The Tale of a Mommy Circle

     If I remember it right, last 2010, the Philips Avent Philippines , introduced a Discussion Board (DB), which catered all mothers, may you be a first-time mom, not so new mommy or even an expecting mom. It is where all mothers from all walks of life met virtually. This cyber meeting place did not only foster a support group for the mommies nor promote Philips Avent products but this discussion board made newbie mothers like me learn a lot from other experienced mothers and even meet new friends. In my case, the DB also made me feel at home since I was away from my family during the whole time that I was pregnant.

     But as they say, there is nothing permanent in this world but change especially when it comes to technology.  As Facebook continues to "enhance" its features, the Philips Avent Philippines Discussion Board was scrapped out and was eventually put to history. Prior this, a very close friend Mommy Glaiza Tominio (who actually introduced me to the DB) formulated a bright idea and that is to form a group composed of mommies whom we have been "talking" with at the discussion board. 

AMO Official Seal

     This is the birth of the "AVENT MARIAS" which was eventually renamed to OFFICIAL AVENT MARIAS or AMO. From then on, the mommies who shared their respective knowledges, ideas, queries, fears and other concerns in the DB found a new home. But since there are some mommies who also want to share their concerns but were not able to join the DB, we then opened the doors of AMO for other mommies. As of now, the family continues to grow as the mommies and their kids also build a stronger bond. For me, AMO keeps me sane as it gives balance to busy work.

AMO Summer EB Official Invitation

   AMO conducted their first meet-up or eye-ball (EB) as we fondly call it with various activities and games initiated. Too bad I wasn't able to join the first EB. Well, since I am already in the Metro, attending  AMO EBs is listed as one of my top priorities. Just last May 6, 2012, the AMO once again organized a meet-up, a summer outing in particular. Thanks to my very good friend and AMO co-member, Mommy Mary Pauline Danga Obias that she was generous enough to let the AMO family invade her private space at the Tivoli Gardens Residences Mandaluyong. 

photo c/o Mommy Edna, AMO member

      More or less, thirty people arrived and about 20 babies were also present. We had our swimming spree first. I think it took us about two hours in the pool (we literally maximized our stay at Tivoli Gardens).

      At about six in the evening, we then proceeded at the pent house where we had our sumptuous dinner. The dinner served was really rejuvenating. 

     Lessons learned on the other hand, when attending AMO EB, you must bring your baby/kid or you will be the admin, finance and auditing officer assigned for the event! That is based from personal experience. LOL. Nevertheless, it was really fun and I really did enjoy the swimming party of my mommy circle. Though we just met on cyberspace, this is a living proof that net and facebooking can produce fruitful contribution depending on the person utilizing the various networking sites available. I am really looking forward to our next EB. Meanwhile, hereunder are some of the photos I took during the EB. 

Baby Nastja, our half Russian and half Filipino angel

Baby Nastja with her pretty Mommy Edel

Mommy Edel and Nastja and our host, Mommy Mary Pauline and Baby Ruthie

Sexy Mommy Liv with her son Baby Jabe and her sister Jalysa

Mommy Edna and his good looking son Vince

Mommy Pau and Baby Ruthie

Arroco Family: Mommy Lolly, Baby L.A. and Daddy Ariel

Mommy Lau and Baby Nadine

Tivoli Gardens Pool Area

Tivoli Gardens Pent House Bar Counter

AMO babies still hyper even after the swimming spree

Mommies while listening to the Insular Life Presentor

Mommies and Daddies at the Buffet Area

AMO Summer EB Dinner Set-up

Table Set-up

AMO Summer EB (photo c/o Mommy Glaiza)

     Until next EB AMO mommies! You may also check our Moomy Musings' post regarding this EB.