SM Grand Baby Fair 2013

     Last 2012, SM's Baby Company Grand Baby Fair was one of the events I wasn't able to attend to, which really gave me a heartache. This year's SM Grand Baby Fair is too timely since I just gave birth to my little girl and I was able to drop by to Manila to fix some important matters. My good friend mommy Glaiza of Moomy Musings and I decided to just attend the preview sale last January 31, 2013 instead of attending the February 1-3 main fair. I think it is more convenient since the space will be a lot more wider than those three main baby fair days.

Entrance and Registration Booth

 

 The preview sale was conducted from 1300H-2000H. A lot of stalls has already been set up while the venue where the programs and lectures will be conducted has also been prepared. We were just in time for the opening. Here are some of the booths we visited:

Philips Avent Philippines Booths and Products

Goldilocks Booth and Sample Cakes

Goody Philippines, Pigeon, Tiny Buds and Mustela

AMO Mommies present during the Preview Sale: Mommy Grace of  Hummingbread, Mommy Glaiza and myself.

AMO Mommies with Miss Michelle of Tiny Buds.

Chicco's Items

Meanwhile, maybe you will ask, what are the things I was able to purchase and for how much? Here are some of the items I purchased which cost Php 900.00. Yes, you read it right! Php 900.00!

1. Philips Avent 10oz bottle with its new design.
2. Philips Avent 4oz bottle, also with its new design.
3. Three OWEN rompers.
4. Fisher Price Breast Pads Pack which contains three sets of breast pads with a bag.
5. Tiny Buds Items: 350 ml refill pack, Gojiberry Jelly Juice, and Candi nail polish remover.

I also received a free gift pack from Dr Edwards:

The gift pack contained Dr Edwards sampler and several medicine sample for toddlers and babies. Likewise, I was also able to get MamyPoko Pants Sample.

SM Grand Baby Fair 2012 was a big success indeed! I had just some few regrets since I wasn't able to purchase a larger number of the Philips Avent bottle with its new design. I just found out that my kids love it (that's a separate story/product review). Congratulations Baby Company!!!

AMO First Anniversary Give-Away Contest Winners

Hi there Soldier Mom's Corner followers/readers! Pardon for the late announcement of winners. One of these days, I will be sharing with you several stories behind my absence, but for tonight, before the month of January ends, I want to share with you the winners (one AMO member and one non-AMO SMC follower) of our AMO First Anniversary and Christmas Party Give-away contest...

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Soldier Mom's Corner 2012 in Review

Every man's life is full of ups and down. But it is up to us on how we handle it. Hereunder are the biggest events, twists and turns of my life for the year 2012:

January
8- Echo's First Solid food
28- Second Wedding Anniversary celebrated in Ilocos Norte

February
16-19- Family Vacation and PMA Alumni Homecoming 2012 where PMA Class 2007 (my husband's class was the Junior Host)
21 - Family Dinner at 50s Diner in memoriam of my late grandmother Apolonia De Guzman

May
13 - First Celebration of Mother's Day

June
-Confirmed 2nd Pregnancy

July
8 - Echo's First Birthday held in Kenny Rogers Roxas Boulevard

August
25 - My Baptismal

September
1 - 6th year (BF/GF)
14 - 28th Birthday of my husband
     - confirmation that the family is having a Baby Girl

October
8 - My 28th Birthday
26 - Echo's Dedication

November
8 - Echo's Operation
11 - Echo was released from the hospital
24 - Avenue for Mommies Online (AMO) First Anniversary and Christmas Party

December
28 - Echo's first plane ride and first trip as a family to Davao/Compostela Valley
     - Family bonding in Samal Island

Gender Awareness and Sensitivity Board Team Building

Last 14-15 December 2012, the Gender Awareness and Sensitivity Board (GASB) of my unit got a chance to hold a team-building. Its purpose is to know more about each other and to build camaraderie among the group. This was held in Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Training Camp in Ternate, Cavite.

PMC Training Camp Headquarters in Ternate, Cavite. As a courtesy, we first visited the Commander prior proceeding to our destination, the seaside and FOIC Cottage where we stayed overnight.

We proceeded at the Drill Instructors Net and there first settled our things.

Since we arrived at about 1130H, we all got hungry and of course, we prioritized the call of our tummies.

After having lunch, we then fixed our stuff at the FOIC Cottage. As one of the officers aboard, I was the one tasked to be the emcee and facilitator of the games (I'm pregnant so I cant join the games prepared). Prior the games, we first had a short program.

My Buddy during cadetship, LTJG CHARO T ESPANOLA PN gave a welcome remarks to the participants.

The Chairman, GASB of our unit, LT FLORISSA YNCIERTO PN gave the house rules and the purpose of the activity.

After the program, the first activity was a mind game wherein the group will form a big circle and be able to memorize everybody's name. After the said activity, the games were then started.

Soldier Mom's Corner Blogger (myself) as I facilitated the first game.

First Game: Egg Catching

Second Game: Calamansi Relay

Third Game: Sack Race

Group picture taking before taking a break and snack time.

While some are having their snacks, swimming and chatting time during the break, we grab the opportunity to have our videoke time.

The next game held was the leg race wherein a string was tied on the players' ankle. The pair must be able to go around a pole (which was not included in the photo) and go back to their team's position.

This was the spider web game. The group is composed of 6 members each. The group must be able to cross three of them by carrying their designated groupmates. The group with the fastest time wins.

Right after the games, we then proceeded back to Drill Instructor's Nest for the early dinner/merienda and exchange gifts.

Some of the gifts during the GAD Team Building.

Since the event was for overnight, the whole night was filled with singing, laughing, and bonding. As for a preggy mommy like me, I opted to have my midnight snack and sing my heart out thru the videoke.

The following morning, my underclass Rodelyn and I, went to an early swimming. I was dreaming to spend more time in the water but since swimming triggers premature contractions, I opted not to stay long and just satisfy my cravings to swim.

My second time to be in bikini while pregnant. Celebrating the gift of motherhood. So what with the "whale" figure.

As a whole, I find our team building fruitful and full of fun. I am looking forward for another GASB team building for the coming years. Empowering women and standing for our rights!

Babypalooza Bazaar 2012

     Last November 30, 2012, I got to attend the Babypalooza Bazaar 2012 at Walter Hogan Building of Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City campus together with my very good friend and idol in blogging, Mommy Glaiza of Moomy Musings. We went there together with my firstborn child, Echo and my mother.

It was my first time to attend the Babypalooza Bazaar. It wasn't as grand as the other bazaars but for a mommy like me who wants to save yet have the same quality of products, this is a good event to attend to.

It was a very fruitful event since I was able to meet Mommy Theresa of Mommy and Baby Essentials and mommy Karen of Ygo's Organics. 

Photo Courtesy of Moomy Musings: I received a bib from Mommy and Baby Essentials

Photo courtesy of Moomy Musings: I received Purees and cookies from winning Moomy Musings pre-baby palooza bazaar blog give-away contest!

 I really did enjoy the bazaar mainly for two reasons: first, because of my winnings of course and for the great finds and second, as a blogger, I saw how my friend Mommy Glaiza built a friendship with her sponsors. Actually, she is now preparing for another set of give-away contest from Mommy and Baby Essentials. Wow! Hereunder are some of the few photos I took during the bazaar:

Sophie the Giraffe was mounted on the stairways. I haven't been able to buy any Sophie the giraffe but I guess since I will be having a baby girl for my second pregnancy, I will purchase one.

Mommy and Baby Essentials booth. I am now having regrets on not buying that Skip Hop Set which only cost Php 1000 for the bagpack and lunchies. I just hope that would be on sale next Babypalooza Bazaar.

Mommy Karen of Ygo's Organics while fixing her booth...

This is one of my favorites. Customized diaper cakes which may serve as Baby Shower gift!

Of course there were also food booth for those who will get hungry. I was able to taste home-made tacos and blueberry cheesecake.

I was able to buy Fiddlesticks and Green Apple cookies for Echo from Ygo's Organics, Baby girl shoes (unused) for only Php 50.00 from a stall (no name on it) and Home made organic soap from Messy Bessy Organic Household Products for Php 115.00 only.

How about you? Do you attend bazaars? Maybe you could share some of your bazaar havens?!

Winner of Soldier Mom's Corner First Blog Anniversary Give-Away Contest

     Hi there Soldier Mom's Corner followers and readers! The lucky winner on my first blog anniversary give-away contest is...

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     Please leave a message on the Soldier Mom's Corner Facebook Page to include your Full Name and Mailing Address.. Thank you!!!

Avenue for Mommies Online Turns One Give-Away Contest

     As I write this blog post, I still can't believe that my mommy group has already turned one last November 24, 2012. We conducted our first ever Grand Anniversary and Christmas Party at KFC Function Room 3 at SM Megamall with attendees of 40 pairs of AMO mommies and daddies and 50 AMO kids.

     I myself as one of the three AMO Admins and as one of the organizers was surprised that this event would come into a reality and would become successful. But with the grace of God and with the determination of the families of the Avenue for Mommies Online, this became a realization.

Photo Courtesy of Mommy Liv Reyes

     Thank you to mommy Ron Moreno for the tarp design and I would also like to acknowledge the help of my contemporary (who happens to be a daddy himself that is why he gladly assisted me) for the printing of the tarpaulin, which is also my small contribution to the party.

"The Working Force", in preparation for the big party. Photo courtesy of Moomy Musings.

    

     Thank you so much Mommy Liv and Daddy Ayie for being the Warehouse, I mean for extending your house for the AMO working force and for letting us use your home sweet home as stockroom prior the party...

     

     Of course, thank you for the super delicious meal. I cant forget those veggie balls and pancit..plus that lumpia at barbeque! At least you were super paid off by the grand prize you got (Aprica Colan Carrier)!Ahaha...

Our generous sponsors: Philips Avent Philippines, Aprica Philippines, Drypers Wee Wee Dry, Tiny Buds, Goody Philippines,  Sansfluo, Hummingbread, Team Sir George by Mary Pauline Salon, Goody Pulp, Nutri-Del, Pumpkeen, Bite Block, Smart Steps, Ygo's Organics, Smart Parenting, Cast and Craft, Dainty Ashley, Mustela Philippines, Unilab, Moms and Kids, Bulinggit Corner, The Fawn Shoppe, Bugs and Kelly, TipTap, Moomy Musings and Chicco Philippines.
Photo Courtesy of Mommy Sherrybe Raymundo

Thank you Mommy Mona and Momy Edel for lovingly and patiently making these artistic snowflakes...

Gorgeous mommies who took charge of the registration: Mommy Grace, Mommy Mae and Mommy Sherrybe.

Party Name Tags done with Love by Mommy Sherrybe.

Mommy Edel doing her job as Emcee and myself Soldier Mom's Corner blogger and one of the AMO Admins, as I have delivered the History of Avenue for Mommies Online.

Mommy and Kiddie Loot Bags from Drypers Wee Wee Dry, Philips Avent Philippines and Tiny Buds

Raffle and Games Prizes from our generous Sponsors

This glamorous cake is courtesy of super pretty AMO Mommy Grace of Hummingbread.

After giving a short background and history on when, where, how and why AMO was created, founded and started, a representative from Philips Avent Philippines and Aprica Philippines gave a privilege talk.

The lucky raffle winners of Philips Avent Sportster Cup. I got the yellow and pink design (for Alfa) since Echo already have the green design, which I won in the Philips Avent Christmas Party 2011.

The winners of the "Higher-Lower" game sponsored by Smart Steps.

Brand Manager of Smart Steps giving a brief description on what the brand caters.

     

Our super cooperative and supportive daddies who whole-heartedly joined the game entitled "I-Shoot Mo Baby."

The winning daddies got Busha Pants care of The Fawn Shoppe owned by AMO Mommy Laurence

The first set of mommies who won the raffle care of TipTap Softsoles.

Mommies who won the raffle prize care of Drypers Wee Wee Dry.

One of the brilliant AMO Kids, the daughter of Mommy Krystyna rendering a song.

"No One Gets Poor by Giving"

     Five days from now or so, my First Blog Anniversary Give-Away contest will already end. But as I have said in my Facebook page, this is just the beginning of this holiday season's treats. As the owner and empress of the Mary Pauline Salon Empire (who happens to be a very good friend of mine) once said, "no one gets poor by giving." With this, I am preparing another set of gifts for you Soldier Mom's Corner readers/followers! Stay tuned as I prepare for it!

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