shares health info for mothers and for babies' journey of growing up

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Alaska Milk Corporation, a leading Filipino milk company which has established its brand leadership for 40 years in the country and Royal FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s leading dairy companiesare committed to deliver products which promote proper digestion and absorption that will help infants and young children grow healthy inside and out.

Forty years ago, Alaska Milk Corporation’s (AMC) journey with mothers began, and ever since, the company has been a trusted ally in providing everyday affordable nutrition to Filipino families.

Today, this unwavering commitment is made even stronger as Alaska Milk Corporation partners with Royal FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy company that has been supplying mothers all over the world with high quality dairy nutrition for over 130 years now.

Tiffany Anne Santuyo, Registered nutritionist/Dietitian/Nutrition Consultant
of Alaska Milk Corporation

A parnership of Alaska Milk Corporation and Royal FrieslandCampina bringing dairy expertise was formally launched held at the Solaire Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom last April 8, 2014 with the presence of Tiffany Anne Santuyo, Registered nutritionist/Dietitian/Nutrition Consultant of Alaska Milk Corporation and from the FreislandCampina Dairy Foods, Dr. Henkjan Verkade, Prof. of Pedriatics University of Groningen, University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands/Consultant, and Dr. Anne Schaafsma, Senior Scientist Nutrition, Global Nutrition Development team of FreislandCampina Innovations International.

Together with FrieslandCampina, AMC continues to offer essential nutrients from milk at any stage of the people’s lives. Mothers can now benefit more from the combined power of their expertise. By offering trustworthy and tasty dairy products to billions of people all over the world, FrieslandCampina contributes towards safeguarding food and nutrient security.

Here are some sharings of the experts from Alaska Milk Corporation and Royal FrieslandCampinathe during the launch of their partnership and with the theme "Friso Four Shares Journey of Growing Up."

Mild processing preserves protein quality. Royal FrieslandCampina, has ventured into producing quality milk that aids not only in digestion but helps children absorb necessary nutrients for growing up and becoming strong inside and out. Through extensive research and innovations in milk production, Royal FrieslandCampina has endeavoured to ensure that it produces milk that will provide premium nutrition for infants and young children.

Just as feeding and nutrition is important to the health of a child, digestion is also crucial as it determines the absorption of nutrients from milk. The speed of digestion determines the speed at which nutrients are made available to the bloodstream.

The transition from breast milk to infant formula often results in constipation or diarrhea among infants. This is due to the significant differences in composition between infant formula and human milk.

There must be an understanding of the main differences between infant formula and breast milk to understand how these two different types of milk are digested by children. Studies have shown that consuming breast milk results most often in soft stool among infants.

Although there are differences in protein, fat and carbohydrate compositions between breast milk and infant formula, it is hypothesized that the production of the milk is highly relevant to digestion. During processing, proteins combine with carbohydrates (glycation) in such a way that digestion becomes very difficult. Non-digestion proteins can lead to unfavourable metabolic responses and changes in gut integrity. Mild processing in the factory can overcome these problems.

With stringent quality control, and its solid focus on promoting innovation, Alaska Milk Corporation and Royal FrieslandCampina are committed to deliver products which promote proper digestion and absorption that will help infants and young children grow healthy inside and out.

For detailed legal information, you may search EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51 (October 20, 1986): Adopting a National Code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes, breastmilk supplements and related products, penalizing violations thereof and for other purposes.

(Source: The Lawphil Project Arellano Law Foundation http://wwww.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1986/eo_51_1986.html)