Nido Fortified "A Million Thanks" Billboard

We're on billboard! Here's the street view of our Nido Fortified billboard along Edsa Boni.

Our Nido billboard :)

Our billboard schedule:
April 21 - April 27, 2012 (Boni Avenue)
6:30-7:30 am | 8:30-9:30 am | 10:30-11:30 am | 4:30-5:30 pm | 6:30-7:30 pm | 8:30-9:30 pm

Thank you Nido Fortified for this wonderful tribute!

Nido never fails to celebrate the special role that moms play in everyone's lives. Say it BIG with a digital card that will be flashed digital billboards along Edsa Boni Southbound, in Cebu, or Davao.

This Mother's Day, you can also send personalized greetings to your mom for everyone to see on digital billboard. Follow these simple steps:

1. Like Nido Fortified on Facebook
2. Click “A Million Thanks Mom” application https://apps.facebook.com/amillionthanksmom
3. Register your contact info
4. Upload your photo or take a photo to create your customized card
5. Write your "A Million Thanks" message to your mom. Fill in with your mom's contact details.
6. Send the card
7. Receive email notification on the status of your entry and billboard schedule.

This would be a great gift to your mom in time for Mother's Day!

Be Seen Online Through Internet Marketing

"Check the site on the Internet." I told my husband these words when he asked about the name of cupcake he brought at the office. His officemates wanted to know where they could buy the cupcakes. But since it's not a traditional bakeshop, all they could do is check out the Facebook page and coordinate with the seller if they wanted to order some. My family love the cupcakes so much. I'll be sharing a post about it soon.

Nowadays, marketing is social media driven. More and more businesses are making use of the Internet to reach their customers easily. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are filled with companies and small entrepreneurs who are promoting their goods and services. These prove that internet marketing is really important for businesses - small and larger ones alike.

Online marketing is an effective way of spreading the word about their products and services and reach their customers effectively. Aside from social media networking, blogging and email marketing also help enhance their marketing campaigns.

Even students and stay-at-home moms can make use of the Internet to sell goods and make some profit in their spare time. They can sell pre-loved items, homemade foods and accessories online. Engaging in a few Internet marketing strategies effectively and building buzz can help them run their businesses online.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Summer Trend Alert: Color Shorts

Summer is already in full swing and with that comes summer trendy fashion. This season is the perfect time to consider adding pop of colors to your wardrobe.

Tank tops and floral summer dresses can keep your cool and make you in tune with your style. Still, wearing shorts is the way to go. Shorts are essential to stay comfortable during the hot swells of summer heat. It's very easy to pair these shorts with a neutral tank top or a white tee.

Summer season is more about shorts with beautiful patterns and vibrant pastel colors. You don't need to just stick on wearing those short denim shorts all the time.

Get some color on your legs by rocking these cool summer shorts. These color shorts work great during hot summer days and even in fun summer nights. It's very versatile and flatters any figure type. Pair it with a tank and flip-flops over your swimsuit for a beach-ready outfit. Pair it with a bright-colored tee and sneakers for a leisurely walk around town.

This Two Button Cuff Short embraces colors in the coolest way possible. It's a style that shows off lots of legs and accentuates your figure. You can wear it with a tank top or even a loose-fitting top to create a look that's subtly sexy.

Dressing for summer season is all about having a carefree, yet stylish and comfortable look. Color shorts and a cool top remains to be a summertime essential. It would make you feel happier and comfortable. Find a pair of shorts that you love and create the look that would look great on you. Variety of styles and colors are available online. Wearing these bright colors will look great on your summer tan, but you have to be careful not to go overboard.

Your summer will be a blast with the perfect summer outfit. Have some fun with these color shorts. Grab a few to freshen up your summer wardrobe and pull off a stylish look.

Summer is the time to keep those black heavy clothing and jackets inside your closet and save it for winter months. It's time to wear those light clothes and shorts. Enjoy experimenting with colors and be your own summer fashion icon.

7 Years Milestones

Being 7 years old had been great for my daughter. It's her best and happiest year so far. It's the year when she had the grandest time of her life.

Lots of wonderful memories and achievements happened when she turned seven. I could list a hundred things that makes being 7 a great year, but let me share her best 7 moments -

Celebrated her ballerina themed 7th birthday with family and friends.

happy 7th birthday Skylah!

Joined the school's Buwan ng Wika activities where she performed a traditional Filipino dance with her classmates and declaimed the piece "Sa Aking Mga Kababata."

first declamation piece

Performed two ballet dances for Effie Nanas' Grand Ballet Recital - Enchanted Ballet at the CCP.

ballet recital on stage

Dressed up as Barbie doll for Halloween where she felt like being a Barbie celebrity for a day and won several prizes.

my Barbie doll :)

Played the role of Tinkerbell in the school's Christmas celebration - Disney's Believe in Holiday Magic. Remember Kid's Performances HERE.

my Tinkerbell

Received her First Holy Communion. Participated in the church rites - Greetings, Ama Namin prayer, Glory to God and Tell the World of His Love.

greetings

Ranked first in class and overall top 2 in Grade 2. Received the Second Honors Award and Best in Co-curricular Award.

congrats Skylah!

Last week, she turned 8 years old. Hoping for another fruitful year for my daughter!

Leaving Preschool Behind

congrats Brent! :)

Preschool had been very great for my son. His development and of course, his achievements makes me a proud mom. I'm happy for this wonderful start. It makes him enjoy learning and value the importance of having a good education in one's life.

Seeing him on stage wearing his toga keeps my family smiling. More than that, we're proud that he was able to deliver the Welcome Speech during their school's graduation exercises. Delivering that 2-minute speech in front of everyone wasn't easy, but he finished it well.

He also received a medal for ranking second in the graduating class. He earned the 2nd Honors Award (which is equivalent to being a class salutatorian). Aside from this academic achievement, he also received the Best in Conduct and Most Humble awards. These character awards are truly worth mentioning.

Here's the video of his opening speech.

Graduation Opening Remarks

Time indeed flies so fast. I remember his first few days in toddler class (in a different preschool). He was still a little baby back then, being carried by their teachers in their arms. Now, I bet his previous teachers won't try carrying him anymore! He has grown so big and healthy!

He would be in Grade 1 this coming school year. I know that there would be lots of things he would miss from preschool. There'll be lesser playtime at home. And because he would spend more time in school, I'll miss our daily bonding time together.

Praying that the next school year would be another fruitful learning experience for my son.

Wedding Plans

Weeks back, someone asked me for help in their wedding vows. It initially got me excited. Being a romantic-at-heart, writing love letters and poems is something that I used to enjoy. Yet, I never found myself writing a wedding vow for someone. Things got easier when I learned about the brief details about their love story.

I started writing and finished the personalized wedding vow in just a few hours. I can't believe that I've written more than 500-words just for it. It proves one thing - my mind and my heart is still overflowing with sweetness. When I handed the document over, I received a reply that the wedding vow I've written is really heart-warming, sweet and full of love. I still felt great knowing that my work would be part of their special day. I know that their wedding would be perfect.

Everyone wants to have a perfect wedding. If you're planning to get married soon, make sure you prepare a wedding checklist. It includes all the details that you need in your wedding - from the ceremony, the reception, the suppliers and even their guests.

You should also consider including wedding reply cards in your invitation. In this way, guests can send a quick reply aside from the usual RSVP number. Choose a creative theme that fits your wedding theme. These reply cards make you organized your guest list and it serves as a good keepsake as well. Moreover, you should not forget appreciating your wedding guests, people who send you well-wishes and everyone who witnessed your wedding ceremony.

Planning for a wedding is really exciting yet daunting. Making use of a wedding checklist is one key that would help your big day very happy and special. It keeps everything organized and prevents you from forgetting anything. 

Bring Home Walls and Rooms to Life

"Home is your corner of the world"

I am reminded of this quote from by Ilse Crawford, the design-guru powerhouse behind Studioilse. It's true that changes in layout, shape and colour can make our home a happier place. Our home is our own corner where we can relax, create, dream, entertain, rest, laugh, love and have fun!

Decorating and renovating house is both enjoyable and perplexing. Sometimes, even choosing home decors to be installed in living rooms and bedrooms as well as kitchens and bathrooms that go well with the rest of the furniture can be challenging as well. The variety of home decors available in the market makes it even harder to decide which ones to purchase.

We usually decorate our rooms with traditional framed photos and wall art frames. These art and photo pieces can instantly make over the rooms in our homes. It creates an upscale look that simply reflects the way we want it to be.

There are lots of affordable art pieces that can bring our walls to life. If I were to choose a design, it would be a contemporary and modern wall panel art. Nature and abstract wall arts often interest me. Since, our white wall space takes up so much visual space, I can furnish it with wall decors. We can try smaller wall art pieces around a larger frame for it creates a powerful visual impact.

I've seen this exceptional panel art that can bring a dramatic effect. It's an ideal wall art for bachelor pads, office rooms, chess fanatics and billiard rooms. It's very attractive and eye-catching. It can give the wall space a sophisticated wow factor. Maybe one of my kids or nephews would get to purchase a similar Game of Chess panel art when they get older. This wall panel makes a great gift too!

On Parenting Tips and Advices

One of the best things that happened to me is being a mom. It makes every day very fulfilling, challenging and exciting at the same time.

Being a mom was never easy. I have been thankful that my hubby and everyone in my family had been very supportive. Even until now, I got the support and encouragement that I need from them. More than that, they celebrate with me my kids' achievements. To say that they are the wind beneath my wings is an understatement.

Aside from that, I also find myself reading parenting magazines and turning to the Internet for more parenting tips and information. In the parenting websites, I find ways that helped me in taking care of my kids. With so much technology, mom forums can be a life saver too. There are some online community forums where dads take time to interact with fellow parents. I find that act very admirable.

Logging into an online mom forum is worth spending time to. These forums are filled with different moms who from all over are enjoying their roles as mothers. There are different situations that I can somehow relate to and I find many questions answered or have already been asked by other people before. There I learned more ticks and tricks on putting my baby sleep to sleep, the best baby products that is good from their skin and even the importance of baby music and baby books; and a lot more. I found pregnancy, newborn, toddler and even working mom topics very beneficial.

As my kids grow, I remember checking these forums when searching for a good preschool around the neighborhood and finding out Halloween events, Easter egg hunting activities or summer programs that my kids can attend.

It's great to check out parenting forums from time to time and interact with fellow parents. More than that, these mom forums also makes me remember that as I give time to care and protect my family, I must not forget to provide time for myself too. In allows me to realize the importance of those "me-time-moments" in making sure that I fulfill my mommy duties to the fullest and be a better mom to my kids.

Holy Week Plans

For most people, today is the last day of work. The five-day weekend begins this Holy Thursday and ends on Araw ng Kagitingan, which falls on a Monday. Since it's a long weekend, some are taking advantage of the long break to relax and take the work pressures off. Many people will be going on trips out of town or visit their families in the provinces.

Beaches are the best getaway this summer and this Holy Week. Beaches in Boracay would become more crowded, same thing with the traffic jam in Baguio City. Some really enjoy the beach crowd during summertime. But for me and my family, we would rather enjoy a beach vacation if it's less crowded. I would always choose to spend time with my family away from crowd so we can enjoy a stress-free vacation.

This is one reason why some opt to stay at home and take special time to reflect and pray. Those who plan to observe religious traditions head to different churches for the traditional Visita Iglesa. It's a religious practice wherein devotees meditate in seven churches.

Whether you're planning to have a long break somewhere or observe lent in your own place, keep safe at all times. Plan your itineraries and pack your things well. Since it's summer, you can opt to wear stylish boating shoes and look great in it. Boat shoes which is also sometimes known as loafers or deck shoes are usually worn by men. But I've seen wonderful styles at Macy's that looks really great for us women. These boat shoes are comfortable, fun and fashionable. It can be worn when travelling or going to the beach or pool.

So what are your Holy Week plans?

Well, have a great weekend and enjoy your vacation everyone. Remember to take time to reflect, pray, repent and forgive.

May we all have a restful and meaningful Holy Week!

Coca-Cola 100 Years of Happiness

It's Coca-Cola's 100th years in the country!

Music and happiness united on the concert ground of SM Mall Asia last March 23. True enough, Coca-Cola made happy history with a massive nationwide concert party for the Filipino youth to celebrate its 100th year in the Philippines - the Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan! I got an invite pass but sad to miss being part of this event.

I’m sharing parts of the press release for I always enjoyed drinking my cup of Coke (and my family can drink bottles of Coke everyday)!

What is this Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan about?

• It is one of the grandest legs of its centennial celebration in the country. This event was simultaneously shown in key locations nationwide and streamed via coca-cola.com.ph. So everyone across the country had come to witness the energizing music, the unlimited festivities and the overflowing happiness.
  
• Top Pinoy bands joined forces to perform refreshing music. The country's A-list performers Gary Valenciano and Sarah Geronimo and fast-rising electro-pop artist Somedaydream performed the fun and upbeat, chart-topping Coca-Cola 100 Years anniversary anthem, Tuloy.
  
• To ignite more happiness, this 10-hour concert also features groundbreaking building projection and fireworks displays. It signifies the long-standing relationship between Coca-Cola and the Filipinos throughout the years; 100 years of shared happiness that shall continue to flourish in the next century!
  
• Coca-Cola Happiness President Caloy shared a few words of happiness and thanksgiving for the constant and unmatched support Pinoys are giving Coca-Cola.
  
• International superstar, Craig David was also there to join the party! He came over to share the sound of happiness across the whole nation with Coca-Cola!

Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines said: "The Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan is our gift to the Filipino teens whose positive spirit, refreshing creativity and passion for happiness have always been indestructible. In tandem with our Coca-Cola Happiness President Caloy, they have made this historic event possible! In this epic year, we are all-out in giving the whole nation more and more reasons to be happy. The last 100 years would not have been a success if not for the Filipinos who made Coca-Cola part of their everyday lives."

No question, the epic Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan signals the start of a summer filled with even bigger surprises as the 100th year celebration of Coca-Cola gets to a whole new high. And we can only be sure our favorite beverage brand shall continue to collaborate with every single Pinoy to give the whole nation nothing less than refreshing happiness!

Visit the Coca-Cola Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/presidentforhappiness) and/or coca-cola.com.ph or follow @Coke_HappyPrez on Twitter to see highlights of the show and more information.

Coca-Cola. Maraming Salamat sa 100 Taon ng Saya! Ituloy ang Happiness!