A Surprising Blogger Award

    Blogging was introduced to me by my good friend Mommy Glaiza of Moomy Musings who has been a blogger from 2002. She has motivated me to share my thoughts on how I balance my career and family in order to inspire working moms specifically military mommies and military wives as well.  That served as my purpose to blog so last November 2011, just four months after becoming a mother, I started blogging.

     As a blogger, earning is at the bottom of my list since writing out of the realms of my profession is already a big prize for me. It keeps me sane and connected to the outside world. Neither did it come into my mind that one day, I will be given a blogger award. Until one day, I received a surprise comment from mommy Krystyna of Adventures on Planet Mom that she chose me to be one of the recipients of the Liebster Award. I wasn't able to open my blog page  so it took me about a week or two to find out about the great news!

     So what is this Liebster Award all about? "Liebster is a German word whose meanings include kindest, dearest, favorite, valued, welcome."

     Liebster Blog Award gives recognition to newbie and incoming bloggers whose followers are of not more than 200-300. The said award is said to have started in Germany.

     Meanwhile, prior accepting the award, a list of rules is to be followed:

1.  Write 11 things about yourself.
2.  Answer the 11 questions that the tagger has set for you PLUS you must create 11 more for the people that you will nominate for this award.
3.  Select up to 11 bloggers; linking them to your post.
4. Go to their page and inform them of their nomination. 
5. Strictly NO tags back. Only tag bloggers with less than 200 followers.

     So here are my answers to the random things posted above:

 1. I love dancing. It's one of my passions. I was even part of the PMA Pep Squad, Dance Society and Dance Sports when I was a cadet.

 2. I move like a dancer but I kick hard in the soccer field. It's my ball sport.

 3. I love spicy food. I even eat grilled chillies!

 4. If I am not a naval officer, I may be working now as a statistician or accountant.

 5. I am a bookworm and a writer in one.

 6. I once dreamt of becoming a pilot but did not pursue the same since I'm afraid of heights.

 7. I am not afraid of doing experiments with my hair. From long to super short; from curly to straight; from having highlights to bare black.

 8. Eight is my lucky number. I was born on the 8th of October while my firstborn was born on July 8.

 9. Venice is my dream vacation spot.

 10. Most of my friends tell me that I have a lucky charm when it comes to raffles. I think I will agree with that.

 11. My world revolves around my family.

Birth, Baby and Breastfeeding Event

     Calling out all mothers who are thinking on how to spend your weekend. Why not attending Chicco Philippines event in cooperation with Rustans Shangri-la. This will be tomorrow 19 August 2012. This will be full of fun and information. You still have until tonight to pre-register!Or just visit Chicco Philippines facebook fanpage and leave a message os your intention to join! Remember, "where there is a baby, there is Chicco." So, see you there!!!

On Addressing Maam/Sir to Military Spouses

Disclaimer: This post is my personal point of view and not of the AFP or its members' per se.

     I really don't know when did the issue of addressing the military wives/husbands "maam" or "sir" began. But as for me, as an army officer's wife and as an officer for that matter do not see this as a big deal. But everytime I hear some rumors and hearsays i.e. "the wife of this is directing me to call her maam since my husband is her husband's junior", I kept wondering why this topic is always being brought up.
     My two cents on the issue:
     In my own perception, a military spouse is addressed as "maam/sir" not solely because you are an officer's wife/husband but because it is customary on the part of the military to call civilians as maam or sir. I think if you are just on the same rank bracket, whether what class/batch you belong, it would be better to just address each other on a first name basis. Besides, we wouldn't know when the time comes when our respective spouses will opt to bow out the service earlier that their required term of retirement. Just like the old saying goes, "those whom you meet as you get promoted and as you go up the ladder of ranks are the same people whom you will meet when you go down", and that is during one's retirement.
     On the other hand, it is my personal volition not to be called by other junior officers' civilian spouse as maam. Why? They were never part of any military training institution and I am not their teacher, not unless, the spouse is also part of the military and is an underclass. If one may say that "Rank Has Its Privilege", yes, it has! Rank indeed has its privilege but I think, it is applicable only among the uniformed men. And maybe, some may forget that though RHIP exists, "RANK HAS ITS RESPONSIBILITY" also exist and must be exercised more than the latter.
     In my own case, I have my own set of military wives friends who even belong to higher classes. Well, I call some as "maam" or even pronounced it as "mom" since I treat them as my foster mothers. I call some of my upperclassmen's wife on their first name, yet, I dont get any negative feedback since I talk to them in a tactful manner. I have my underclass wives friends and I would not want them calling me maam. I opt to be called "ate", "sis" or plainly "Vee". 
     As I have said, this is just my point of view. I think every person is entitled to his/her own opinion anyway.

"A Mother's Love Give-away Contest" Winners

     For the past four days, we have been battling great winds and heavy rainfall while for the past two consecutive weeks, we have just experienced typhoons. I was supposed to announce the winners of my very first blog contest. On the other hand,due to the inclement weather and the flooding that I myself experienced in our own unit, I have to move said announcement. But for today, 09 August 2012, since the water level has already subsided and the rain has already stopped (which I hope will continue for the next days),I think it is but proper to formally announce the lucky winners to lighten up our mood. And the winners are (arranged from first prize to third prize): Mommy SHERRYBE RAYMUNDO, Mommy MARY ANN CUETO and Mommy GLAIZA TOMINIO.

     Congratulations mommies for winning! May your babies enjoy the products you have won! Until next blog contest! May you be ambassadors of Chicco Philippines. Thank you for joining and once again, congratulations. To claim your prize, please visit my facebook page Soldier Mom's Corner and leave a message. 

A Junior Officer's Prayer

God I thank You for the opportunity to serve my countrymen and nation.

For the logic, knowledge and skills You lent me that I use in my everyday work.

For the heart to listen to what my men has to say.

As I come to You Lord, I humbly ask...

That I may use everything you have given me in doing what is only right.

That I may preserve humility despite the accolades You have bestowed upon me.

That I may only follow the legal orders even my own career will be at stake.

That I may only idolize people around me who really contribute to the betterment of the service and follow what You are asking us to do...serve in accordance to Your will.

That I may stay upright and never dwindle.

That as I climb up the ladder of ranks, I will never be a power-tripper leader.

And that I learn and master the art of balancing my family and profession.

May You keep me safe and my comrades dear Lord.

May You forgive me on my shortcomings as Your daughter.

In Jesus name I pray...

AMEN

A Mother's Love Give-away Contest

     Good education track. Career. Work reputation. Smooth-sailing marriage. If you have all these, what more could you ask for? I am one lucky woman to have all these blessings. I was also taking up my basic schooling and my grades were fine (high actually). I have my demanding work yet I manage to balance everything and even have the luxury of time to be with my husband from time to time (lucky for us since we both are in the service). Everything was like a routine....but one day, a big change happened. What was it? Or WHO was it? Well, it was my little ECHO...

     As they always say, motherhood equates to a lot of happy moments with baby but it also entails a lot of sacrifices. I did not know that I will be "sacrificing" earlier than expected. To cut the story short, I got deferred from my schooling, gave up my position, got transferred to area (province) and left the metro. At first, it was really hard for me to leave everything. I mean, hey, this has been my life since I graduated from the academy. I love being workaholic. I love my job. But I think the mother's instinct in me grew stronger as the baby inside of me also grows. 

     Well, so I got assigned in the area. Surprisingly, I found out that it was better staying near my hometown and city while waiting for my baby to arrive. Besides, it is where my support system is located. Here comes July 8, 2011. I gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Marco Quintin aka ECHO. I got teary-eyed when the doctor brought him near to me. It was all worth it. As I see my son grow each day, I just sigh and tell my self, "If I will be given the chance to go back to the past, I do not regret leaving the limelight for him." 

Give-Away Contest Sneak Preview

     Mommies, daddies, have you been following my posts?
     Guess, who will be my partner for my very first blog give-away contest!

     Wait and Watch out!!!! Have a nice day!!!

Give-Away Hint

     As my son Echo turns one...
     I would like to give a blessing/gift to everyone....
  
     (Excited for my very first give-away contest.....Wait and see ^_^)

Take a Break at Enchanted Kindom

     
     "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." In the military, we work 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Admittedly, in my experience, I tend to be engrossed with what I do and sometimes neglect my social life
     Since the month of May marks the end of summer, our office decided to have a break and unwind. Most often than not, when we hear of summer outing, beaches and pools are what automatically enters our minds. Well, we wanted to be different. We wanted actually to feel young again so we opted to have a visit at Enchanted Kingdom. 

Vehicle Inspection Area

     We decided to proceed to our precious destination after lunch, which was about 1:30 in the afternoon. It just took us about 30-40 minutes and voila! Here we are EK!

My 4+1 EK Ticket

     Since we are technically government employees, we were able to avail Enchanted Kingdom's (EK) promo: the 4+1 group package. With this, we were able to purchase our Sunday ticket at Php400.00 each (Php2000.00 per package).
     This was really a good deal. Using my government identification card, I was able to purchase two packages (in a day, we are allowed to purchase up to two packages). We were about 12 in the group so I got two 4+1 package and two regular Sunday pass. And take note, it is a ride-all-you-can ticket already.
     Looking back on my highschool days, when it was my first time visiting EK, I wasn't able to ride everything because of the number of people piling up for the various rides. As I remember it right, I was able to ride the carousel, the caterpillar and the  Wheel of Fate. Well, I was also able to experience Rialto and Bump Car.

     Well, same as before, I still wasn't able to ride everything for one major reason: LONG LINE! Nevertheless, I still maximized my stay at EK. Here are some of the photos taken during our Office Outing:

Getting our EK Tickets

Paying for the tickets. (just for the record, any organization may be able to EXCLUSIVELY rent the park)

My super cool mistah Conrad (right most) with his wife Czar (right beside him) and his brother-in-law and mother-in-law

My not so solo picture with the wizard ;)

My girls ^_^

My favorite (From the left: Mommy Mindz our civilian supervisor, Gladys, She, Val, Jess, Conrad and Me)

Meanwhile, here are some of the photos taken when we were already in action (rides mode..feeling young).

The picture at the left side was a scene taken while we were waiting for our turn to take a ride. It was our first ride actually and I even forgot its name.

Val (at my right) and I preparing 

From the Left: Val, Me and Gladys (who is not yet prepared)

Super smiles before reaching the peak of the tower

As we slowly went up.... @_@

Reaching the peak... (too bad we weren't able to get a video of how fast we fell down..)

At the Jungle post ^_^

Me, Gladys and Kuya Mac waiting for our turn at the Jungle Log Jam 

This was after the first splash... (Note: if you would like to ride on this, you must prepare extra clothes)

This was in preparation for our second splash..preparing to get wet!!! This actually brought goose bumps and almost cut my throat after my cymbals-like scream....

Hold Tight!!!!! AAAAhhhhh!!!!!!

A Follow-Up Review on Air Asia and Dragon Pay Services

     In all fairness, Dragon Pay did refund the money and deposited it to my friend's account. As for Air Asia, as if nothing happened. I guess this will serve as a warning to customers. Some companies are just "profit-oriented." On the other hand, since Air Asia is just on its beginning stage, it may still need some rectifications. Nevertheless, the management must check on the attitude of their personnel, taking not of quality versus quantity.

An Abrupt Review on AIR ASIA and DRAGONPAY SERVICES

    Yesterday, 13 June 2012, I tried how AIR ASIA and DRAGON PAY works. For a not so technologically inclined-creature like me, well, I think the start of the transaction was a bit fine. 

     Until here comes the payment. In the payment option, there were three icons available (that was when I had no mishaps experienced yet): Credit Card/Debit Card; E-Voucher; and, Direct Debit. And so I clicked Direct Debit and eventually clicked "Dragon Pay" after since its the third party account that accepts payment. Air Asia's website flashed on the other hand that I must be able to pay the ticket within 30 minutes, which I also did thru the help of a friend who has an online account with Banco De Oro (BDO).
     The result? A big HASSLE. How?
     --First, My friend and I paid the amount of Php 4,160.00 thru DRAGON PAY on time to be able to confirm my booking with Air Asia, which unfortunately resulted to NONE CONFIRMATION/VALIDATION.
   --Second, the above incident eventually caused HASSLE and WITHDRAWAL OF MONEY WITHOUT ANY PRODUCTIVE RESULT.
     --Third, the CALL CENTER AGENT OF AIR ASIA (ENGLISH VERSION) has the worst grammar ever! Try it for yourself. With DRAGON PAY, well, in fairness, since it is their offense, it is just proper that they have a longer patience listening to my sermon.
     Dragon Pay informed me that they will refund the money by Friday, 15 June 2012....Well, let's see if they really will.

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

D-Nee I Love!

     Last 26 April 2012, a very good friend and blogger Mommy Glaiza, (Moomy Musings) posted her very first blog give-away contest entitled: "D-Nee All-Natural Baby Care Products Give-Away". Like what I have been doing since I got pregnant, I joined the contest and tried my luck. Well, not only because I wanted to have the freebie/give-away but I also got intrigued with the review that Mommy Glaiza have posted. 

     As a mother, we share a lot in common like reading a lot of books that may give us hints on handling our growing babies, finding out new products in the market fhat will benefit our baby and of course our pockets as well and scrutinizing the details of the products we buy for our babies may it be food, clothing stuff, feeding accessories etc. As I have understood from her article, D-Nee is still a newbie in the market but comparing it with the established products that were released earlier, D-Nee's quality equates the performance of its competitors but with a lower price.

Mother's Day 2012

     2010 was a very special year for me as the year opened its doors with a wedding blast last January 28, 2010. It was also the first year when my ex-boyfriend (now my husband) celebrated our birthdays as married couple. November 2010 turned out to be the one of the happiest days for us after learning that I was pregnant. This was subsequently followed by our garden wedding last December 2010. Alongside, it was also our first holidays as husband and wife.

   I think 2011 was even happier when our son Marco Quintin "Echo" Fernandez was born last July 2011. As my husband has said, having Echo with us made our lives complete and more meaningful. 2011 was my first birthday year to have Echo with me. This is the same for my husband.

Eating Your Heart Out at YAKIMIX

      The second week of May 2012 was like a “hell week” at the office. T-O-X-I-C as I may spell it out. So my office-mates and I agreed to eat our heart out and distress through the most convenient way: EAT ALL YOU CAN escapade. We first had our reservation since we know that YAKIMIX (Hobbies of Asia) has a lot of patronizers.

        On the D-day, we went at the venue on time and as expected, we were one of the first groups to arrive. We entered the restaurant at exactly 11 in the morning, just in time for the start of the lunch buffet. As per experience, early birds catch the early worms. We were given the best table location (which was directly beside the buffet table). Oh by the way, our group was composed of eleven (11) people. I think I must multiply it by two since our group has a big appetite. LOL. Here are some photos taken at the YAKIMIX (Hobbies of Asia).

Our group went at YAKIMIX Friday Lunch, that is Php 520.00 per head

We got a table good for 12 people.

My paper table mat.

My "first" plate. I got a lot of refill. LOL.

Our table's griller.

Long line of choices to grill...W-O-W!

A complete set of sushi rolls. I wasn't able to taste everything!

Salad Bar 

Halo-halo and ice cream dressing corner

Ice cream freezer

Pastries and Dessert Corner

"Green" area. (more on veggies)

first batch ^_^

Our table filled with individual choices of food

my officemates while enjoying their food 

My choice of veggies while I had a break with the grilled stuff. Kimchi helps!

My choice of dessert: Leche Flan, blueberry cheescake, fruit tart and personalized ice cream

Rating:
Venue - 10/10
Cleanliness - 9/10
Space - 8/10
Taste of Food - 10/10
Over-all - 10/10

     I will surely come back to this place. Just a piece of advice, be sure that you have a big appetite and that you will not have any left-overs because this equates to extra payment. Hope this helps!