Photo Blog : Gamsahamnida Korea! Eight (8) Must See Places in South Korea

So it's more than a month of hibernation from blogging. Whew! There are a lot of things I wanted to write about, but it is the 3 busiest  months of the year (for me!) and I don't know when I will be able to get the time to get me  back on track with blogging. 

Anyway, if you plan to celebrate your birthday outside the country, I suggest you  visit South Korea during autumn.  Koreans are known for being helpful and I must say "I totally agree!".  Read on my eight  (8) must see places in South Korea and get tips and know where to go and what to do during your stay.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon Dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon.

2. Secret Garden inside Gyeongbokgung Palace

3. Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture 

4. Everland Resort is South Korea's largest theme park.

5. Try on various types of hanbok costumes for free at the Seoul Global Cultural Center located on the 5th floor of the M Plaza in Myeongdong. Approximately 30 different hanok costumes are available for people to try on, in addition to various accessories and shoes.

6. Nami Island, famous with the beautiful tree lanes and shooting place of Winter Sonata and Petit France which was the shooting location of Beethoben Virus. Best to visit during autumn.

7. Seoul Tower opened to the public on October 15, 1980 and has since become a major tourist attraction. The 236.7m Seoul Tower sits atop Namsan Mountain (243m), Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding areas. The view is so stunning that many consider Seoul Tower the best tower in Asia. 

8. Shopping at Myeong-dong. Myeong-dong is one of the busiest places in Seoul and is among Korea's permier shopping destinations. It's a haven for beauty products lovers out there.

  

I can't wait to go back there and visit Korea again during winter.

40th Birthday Party With a Cause and List of DSWD Accredited Residential Facilities for Children and Youth

with fellow mom Blogger Nhessie Agustin
Balloon Setup by : Mr Baloon Man, Ronald Facundo 0933-5451350

I celebrated my 40th Birthday last 24th of October with my husband in Korea, but before I left for my big day, I made sure that I will be able to celebrate it with the less fortunate. I've been thinking about this birthday activity for months now, but because of my "uber" tight schedule, I was able to prepare in just 3 days. 

Hello Kitty will also be celebrating her 40th Birthday this November and I made it sure that I am going to  have a Hello Kitty Themed Birthday Party. yipee!

Last 19 October, I celebrated with the less fortunate kids from Guadalupe Viejo, and I felt like a  4 year old again. Of course I can not do it alone, I asked help from a fellow mom blogger and Brgy Kagawad Nhessie Agustin with my party preparations.

My Birthday Cake and Hello Kitty Character Standees from Wooden Kiddie Stools and a Lot More

Venue : Guadalupe Viejo Community Hall

Food : Jollibee 

Balloon Setup : Mr.  Balloon Man, Ronald Facundo (0933-5451350)

Cake : Goldilocks

Lootbags : Wooden Kiddie Stools and a Lot More!

Prizes : Wooden Kiddie Stools and a Lot More! / Elpie Parayno

Host / Game Facilitator : Cynthia Aquino

Sweeet! Sibling Love!

Thinking of having the same party? Please see  list of DSWD accredited Residential Facilities for Children and Youth in Metro Manila below (as of August 31, 2014).

with my guests of honor

A HOME FOR THE ANGELS CHILD CARING FOUNDATION, INC.
2306 Coral cor. Augusto Francisco Sts., San Andres Bukid,  Manila
Tel. #: 562-8085  / Fax#: 562-8089
e-mail add : hfangels214@yahoo.com 

Mrs. Ma. Evelina I. Atienza, Executive Director
adoption and foster care, homelife, social and health services Residential Care 0-6 months old surrendered, abandoned and foundling children   

ASILO DE SAN VICENTE DE PAUL
No. 1148 UN Avenue, Manila
Tel. #: 523-3829 / 523-5264 / 522-6898 / 522-1643 /Fax # 522-8696 e-mail add: asilomla@yahoo.com Sr. Enriqueta L. Legaste, DC , Administrator  

temporary shelter, homelife services, social services, psychological services, primary health care services, educational services, supplemental feeding, vocational technology program (commercial cooking, food and beverage, transient home) emergency relief Residential care and community-based residential care -5-10 years old (upon admission) neglected, surrendered, abandoned, physically abused, streetchildren

BAHAY TULUYAN, INC.
2218 Leveriza St., Malate, Manila
Tel.# 353-3419 / CP# 0918-9396140 / 0933-3306484
e-mail address: info@bahaytuluyan.org 

Ms. Lily Flordelis, DMD , Executive Director
Junior Educators Program; Participatory Research Team; Campaigns and Advocacy; Temporary Shelter Residential care and community-based Street children 4-14 yrs. old who are sexually/physically abused, maltreated, abandoned, neglected, orphaned 

BENNY HINN MINISTRIES ASIA, INC. (My Father's House)
#135 Ramona Tirona cor. Teofilo Sison Sts. BF Homes East Phase VI, Muntinlupa City
Tel. # 772-4844 / 772-4846 / 772-4847 / Fax #: 772-4844 loc 115/807-8865
email: mfhmanila@hotmail.com 

Deanna R. Collins, Executive Director
Residential care and homelife services, spiritual christian values formation, educational program, social services, health and nutrition services, sports, play and recreation, community outreach program, academy of leaders (an independent living program) Residential Care and Community-based children and youth ages 4-17 years old declared abandoned by court, neglected, voluntary surrendered or orphaned 

CASA MIANI (SOMASCAN FATHERS) FOUNDATION, INC.

Office : Commerce Avenue, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 1702 Metro Manila
Tel. #: (056) 211-2705 / Fax. #: 842-2923
e-mail: casamiani@hotmail.com/ casamiani@yahoo.com 

CASA MIANI SAN JOSE
St. Jude, San Jose Village, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. #: 807-7893
e-mail: casamiani@hotmail.com/ casamiani@yahoo.com 

Rev. Fr. Luigi Brenna, CRS, Executive Director
Fr. Lamberto Timbol, CRS , Program Director

Social Services, religious formation, educational program, Job and OJT assistance, Health Care, Advance & Phase-Out Program and summer Program Residential Care 7-16 years old children and youth who are abandoned, neglected, orphaned and abused

CHILDREN'S JOY FOUNDATION, INC.
No. 6 Brown Swiss Street, Road 18, Project 8, Quezon City
Tel. #: 920-3272 / Fax #: 453-1704
e-mail add:@cjfmanila@yahoo.com 

Ma. Angeles M. Lazaro, Center Head 

homelife services, social services, educational assistance, health and medical assistance, recreational and sports, spiritual and value formation, educational scholarship to children being re-integrated to their families Residential Care and Community-based children and youth 

CONCORDIA CHILDREN's SERVICES, INC.
4443 Old Sta. Mesa., Brgy. 591, Zone 58,Sta. Mesa, Manila
Tel. #: 713-3462 / Fax #: 713-3461
Email Add: office@concordiachildrens.org 

Ms. Anna Bella M. Caballes, Executive Director

homelife/temporary shelter, health and nutrition, recreational, spiritual, referral, pre-adoption and volunteer Residential Care and community - based 0-2 years old abandoned, neglected, orphaned, surrendered children (capacity: 24) and urban poor

CRIBS FOUNDATION, INC.
No. 15 Major S.  Dizon Street, Industrial Valley, 1800 Marikina City
Tel. #:  681-5921 / 681-8078 / 681-9705 / Fax: 647-1329 email add: cribsnet@info.com.ph/marie_cribs@yahoo.com
Ms. Josefina Dimalaluan
(Residential care and community-based (foster care) Residential care, Foster Care, homelife, educational, psychological,  spiritual,  health, socio-cultural services, counseling, group therapy; skills training Residential Care and Community-based Abandoned, surrendered, neglected infants (0-2 yrs. old) girl survivors of sexual abuse (7-17 yrs.old)

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ERDA) FOUNDATION, INC.
No. 66 Linaw St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Brgy. Quezon City Tel. #: 732-4327; 743-0382; 741-3014; 732-7818; 732-3198; 743-0382

Fax #: 732-3198/415-0168
e-mail: erdafoundation.president@gmail.com/erda_edo@pldtsl.net 

Fr. Pierre Tritz, S.J., President
educational assistance, health services(medical check-up and provision of medicines), livelihood program, continuing education program,advocacy and children's participation

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ERDA) FOUNDATION, INC. - TUKLASAN CENTER

265 Ibuna St., San Juan, Metro Manila

Christine Ann T. Javier, Program Officer 

temporarily shelters street children, child labor, victim of violence, indigenous children and CICL 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ERDA) FOUNDATION, INC. - BK-RESToRE

Road 10 Magsaysay Village, Vitas, Tondo, Manila Ms. Sandra P. Dichoso

rehabilitates school dropouts and saves potential dropout children in Smokey Mountain dump site by helping them go back remain in school

FRIENDSHIP HOME FATHER LUIS AMIGO, INC.
2339 Espiritu St., Malate, Manila
Tel. #:  (632) 522-1319 e-mail: fhfrlamigo@yahoo.com

Bro. Luis Ortiz, President
President DSWD-NCR-RL-000077-2011
homelife, education, health and nutrition, leisure and recreation, spiritual formation and values formation Residential Care and community-based Orphaned, abandoned, neglected street children 

GENTLE HANDS, INC.
#27  F. Castillo St., Bagumbuhay Project 4, Quezon City
Tel. #: 913-55-40 / Fax #: 913-55-39 e-mail add:fawltytowers@surfshop.net.ph  Ms. Charity Graff, Executive Director

homelife services, health and nutrition, recreational activities, social services, foster care program, family reintegration, ECCD activities, educational assistance/sponsorship and counseling Residential care 0-14 years old surrendered, abandoned/ foundling children, out-of-school youth, at risk of abuse (physically abuse, victims of incest or unwanted pregnancy) and addiction  

HOLY TRINITY HOME FOR CHILDREN INC.
Lot 4 Block 3 Accountant St. Merry Homes, Subdivision, Sauyo,Novaliches, Quezon City
Tel. #: 936-1598 

Sr. Ma. Luisa Santos, Executive Director
Executive Director DSWD-
Homelife/Group Living; Educational Services; Health Services; Recreational & Other Cultural Activities; Spiritual Formulation; Community Participation; Social Services Residential Care abandoned, neglected and abused children 

HOSPICIO DE SAN JOSE
Isla de Convalencia, Ayala Bridge, 1099 Manila
Tel. #: 734-2366 to 68 Email: c_evidente@yahoo.com/hospiciodesanjose@yahoo.com
Sr. Maria Socorro Evidente, Directress child and youth development program, persons with special needs program, program for older persons and crisis intervention programs Residential Care children, youth, persons with special needs and older persons

HOUSE OF REFUGE FOUNDATION, INC.
#24 Parinas St. Road 20 Brgy. Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City
Tel. # (02) 351-8628/ 692-6044 / Fax# : 332-5988
e-mail add: houseofrefugefoundationinc@gmail.com website : www.house-of-refuge.com Ms.Glady Bunao
Ms. Glady Bunao, Executive Director  

homelife, social services, formal and non-formal education, health and nutrition, psychological services, spiritual nourishment and character building Residential Care abandoned, orphaned, neglected and surrendered  

HOUSE OF SARANG, INC.(House of Somang)
#19 LPL MJS Compound,Levitown Subd., Parañaque City
Telefax: 823-2313/822-7252

Facility for children:
Block 71 Lot 48 J.P. Rizal St., Upper Bicutan, Taguig City
Tel. # 856-2115 Bro. Kwan Woo Lee, KBJ
Center Director
House of Somang - homelife, medical, social, psychosocial, spiritual enrichment and socio-recreational and physical fitness activities Residential Care abandoned, neglected, orphaned, sexually and physically abused male children and older persons

NCR KAISAHANG BUHAY FOUNDATION, INC.
No. 56 10th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. #: 911-4180;  912-1159;  913-1469
Fax #: 912-1160
Emil Add: kbf@mozcom.com Ms. Rosario dela Rosa
Ms. Rosario dela Rosa, Executive Director
nationwide domestic adoption foster care, adoption, liaison service for inter-country adoption, day care service, independent living and educational assistance (ILEA), residential care for single mothers, family and community outreach
as resource agency:
provides financial support to DSWD-RSCC facilities through salary of one (1) staff and financial subsidy/support for children/clients of DSWD-RSCC and other registered SWDAs with foster care program  Residential Care/Community-based orphaned, abandoned, street and neglected children, single mothers and needy families 

LAURA VICUÑA FOUNDATION INC. CENTER
55 F. Manalo Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. #: 723-2342 

Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, Executive Directorhomelife, health and nutrition, medical and dental services, socio-recreational services, psychiatric/psychological services, spiritual services, social services and after care services
Residential Care  7-17 years old homeless female street children, sexually-abused, youth at risk and child labor 

LAURA VICUÑA FOUNDATION INC.
3500 V. Mapa Extension, Sta. Mesa 1016 Manila
Tel. #: 714-7793 / Fax #: 714-7428
E-mail add: lauravicuna2004@yahoo.com 

(Community-based) - Drop-In Center for streetchildren (located in Sta. Mesa and Tondo)
- Technology Resource Center - conducts TESDA accredited vocational and technical courses like computer secretarial, basic electronics  and garment trade
- LINK Center (Launching to Industries Networking and Kick off Center) - undertakes survey of potential industrial and business establishments for referral services and job placements, intensified training input for HR Dev't., capital build-up assistance, small business enterprises
'- Group Home Independent Living (rented apartment located in Pandacan, Manila) Community-based -6-18 years old male and female streetchildren and urban youth at risk of abuse, exploitation and neglect
'- 7-18 years old urban poor male and female youths including qualified streetchildren who are prepared to undertake vocational and technical courses
'- discharged older children from the agency's Home for Girls  in Cubao and graduates of Technology Resource Center  

 NORFIL FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
16 Mother  Ignacia Ave., cor. Roces Ave. Quezon City
Tel. #: 372-3577 to 79
Fax #: 373-2169
Emil Add: norfilfoundation@yahoo.com/contact@norfil.com.ph
URL: www.norfil.com.ph 

Ms. Teresa Nuqui, Execuitve Director
Residential Care Programs and Services for Single Expectant Mothers) Residential Services for Single Mothers, Foster Home Care and Domestic Adoption, Integrated Family and Community Development, Community-Based Rehabilitation for children and youth with disabilities, and Training Center for Social Welfare and Development  Residential and Community-based Abandoned, neglected, and dependent children, unwed pregnant women and girls, mentally/physically handicapped children and youth, needy and disadvantaged families; pre-school children

ONESIMO BULILIT FOUNDATION, INC.
#390 Fraternal St., Quiapo, Manila
Tel.# 735-1161/734-6830
email add: jtsandaya@yahoo.com 

Mr. Daniel Wartenweiler, Executive Director
Ms. Juliet Andaya, Program Director  

temporary shelter, drop-in center for streetchildren, non-formal education, values and spiritual formation, sports and physical activity Residential Care and Community-based neglected, abandoned and physically/sexually abused children and streetchildren 

PANGARAP FOUNDATION INC. (Pangarap Shelter for Street Children)
No. 2503 Taft Avenue, corner. Escobal Street, Pasay City
Tel #: 834-1061/ 551-37-33 / Fax #: 834-1061
e-mail add: admin@pangrapfoundation.org.ph 

Ms. Leah Sarion-Lanzuela, RSW, MSSW, Executive Director
Caring - provision of basic needs such as food, clothing, medical and dental services
Healing - individual, group and family counseling or therapy, psychological evaluation and psychiatric assessment, conduct of summer camp and family day, monthly socialization activities and spiritual or values formation Teaching - tutorial classes,educational assistance, art, music and theater workshops, sessions on life skills, reproductive health seminars and skills training such as candle making and beadwork Residential care and Community-based  8-17 years old abused, neglected abandoned and alcohol substance user or children in need of special protection

SILONG TANGLAW FOUNDATION, INC.

No. 644 G. Araneta Avenue corner. Kaliraya Street, Quezon City
Tel. #: 742-3099
e-mail add: info_silongtanglaw@yahoo.com
website: www.silongtanglaw.org 

Rev. Fr. Edcel R. Silva, OSJ, Administrator

residential care, social services, health, education, recreational, psychological and spiritual services Residential Care orphaned, neglected, emotional and physically abused children

ST. MARIA DE MATTIAS CENTER, INC. (formerly BLESSED MARIA DE MATTIAS CENTER)
#112 Ipil Street, Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Tel. #: 490-7448 / Fax# 941-5166 

Sr. Maria Gracia d' Amato, ASC, Superior
homelife, educational assistance, medical care, psychological and psychiatric services, values formation and character building, counseling, recreation and skills training Residential care neglected , abandoned and orphaned female children 

ST. MARY EUPHRASIA INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, INC.

EUPHRASIAN RESIDENCE
Good Shepherd Convent, No. 1043 Aurora Blvd., Quezon City
Tel. #: 913-6433 Sr. 

Ma. Ailyn E. Binco, RGS / Sr. M. Amor D. Samonte, Center Head
temporary shelter, medical assistance, psychological/pyschiatric services, socio-cultural and recreational activities, counseling and group dynamic/therapy Residential Care children who are sexually abused, incest/rape and with behavioral problems 

THE SUN AND MOON FOUNDATION, INC.
4370 Librada Avelino St., Bayview Village,
Tambo, Parañaque City
Tel. #:  853-1220/852-2292 / Telefax: 851-2292
e-mail add: homeforchildren@gmail.com 

Ms. Angelita Alegre, Executive Director  

homelife, medical and nutrition, psycho-social interventions, physical and hydro-therapy  Residential Care 0-3 years old abandoned, surrendered, neglected and orphaned children 

TAHANAN NG PAG-IBIG NI BARBARA MICARELLI FOUNDATION (CENTER FOR STREET CHILDREN), INC.
No. 26 Kanlaon St., Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Quezon City
Tel. #: 731-7407
e-mail add: olacfmij@yahoo.com 

Sr. Petronilla (Chiara Flora) Idili, FMIJ, Executive Director
residential care services, educational assistance, health and nutrition, christian formation, tutorial services, guidance and counseling Residential Care 6-12 years old female streetchildren who have been either totally abandoned and exposed to physical and emotional risk   

TAHANAN SANTA LUISA, INC.
#42 Berlin St., Capitol Park Homes, Quezon City
Tel. #: 931-9853 / CP# 0927-4820960
Email: tahananstaluisainc@gmail.com/  tahananstaluisainc@yahoo.com 

Ms. Mercy Cabrillas, Executive Director
Homelife Assistance; health, Educational Assistance; Socio-Cultural; Livelihood Assistance  Residential Care abandoned, neglected and abused girls 

TULOY FOUNDATION INCORPORATED (formerly Pugad Bosco, Inc.)
Tuloy sa Don Bosco Streetchildren Village Alabang-Zapote Rd., cor. San Jose Village, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1770 Philippines
Tel. #: (632) 775-0683/ 775-0484/85 / Fax Number: (632) 775-0483
Email: fr_rocky@yahoo.com
URL: http://tuloy.org 

Fr. Marciano Evangelista, SDB, President
homelife services, counseling, casework and groupwork activities, psychological evaluation, medical services, vocational technology education (automotive technology, refrigeration and air-conditioning technology, electrical/electronics technology, computer technician technology and baking science technology) Residential Care 7-17 years old abandoned/foundling, orphaned, neglected, abused and streetchildren and youth    

TULAY NG KABATAAN FOUNDATION, INC. (Drop-in Center for Boys)
108 Kalayaan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City Main office: 94 Kalayaan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. #: 922-2745 / Fax #: 763-0120 e-mail add: father.matthieu@dauchez.ch 
Fr. Mattieu Dauchez, Executive Director
homelife services, non-formal education, psychological testing and evaluation, medical/dental, spiritual formation, home visits and counseling to parents/relatives to assess possibility of family reunification Residential Care 7-27 years old male street children and
5-17 years old abandoned, neglected physically abused children   

TULAY NG KABATAAN FOUNDATION, INC. (Blessed Charles de Fancauld Center - Home for Girls)
53 Gen. Luna St. Brgy. 655, Intramuros, Manila Fr. Mattieu DauchezFr. Mattieu Dauchez, Executive Director

homelife, social, health, educational services, psychosocial and spiritual services Residential Care 8-20 years old girl children and youth 

TULAY NG KABATAAN FOUNDATION, INC.
(Our Lady of Guadalupe - Special Children for Boys, St. Ignatius de Loyola - Home for Boys and Jerome Lejeune Center-Special Children for Girls)
Address: 25 Mabuhay St., Brgy. Central, Quezon City
Tel.# 922-2745/925-3481/435-8988
e-mail add: foundationtnk@yahoo.fr
website: www.tnkfoundation.org 

homelife, social, health, educational services, psychosocial and spiritual services, legal assistance, reconciliation with families and home visits, vocational training

VIRLANIE FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
4055 Yague St., Brgy. Singkamas, La Paz Village, Makati City
Tel. #: 896-2289/ 816-4596 / 895-5260 / Fax #: 895-5232
email: virlanie@virlanie.org/info@virlanie.org/arlynef16@yahoo.com
URL: virlanie.org 

Ms. Arlyne Fernandez, Deputy Executive Director  
Mother and Child Center - caters to unwed mothers ages 16-29 years old and their own children
Marco Polo Center - caters to neglected, abandoned and surrendered children
Community Based Program
*Mobile Unit Program - educational and health program for streetchildren
*Open day Center - venue for street families and street children to and enjoy and experience home and family life, basic literacy and tutorial class, house rental assistance, educational assistance, transportation assistance and skills capacity trainings
*Family Program - empowerment of parents through livelihood (training and seminars to put up a community cooperative), education, basic social services and organizational dev't. and provides educational assistance (tuition fees, allowance and school materials to thier children
Residential Care and Community-based unwed mothers and their own children, 3-8 years old neglected, abandoned and surrendered children

Brickfire : Not Your Typical Budget - Friendly Steakhouse

If you happen to pass by SM Annex, chances are you will be curious to try Brickfire Oven-Roasted Steaks and Chops. I can still remember last year, I was there trying their Cowgirl Annie just a day after their opening (and the foodie in me strikes again!)

Three (3) months after the opening, I visited again the steakhouse, but this time with my family and tried their breakfast tapa. It's crispy yet tender and juicy and a must try I should say.

Brickfire SM North EDSA Annex

First and foremost, Brickfire is a budget-friendly steakhouse. Its flagship dishes are The Duke and Cowgirl Annie, which are generous cuts of tender local beef classically seasoned with salt and pepper. That is where Brickfire stops being your typical budget steakhouse and becomes so much more.

One of the biggest difference with Brickfire is how the beef is cooked. Instead of the steaks being grilled, they are baked in a Brickfire over, keeping the steaks tender and sealing in the flavorful juices, which is key to that irresistible beefy taste often found lacking in thinly cut grilled steaks.

Brickfire doesn't jsut stop differentiating itself there. It takes further steps into the diverse art of preparing steak by offering two additional playful flavors : Honey Mustard and Wasabi. The Honey Mustard steaks are made with the famous Filipino sweeth tooth in mind are a nice alternative to the traditional salt and pepper flavor.

Address : 

Brickfire Katipunan

#41 2/f Xavier Residence Bldg., cor R. Alvero and E. Abada St., Loyola Heights, QC

(02) 426-2254 / 0917-3547318

Brickfire SM North EDSA - Annex

(02) 441-4464 / 0927-5231130

Mompreneurs : The Secrets of the Hardest Working People in Business Revealed

One fine day at the office

I've seen, met and connected with a lot of women like me who juggles family, carreer and business. How do you think they balance the ultimate balancing act?

A lot of mompreneurs admit that they face a lot of challenges , one of the main challenge is not having the right support staff to help them run their business. Mompreneurs tends to do it all, all by themselves.

Some friends on social media calls me "Superwo-mom", maybe they were amazed on how I was able to handle all those roles that I am playing on a daily basis. I am not  "Darna", there are some areas in my life that needs to be worked on, and I am carefully planning and working on it.

Sometimes being 'overly' passionate in something is not healthy anymore, and all it takes is a little planning to survive and achieve that Work-Life balance.

Here are some JLofied survival tips for mompreneurs out there:

Playing with the Kids at the Shop

1. Tell clients upfront that you have a corporate day job, work after a certain hour, and answer emails, messages at a certain time.

2. Create a kid-friendly workspace. Set up an area where they can do crafts or do their assignments and projects while you are working.

"Ding ang Bato!" DARNA!

3. You are only Human. Work hard, do what you can, but at the end of the day remind yourself that you are human and not a super hero.

4. Take a Step Back. Let your business grow at a slower pace.

5. Make lists, and more lists. Never go out without your power planner / organizer.

6. Practice the 80/20 rule. You don't need to keep up to all your customers. There will always be tomorrow and learn to say No.

7. Maximize the use of technology. Automate as much as possible.

8.  Maximize your time and get organized. Cure yourself of e-mail dependency. Switch it off when you don't want to be distracted. Allocate yourself set times daily to focus on it.

9. Develop speed skills.

10. Delegate with confidence. Ask your self if you need to do that job, if you're answer is no look for someone else who could have and would have done that job. Hiring a virtual assistant could be an example. 

Are you ready to be one? It takes a lot of hard work but it can be rewarding. Follow your dreams, follow your heart and avoid procastination. Do it now!

In case it will not turn out right as the way your expect it, don't worry experience is already a form of success in itself.

The Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale Wins at the 2014 CSC Government Choral Competition

The Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale recently won the Grand Prize at the 114th Civil Service Commission Government Choral Competition held last September 30 at the CCP Main Theater.

The winners of the 2014 CSC Government Choral Competition :

GRAND PRIZE Winner  The Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale

1st Runner - Up : PAGCOR Voice Symphony
2nd Runner - Up : City Government of Makati Employees' Chorale
3rd Runner - Up : Pangasinan Provincial Chorale

SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Conductor : City of Government of Makati Employees' Chorale
Best Arrangement of the Competition Song : City of Government of Makati Employees' Chorale

BEST REGIONAL ENTRIES 
Luzon : Dasmarinas City Teachers Chorale
Visayas : Calbayog City Chorale
Mindanao : Bayugan City Division Chorale
NCR : The Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale

The members of the competing team from the Pag-IBIG Fund Chorale are as follows :

Sopranos : Elma Abanono, Diecebel Guerina, Maybelle Verdejo, Cheryl Magtoto, Levi Julian, Tess Tayo, Beth Antonio

Altos : Jennifer Lopez-Gana, Grace Oclares, Leebeth Costino, Fran Jacinto, Junnelyn Bermudez

Tenors : Jonathan Haber, Ariel Acosta, Paul Michael Lacson, Frank Delfin
Basses : Elmer Mari Hernandez, Elpie Parayno, Darwin Lomentigar, Roy Escoton, Von   

Bloggers as Digital Influencers : How Blogging Changed My Life

I've always mention this to my friends that taking this CBSME course from Ateneo-DigitalFilipino  is really life changing. A lot of opportunities knocking at my door lately and right now I am considering and taking a leap of faith on each one of them. My appearance at Kris TV was one of them, a  job offer related to Marketing  from a former boss and the chance to be a resource speaker at the recently concluded Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2014 last September 13 at the SMX Mall of Asia.

I attended the Summit because of 3 reasons : 1) as a CBSME graduate helping out in the event; 2) as a participant and 3) as a speaker. It was my first time, and I think I still have a lot of things to work on to, perhaps a Public Speaking Workshop will do the trick. Honestly, it was easier for me to sing/perform on that stage because I've performed at that same stage several times already.

I had a hard time expressing my thoughts during the event, so I am redeeming myself by writing what I should  have said.

Photo Credit : Mark Gana

I was asked to share my experiences on how I used my blog to share my mom-hood, my online party planning/supplies business   and my I <heart> being a Mom advocacy project. So here it is, my "My Life Story as a Blogger".

 

Mommy JLo

I started being a mommy blogger as early as 2004, just a few months after my eldest Janelle was born. I had a hard time conceiving that's why I started sharing about my PCOS and TTC Journey. I used my blog to inspire and give hope to women who also had difficulty getting pregnant or TTC (trying to conceive). I started to gain a handful of followers/readers and most of them started asking questions already about my OB/Gyne, medicines to take, strategies, tips and some even asked for "sex positions"  to use. :-)

Like most of first time mom out there in the blogosphere, I usually talk about my daughter and her developments, from learning how to walk, how to talk, eating habits, first hair cut and all those "first" and milestones.

Being able to give hope to those couple that they too can bear a child  means so much to me. Most of them became good friends and some became "kumares" to their first born.

JLo the Mompreneur

In the year 2007, I started to blog about my kids parties. I share with my readers my "suppliers rating" and started to give fearless reviews on each suppliers I hired for my events.  I started to realize the power of blogging and how it will influence the consumers  buying decisions, a simple review will make or break a supplier.

Now that I am already a so called "party supplier", I used blogging to share with my readers all successful events we had. I even asked blogger friends and clients who eventually became friends also  to do a product review. Blogging about a product or services will make a business credible enough to be trusted. 

The I <heart> being a Mom Advocacy Project

The projects' main objective is to show that Social Media can be a platform for social change and anyone has the power to motivate others to give back to society.  And yes, objectives attained. 80% of the people who worked with me on this project I met only on the day of the event. I am really amazed  with the power of blogging and social media in generating the buzz about this project, call for bloggers, donors and sponsors were all done on-line.

My desire to come up with this kind of project started 20 years ago but never had the chance to. Through blogging, one can have that great power to change the world one step at a time. Use it to help and be of service to others in need, and use that power to influence others to do the same.

L-R Grace Bondad, JLofied, Ben France, Janette Torral

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blog of 2014 Writing Project

8 month old JLofied.com was nominated on this project. I did not make it 'tho, but Ms. Lani Lyutz of www.mommybloggersphilippines.com asked to me to claim the certificate in her behalf. Oh and wait there's more!  I won a $100 in the raffle draw. It seems that all the stars in the universe are all watching over me! :-)

 

Receiving the award for Ms. Lani Lyutz of Mommy Bloggers Philippines

 

The #DIMSummit is organized by DigitalFilipino and co-sponsored by the ff :

• Digital Influencers Marketing Summit
• Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program
• Philippine Internet History #phnet20 Project
• Digital Creators Boot Camp
• Infinity Hub Web Development Services