A Christmas To Remember with Mommy Bloggers Philippines

It was June 2013 when I started blogging, I was a full time mom then (until now) and pregnant with baby Brianna, our youngest. That time we were also on the process of adapting to a new environment because it was just few months since we moved in to the condo. New place, new faces, I am away from my parents and friends so I only get to communicate with them online. It wasn't easy at first but eventually I got used to everything and I can say that blogging has been a big help.

From "Perks Of Being A Mom" to "Mom-derful World" my blog served as my online journal where I share anything about my journey as a mom. Regardless of the number of followers I got and whether they get to read my posts or not I continued blogging because it's something that I love doing. That same year I was surprised that I got invited to be part of a community of Moms who also love to blog, the Mommy Bloggers Philippines! It was such an honor and I would like to thank Mommy Lanie Lluch of TweenselMom for recognizing my blog back then even though I was just starting. However, few months after I gave birth I honestly had a hard time adapting and juggling my mommy, blogging duties and everything in between especially that we don't have a helper. It was really overwhelming so I stopped blogging. Came October 2015, my husband and I decided to come back to the blogging world and just combine our blogs since we will only be blogging the same thing, hence we came up with a new blog name "Team Poreber" this is actually on the "About" section. Lol. We became active and accepted PR postings, I also attended a few Blog Events, get to know more fellow bloggers but the most memorable of all is the Mommy Bloggers Philippines Christmas Party.

Photo taken by Casa Litrato

It is the only Christmas Party that I actually attended and I'm really glad I did because it was so much fun. I got to meet fellow mommies who I used to know and talk to online through their blogs.

The Mommy Bloggers Philippines Christmas Party was held last December 5, 2015 at the Sky Lounge area of The Linden Suites, Pasig City. Aside from the venue, they also provided us with our sumptuous lunch courtesy of their in house restaurant the Mesclun. The Sky Lounge was wonderfully designed by Amari Events with red and gold, all mommies were also asked to dress up in accordance to the theme. Making the tables more beautiful are the gold and red jewelry boxes from Shoppers Stop and cute ribbons from Chelsy and Casey, all of us mommies got to take each of it home.

With my event buddies; Lhyzie and Eihdra

The party was limited to only 40 Mommy Bloggers so we got the time to get to know each other with a short introduction about us and our blog. My blog post intro includes everything that I was supposed to say during the introduction but missed because I was really shy that time. 

Photo Taken by Casa Litrato

After the introduction lots of prizes from our generous sponsors such as Fujidenzo, Zojirushi, Philips, Fuentes Manila, Starbucks, National Bookstore, Hotel Quickly and Sun Villa Resort were given away during the raffle. 

I am not that lucky when it comes to raffle that's why I was really surprised when I won! I won a Fujidenzo Coffee/Tea Maker, yey!

Photo taken by Casa Litrato

Our arms got a quick exercise as we pass the VitaCubes gift packs to our left, right..across! It was a fun game, we all got VitaCubes and lucky moms won SM GC's!

During chitchat time, we were served with a cup of hot coffee best paired Lotus Biscoff, yum!

Aside from the wonderful design,Amari Events also hosted a photo contest. They provided us with a photo booth area where we can take our photos, upload it on Instagram then they chose 2 winners of a special prize. 

I just got lucky, I was one of the winner and won a Zojirushi Thermal Airpot. 

Not all mommies got lucky enough during the raffle but everyone went home with lots of goodies from Jolly, Robinsons Supermarket, Frabelle, Melawares, Wacoal, Cinnabon, Red Ribbon and Villas Conte Chocolates. We also have gifts prepared for the exchange gift. Good thing we all brought extra eco-bags, but I believe we all had a hard time figuring out how to take them all home because I swear it was a lot! 

Goodies!

This wonderful moment were all captured in photos by our official photographer, Casa Litrato.

These are all the goodies I got to take home! :)

I'm positive that every one had a blast, it was indeed a Christmas Party to remember and it was made possible by generous sponsors and a team of mommies who love this blogging community. Thank you so much! 

I can't wait for this years Christmas Party and  to meet more mommy bloggers. :)

The Linden Suites

http://lindensuites.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LindenSuites

http://instagram.com/thelindensuites

Mesclun

http://lindensuites.com/dine/mesclun-restaurant-caf%C3%A9/

https://www.instagram.com/mesclunph/

Amari Events

https://www.facebook.com/AmariEvents.ph/

https://www.instagram.com/AmariEvents.Ph/

Casa Litrato

https://www.facebook.com/casalitrato/

Fujidenzo

https://www.exatech.com.ph/fujidenzo

https://www.facebook.com/FujidenzoAppliances/

https://www.instagram.com/fujidenzoph/

Zojirushi

http://www.zojirushi.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/zojirushi.philippines/

https://www.instagram.com/zojirushi_ph/

Jolly

http://www.jolly.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/JollyFoods/

https://www.instagram.com/jollyeatsph/

Lotus Biscoff

https://www.facebook.com/LotusBiscoffPH/

https://www.instagram.com/lotusbiscoffph/

Frabelle Foods

https://www.facebook.com/frabellefoods/

https://www.instagram.com/frabellefoodsph/

Robinsons Supermarket

http://www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial

Melawares

http://melawares.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MelawaresCusinaClub

https://www.instagram.com/melawares/

Wacoal

https://wacoal.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineWacoalCorp

http://instagram.com/wacoalph

Philips

https://www.philips.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/PhilipsPhilippines

Cinnabon

https://www.facebook.com/CinnabonPH/

https://www.instagram.com/cinnabonphilippines/

Rebisco VitaCubes

http://www.rebisco.com.ph/products.php?display=brand&id=164

Fuentes Manila

http://fuentesmanila.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fuentesmanila/

Sun Villa Resort

Villa Del Conte Chocolates

http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/

https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh/

https://www.instagram.com/villadelconte/

Red Ribbon

http://redribbonbakeshop.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/redribbonbakeshop

https://instagram.com/redribbonbakeshop/

Hotel Quickly

https://www.hotelquickly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HotelQuickly/

https://www.instagram.com/hotelquickly/

Shoppers Stop

https://www.facebook.com/shoppersstoponlineshopofficial…

Chelsy & Casey

https://www.facebook.com/Chelsy-and-Casey-188378851257078/

https://www.instagram.com/chelsyandcasey/

National Bookstore

http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Book-Store/72546266913

http://instagram.com/nbsalert

Starbucks

http://www.starbucks.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines

http://instagram.com/starbucksph

*All photos used are mine unless stated other wise*

First LegoLympics in the Philippines Held at SM Southmall

It was a rainy Saturday last December 19, 2015 as if blessing the Grand Finals of the first ever Lego Building Competition or the LegoLympcs in the Philippines which was held at SM Southmall. Despite the rainy weather, I together with my mom, husband and the kids especially my eldest son who loves Lego eagerly braved the rain and floods to witness the pouring skills and creativity of  all the participants vying for the Championship.

The LegoLympics were divided into 3 categories: Kids (4-12 years old) Teens (13-17 years old) and Adults (18 years old and up) and prior to the Grand Finals, participants from each categories underwent Elimination Rounds which were held at SM Southmall's Event Center last November 28, December 5 and 12, 2015. 

The LegoLympics Grand Finals took place around 4:00 in the afternoon at the Event Center which were filled with shoppers and mall goers who watched and cheered for their favorite participants.

Starting with the Kids, followed by the Teens then the Adult Category, each participants were given a set of Lego Bricks and within 20 minutes they should Create, Build and have fun with their given theme. 

Kids in action. Creating, Building "Gift Box" and Having Fun!

Teens Category. Creating, Building "Santa Claus" and making their imagination do the work!

Adults Creating, Building "Christmas Elf" and Having some Serious Fun!

After the 20 minutes time limit given to each participants, the judges were also given time to asses each masterpiece and judge them according to the following criteria: Creativity, Stability and Nearest to Reality. 

In between the competition, some of the viewers from the audience were randomly picked to participate in some challenges and the winners per challenge got to take home Lego loot bags.

Lego Santa Claus was also there ready for picture taking at Photo Booth Area.

The winners of the first ever LegoLympics in the Philippines were announced before the event ended and they took home the following prizes per category:

Champion: 5,000 pesos + Lego Loot Bag

1st Runner Up: 2,500 pesos + Lego Loot Bag

2nd Runner Up: 1,500 pesos + Lego Loot Bag

and the winners are.....

KIDS CATEGORY (THEME: Gift Box)

2nd Runner-Up: Matthew Gabriel Reyes, 10

1st Runner-Up: Clive Willis Estrella, 10

CHAMPION: Carlos Vincent Taiño, 11

TEENS CATEGORY (THEME: Santa Claus)

2nd Runner-Up: July Juan Baranda, 16

1st Runner-Up: Chi Marcelo, 13

CHAMPION: Patrick Rodriguez, 17

ADULTS CATEGORY (THEME: Christmas Elf)

2nd Runner-Up: Angel Jacob Villanueva, 24

1st Runner-Up: Chad Yaoyao, 19

CHAMPION: Celis Anthony Manalo, 26

CONGRATULATIONS!

SM Southmall also has a LEGO Christmas Adventure Land Centerpiece and Pit Stops in every level, you can drop by and take your selfies there!

#LegoLympicsAtSMSouthmall #ILoveLego 

Lancaster New City’s First Ever Christmas Light Show

There's no denying that we, Filipinos, have the longest Christmas Season and it starts as soon as the ber-months begin. Christmas parties here and there.Colorful decors and lighting everywhere while Christmas carols are in the air.Can you believe it?One more week to go and it's officially Christmas day! The thought of it gives most of us the mixed feelings of excitement and nostalgia. Christmas, during my childhood in my hometown (La Union), is one of the happiest and magical memories I have. I brag a lot about it to my husband because since I have been living with them in Manila for several years now, I have observedthat there is a distinguishable difference. The fast-paced life nowadays in the Metro is causing stress to a lot of us and this sucks the fun that we're supposed to feel for this Holiday Season. Personally, Christmas simply 

wants me to go back to the time where it was all about Santa Claus, gifts, sumptuous meals and all that is festive.

Recently I took a trip down memory lane when I got to witness an exciting and spectacular event: the first Christmas Light Showat Lancaster New City. This show aims to bring joy and delight not just to its residents but to all children and the young-at-hear twho want to visit this place. With the theme “Santa’s Workshop,” lights on the Christmas decorated arcades dance to a medley of both classic and alternative Christmas songs. The 20-minute light show was very nostalgic in a magical way and made me feel like a child again.I actually sang and danced along the medley and couldn’t help myself not to take videos and selfies!

It's such a joy to watch these people enjoying the moment and each others company.

Selfie during the Christmas Light Show!

If you want to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of the city living without having to go far, or if you just want to feel that magical Christmas feeling again, the Christmas Light Show is for you…and your family and friends. The show started last November 28 but you can still visit on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, until 3rd of January 2016.

Just beside the Christmas Light Show area is a “banchetto and bazaar” where both the residents and guests can enjoy good food and do some Christmas shopping. The “banchetto and bazaar” is open on November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 15-22, and 26-27, from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Inside Lancaster New City is the Church of the Holy Family. It is also celebrating Simbang Gabi from December 16 to 23. There will be a chorale competition entitled “The Sound of Christmas at the Square”, which you can go to, on December 19 at 5PM.

Aside from the Christmas Light Show, I got to tour around the Lancaster New City - Pro-Friends’ flagship project that spans out more than 1,400 hectares and covers of Kawit, Gen. Trias City, and Imus. It is one of a kind township development designed for the family. Every detail in the development of this project revolves around making Lancaster New City the Family Friendly City where all residents may LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY.

LIVE : Families get to live in a safe and secure community with more indoor and outdoor spaces to bond and play. It's located 6.5 km from the Cavitex Kawit Toll Exit, making it an ideal place for families to reside.

LEARN :Children may easily walk to school, St. Edward Community Schools, that offers quality, progressive education thru project-based learning.

WORK : Residents have the option to work minutes away from home thru the PEZA-accredited SuntechiPark.

A playground safe for kids to play on

PLAY : Families may enjoy the day shopping and having dinner at the Square of Downtown Lancaster or enjoy special family celebrations at the Community Center.

PRAY : Sunday masses and other religious activities are readily available at the Church of the Holy Family.

Across the church is the Leighthon Hall where you can hold your events.

Master Plan

The project began in 2007 as a small project in Kawit, Cavite. Through the years, it has grownas one of the biggest township projects in Cavite.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Property Company of Friends, Inc., also known as PRO-FRIENDS, is one of the fastest growing property developers in the Philippines, having built over 36,000 quality and affordable housing units since its inception in February 23, 1999. It is the company’s mission to build communities and transform lives thru its projects and developments.

Official Website: www.lancasternewcity.com.ph

FB Page: www.facebook.com/lancasternewcityofficial

YouTube Christmas Campaign Material: “The Making: Lancaster New City’s Christmas Light Show”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is8sSl0ba2Q

Biogesic Banig Bayan: The answer to ‘Who cares for the carer?

One way or another we’ve come across many OFW stories. Still among us are those who have romantic notions of the kind of lives they have abroad. It is worrisome that people could not see past the pasalubongs and the happy photos OFWs post online, because in reality not all OFWs live the good life abroad. But they prefer not talk about it. Some would not share their every day situations abroad and would rarely admit that they get lonely. 

Their reason is understandable. They naturally display strength because most of the time, they are all their families have. They expect themselves to be the strong-willed ones because they have to in order to provide their family the best life. Their hopes and dreams are for those they left behind. They are, in fact, the prime epitome of a caregiver. 

But even carers need caring. And honestly, they are the ones who need it most. 

The reason why Skype and Messenger are one of the most used apps by OFWs is because these somehow make them feel like they never left. It is their temporary remedy for longing and missing out. Still, it falls short in making them feel the care and love from home–– especially at a time like Christmas.

If Home would make their Christmas, yet they could not come home for it, let us send home to them. So in the spirit of giving, Biogesic wanted to move families to care for their ultimate providers, the givers of care who are thousands of kilometers away. And they did this through the very first Biogesic Banig-bayan program.

Inspired by the balik-bayan box, Biogesic created a special package for families here to carry items they would want to send. 

It could hold anything from items they miss from home to symbols of life events OFWs would wish they were a part of––truly pieces of home that would make their Christmas whole. 

The Banig-bayan carries the message that Ingat and care would still be felt even if they are apart. Biogesic inspired families to make their OFWs feel they are loved, remembered, and missed. And by the deep expressions of gratitude, heart-tugging stories, and tears of joy, the Banig-bayans would make all the difference for their Christmas to be truly merry and immensely felt.

Watch the video on YouTube:

Biogesic FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/biogesic/?fref=ts

#SMSCMagicalParade : Christmas Magical Parade at SM Sucat

December 18, 2015 was no ordinary day for the mall goers and shoppers of SM City Sucat, everyone were in for a treat as the SM Christmas Magical Parade took place in the afternoon.

The first part of the parade started around 4:00 pm at the ground floor of building A right beside the Hypermarket. First, a band dressed up in red soldier outfit performed a special production number while playing medleys of Christmas songs. The band led the parade around the building and behind them are colorful and spectacular fairy tale-like characters, which made the parade even more fun.

 Huge cuddly Snowman

 Fairies and Fairy God Mothers

 Giant Gingerbread Man

 Large Gift Boxes, Snowflakes and Clowns

Princess and the Prince Charming

Of course Santa Claus too!

While watching the show, some people followed the parade around, some took photos and videos of it with so much joy as evident by the huge smiles on their face. The parade lasted for almost an hour but wait there's more!

The second part of the parade began around 6:00 in the evening, this time at the building B of SM City Sucat. As usual, they toured around the building and stopped at the activity center with "Adventure Time" as the theme. It was a joyful moment as the fairy tale-like characters showcased a music and dance number, people can't resist to stop with what they are doing and watch the show. There's also a photo opportunity, kids and young-at-heart fell in line to be able to take pictures with some of these spectacular characters. 

Kids with the Princess and the Prince Charming 

Mom and Kids with the Princess

Picture with the Princess and my event buddy Eihdra Gatchalian of oneproudmomma.com

Would I miss the opportunity? Of course not!

Just when I thought I've seen it all, I was really surprised when Finn the Human showed up! He's one of the main character of the TV cartoon show Adventure Time. The kid in me just can't resist not to take photos with him, and I did! Haha!

Thumbs Up!

There were no mascots for the other main characters like Jake the dog and Princess Bubble Gum, but there were displays also available for display and picture taking.

 

Hey there Jake!

Princess Bubblegum inside the Cage, I think she needs some rescuing!

The SM Christmas Magical Parade indeed gave everyone a magical feel about Christmas. It  also showcased how festive Filipino Christmas celebration is. I definitely enjoyed the parade and I'm sure that everyone else did too!

Watch out for more Christmas activities and events at your nearest SM Malls.

#SMMerryChristmas