Fifteen-Day Breather

     For my nine years in the active service (to include my cadetship), this was the very first time I availed for RNR (rest and recreation). Anticipating that I may be reassigned in NCR in a couple of week’s time, I grabbed the chance to spend quality time with my son. Supposedly, my husband and I will be having our RNR together but due to the exigencies of our chosen profession, I had to go first while he just availed for the first two weeks of April. A fifteen-day break may seem long, but for a working mom like me, every minute is important. Below is my schedule on how I spent my fifteen-day breather.

First Day:

-Traveled from Baguio City to Pangasinan.

-Church call with my son.

-Full-time yaya/cook.

(Enjoying!)

Second Day:

-Full-time yaya/cook.

-Entertained some visitors (my cousins actually).

-Mani-pedi.

Third Day:

-Hubby's finance manager.

-Full-time yaya/cook.

Fourth Day:

-Finalized pedia appointment.

-Mommy-baby grocery time.

-Cooked Mac n’ Cheese.

Fifth Day:

-Malling privilege with Echo.

Sixth Day:

-Church Call with Echo.

Seventh Day:

-Mommy-baby day.

Eighth Day:

-Grocery.

Ninth Day:

-Solo church call.

-Market encounter day.

Tenth Day:

-Received a call regarding my reassignment.

-Mommy, Echo and Wowa day out.

Eleventh Day:

-Visited the office.

-Mommy-baby day.

Twelfth Day:

-Baguio with cousins.

-Baguio night market.

Thirteenth Day:

-Church call with Echo.

Fourteenth Day:

-Mani-pedi.

-Mommy-baby day out.

Fifteenth Day:

-Hubby went home earlier than expected (surprise!).

-Echo’s last dose of PCV.

-My cousin’s wedding.

-Family day out at Leisure Coast Resort.

       Definitely my fifteen-day break was filled of bonding time with my baby. Just playing around and observing how receptive my son is as he grows each day, makes my day. For a working mom like me, aside from love, time is the best thing I can give to my family.

          As the holy week approaches, another family time awaits us. To my readers, may all of you have a fruitful and fun family bonding experience…God Bless!

A Letter from a Foster Parent

     The Philippine Military Academy has been adopting the Foster Parenting program for years. This help the cadets have a "home away from home" since they do come from different areas in the country. It is being introduced during yearling year (third-class cadets). I am not quite sure on the requirements on how to be host-parents/foster parents, but what I am sure is that having one keep our cadets guided. I must know, I even had three sets of foster parents (that's another story to tell). I would like to share this electronic mail that my husband's foster mother, Dra Micaela Defiesta (which automatically became my foster parents when my husband and I got together) sent to all of us, her foster siblings. This really made my day. I hope everyone will be inspired while reading this. I felt the need of posting this for various reasons. What are those? You'll find it out yourself after reading it. 

Subject of the Letter: THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Dearest mga Anak,

Musta na kayo lahat?

I got this email from Pastor Erwin Luga of PMACF today and decided to forward it to you. It was originally sent to the PMA Host Parent for them to have an idea of what a Plebe is like. Reading it brought a lot of memories...good ones actually as I reminisced years of being a fostermom to all of you. Papa Mon and I, Bryan and Ian included will always look back at those years as some of the best times we had even as a young family. We did make our own "family"  traditions of Sunday afternoon picnics within the Boodle Bar or some park in the Academy. Remember the Spaghetti Defiesta and undying cinnamon breads? I had fun teaching the girls in our family our traditional spaghetti sauce. Remember how we insisted that inside our house you call each other  by their first name? Many of you had difficulty doing that as it is either the PMA nickname or the family name that you remember or it was unheard off to call your upperclass men other than Sir or Maam. We had a rule, what is applicable to Bryan and Ian was applicable to all of you. Coming home meant sharing in the washing of dishes, cleaning the house, getting reprimanded if house rules - no telebabad, no raiding the ref without asking Mama first and so forth were not followed, etc.  Hosting your families for merienda cena during your graduation was something we prepared for and looked forward too because many times this will be the first and the last time we meet your parents. We felt sorry to have missed to do this for the last batch of you who graduated as we were already overseas then.

We were part of your lives and you, ours... and we were hoping in some ways or the other we could influence you to become the best people you can be...and you delivered! Maybe not all of you become officers in the AFP but I know that you are all excelling as you always had been in whatever endeavor you are doing now or path you have chosen to tread. We are proud of each and everyone of you!

I hope that as you go thru Cavalier Dan's story of Masikap Class 77, you will remember your time as Plebes and your own unique stories...and you will smile! Everything has paid off in the end! There will still be challenging times ahead...those will never end as Papa Mon and I am finding out in our 50s. Do you know that we started as fosterparents when we were in our early 30s? That doesn't seem to long ago...but as you know some of you even have families now. Papa Mon had some trepidation about it but he eventually "soaked up" the idea and the part as he was even more involved with some of you than I have ever been ie. delivering cakes and cards, looking for your drags, bringing in medicines you never had at the PMA Hospital, etc.  For Bryan and Ian, you have been the Kuya and Ate that they never had.

I wish we can keep tabs with all of you..but we have lost track of some. It would be good to connect with all of you again..so if you have any contact details of the rest of your fosbis or fossis not included in this email, I would love to have them. In this time and age, distance should no longer be a reason not to get in touch. May I ask that you never forget each other as well. Find out those that were part of our "family"...and when you meet them, acknowledge that they are your fosbis or fossis. Nothing will make Papa Mon and myself more happy than that you will keep the bonds that hold our special "family" and that you will help each other in whatever way possible even after PMA.

We are far and may not see you at all...but you will always occupy a special part of our hearts and there you will stay. We may be silent but that does not mean we have forgotten you. We continue to pray that you are safe and happy whereever you are...and that someday we can see you again.

Take care mga Anak! God bless you all, always!

Love and prayers,

Mama Ella  with Papa Mon, Bryan and Ian

Note: I copied the main letter and just pasted it with its original format....

     

NFNL Hosts Human Rights Advocacy

     The common negative misconception when a person knows what my job is? Human Rights Violator.

     The AFP has been bombarded with a lot of negative publicity for the past years specifically linking with various alleged human rights violations that were committed by its soldiers. In showbiz, a bad publicity is still publicity. But for the armed forces, a bad publicity equates to a possible lowering of morale of its people, ruining someone's name and career or more worse, destroying a strong family. That is why the armed forces and its sub-units are strengthening its efforts in advocating the Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law.

      Just last 09 March 2012, The Naval Forces Northern Luzon hosted the Philippine Navy Human Rights Office Advocacy on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. This was attended by more or less fifty people composed of the Officers, Enlisted Personnel and Civilian Employees of the Command. Registration started at about 0730H (7:30 a.m.) and the main program commenced at about 0830H through an invocation led by the NFNL Command Chaplain, Major Manuel Tabios CHS which was followed by the National Anthem.

NFNL HRO welcoming the participants of the advocacy

Chief HRO of the
Philippine Navy

      The welcome remarks was given by no less than the NFNL Human Rights Officer and at the same time the Deputy Commander, Navy Captain Rommel Jude G Ong PN (GSC). CAPT ONG pointed out that “human rights begin at home.” He also emphasized that as a soldier, we must calibrate ourselves with the rule of law. Indeed, his message was a good way to start the activity. After said speech, the Chief, Naval Human Rights Office gave his message as well. He shared that NFNL is the third naval forces that PNHRO visited, the first was the Naval Forces Southern Luzon and the second was the Naval Forces Central. He appreciated the large number that he saw registering and attending the activity.

      The highlight of the advocacy was initiated thru the distribution of survey questions, which tested the knowledge of the attendees in connection with human rights. This was followed by a video presentation on what is human rights.  The whole morning until afternoon was chock-full of lectures which were very informational and useful. At about 1700H (5:00 p.m.), Colonel Domingo Tutaan Jr PA (GSC), the Chief, AFP HRO gave his lecture and closing remarks.

AFP HRO giving his lecture

      The AFP is earnest to its endeavor to make the statistics of human rights violations down to zero. And this has been manifested thru the various activities that the AFP has been involved with such as this advocacy.

      Let us continue advocating human rights.

“Why I Love Being a Mom and Blogger”

     This is an official entry to Dainty Mom’s Bloggy Goodies Contest, in celebration of the Dainty Mom blog’s 2nd anniversary. 

STABILITY UNDER PRESSURE

     For five years, I stayed in the portals of the Philippine Military Academy. Prior to where I am now, never did I imagine that I will enter the military, marry an army officer or become a soldier mom. I was just a carefree UP student maximizing my time as teenager. But as they say, the only thing constant in this world is change.

PMA Class 2008 Midshipmen, now Naval Officers of the Philippine Navy

     My world turned just like an ordinary wheel. I went on AWOL from UP Baguio and took the risk in entering the academy. My adventurous life didn’t end there. I was turned back due to medical condition and I felt like I was a failure. But because of the support of my parents, I survived the succeeding four years in the academy and am now a naval officer. Aside from the support that my family gave me, we were taught that despite the various physical and mental activities that we undergo in the academy, we remain focused and calm and that is termed “stability under pressure.” We must not treat problems as problems but we must treat it as a challenge to keep moving.

During Garden Wedding, December 18, 2010
From the Left: My FIL Papa Mario, My MIL Mama Becca,Me, My husband Glin Mar,
My Father Papa Jun, and my mother Mama Noemi.

     At the end of the day, despite the hardships I have experienced, I’m thankful that I made that journey. Why? Aside from the academic achievement, PMA is also the place where I met my husband, who is also a graduate of the academy and is currently serving the Army. We had our civil marriage last 28 January 2010, which was followed by a garden wedding on 18 December at Lisland Rainforest Resort Urdaneta, Pangasinan same year. Yes, you read it right; we got married two times in 2010.

     I thought that being in the service is already intricate. But being an army wife or being a soldier’s wife for that matter is I think unique. You think double or triple maybe about the safety of your husband and your family. You pray nth times a day. And you become tougher than anybody else, not because you want to…but because you have to. My relationship with my husband was never perfect but I can fairly say that we do our best to see each other as often as we could and as a rule, never argue over the phone or if unavoidable, never sleep until your discussion or argument with your husband is already settled.

At the Operating Room with my two OB

After the CS...thank God I can kiss you now Echo

     Last 08 July 2011, I think it was the happiest moment for my husband and me, aside from the day of our wedding of course. It is because it was the day that God bequeathed us the gift of life…our little angel Marco Quintin "Echo" Espiritu Fernandez was born at the AFP Medical Center. I couldn’t ask for anything else. I have my career, my friends, my parents, my husband and now, my son. God is really good all the time.

Glin Mar's First Daddy Hold

     It was just last November 2011 that I was encouraged to create my own blog page. I was pushed by a mommy friend, who happens to be the wife of my close buddy in PMA. Yes, she is also an army wife.

My very first post entitled "First time Blogger, First Time Mom"

     By the time I created my first post, I felt like I was also born to a new passion. And as I write my succeeding posts, I felt the urge to share my views as a naval officer, a daughter, a wife and a mother. Because, it is not only the soldier that lives with “stability under pressure,” WE, AS A MOTHER FOLLOW THIS CREED: BEING STABLE DESPITE ALL THE PRESSURES AND PROBLEMS IN LIFE, Because We Want to and We Have To.

My blog post for the Philips Avent Philippines Christmas Party

         

     My blog post for Healthy Options when I won in their online promo

Beef Potato Burger

     Craving for that big sized burger servings but still thinking how will you manage to stick with your minimum/maximum calorie intake? Here's a burger version, which you may add to your healthy diet.

Ingredients:

(For the Patties)

1/2 kls ground beef
5 medium sized potatoes (boiled and mushed)

2 medium sized carrots (minced)

2 small sized red bell pepper (minced)

3 medium sized white onions (minced)

2 eggs beaten

5 tbsp cornstarch/all purpose flour

2 tbsp iodized salt

2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 cups of corn oil

(For Burger Presentation)
1 whole lettuce
3 large tomatoes
1 whole cucumber
Cheese

(For Dressing)
Mustard Sauce
Mayonnaise
Caesar Salad Dressing
Banana Ketchup

Procedure:

1. Mix all ingredients (for patties) in a large bowl.

2. Form it into patties.
3. Fry the patties in a cooking pan using the corn oil until golden brown. (You may grill it to lessen use of oil)
4. Place the cooked patty in a bun.
5. Top it with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese (I used quick melt) and your choice of dressing.

     Homemade burgers are more healthy and nutritious. Aside from this, another healthy tip, instead of buying commercialized fries as a partner to your burger meal, you may just buy large sized potatoes or sweet potatoes and deep fried it or baked it. Happy eating!

Pata Tim ala Veeyah

Ingredients:
1.5 kilos of Pork Leg (whole)
1 whole broccoli (sliced)
1 can 225mg pineapple slices
3 red onions (cut into halves)

1 whole garlic (crushed)

2 tbsp pepper
100 ml soy sauce
4 tbsp cane vinegar
2 glasses of water
4 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
50 mg mushroom (tengang daga)
1/8 butter
1 tbsp rock salt
2 glasses of royal tru orange
1 tsp ajinomoto umami seasoning

Happy International Womens Day:"Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty"

c/o http://www.internationalwomensday.com

    Greetings for the women of the 20th century! Indeed we have already proven that women of this century are bolder, stronger and wiser. Of course, we owe this to the women of the past. We are now versatile and can move in a men's world. We are now given the chance to be active in politics and military and are given equal rights to education and health services. Thank you to the various laws amended in our own country (Philippines) that we are empowered. As a review, hereunder are some of the Proclamations and RA's released in the Philippines in connection with the celebration of the Women's Month.

Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988

    DECLARING THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH OF EVERY YEAR AS WOMEN’S WEEK AND MARCH 8, 1988 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY,

Proclamation No.227 s. 1988

     PROVIDING FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF THE MONTH OF MARCH AS “WOMEN’S ROLE IN HISTORY MONTH”,

Republic Act No 6949

     AN ACT TO DECLARE MARCH EIGHT OF EVERY YEAR AS A WORKING SPECIAL HOLIDAY TO BE KNOWN AS NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY,

Proclamation No 1675 s. 2008

     DECLARING THE MONTH OF MARCH OF EVERY YEAR AS “NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH MONTH” and,

Republic Act No 9710

     AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WOMEN.

     To all the women in the world, this is our month. Celebrate it! Happy Women's Month everyone!

Tags: Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988, Proclamation No.227 s. 1988, Republic Act No 6949, Proclamation No 1675 s. 2008, 

Philippine Military Academy Alumni Home Coming 2012

     "Oh, proud and bold you stand,
      Bright beacon of the land..."

PMA BAGHAWI Class of 2008

     After graduating on the year 2008, I made a promise to myself to attend the PMA Alumni Home Coming whenever I can, not just to see my mistahs (classmate) but most of all, to pay homage to the institution where I was molded to become a naval officer. Philippine Military Academy... where my naval career started. 2012 PMA AHC is one of the most unforgettable home coming for me for so many reasons. First, this is the very first time that my hubby and I went together. This is second time to attend actually since his first was when i was a first class cadet and that was last 2008. Second, this is my mother's first time to see me marching the parade grounds as an alumna. The last time she saw me marching was during the turn-over parade still last 2008. Third, what made it special this year is that, it is the very first AHC that I attended as a mommy. Hubby and I brought Echo along with us.
     Glin Mar and I also had a deal  that in order to minimize our expenses, we will just attend the PMA AHC if and only if his class and my class will be the host. For this year, Class 2007 is the junior host and since I belong to Class 2008, that means that we will also attend the 2013 PMA AHC.
     The PMA AHC 2012 was held from February 16-19, 2012. a lot of activities were lined up during said days. The highlight of which is the PMA AHC parade held last February 18, 2012. My personal favorite though is the Silent Drill conducted on February 19 and the PMA Canteen Cup (soccer games).
     Here are some few photos that were taken during the 2012 PMA AHC:

in-front of the Lopez Hall of Leaders

at the female barracks CCQ station

with Alfa Indians Plebes

experiencing cadet bunks

with mommy dear

with mommy ninang nurse Kristel Anne

with tita dentist Rein, mommy ninang Kristel and wowa Noemi

Tags: Kristel Anne, Rein, PMA AHC 2012


   

     

Five Ways to Pamper Myself

     As a working mom, I do experience some "ugly" day..as in literally ugly. So in order to keep myself healthy and to stay beautiful and feel beautiful, here are some ways that I do to pamper my tired body:

photo courtesy of
http://vitabath.files.wordpress.com

Warm Bath. After a long travel and or activity, what I do is to have a 15-30 minutes break. I just sit or take a power nap while waiting for the shower to heat up. After such, I do take a warm bath to soothe my tired body and have a goodnight sleep. (Take note mommies, you may also bond with your babies through having a warm bath.)

photo courtesy of
http://www.massagetherapyprograms.net

Pamper Massage. I really do love massage! Whenever I get assigned in any area, I first look for a church and the nearest spa. There are a lot of massage variety but my favorite is the Lava Stone massage. It helps me alleviate stress nodes that I was able to accumulate. i also love Body Scrub massage. Oftentimes, we do use massage oil. But for a super busy mom like me, this is not so applicable. Body Scrub massage offers busy mommies to experience rejuvenating body scrub plus relaxing mode of massage. After the massage, warm bath comes next!

Good Food. Most often than not, I go pig-outing after having a massage. Key word: never deprive yourself especially when it comes to food. I really don't believe in crash diet.

photo courtesy of
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81226325@N00/146621420/

Great Music. If you have the budget, you may have the option to take a night off and listen to your favorite acoustic band. But if you want to directly hit your bunks (bed), listening to your MP3/iPod is also a good option. Spending an hour to just listen to music soothes up your mood. 

Grab a Book. Those who sit a lot in front of the computer or read a lot of paper works often asks: "why do I need to grab a book, while I have a lot to read in the office." Well, for me, having a different book to read away from the reports or office works that I have to do make my mind loosen up. For a soldier mom like me, I started loving mommy-baby related books when I got pregnant. 

     There are still a lot of things to do to loosen up one's self and relax. I'll keep you posted when I had new other things to add on.

For Those who are on Duty

Healthy Treats from HEALTHY OPTIONS

     Healthy Options is one of the leading stores when it comes to catering health products. As part of their marketing scheme and as a sense of gratitude to their consumers and clients, the Healthy Options introduced their “Healthy Me” online promo in Facebook. 

     Luckily, I was informed that I was one of the lucky winners. I won the Healthy Me “healthy Mind” category.

       Together with my close friend Mommy Glaiza Garcia Tominio, I opted to have a quick trip to Healthy Options main Office in Libis, Quezon City last January 24, 2012. I was able to claim my Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5000.00) worth of gift cards and a bag of goodies. Since I won the category under the healthy mind, I got products that enhances the human brain’s capacity to work. This includes: ACAI Amazon Berry, CADIA All Natural Whole Grain Cereal (suites me well since I am a cereal lover), TEECINO Mediterranean Herbal Coffee made of Vanilla Nut ( this is accented by golden roasted almonds, dates and figs…just right for a coffee-addict like me), ST DALFOUR Wild Blueberry fruit spread (I think I may also consume it bare..lol),  HEALTHY OPTIONS natural supplement “Brain Support Softgels” (for a workaholic like me, this will keep my brain working), CADIA solid white albacore and CADIA chunk light tongol Tuna (a good combination for my favorite crackers), NEWMAN’s OWN crème filled mint chocolate cookies (perfect match for the coffee!), Bob’s RED MILL whole almonds (which I may use for my blueberry cheesecake recipe), SAHALE Snacks Glazed Almond Nuts (the almond nuts are also coated with cranberries, honey and sea salt), OLIVE OIL potato chips (ooops, of course it contains zero grams transfat) and THE REPUBLIC OF TEA Get Smart herb tea for memory/focus.

     Since as a uniformed woman, I really don’t own my time, I also took advantage of  spending my gift cards during that quick trip. Glaiza and I went directly to Shangri-la branch of Healthy Options where I was able to purchase a lot of items of course. I also learned that with a minimum purchase of Two Thousand Pesos (Php 2000.00), I may already avail for a Healthy Options membership card (lifetime membership). 

     So what are you waiting for? Live healthy! Live healthy with Healthy Options! 

Note: I was supposed to post some pictures of the items I got for free and the items I purchased but I think I misplaced the photos!Anyway, hope you got some ideas on what to purchase in Healthy Options :)

Our Little Commander's Area Visit

     For exactly eight days, my son Echo stayed in a naval camp (where I am assigned now). He was able to make friends with baby "Jay-Jay", the son of our command nurse who happens to be my barracks mate and mommy friend Pretzel Serran. Of course, his tatay (father) got jealous so we opted to bring Echo to my husband's camp as well. Last December 17, 2011, the whole family (Echo, Echo's wowa (my mother) and I) traveled to Ilocos Norte. My husband arrived the night before. For about four hours, we were on the road. At about 3 p.m., we arrived in my husband's little kingdom as he called. True enough, we were welcomed by his snappy men. They helped us unload everything we brought (mostly are Echo's things i.e.,steam sterilizer,distilled water, milk in can, wardrobes etc).

Playtime at Tatay's bunks.

     I was a bit anxious since I was really wondering if Echo will be able to adopt with his father's area. In my own barracks, almost everything is provided; an air-conditioned room, nice wash room and definitely, we are just few minutes away from the city proper while in my husband's place, its about 45 minutes or an hour away from the nearest progressive town and no air-conditioned room. On the other hand, as I have evaluated,  my husband's place is  more solemn and is closer to nature and tourist spots as well (Malacanang of the North, beach resorts, heritage village of Vigan, etc.). So far, my mother and Echo's first day in an army camp went well.

CO's welcome remarks.

     December 18, 2011: the second day was a little bit more exciting. It was the company's Christmas Party (the main reason why we came). Wow! Contributions of lechon, hot darns, roasted chicken and other foodies overflowed! At about 3 p.m., the party officially started with an opening prayer, which was seconded by the singing of the National Anthem. My husband (as the Commanding Officer), gave his welcome remarks. What gave me the "kilig" factor is that prior giving his welcoming remarks, he uttered this phrase: "bago ko po ako dumako sa aking pagwewelcome sa inyong lahat, nais ko po munang ipakilala sa inyong lahat ang mahal ko at dakilang maybahay," then glanced in my direction. I literally felt that my cheeks turned hot! I really did not expect him to introduce me to everyone (about more or less 150-200 people attending the party). After that, he then proceeded with his welcome remarks. It was then followed by the conduct of some games, wherein the highlight was the "Miss Gay 2011." It was really a blast. The audience and guests (mostly residents of the barangay where the company of my husband is situated) were cheering and yelling with excitement. The company's objective of making the audience enjoy the party was attained. After such, dinner was served. 

(From left: 2 candidates, my husband, myself, my mistah (classmate) and
another candidate.)

     I may say that my husband's company was blessed with supportive people around. It was so heartwarming receiving remarks from the residents and local officials how my husband performed in his work and how he did build rapport with the people. Meanwhile, during the dinner, my husband also introduced Echo and I to his Batallion Commander.I just noticed how Echo loves being surrounded with people. He loves being noticed. But since the party started late in the afternoon (Echo's time to hibernate), I opted to leave everything to my husband for a while and just put my dear son to sleep. 

     After that, I came back and mingled with the soldier's respective wives. In an instant I learned that as a soldier's wife and as the better-half of the Commanding Officer, I also have a duty of my own. I was able to discuss with the other wives what are the things that we may initiate to help our husbands. Most of the wives I met were SAHMs (Stay-At-Home-Moms) as well. I encouraged them to know their passion and from there, they may start having business ideas. It was nice meeting them all. The whole party went well.

     On the third day December 19, 2011, everyone was tired and had a hang-over. I asked if someone may accompany us while hanging-out at the beach. It just happened that some wives are still there. For the whole afternoon, we stayed in the beach and had a relaxation time. That night, I discussed with my husband if I could initiate a post-Christmas Party at the beach the next day (a private one) together with the soldiers who have their families with them and other interested soldiers who wants to come with us. Definitely, he then said yes. 

They both love the sunset.

The little commander having a baby talk with his "men".

Echo: "Let's swim tatay!"

     Fourth and last day, December 20, 2011, my husband and I went to the market and bought some fish to be grilled. At about 4 p.m., we proceeded at Victoria Beach Resort. Surprisingly, the beach had a white sand, which I thought I could only see in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Looking at my little commander's eyes, I could see the happiness while he was being cuddled by his tatay. I could also see how my husband missed our son (they weren't able to see each other for about 3 months). I also saw how Echo loved the beach. Definitely, I will include this in my favorite events in my life. I am thankful that even for a short time, we were able to make Echo feel that his nanay and tatay are here for him and that though we are away from him, he will always be in our hearts. Over-all, it was a blast and lots of fun!

OPAPP Peace Advocacy

   2011 was the year of learning for me as a person. It was the year when I became a mother, a blogger and a certified peace and human rights advocate. Just last December 3 to December 4, 2011, I attended an event. which highlighted the need for peace and a leadership anchored with human rights (Youth Jam on Human Rights 2011). 

   I am exactly aware of my rights as a person but when I became a mom last July 8, 2011, my emphasis as my baby grows up is for him to live in a world where he is safe and that his rights are protected. That is why for this year, as a Filipino citizen and an advocate of peace and human rights, I am pledging that I will continue what I have started last year. I will be more active in the different programs initiated by the government and other non-government organizations and particularly help in the peace advocacy of OPAPP by being a good exemplar to my men (since I am a soldier mom). Leadership by example is important. Every person can share in a small way. Just by maintaining peace within our homes, we are already contributing to the world.

My 2011 in Review

January
---first wedding anniversary
---about 13 weeks pregnant

February
--about 17 weeks pregnant
--got back to work after a long vacation

March
--about 21 weeks pregnant
--getting ready for reassignment

April
--on my 25th week
--just got acclimatized with my new office, boss and colleagues
--feeling the summer heat

May
--on my 29th week
--got that bikini for women with a bump (ready for the summer)
--this tiny yet beautiful creature kept on kicking (oh, yeah.it's a boy.)
--started shopping for the arrival of my little commander

June
--preparing for my maternity leave
--proceeded to AFPMC early for acclimatization

July
--best month of 2011
--arrival of my commander
--start of 2-month mommy break

August
--enjoying every minute with my little commander
--preparing to go back to work 

September
--loads and loads of work pending
--2nd month birthday of my little commander

October
--mommy-baby month

November
--arrival of Barwel twins (echo's cousins)

December
--first garden wedding anniversary
--a lot of firsts...

Thank You God for a wonderful year...