I'm one of the last Generation X-ers - and yes, I remember when Il Ponticello first came into the scene. This is way before my "mommy" days - and hence, I remember Ponticello as wine, music and good company! Recently, they have had a relaunch but since I am not based in Makati (for work) anymore, it has been tough to stop by. 

A couple of months ago, the SoMoms bade our dear friend Jenny of My Mommyology a "see you again" dinner at Il Ponticello. Thankfully, I was in Makati that day for some meetings - and so I decided to drop by. It was my first time to be back since they relaunched. The atmosphere was the almost the same - warm and relaxed, with just the right level of noise to make the place busy, but not too noisy that you cannot have a good conversation. I hadn't seen the SoMoms in ages, so it was perfect for a "catching up" dinner too. We immediately got started with some Ponti spritzers. Yep, moms drink too when they are out - and my breastfeeding days are long gone, so it's safe!

For our main course, we had minestrone soup, pasta ala vongole (which was sooo good, I have to go back very soon for more), the amatreciana, and porchetta. Each dish was cooked from fresh, authentic ingredients (the clams weren't your regular tiny clams - they were plump and juicy!). It definitely feels like a real Italian table. I had been looking forward to the porchetta (as I've been seeing it make its rounds in the usual foodie IG and FB accounts). I must say, it did not disappoint. The skin was crunchy, and the meat was tender - and had just the right amount of fat. Il Ponticello really did well with that one.

They put the plate of porchetta in front of me... like they never wanted me to stop.

Here's a closer shot! Yummmeeeh!

Dessert was served in this beautiful glass cake stand - clockwise from the top - that's bread pudding, cheesecake panna cotta, tiramisu and vanilla ice cream. Nothing extra fancy, but very homey and warm.

As I write this, it's pushing October. The cool October air always brings with it a sense of festivity for me. It's partly the anticipation building up for sembreak (which takes on a whole new meaning now that I have kids of my own). It's also partly the lingering thought that December (and Christmas) is near enough to plan for now... buy Christmas wrappers, have your gift tags printed, and think of the theme for your Christmas tree. People always say that the "ber" months bring in Christmas cheer - for me, it's October that feels truly Christmas-y. October is when you start planning for dinners, get togethers, reunion events, and the like. This season, when you think about reunions and gatherings (especially with officemates) - consider Il Ponticello, in the heart of Makati. It's got a special place in my heart as I used to work at the building behind Ponti (as we fondly called it) - and it was always a go to place for a nice, relaxing lunch. Ponti is open again and like me, you will surely make good memories at Ponti. Try it soon!

Il Ponticello
Unit 203 2F Antel Corporate Center
121 Valero Street,
Salcedo Village, Makait
(02) 553-9971

Mon-Thurs: 11am-2:30pm   5pm-12:00am
Fri: 11am-2:30pm  5pm-2:00am
Sun: 5pm-2am

Raising the Bar #YouTheMom

My mom raised four children... while also earning her share to put food on the table. She knew how to do all kinds of household work... From cooking to cleaning to doing the laundry. There were many things that she was not - she was not at my high school graduation, nor did she cheer me on during math competitions - but I remember that I always had pristine white socks and uniforms, and a delicious snack when I came home from school. She probably never sang a single song for me, but she sat with me all night as I finished a Turbo Pascal project. Even today, she is the epitome of a grandmother for my kids. When she's a around, it's possible for me to not lift a single finger (except what good would that do me?) My mom has sure raised the bar on motherhood, not only during her time, but in my time too. Every move I make as a mother is a reflection of what I've seen from my own mother. Whether I am copying her, or trying to outdo her (hehe) - my mother is the model of my own motherhood. I don't know how many of us would dare admit it... Our mothers are models of what we are (and what we are not ) as mothers. 

BUT.... This does not mean we BECOME our mothers. From the day we saw those two lines on the pregnancy test, we have all been evolving to be the unique mothers that we are right now. We will continue to evolve as our kids grow up... And we will continue to raise the bar of motherhood. There is no cookie cutter out there to model out the perfect mother... you are perfect on your own, especially to your children.

So what else can I say, except... You The Mom!

This year's Expo Mom by Mommy Mundo is all about you superhero moms... It's a shoutout to all moms. You The Mom! Mommy Mundo Founder Janice Villanueva says, "We admire moms for their almost superhuman qualities, their powers in time management and multitasking alongside their ability to do anything and everything for their loved ones, and they all do these things woleheartedly and passionately at that! And because most moms do all these tasks with grace and usually with flair, even we may sometimes forget to show her some appreciation and affirmation." 

A belated happy mother's day to all you moms out there. Why don't you extend your celebration by joining Expo Mom 2014 this weekend? For more information and event updates, visit www.expomom.com. Download coupons and the event map from the website and be prepared for a grand time. To be part of the You The Mom! campaign, check out www.expomom.com/youthemom.

My lost post - SoMoms loot and the MommyMundo Bazaar

I thought I pressed publish... But instead, I think I accidentally deleted my post. And I have been nursing it for months. Now, as I redo it, I am in a totally different mood, and coming from a totally different perspective. And so my post format has changed.

This weekend, the 2nd weekend of November (and officially the first weekend of the Christmas season in my mind), is the annual Mommy Mundo bazaar! There are two schedules this year, one on Sunday and another one on December 8. It's bound to be an exciting bazaar... especially as Mommy Mundo has tied up with Two Tots for the biggest giveaway they have ever had....

... Your (child's) very own playroom showcase! This comes at such a perfect time for me as I've been seriously thinking about a play area for my girls. I wish I could win this Two Tots showcase... it would definitely shove me in the right direction (i.e. start cleaning up the attic....)! There are various ways to join online. BUT... You have a lot more chances to win if you go and check out the bazaar this weekend!

If you want to earn bonus points... these are what you have to do.

1. Visit the Mommy Mundo Bazaar on November 10 and/or December 8 and post on your status “I’m at the #MommyMundoBazaar at the Rockwell Tent, the only Christmas bazaar made for moms like me!” (2 pts)

2. Drop by the Two Tots booth at the Mommy Mundo bazaar on November 10 and/or December 8, take a photo of yourself at the booth, and share on Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget to tag @twotots and @mommymundo with the hashtag #mommymundobazaar. Photos/profile must be set to “Public” to qualify. (2 pts)

3. Purchase something (any amount) from Two Tots’ booth at MMB and enter the raffle code found on the raffle stub.  (5 pts)

Number 3 is easy because Two Tots... You're sure to want a special Christmas sock with your little one's name on it. 

One of my favorite things from Two Tots is the orange basket in the picture. I have several of those which I use to stash small things into. They look nice and keep your things organized. I've managed to stash one of them inside my closet to keep my small and foldable bags!

Aside from Two Tots, expect other wonderful things from the bazaar. Here are some of the stuff that I hoarded from the SoMoms which are sure to be at the bazaar too.

Yellowbird shoes by Patty... these were her first designs, and she has since come out with lots of other fab ones. I personally own the Sadie sandal which look great and are a comfy to wear!

Green Sproutlets Organic tops and bottoms for toddlers (receiving blankets and bibs are available too). These are made of the softest fabric... look for Rone at Mothering Earthlings!

PaperChicStudio will be there... Get your stash of washi tapes and paper wrappers for wrapping presents. Check out their colorful straws and paper cups too, for brightening up your Christmas settings. I personally am looking forward to checking out their wooden stamps... I will soon share why, in another post. Ask Cai about them when you drop by her booth. If you're a wannabe crafter like me, you'll be tempted for sure.

Check out the Nurture Nook booth too for other great stuff for you and your children. They carry a lot of unique and great stuff, including the Grandma's Secret line.

These work wonders on sticky goo. Just like the stain remover worked wonders on stains. Just like how the miracle moisturizer was a miracle.... Not sticky on the skin at all. Grandma's Secret is out, go and get some!You might even get to pick up one of these handmade stuff from Baby Jane!

The list of other booths are here...

Hope to see you on Sunday! Let's also hope and pray that the storm Yolanda will go swift and fast without leaving much damage in the country. Have a safe weekend!

The Luxury that is Brunch

Brunch, to me, is such a luxury. My normal breakfast is a cup of oatmeal on the drive to work, and (on most days) a tall cup of coffee to tide me over till lunchtime. On good days, I'll have a small pastry along with it. When I was pregnant, and while I was nursing - I would pass by McDonald's for pancakes... For the extra calories! For lunch, I would usually eat at my table while going through email, or paying bills online, or just catching up on "mindless" tasks (i.e. tasks that do not require my brain to fully function while I chew....) 

Brunch, to me, is a luxury. 

1. Brunch means I got to wake up later than usual that day. Brunch usually starts at around 10 o'clock right? That means no work!!!

2. Brunch means I get to eat fancy food, freshly brewed coffee, and someone will serve me my food. It means I will get a proper table setting, and a napkin for my lap too!

3. Brunch means I can dawdle over my food... I can sit, look at it, take pictures of it, Instagram it, talk about it, take small bites.... I don't have to scarf it down in 2 seconds because I am rushing to a meeting.

4. Brunch means there's someone beside me who I can share this beautiful, fanciful food with! I get a proper human being rather than a square screen. I get a proper reply, rather than a pop up message. I say what I want to talk about, and not have to type it out.

5. Brunch brings me back to good times. It reminds me of the year spent in grad school. It reminds me of the Easter Sunday brunch somewhere in the forests of Fontainebleau - that stretched to 4pm in the afternoon. It brings me back to carefree days.

Hence, I welcomed brunch with the SoMoms at Cafe 1771 in Ortigas with a lot of gusto. It was going to be all the good things I mentioned above... Plus SHOPPING! Before the shopping though... Let me show you the spread.

Our brunch menu.

The vegetable fritata, which i absolutely loved. It's actually a great idea to do this for leftover veggies too.

A favorite among the SoMoms, the salmon lasagna.

Thin, juicy slices of chicken picata.

Mini (and cheesy) croque monsieurs.

These pancakes were served with bananas and caramelized walnuts. Simple but super yummy!

It was an engaging morning, meeting and socializing with these group of moms (and dad) who are all so engaged in raising their kids and being better versions of themselves.  Now, that was indeed a perfect brunch - good food, good company and good conversation.

For your own mini event needs (not just brunch), check out Cafe 1771. In the El Pueblo branch where we went, there are areas at the second floor (this is actually the Wine Bar section) that can be converted into small private rooms. They are perfect for intimate get togethers. I honestly have not had lunch or dinner at Cafe 1771 recently... But if brunch is an indication, I am sure they will not disappoint. Now, this would be a little telling of my age... Cafe 1771 used to be a "dating place" back in the late 90's. It was Chateau 1771 then. This was the heyday of St. Francis Square, and The Podium did not exist yet. I was early 20's then and it sure felt very posh to go there. 

Now, didn't I promise some shopping? Watch out for my next post on mompreneurs and shopping! See you soon! In the meantime, why don't you go and try the luxury of Cafe 1771?

The Best Deals #mommymundo

Have kids? Even if you don't, I'm sure you know someone who does. Kids are the perfect excuse to go shopping. They are always outgrowing something (didn't we just get her those shoes last month?). It's almost Christmas too... Time to draw out that list. Here's another excuse to go shopping this month... It's the annual Mommy Mundo clearance sale. You're sure to find the best deals there.

   

See  all those brands? I wouldn't be surprised if you get something for yourself too. Have fun!

Reaching Out to a Better Me #SoMoms #BetterMe

I've had a Facebook account since 2003 when I left for a year to go to grad school. At that time, It was mainly to be in touch with friends and family in Manila, and see what was going on in their lives. Of course, Facebook then was a lot less complicated than it is now. It wasn't something that was alive 24/7 - where every other minute you log on, something was going on. These days, I know a lot of people would say, it almost has too much information. But that is essentially what social media is all about... Information. It is amazing how the world has gotten so small with social media around. The amount and type of information you can get is limitless, infinite even.

After a few years on FB, I discovered Twitter and was a silent follower for a long time - using it literally as a newsfeed. Then I gave birth and started breastfeeding - I needed resources, I needed someone to talk to --- and my days were all topsy turvy. I was awake in the wee hours of the morning - and while my baby was nursing away to her heart's content, I was going through my twitter timeline. I started asking questions, sharing articles I had read, and making friends online. As my daughter grew (and I got pregnant again with my second child), my network kept growing. As I said, the topics are limitless - cloth diapering, babywearing, co-sleeping, post partum depression, progressive schools, child friendly products, home schooling.... Just name it, twitter has probably got it.

When I went back to work, my mommy Twitter community was like my virtual support group. Between my work schedule and my kids, I hardly had time to interact in person with my real (as in breathing and walking) mommy friends... So I kept up with my virtual mommy friends (and yes, they breathe and walk too, except not where I can see them). It was amazing... Now, I had someone to talk to, rant with and consult with, at almost any time of the day. How powerful is that?

Over the past four years... I've grown to be the mom that I am now. Not perfect, but learning, growing, and sharing continuously with other moms. As I interacted with this virtual community, I started forming opinions of my own, believing in certain things as a mom (and a human being), and advocating beliefs that I hope will make the world a better place for our children, and their children too. This, I believe, is my own personal growth towards a better me - not only for myself, but also for my children. This is why I am proud to be a SoMom.

The SoMoms are a collective of moms who are active on social media, and have independent beliefs and advocacies common to most mothers out there. It is humbling and at the same time so empowering to be part of this group of women. It brings to life the true meaning of what social media should be all about - an active, purposeful interaction of people, to put forward a better way of life for everyone.
I'm a SoMom. I enjoy being on social media, and I'm happy to share my learnings, as I navigate my way though life, and motherhood.

When God Gave Away Artistic Genes....

When God gave away artistic genes - I must have been asleep. I used to have a hard time with the elementary school artwork assigned to me. Eggshell art in the shape of an ice cream cone? Trust mine to come out looking like just scattered eggshells, forget the cone. I dreaded art class in grade school. I blame it on the fact that I was not really exposed to art or creating art when I was young. I was never one of those girls who could perfectly color in a picture - with perfect shading, even colors, and fantastic strokes. Left brain dominant - that's what I definitely am!

Now that I have two daughters - I'd like to try and unleash the creative/artistic side in them. I believe that if they are exposed to art and creativity at a young age - they will bring this with them to adulthood. They may not turn out to become experts in the creative field, but it will definitely balance out the ultra left brain genes they would have inherited from me. Hence, I find it wonderful that there are so many new developments in the world today that help kids become more creative people (even if born to left brained parents!)

Two weeks ago, K and I attended a SoMoms event sponsored by Amspec (Amalgamated Specialties Corporation), the makers of Crayola and T-Pencil, held at Gymboree. It's a perfect combination - Gymboree is a venue for kids to experiment on their own self expression - and Amspec provided the tools for the kids to explore. To my delight - Anne Tan of Gymboree confirmed that, indeed, creativity cannot be taught but should constantly be nurtured and triggered. It's not something that you can transfer to your child - it's something that has to be developed in him or her.

Newbie SoMoms

This was the first time for us to attend a "creativity" session at Gymboree. I liked that the session combined physical movement (dancing and actions), words (storytelling), and arts & crafts to stimulate the children. It was the right balance of "active" and "passive" creativity for me. K eagerly joined in the fun - she's now 4 years old and loves pretend play. I think her "imagination" skills are getting developed now - because she also loves listening to stories, and makes up stories from the pictures in her books.

Working on her roaring lion

The kids pretending to be frogs, hopping up and down.

The older kids were taught shading techniques (I sure wished I listened more closely to this! It's a good "talent" to have.) They used T-Pencils to shade shapes and simulate shadows. With just a pencil - any drawing can become a piece of art. Amspec endorses the use of their pencils for longer use - you literally can use your pencils until they are just a stub. So how do you know your pencils are good quality pencils? Smell them! Real T-Pencil pencils smell of cedar. Check the graphite points too (that's the black thing in the middle of the pen that we refer to as "lead") - they should be perfectly centered so that the wood around it does not break easily while being sharpened

Centered Graphite Points on Amspec T-Pencils

Three types of shading: Lines, Criss Cross and Dots

With a few strokes from a T-Pencil - this bigtop came alive!

Now here's the best part - Amspec also makes Crayola! This got me excited (someone hinted at a field trip to the Philippine Crayola plant - W-O-W!). The ubiquitous yellow and green Crayola box is a natural part of our childhood. I noticed other copycat crayon brands have used the same color scheme - I guess to confuse consumers when they are in a rush. I personally have been loyal to Crayola crayons only. I never really knew why (as I said, not an art expert here, so who was I to judge the better crayons?). It's just a psychological thing, I guess.

Thanks to Amspec though, I now know why I need to be loyal to Crayola. Amspec maintains the highest standards in the production of their products. This means that the crayons, the ink and even the paper wrapped around them are all non-toxic. The inks used are actually soya inks. So the huge non-toxic sign on each Crayola box is true - it is not poisonous at all. Remember that the next time you freak out at the sight of your kid putting his hand in his mouth after handling Crayola crayons!

The next time you are at your neighborhood bookstore, do check out Amspec products - I am sure you will find something that will appeal to your child (and even to you!)

Takes a load off your head - knowing they can easily be cleaned.

See? Washable!

I love that there are erasable versions of everything now.

This is magic. Any little girl would love these.

For the little hands of your little ones...

Because the Work of Children is to Play (#SigeMom Post)

At my eldest's preschool, they spend the first 45 minutes to one hour of class "working." Working is when they let the children engage in free play. Play is encouraged because it stimulates both the mental and physical development of children.

I didn't play so much when I was a child. I spent a lot of my time cooped up inside the house, my nose buried inside a book. That did not help develop the natural athlete in me - but the nerd in me sure flourished. Looking back, I must admit that the few memorable visions of childhood I had were moments of play. There was that one time when my cousins and I decided that 2 people can definitely fit on one bike - I ended up with a huge gash on my elbow that day. One very hot summer day, we all got trapped inside a pitch black storeroom while playing hide and seek - my uncle was not so happy to have to come and rescue us. We spent many summer days pretending we were travelers - camping out in various places inside our compound - fully equipped with pots, pans and even real food. (Disclaimer: This is not to say I wasn't happy with my books. I was.)

Now that I have kids of my own, and I get to play with them and their toys, I myself am enjoying playing. I enjoy the rare occasions we spend at a playground. I enjoy drawing and painting with them - and even moulding Play Doh with them (but i'm still OC about mixing up the colors!). After almost three dozen years in existence, I can now see why children love to play (duh).

So, I was so glad when the SoMoms (check them out, it's a star studded cast!) invited me and my family to a day of Yoga, Art and Music at Nuvali last April 9, sponsored by Breeze. Breeze's latest campaign is the Sige Sa Mantsa campaign where they advocate letting children play and explore - even to the extent of getting messy. Check out why Breeze believes getting dirty is good here.

It was a day sponsored by Breeze, My Masterpiece Movement
and the Mommy Mundo SoMoms.

It was a great morning spent at Nuvali - where we had an hour of  yoga and music with the kids.

My girls sure enjoyed copying Teacher Anna's moves.

Even I enjoyed following the moves!

This was followed by a handpainting activity - where the Sige Kids created a beautiful work of art.

We all wrote our personal Sige Mom quotes.

After a dip in the very inviting Nuvali pool, we all sat down to a hearty lunch while Teacher Anna explained the inspiring evolution of My Masterpiece Movement and Breeze representatives talked about the Breeze campaign.

It was a holiday well spent, and a road trip worth taking. Thank you to Breeze, My Masterpiece Movement and SoMoms!

Did I mention we all got to take home this huge gift pack? Thank you Breeze!

The SoMoms and SoDad: (L-R)  Marc of The Fatherland, Eli of The Painter's Wife, Teacher Anna, Jackie of Go Jackie Go!, Belle of Cruisin’ Mommyhood, Janice of Mommy Mundo, Me, Patty of Non Stop Babble, Tin of Manila Fashion Observer, Christine of Mommy Journey, Jenny of My Mommyology, Kris of OC Mom In Manila, Cai of Apples and Dumplings, and Teacher Kara