Soldier Mom's Corner Celebrates its First Year Anniversary in Blogging

     November 14, 2011 marked the day when I initially posted my first ever online article in this blog page. I have been writing since I was in college and the only things that changed are the topics and focus of my write ups. For this blog page, it is more confined on my career and family. I still write in some journals in our unit but of course, it is more on the specific matters of my work.
     As I remember it right, I wasnt really fond of reading blogs. I started liking it when I have read my good friend's blog page, Moomy Musings, where I did learn a lot of stuff not only about being a mother but also about life. From then on, I started browsing other interesting blogs. From Moomy Musings also, I learned that blogging is really a big world for it covers advertising, sharing life experiences and lessons, experiencing winning a contest and organizing one and of course my favorite, reading. Blogging is not just about writing. It is the art of writing and conveying your readers about an honest opinion about various topics, reviews of products which you were able to genuinely use (not just for the sake of advertising and getting a freebie out of it) and educating your readers on the matters where they are not yet aware of.

     For the past past year, I have shared some of my experiences as a wife, a mother and a naval officer. I may not have run a lot of blog give-away contests, but still, I thank you all for the exchange of feeds, for following my blog page and for liking my facebook page as well. And with this, I would also like to share. Just comply with the rafflecopter steps and have the chance to win these Tiny Buds items!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's Up for Soldier Mom's Corner Readers?

     For the wonderful things God has given me and my family, I want to share.
     For the goodness of people around us, I also want to be a blessing.
     Stay tuned for my upcoming Thanksgiving Blog give-away contest and the story behind it.

Happy World Teachers Day!!

     To my first mentors, my parents, to my elementary, highschool and college professors and to my PMA instructors and lastly my instructors in my different military schoolings and still soon to be instructors...

     A HAPPY HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS DAY! May you spread more knowledge and patience to your students...

One Great Mommy Tip

     I am not a perfect mom but God knows how I devote myself to become the best mother for my firstborn and my incoming baby. I am not even with my baby 24/7 since I am a working mother. But I believe and I am confident that this does not make me a lesser mother. When it comes to my son's stuffs, I make it appoint that I read product reviews first prior buying so as to know the pros and cons of the product. 

     I can still remember it clearly that the very first thing I bought during my first pregnancy was the Chicco Electric Steam Sterilizer, which aided me a lot in my mommyhood. Though we are more on refrigeration sterilization method now, we still kept the said Chicco product since I am now infanticipating. And I guess such durable product is already for keeps indeed, which may still be handed down to the next generation.

     There are still a lot of products that Chicco Philippines do offer. Do you want to try some? Check out the latest blog post of Moomy Musings and have the chance to win the following items.

Photo Courtesy of Moomy Musings

Drypers Wee Wee Dry's Big Event and AMO Send-Off Chit Chat

   Every mother wants best for their kids. And as a wise mommy, we purchase baby stuffs that are durable, high quality and well tested but not so expensive or is worth the price. In buying diaper, we also apply those requirements. But not all diapers are of the same kind. Some are high quality but are too expensive while some diapers are really way cheaper than the leading brands but may cause harm to your baby's skin. Dilemma right? Until Svenska Cellulosa Actie (SCA) Philippines introduced Drypers Wee Wee Dry in the market.

     SCA Philippines and Drypers Wee Wee Dry also have a sophisticated way of introducing their new innovations in the market. How? Last September 11, 2012, they invited online mothers on a very special, private and best ever event of their company on September 22, 2012 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas. As the posted message says, "only the first 50 moms who shall reply "yes" to this message/post shall be given this wonderful privilege." My friend and kumare, Moomy Musings gave me a heads up on the said private event and luckily, I was able to be included in the short list.

     The next day, September 12, I was able to receive an e-invitation through email (image at the left). And since I'm staying in the metro during the said weekend, I gladly confirmed my attendance for the said event. I saw it as an avenue to learn more about the new innovations and at the same time meet up with my co-members of Avenue for Mommies Online (AMO). It was a perfect timing since one of our members is leaving for US so the group also decided to have a send-off dinner right after the Drypers Event. On September 14, I was contacted and I was informed by SCA that I am already included in the 3-5 p.m. slot.

     So here comes September 22. I left early so as to avoid human traffic at the MRT since they are not catering stored value tickets as of the meantime. My mommy friend, Mommy Liv of tinkerputt's turf and I had snacks at Robinsons Galleria prior going to the venue of the event at Crowne Palaza Hotel at Ortigas. We arrived at the lobby of the fourth floor at about 12:45 in the afternoon and just waited for the other AMO mommies since the first batch of the Drypers Mombassadors event was not yet finished.

     The second batch, which includes me and my mommy friends, started at about 1:30 p.m. with the registration. The early birds (20 mommies who first said yes in the facebook invitation post of Drypers Wee Wee Dry) were able to receive Drypers towel aside from the shirt that were given to us. 

 SCA Philippines and Drypers Wee Wee Dry know how to impress. In my perception, this event is really well funded and the organizer particularly chose mommies who are also meticulous when it comes to baby products. If I may say, this is a very good investment on the company's part while a perfect event for all the mommies who have attended it. Aside from the freebies each mommy/guest was able to bring home, the learning and the quality time spent with other mommies are the most important.

At the right side of the entrance is a candy corner. It was not an event for mommies alone but for kids as well and even daddies, grandma's and nannies. Oh, I missed out; there were also celebrity mommies who were present like Angelu De Leon, Mylene Dizon, Carlen Aguilar-Ocampo, Jackie Manzano and Aubrey Miles.

As I have said, this was an event not only for mommies but for kids as well. Thank you to Drypers that they saved and allotted a place for a play area.

 Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom B is a big space. The hall contained about a hundred to 150 people. The tables were properly arranged. At the registration alone, I know that the Avenue for Mommies Online (AMO) mommies will dominate the hall. I was right! We occupied three tables!!! Our headcount almost hit 25 to 30 including those who attended the morning batch.

There was also a video booth, which I fondly called that day as "testimony booth." You face in front of the camera and answer the questions "What do you love about being a mom" and "Why Drypers is your choice of diaper brand." Believe it or not, as I remember it right, my tongue got tangled while answering those questions. I may be a writer but I am not so good with cameras!LOL.

And of course, if there is a testimony booth, there is also a photobooth. I think I was able to have 2-3 shots here together with my AMO mommy friends.

There were about two lectures conducted by the Drypers. The first one was lecture about their new product innovation while the other one is focused on baby matters. I was really engrossed with the presentation that I already forgot taking pictures.

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