My Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Soup Ala Vee

This soup has been my kid's favorite. So here it is.

Ingredients:

450 grams elbow macaroni (for this purpose I used Fiesta brand)
270 grams evaporated milk (I prefer Alaska)
1/4 cup of butter
3 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic minced
1 whole white onions minced
1 whole red bell pepper cut into small cubes
1 whole carrot cut into small cubes
chinese cabbage
parsley or dried basil leaves
onion leaves (optional)
left-over chicken/meat or fresh chicken innards
2 chicken cubes
1 tbsp salt
Black Pepper

Procedure:

1. Sautee garlic and onions with the butter and olive oil oil until golden brown.
2. For this purpose I used our leftover (grilled chicken) as ingredient as well. So mix in the meat.
3. Pour in water (it actually depends on you on how much water will you pour in, I often use a pitcher for the 450 grams elbow macaroni). The tendency with small amount of water is that the soup doesn't look like soup anymore. It actually looks like macaroni casserole already. Drop the chicken cubes as well. You may use pork cubes if you choose to use pork meat. Let it simmer.
4. Once it simmers, place the pasta then wait for it to be half-cooked.
5. When the pasta is now half cooked, place the carrots and the evaporated milk. Wait for it to simmer again.
6. Place the red bell pepper and the cabbage. Once it simmer, put the salt.
7. Once the pasta is almost well done, place the parsley or dried basil leaves, and black pepper.
8. After the soup is cooked, you may also put onion leaves.

This recipe is good for 8-10 people. I also spent about Php 200.00. This is more healthy for the kids than those instant noodles.

My Recipe: Pinakbet ILOKANO

As our folks always say, you are not a certified Ilocano if you do not know how to cook our famous delicacy: Pinakbet or Pakbet. So here is my share, which I cooked last Good Friday.

Ingredients:

15 pieces native eggplant 

15 pieces okra

a cup of winged bean (sigarilyas)

3 medium sized ripe tomatoes (cut into 4)

5-8 pieces native bitter melon (native bitter melon are round in shape) (cut into two)

3 native onions (cut into two)

3-4 finger chilis (siling mahaba)

half a bowl of fermented fish (bagoong isda: preferably Lingayen fermented fish)

Procedure:

1. Place all the vegetable ingredients in the cooking pan.
2. Mix about a cup of water with the half bowl of bagoong isda then pour it in (except for the fish itself) the cooking pan with all the ingredients. Do this twice with the same set of bagoong isda used. The first mixture is more concentrated than the second one. The second mixture will prevent the vegetable and the recipe itself to become too much salty.
3. Light up the stove then let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. You may add up grilled fish on top of the vegetables once it is half-cooked already then it is ready to serve.

The catch in Pinakbet Ilocano is that you just place all the ingredients and let it cooked by itself. Maybe you will see some sautéing the vegetable first but in a typical and native Ilocano way, we just do the above-mentioned procedure, which is actually more healthy since no cooking oil is needed.

This recipe I made is good for 3-4 persons. It also costs roughly Php 50-60 only.

4th Leg Philippine Navy Governance Forum Series 2014

Yesterday, 231300H April 2014, the Philippine Navy hosted by the Philippine Fleet conducted the 4th Leg Philippine Navy Governence Forum Series 2014 entitled "Ethics in the Military Service." 

The speaker was no less than Honorable Antonio Trillanes F Trillanes IV, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. The forum was held at the Fleet Training Center where men and women in the Philippine Navy were all enjoined to listen. The forum even reached the several Naval Forces via Video Tele-Conferencing.

The Chief of Staff, Philippine Fleet

The programme started at exactly 1330H (1:30 P.M.) with an invocation followed by the singing of our National Anthem. Meantime, the Chief of Staff, Philippine Fleet, CAPT GAUDENCIO C COLLADO JR PN(GSC) delivered his welcome remarks and subsequently introduced the Guest Speaker.

Disclaimer: The information indicated in the next section came from the mini lecture of the speaker. No opinion or other information came from the blog owner.

CORRUPTION: MINI LECTURE

Senator Trillanes may be remembered as the brains behind the Oakwood Mutiny. But since 2007, he started serving the country as a legislator. And since he began his fight against corruption, as part of his advocacy, he gave us a mini lecture of what he has supposedly researched before as a young naval officer in connection with the alleged corrupt practices prior the Oakwood Mutiny transpired. His topic was subdivided into three:

• Types of Corruption 

According to Sen Trillanes, corruption in the Navy is divided into two: first, is the shore-based corruption, which includes conversions, commission on infrastructure projects, over declaration of soldiers and ghost payroll. Meanwhile, the second type is the ship-based corruption such as pilferage, repairing of ships that doesn't need the same to gain savings, extortion, smuggling, protection "rakets", and "placement fee" for those who would like to go aboard ship the easier way.

• Motivations for Corruption

As per stated by Sen Trillanes, there are several reasons behind why corruption is being committed (at least according to what he have researched as emphasized):

1. Vices.
2. Low Salary.
3. It is easy to do.
4. The Commanding Officer is part of it or he allows it.
5. Nobody checks.
6. Nobody gets caught.

• Policy Proposal 

Senator Trillanes as a former part of the Philippine Navy, understands clearly what the sailors and marines and the whole AFP personnel for that matter really needs in order to stop and alleviate the root causes of why corruption exist/ed. Hereunder are the initiatives and updates of the policies proposed for the benefit of the men in uniform.

1. Increase salary and benefits. The Senator reiterated the update on Subsistence Allowance which will be implemented by the end of the year. All members of the AFP will be able to receive subsistence allowance of Php 150/day. In connection with this, an increase in quarters allowance is also to be implemented, which will be rank-based. Better Medical Benefits are also on its way for passing. This is very important for us soldiers since being in the military equates to having our one foot automatically buried in the ground. Salaries later on will also be positional-based. Lastly, (according to my notes) a representation and service allowance proposal is also proposed. 
2. Inspector General to be transferred under the supervision of the Office of the President.
3. Mandatory regular drug testing.
4. Prohibit gambling.
5. Fixed term in positions.
6. Pick a Flag-Officer-In-Command who is NOT CORRUPT.
7. Once the allowances proposal will be fully implemented, APPLYING FOR LOAN WILL BE DISCHARGEABLE.

At the end of the lecture, a forum was conducted. Due to time constraint, only two questions were entertained which were answered in details by the Senator. The Commander, Philippine Fleet on the other hand gave his Closing Remarks emphasizing that THE CURRENT NAVY IS DOING ITS BEST TO PREVENT THE CONDUCT OF CORRUPT DEEDS through the efforts of the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy.  

Looking forward for the next PN Governance Forum. I hope that this post has given you a handful of information. For further questions, you may email me or send a pm in my FB and Twitter Account. I've be more than willing to answer in all my capacity in connection with Senator Trillanes' talk.

Giving Birth With Needles: Tribute to Mothers Who Gave Birth via Caesarian Section

I dedicate this post for the women who have undergone extra pain in giving birth and going under the needles in order to ensure their child's safety.

Photo Courtesy

Every woman's dream is to bear and have a child. But sometimes, we are so overwhelmed with the fact of the giving birth process itself. July 2011, my friend Moomy Musings and I became walking mates at the AFP Medical Center, preparing for the day we both will give birth to now brat mates Echo and Noa. Compared to Mommy G, I will assess that I was really more patient in walking (our friend and attending OB Cpt Adesita Binalay-Sagario ordered us maximize walking for us not to have a difficulty in giving birth). Mommy G gave birth via normal delivery last July 4, 2011. Four days after, I also gave birth...guess what...via CAESARIAN SECTION. 

Eight months later, I got pregnant with my little girl Alfa/Army and gave birth last January 2013...again via CAESARIAN SECTION. 

On The First

If i were to choose, I would prefer giving birth via normal delivery. But in Echo's case whose from cephalic became footling breech on the 38th week, this is quite impossible. Besides, I guess the procedure is secondary only to the safety of your child, don't you agree?

When Cpt Sagario conducted IE in the morning of July 8, 2011, she felt something different saying: Sis, we will have an ultrasound ok? I just have to check on something." And so I followed. Her team then saw that my little acrobat inside my tummy then turned around and from cephalic position, he became footling breech. They then decided to conduct C-section in the afternoon. 

At exactly 1930H (7 P.M.) that night, I heard Echo's first cry. 

Though the after operation was painful that I even caught fever, it was all worth it knowing that Echo was delivered safely.

The Girl

Maybe you will ask, second baby? Why so soon knowing that as OB suggests, a two to three year gap  is the best time to have a second child especially when the mother have undergone C-section. Well, a baby is a blessing whether it is by surprise. 

Unlike with Echo, my pregnancy with Army came more smooth-sailing. I was a happy feet going here and there. Come last quarter while our family was having a vacation in Davao, the dilemma came: Placenta Previa. (For further information you may review my post entitled "Placenta Previa: Alfa/Army's Early Arrival").

Endpoint: Pre-mature delivery via C-Section at the Pangasinan Medical Center.

Whatever type of child-giving birth delivery you will undergo, only one thing is common: the pain is immaterial for as long as your child and your health as a mother is ensured.

Likewise, be sure to always have a good professional relationship with your doctor. Always be informed. Have a happy pregnancy and childbirth experience mommies...

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAESARIAN AWARENESS MONTH!

NASOCLEAR: Kissing Allergic Rhinitis Goodbye

WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Photo Source

Allergic rhinitis according to MedScape and Medline Plus is an inflammation of the nasal membranes that is characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea, or in any combination.  These symptoms usually occur when one person inflicted with allergic rhinitis breathe in dust, animal dundee, pollen or even eat food that he/she may be allergic too as well. Apparently, while allergic rhinitis itself is non-life threatening, morbidity from the condition is significant. It is important to note that for some instances it may be accompanied with severe asthma or anaphylaxis.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Nasoclear (0.65 percent Saline Solution Nasal Spray) is a clear, colourless solution, free from foreign matter, supplied in plastic bottle with plastic cap (nasal atomiser)  that contains 6.5 mg Sodium Chloride and 0.02 percent Benzalkonium chloride (as preservative) for each ml. Nasoclear helps ease and cure the above mentioned condition of nasal congestion; cold or flu symptom; nasal irritation due to pollen, dust mites, mild, and pollution; nasal allergies and, upper airway cough syndrome (postnasal drip).

It helps add moisture inside the nose to dissolve and soften thick or crusty mucus and provide relief for dry, crusted, irritated and inflamed nasal membranes.

Unlike other nasal spray, Nasoclear maybe used for infants and young children who cannot blow their noses. Moreover, it doesn't need any prescription and can be bought over-the-counter (OTC).

PERSONAL NOTE

Being born in the highlands of Baguio City, allergic rhinitis has been part of my growing up years. Even when I became a cadet, it has always been my  agony. I have tried the old ways of "pausok" and even the extreme thing: eating cat meat (ulk!). I have also tried about two (2) kinds of nasal spray (which I prefer not to expose what brand) but still a failure. Since then, I became reluctant in trying other nasal spray because it was already instilled in my mind that all nasal sprays are just the same.

Until I met Nasoclear. This product was so timely I was able to use it already! With the cold drinks and a lot of ice cream I had last Friday (04 April) since it was my dear friend's birthday, I did catch A.R. once again. So there goes my clogged nose again. As per given in its dosage administration, I applied 2-4 sprays. Unlike other nasal spray, I did not feel any pain nor uncomfortable feeling. Surprisingly, I was able to sleep soundly during that night.

For further details about Nasoclear, here is a video:

A Surprise Lunch at CHOICE BUFFET

"A great person attract great people and knows how to hold them together." 

(Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)

OF BIDDING FAREWELL AND SURPRISES

It's an ordinary day when I arrived at my office last 25 March 2014. I sat on my table and began finishing the pile of work which I do not want to be stocked up once I leave for a new schooling..for a new assignment. Precipitously, my admin assistant Jam asked me about different buffet restaurants which I can recommend for her mother-in-law's birthday. So I gave her a list of my recommended buffet restaurants. At the end of the discussion, we both agreed to have the said supposed celebration at Choice Buffet at Macapagal Avenue.

At about 1100H same day, my boss texted me asking my whereabouts (I was roaming around the headquarters letting my clearance paper be signed by concerned offices). So I came back at the office. He asked me out for lunch together with his close mistah, who is actually our unit mate as well... So ok since its almost lunchtime I said yes. 

Apparently, we were the first customers who arrived while the restaurant was not even fully prepared yet. Then suddenly the staff at the counter asked "Ma'am, kayo po ba si Jaime, young nagpareserved for 13 people?" I was quite astound and later on realised, yeah, it was the same resturant Jam and I were talking a while ago and now there is a sudden reservation? Weird. But after a few minutes, I realized that it was a surprise lunch intended for me...

A few minutes later, everyone in the office arrived. A short talk was delivered by my boss while everyone was gladly smiling back at me..it was really hard to hold back my tears but I was known at my office as taut and stringent when it comes to work so pinanindigan ko na. Afterwards, I did also give my message. It was really overwhelming I could cry... So here are some of the photos I took during the farewell lunch..

Upon entering. Here is Micah, one of my admin assistants.

The counter and the buffet area proper.

We were the first one at the main buffet counter. We still beat the record! Eating machine mode...

This was the card given to me by my officemates...All of them wrote and wished me well...I will surely miss them...

Once again, to my bosses and my researcher/analysts, thank you very much for all the memories, for being supportive and being patient with me. I am now bidding farewell to my comfort zone but all o you will always stay in my heart...arrividerci...

SHORT RESTAURANT REVIEW

Choice Buffet is located at Macapagal Avenue. It mainly caters Korean dishes. It is quite the same with Yaki Mix but with a little twist since it also offers shabu-shabu. Their current buffet rate is Php 499.00 during lunch and Php 550.00 for weekdays and Php 600.00 for weekends.

Food: 8.0
Location: 8.0
Cleanliness: 8.0

An Apology

It has been months since I haven't posted anything from this blog...since I hosted my last give away...since I signified to write a review for a brand of vitamins for babies. 

With that, I would like to sincerely apologize first to my mommy friends from AMO for being an absconder for months; second, to my readers for being absent for quite a while (which actually felt like years for me); third, to Miss Mariz Lee-Ong of Babypalooza Bazaar for not following up my last give-away hosting; third to Ceelin Plus specifically to Unilab Philippines for not being able to release a review of the product last year; fourth, to myself, for becoming stagnant and unproductive. 

Photo Source

In as much as I would like to elucidate what happened behind my absence, I just can't. And again, I am sorry... But for those months I wasn't blogging were the months that I felt like a total bum and more stressed. Gradually I shall be posting again...as soon as I move to a new "home". 

I simply missed everyone.

4th Babypalooza Bazaar Give-away Winners

Congratulations! Email me until tonight at soldiermomscorner@yahoo.com or leave a pm at my Facebook fan page. You have until 8PM tonight :)

4th Babypalooza Bazaar ToYoung and Tiger and Jack Give-Away Duo!

Event: 4^th Babypalooza Bazaar

Date & time: November 23, 2013, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: Walter Hogan Conference Center, Ateneo de Manila University, QC

Site: www.facebook.com/babypalooza.com.ph  / www.babypalooza.com.ph

Contact numbers: 0917 814 8447 / 0917 609 1472/ 02 341 2873/ 02 624 5710

The 4^th Babypalooza Bazaar will be on November 23, 2013 at the Walter Hogan Conference Center inside the Ateneo de Manila campus in Quezon City. The shopping venue is air-conditioned and within a few steps of clean rest rooms and special function areas allocated for diaper changes, breastfeeding and play. The Babypalooza community is fast becoming the go-to event for AFFORDABLE baby and maternity needs. It sets itself apart from the rest of the baby fairs by giving equal exposure to both brand new and pre-loved(i.e. gently used) products and gear for babies, toddlers and pregnant mommies. Not only that, but parking and entrance fee are FREE!

To check on some details of what happened for the past 3 Babypalooza Bazaars, you may read: Press Release: 4th Babypalooza Bazaar Coming Up! and Babypalooza Bazaar 2012.

Join the Babypalooza community by liking their page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/babypalooza.com.ph. You can also get to know them a little bit better on www.babypalooza.com.ph

I am so excited that I was chosen to host the following baby lines of toys and clothing, respectively:

ToYoung Takes Part of the Babypalooza Bazaar

ToYoung which is owned by Miss Ara V. Padilla shares a very nice story on how the online store started. Accordingly, dying the 90s, Toyang was one of the songs that defined our generation. Its lyrics speak of simplicity of life, playfulness and young love. After more that a decade, the generation that identified Toyang are now parents wishing to give the best for their young ones. With toys that encourage interaction between parent and child, it is ensured that baby does not just play, but also get to spend quality time with their parents. With ToYoung, generations come together to enjoy what makes them happy the most - playing with family time.

Tiger and Jack at Babypalooza Bazaar!

Tiger and Jack is from Habi ng Buhay Marketing. Accordingly, last August 1, 2009, the first "apo" (grandchild) in the owner's family was born, the owner's first niece. It was also the day President Corazon Aquino died. It was a day of profound joy and deepest sadness. Tiger and Jacks' proprietor created and printed on yellow shirts given to family and friends, the word "LABAN" (fight) using petals - Pres. Cory loved to paint flowers. It was a tribute to the beloved President of her generation, a reminder to continue her fight for our country's redemption and for the future.

Meanwhile, the LABAN shirt started a patriotic teen shirt collection that gave birth to Journey as a company. Journey started supplying casual wear for kids under a department store's label, and in 2011 - the year the second "apo", (the owner's first nephew) was born - they debuted their own line of kids' clothing. In 2013, Journey launched Tiger & Jack offering 4-10- year-old boys' and girls' clothes that are stylish, functional but easy on mommies' budget.

Press Release: Celebrate Happiness with CHICCO RAFFLE PROMO

As an early Christmas gift for baby things shoppers, Chicco Philippines would like to invite you to join their ongoing raffle promo! This will run from November 5 - December 10, 2013. Participating stores include: all Chicco Boutiques located at SM Megamall, SM MOA, SM North Edsa, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Festival and Ermita. It also include the Kids Depot at Farmers and Market Market. 

So easy to join! For every Php 1,000.00 minimum purchase of any Chicco products entitles you to a raffle coupon.

Exciting prizes are at stake! Chicco will be giving 2 Jazzy Highchairs for Minor Prizes, 10 Cosmetic Packages worth Php 2,000.00 each and a Grand Prize of One (1) Chicco Cortina Travel System!

Press Release: 4th Babypalooza Bazaar Coming Up!

I have been a fan of baby bazaars since day one that I conceived my firstborn E. One of the youngest bazaar that I have been a fan of is the Babypalooza Bazaar. I remember vividly how I did spend my day at the very first Babypalooza Bazaar last 2012 (you may check out my post about it: Babypalooza Bazaar 2012). Too bad I was not able to attend the second one, which was held last February of this year, because I was still recuperating from my CS and still maximising my time staying in the province with my then newborn A. Oh well, I did not miss the 3rd one! Here is my share of story for the 3rd Babypalooza Bazaar:

Reminiscing 3rd Babypalooza Bazaar

On its third leg last August 17, 2013, (held at Walterhogan Hall at Ateneo De Manila University) Babypalooza Bazaar still highlighted the same features that made it successful and during its first 2 bazaars: catering both Pre-loved (slightly and gently used products) and brand new items as well. Hereunder are some of the photos taken during the 3rd leg of the Babypalooza Bazaar:

The mastermind and ORGANIZER! 

From top left to bottom right: Mommy Lau of The Fawn Shoppe, Mommy Glaiza of Moomy Musings, SMC, Mommy Gayzelle of The Curly Shoppe, and Mommy Theresa of Mommy and Baby Essentials.

From upper left to bottom right: Product display of Dainty Ashley, Diaper Cake Shop, Color Blush, Mamabella Nursing Wear and various brands of second hand/slightly used strollers.

4th Babypalooza Bazaar

Keeping up their advocacy on providing quality pre-loved and brand new products, Babypalooza Bazaar will be having its 4th leg on November 23, 2013 still at the Walterhogan Conference Center, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

See you there!

Product Review: HALO Sleepsack Wearable Blankets

The month of October has been well known as Breast Cancer Awareness month. For many years now, Breast Cancer has been alleviated, prevented and treated at early detection because of several Breast Cancer advocacies. Nonetheless, another advocacy for the month of October has not yet been that known in the country, which is the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.  

As a woman, I have never been aware to this kind of advocacy not until I became a mother. I heard and have read stories of babies sleeping and never waking up, which made me more wary when my firstborn E arrived. Thanks to my mommy friends from  the The Mommy Avenue who have been my online advisers and to Halo Philippines for advocating safe sleep for babies and extending such here in the Philippines.

What is SIDS?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant less than one year of age that cannot be explained. Accordingly, it is the leading cause of death among infants ages 1-12 months. SIDS is a type of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death: suffocation, asphyxia, entrapment, infection, ingestions, metabolic diseases, cardiac arrhythmia, traumas (accidental or non-accidental) or SIDS. In the Philippines alone, there were recorded 172,483 extrapolated incidents of SIDS, making us second in the Southeast Asia Region being next to Indonesia as per The Right Diagnosis have monitored.  

Possible Causes

According to studies of the Remedy's Health Communities, SIDS risk factors include:

• Stomach or side sleeping - SIDS occur more on babies who do sleep on their stomachs.  Likewise, because babies can roll over to their stomachs, babies put down on their sides also are at higher risk. Because of this, doctors place an important emphasis on back sleeping.
• Soft sleep surfaces and loose bedding - water bed, sofas, pillows, plush toys and blankets are at higher risk for SIDS and infant suffocation. Co-sleeping is a related risk factor.
• Excessive warmth  - babies who sleep with many layers of clothing and those who sleep in overheated rooms are also at higher risk for SIDS.
• Smoking during pregnancy and secondhand smoke - Infants whose mothers smoke during their pregnancy are three times more likely to experience SIDS. 
• Alcohol and drug use - Similar to smoking, these activities also make the baby susceptible to SIDS.
• Teenage Births - SIDS often occur in babies born to teenage mothers than in babies born to older women. 

Eulogy for Daddy Sophie...From Mommy Sophie...

Being in the military and being a military wife in one equates to a tedious and adventurous life. But this also equates to sleepless nights once our respective husbands go on deployment...Here was the last message my dear friend Mommy Sophie (LTJG Aemy Leslie Campos-Damian) read, the night before Daddy Sophie (1LT FRANCIS DAMIAN PA) was buried... 

Note: This letter/message was posted with permission...

"I am amazed with how my husband has touched many lives while he was still alive. Pero mas nakakataba ng puso na higit na maraming na-inspire kahit sa kanyang pagkawala.

            ”Dadi, nasa frontpage tayo.”

·         Nais ko pong kunin ang pagkakataong ito upang sabihin ang matagal na dapat naming sinabi ni Chikko.

To Mommy Sol and Daddy Bing, Mama and Papa, SORRY.

            Chikko and I are sincerely sorry for not being able to begin our journey with you. We stepped on to another significant path without your knowledge and consent. We know we caught you by surprise and we could not be more grateful for the unconditional love you’ve given us. Without ifs and buts, you accepted and understood our decisions. You showed us the kind of parenting we wish to pass on to our dear Cheeky - the kind that is patient, just, keeps no record of wrongs, always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. You taught us that love prospers when one forgives.

·         Dear friends, Chikko and Chick… our not-so-ordinary love story is a tale to be told… a story that in time, Cheeky will come to understand.  Our love story will make you laugh; it will make you cry. It will make you believe that no matter how you run away, the Lord will always lead you to the one He has prepared for you. With the incomparable happiness Chikko has given me, our love will always be worth all the pain.

·         Much has been said about the heroism of Chikko and of how amazing he is as a brave warrior for the country. But to me and Cheeky, he will always be “Dadi Sophie.” I have realized that more than the grief of losing him, there is also the searing pain brought by the tug of familiarity and the what-could’ve-beens.

            Mamimiss ko ‘yung morning messages niya na: “How is my Momi and Cheeky?” Pag low morale ako, may mga hirit siyang “Okay lang ‘yan Momi, basta may pumapasok pa sa ATM” o ‘yung “Life is already hard, Momi, why make it harder.” Francis was like that… alam niya kung paano kami patatawanin at patatahanin. Nung binyag ni Sophie, he surprised us when he arrived a day earlier than his supposed flight. When I opened the door, andun na siya sa labas ng bahay with his usual charming smoulder.

  

            Mabibilang man sa mga daliri ko ang mga pagkakataong nagkasama sila ni Sophie, Chikko made sure every moment was memorable. Bago pa man siya makagraduate sa Airborne Course niya, gustong-gusto na niya magpadeploy sa Zamboanga. At isa sa mga dahilan ay kami ni Sophie. Higit sa pagtupad ng kanyang tungkulin bilang kawal ng bayan, pinanindigan niya ang pagiging Dadi kay Sophie. 

            Upon landing in EAAB, he said, “Momi, san kayo? Makita ko man lang sandali ang Momi ko at ang Baby Girl ko. Diyan na lang sa NavForWem, before ako pumunta sa TCP ng LRB. Wag sa bahay kasi nakafull battle gear na ako. Pwede dalhin mo lang sandali ang baby girl, Momi? Kung hindi, kahit ikaw na lang momi ang makita ko bago madeploy. Naks, parang pelikula lang.”

·         I knew in my heart that Chikko would have been the best father. He would’ve introduced our God to her, carried Sophie around whenever he had the chance, taken photos of her as she grows, given her the world, taught her how to play a sport or a musical instrument, accompanied her on her first day of class and picked her up from school every day; napahirapan pa sana niya ang mga magtatangkang manligaw sa baby girl namin; he would’ve come up the stage every graduation day. Chikko would’ve walked her down the aisle, kissed her cheeks, and gave her his blessing; he would’ve watched our grandchildren grow up to be as beautiful as her.

·         When his battle bag was handed over to me, I could not stop myself from crying. I saw three (3) precious items in it:

-       First, his phone, ang wallpaper ay kami ni Cheeky. 

-       Second, Sophie’s bib na ninakaw niya. Hindi ko napansing kinuha niya pala ‘yun during our visit to Cheeky’s pedia for her vaccination. Walang laba yung bib puno pa ng suka ni Cheeky, yun ang inaamoy nya to remind him of our little girl and he carries it everwhere he goes.

-       Lastly, I found a book about being a “Father to a Daughter,” life lessons on raising a girl. I could imagine my husband reading through the book during his free time, understanding every advice there was in it, longing for a chance to apply every single piece that it said.

I turned to a page which stated that the five (5) keys to raising a girl are:

1.    Always be involved in her life.

2.    Respect and honor her mom.

3.    Treasure every moment with her.

4.    Pray for her everyday.

            In the span of time that he was with us, Chikko did all of the above. The last one struck me the most… it said:

5.    Be her hero.

            Francis may not be physically present anymore to defend and protect our baby girl; to give her a comforting hug or kiss whenever she’s afraid; and to sing her a lullaby until she falls asleep. But I am confident that he will always be there for our baby, guiding her from above.

            He is not just the country’s hero… he is our daughter’s hero; he is and will always be my hero.

·         I have to admit. I am overwhelmed by this challenge. Ang huling for compliance ko lang kasi kay Chikko ay mejas na Biofresh o Burlington, tapos foot powder at Fungisol. Ngayon, I am not just Momi Sophie, I have to be Dadi Sophie as well.

            Pero pangako ko sa’yo dadi, I will raise Sophie the way we wanted her to be. I will make sure that your dream for our baby Sophie will be fulfilled. I promise that she will know you better day by day. When the time comes, she will proudly tell the world that she is our daughter and that 1LT. FRANCIS G. DAMIAN of the Philippine Army, a hero of the Filipino nation, is her father.

·         I would like to take this chance to thank everyone who condoled with us in this moment of grief. Thank you for all your concern and sympathies. The coming days will be hard. While Chikko victoriously won in his fight, it is now our time to face another battle - that of letting go and beginning a new journey. Armed with faith and prayers, we will get by.

·         As I end this, allow me to share with you a few lines from the last song dadi Sophie sang to me…

            “I am all alone without you. My days are dark without the glimpse of you. But now that you came into my life, I feel complete. The flowers bloom, my morning shines, and I can see…”

            He may not be here anymore, but his reassuring voice will always be in my mind. He will always complete the song of my heart.

            I love you dadi, I will always do… till we meet again."

Press Release Part I: Avoiding Childbirth Risks at the Baby & Family Expo Philippines

Brought for the whole family by the MediaCom Solutions Inc and co-presented by Cordlife, the Baby & Family Expo Philippines 2013 - Welcoming Life, Love and Care, the biggest family event of the year and dedicated to nurture family development and child care will be held on 06-08 December 2013 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. It will cover the stages of family growth from pregnancy to early childhood. 

One of the main topics that will be discussed during the Expo is Avoiding Childbirth Risks. According to UNICEF Philippines, every year, half a million women die because of pregnancy and childbirth complications. Accordingly, in the Philippines alone, the lifetime risk of maternal death alone is 1 in every 140 while about 11 pregnant Filipina die everyday which equates to an estimated 4,500 annually due to severe haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis and other related childbirth problems . 

This placed Philippines at number 75 in terms of maternal mortality rate, which is also the highest in Southeast Asia. One of the Baby & Family Expo Philippines 2013 aim is to inform and help mothers and expecting mothers prepare and cope with the anxiety of giving birth, This topic will also be part of the free seminars and talks by medical professionals and mom groups like the Medela Moms to give the latest insights on pregnancy and how to prepare for motherhood.

Avoiding Childbirth Risks at the Baby & Family Expo Philippines

On all three days, the event will feature educational talks and seminars with topics like preparing and dealing with childbirth as well as prenatal and postnatal care for mothers and their families, fun-filled activities and exclusive discounts from over 200 exhibitors like Bosom Buddy, Ever Bilena, Mustela, Bambino and many more.

Embrace and prepare for childbirth with this wonderful family event of the year, call +632.843.2174 or send e-mail at info@babyexpo.ph