MAGAZINE FOR MODERN MOMS MARCH - APRIL 2015

on the Joys of Infanticipation

Meet Mompreneurs Chal Lontoc-del Rosario and Em Sulit

Best Family Destinations

PATTY LAUREL&

KELLY MISA

MAKING IT WORK

ANTON DIAZ’S

FREE

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PUBLICATIONwww.mommymundo.com

Hi Urban Mom,

What I love about you guys is that you carefully select the moms you feature in your monthly issues.

I learned a lot from fellow supermoms who are able to balance work-life-kids etc and are empowered in their lives.

Also, I like the “must haves” feature of your mag! It solves the guesswork for me in finding quality new stuff as gifts and personal needs every season.

Keep inspiring moms!

Your reader,Iann F. Almendares

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Urban Mom is available for free download at www.mommymundo.com/urbanmom. For inquiries, call 470-9925 or 0918 930-0313 or email urbanmom@mommymundo.com.

Urban Mom is a lifestyle magazine for modern moms. Material appearing here may not be reproduced in print or electronically without permission from the publisher and without proper credit. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Although considerable care and attention has been exerted to verify the listings, the publishers are not liable for any inaccuracies in the information. Urban Mom is published by MommyMundo of Creative Juice Communications Inc. www.mommymundo.com

PUBLISHERS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFADMINISTRATIVE

CREATIVE CONSULTANTLAYOUT

PHOTOGRAPHY

Gary M. VillanuevaJanice Crisostomo-VillanuevaJing LejanoArnel BanaresJaymie PizarroSamantha CoStanley Ong

MARCH - APRIL 2015

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Note from the Editor

Publisher’s Memo

Oh how I envy Patty and Kelly, best friends having the time of their lives expecting their little bundles of joy at the same time! I was one of the first in our group to get pregnant. While I wanted nothing more than to talk about morning sickness, I felt my girlfriends would not be able to relate. They were still going out and dating, and there I was with a bun in my oven! In time, fortunately, they managed to all catch up, and today we’re all in the thick of motherhood--some still with gradeschoolers, others on the brink of an empty nest.

Apart from Patty and Kelly’s story, check out Anton Diaz’s favorite family-friendly travel destinations as well as our own picks of romantic resorts, perfect for your second honeymoon! See you there!

Summer... my favorite time of the year! I had the greatest fun at our Expo Kid event last February where we encouraged everyone to plan for their #bestsummerever. At the event, we had our top recommendations for summer activities that you can now find in www.mommypages.com.ph. For the kids, summer is the season for more family time, meeting people, learning crafts, and going on tons of new adventures!

For new moms-to-be, Patty Laurel-Filart and Kelly Misa-Fernandez, their adventures are just about to begin. With the two models slash blogger friends expecting their first babies in July, we excitedly join them as they take even us experienced mamas on their journey to motherhood with their candid takes, fresh eyes and unique perspectives.

May our motherhood be filled with lots of sunshine and discoveries just like summer!

Special thanks to our cover sponsors:Sfera. 2/F SM Makati, Ayala Center. www.sfera.eu ; The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion. 100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. www.theblueleaf.com.ph ; Happy Skin Cosmetics. happyskincosmetics.com

Showcasing Manila’s best mom-approved

products as selected by

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favoritethings

1A bit of organization. Soiled diapers, dirty

shirts, wet swimsuits—keep them all together in wet bags from Keeping It Together. They’re so practical, you can even stow away other stuff like snack items in these bags. www.facebook.com/KITKeepingittogether

2Use sunscreen! Kids like playing under the sun, so make sure

they’re well-protected by spraying or slathering them with a generous amount of sun protection from Nivea’s Sun Kids collection. These not only give ample protection from the potentially harmful effects of the sun’s rays, they also moisturize your children’s skin. www.nivea.ph

3Carry him around. Be perfectly mobile

even with baby in tow with Erbobaby. This hands-free baby carrier is quite versatile as you may wear it in front, at the back, or on your hip. www.facebook.com/ergobabyphilippine

4Cure for little aches and pains. Travel can take

a toll on the kids, and they may be prone to booboos and other whatnots. Smooth things over with So True Naturals’ Mama’s Kiss. It’s a refreshing balm made from 40 percent pure lavender essential oil to provide instant relief to minor skin irritations.www.sotruenaturals.com

5Wipe ‘em off. Things are bound

to get messy. Keep the little ones clean with organic bibs and burpees from the Izzy Collection. They’re not only comfortably soft, they’re friendly to the environment as well! www.izzycollection.com

6Don’t forget to hydrate. Make

sure you and your kids get to drink lots and lots of water during the course of the trip to keep everyone fresh and calm. Klean Kanteen keeps your drinks fresh and clean tasting. Available at Rustan’s Department Stores.

7Get up and go. Be ready to do

some serious running around after the kids. These candy-colored sneakers from Praiaz will help you zig and zag. They’re all-terrain shoes which you can take to the beach, on the mountains, or at the mall. www.facebook.com/PraiazPH

ROAD TRIP!Whether your family’s heading off to the beach, spending a day in a theme park, or visiting folks in the province, you’ve got to get your gear in order. Apart from your digital camera and other electronic gadgets that you just can’t leave home without, here are other travel necessities for a hassle-free trip with the kiddies:

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When you’ve been married for a good number of years, it’s easy enough to stick to a mind-numbing routine of work, home, and sleep. Indeed, for many couples, penciling in alone time together is a difficult endeavour, especially when th e kids are in their growing up phase and the demands on your time is overwhelming.

Couples must remember, however, that a good marriage is the foundation of every great family, and for that, you need more than just your everyday routine down pat. You also need to keep the flames of romance alive. Spending time away from your kids, in a destination relaxed and comforting, is one way of doing this. More than uninterrupted sexy time, going away has a slew of other benefits.

For starters, you get to indulge in adult pursuits. Without having to think of your kids’ interests, you and your hubby are free to do whatever it is you want to do! You can soak for hours in the tub or go rock climbing. You can watch movies not of the animated kind. You can hold hands and take in the sunset without somebody asking you one thing or another. Oh yes, you can also order anything whatever you want on the menu!

Going away also means having hours and hours of uninterrupted adult conversation. If you’re a stay-at-home or work-at-home mom most especially, most of your verbal conversations may only comprise of two or three syllable words with your toddler. Alone with your husband, you can chatter away, just like you did when you were dating. It’s a good time to touch base and rediscover each other.

Last but not least, going away means taking things slow. Decompress. Get up whenever you want to, or don’t get up at all! Everybody needs a break, and what better way to have some rest and relaxation than with the love of your life! -JL

4 SECOND HONEYMOON HIDEAWAYS

Planning a trip with the hubby? Keep these idyllic destinations in mind.

Pangalusian Island The newest property of El Nido Resorts, Pangalusian is probably the swankiest as well with luxurious villas built on stilts, a pristine beach set amidst a tropical forest, and the most breathtaking of sunsets. You and your hubby will not want of things to do here as Pangalusian has hiking trails, a beach bar, and a spa.vwww.elnidoresorts.com

Siama HotelIn the middle of a coconut forest is a wonderfully appointed hotel with suites which open out to lush gardens. Located in San Lorenzo, Sorsogon, Siama Hotel is the perfect destination for a laid-back, but lusciously picturesque, rendezvous with your hubby.www.siamahotel.com

Coco Grove Beach ResortIn bewitching Siquijor is Coco Grove Beach Resort with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Suites are located amidst lush tropical gardens. During the off-season, you won’t likely bump into another guest, perfect for honeymooners.www.cocogrovebeachresort.com

Kapuluan Vista ResortPagudpud is home to a contemporarily designed destination, Kapuluan Vista Resort. It’s the perfect base for those in the mood for some swimming, snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Plus, the food is just spectacular! kapuluanvistaresortandrestaurant.com/

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I t was a wonderful Tuesday morning. As good friends Patty Laurel-Filart and Kelly Misa-Fernandez snacked on slices of four cheese

pizza, they started reminiscing about their childhood, when things seemed more idyllic and less complicated. They then proceeded to talk about cloth diapers and belly bands. They are, after all, both infanticipating ladies, and as fate would have it, their due dates are just a week apart!

Patty, who is the model, host, and teacher behind popular lifestyle blog, Pattylaurel.com, says that she and her husband Patrick actually wish they could fast forward her due date. She says, “We keep cheering the baby on to grow faster! This baby boy is a true testament of God’s faithfulness and perfect timing. It sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s the honest truth. We both love kids. We’re already so in love with our pamangkins and inaanaks and so we can’t wait to have one of our own!”

Kelly, who is a beauty columnist at the Philippine Daily Inquirer and host of Trending Now at ANC, is equally ecstatic. She says, “I can’t wait to be a mom. I am looking forward to this baby. We’ve been praying for this bundle of joy and cannot wait to meet him/her.”

Seeing the worldAs the two ladies await the arrival of their bundles of joy, it’s safe to say that they won’t be doing much traveling in the months to come. This is just fine, of course, as the two are globetrotters of sorts, and have seen quite a good part of the world.

Kelly actually lived in Hong Kong for a time, and snagged modeling assignments in and around Asia. Living with her luggage was an eye-opener. She says, “I learned how to be with myself, to be good at paying attention to details, how to navigate and study maps, and how to interact with people, no matter what language barrier we had. I generally like being alone, which helped but I learned that I also needed people. I sought my close friends constantly while I was alone and kept in touch just so I won’t go crazy. It was a fun experience.”

Meanwhile, Patty had been hopping from one destination to another with her husband since they got married. She says, “I’m so glad we traveled the world together before getting pregnant, I learned so much about myself and about my husband through our little adventures together. Although I’m just as excited to embark on a new and much more fulfilling journey with our little one, I’m just thankful for the first two years of ‘just you and me.’”

Belly Blessings

coverstoryText by Jing Lejano

Photography by Stanley Ong

Kelly Misa’s makeup by Paula Maceda of Creations Salon by Lourd Ramos; hair

by Jaymar Lahaylahay of Creations Salon by

Lourd RamosPatty Laurel’s makeup:

Kenjie Nocillado of Creations Salon by Lourd

Ramos; hair by Markee Custodio of Creations Salon by Lourd Ramos

All using Happy Skin Cosmetics featuring the Beauty in Bloom

Collection.Clothes from SferaShot on location at

The Blue Leaf Pavilion

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coverstory

In no time, these two beauties would be going off to new adventures, this time with their babes.

Kelly wants to take her child everywhere! She explains, “I want my kid to experience what I did and see the world for what it is. I don’t want him/her to get stuck thinking Manila is his/her entire world. There is so much to see and do, so many people to meet, so many opportunities to be met. Seeing the world opens you up to new experiences and ideas, which I want my child to experience.”

For her part, Patty says, “I think it won’t matter where we go, as long as we’re together, it’ll be a memorable adventure for sure! It could be as grand as trekking in Machu Pichu or as simple as laying out a banig to have a picnic in our backyard. I think what matters most is that parents are intentional in making time with their children. I really hope Patrick and I will be able to make beautiful and wonderful memories with our kids!”

Kelly’s Top 3 Trips1. New Zealand: My parents planned a trip to Australia and New Zealand and brought all four kids with them. It was an unbelievable adventure for us and truly unforgettable, as we saw beautiful parks, geysers, and animals. I would like to do the same thing with my kids.

2. Bali, Indonesia: I recently went back here for my show and truly enjoyed myself. I saw a different side of Bali, thanks to the show’s researchers and got to experience things I wouldn’t normally get to do if I were off on my own.

3. Seoul, Korea: Korea was just so exciting. The people were fashionable and busy, and there was this energy to it. The food and shopping here tops my list. There is so much to see and do, I really want to go back!

Patty’s Top 3 Trips1. Dubrovnik, Croatia: There’s just something so magical and mystical about this place. The food was great, the people are friendly and well-mannered, the medieval architecture will take you back in time, and the scenery is just fantastic.

2. New York: There’s no denying the vibrant energy of this city. We just felt so alive in the Big Apple! We visited museums, watched a show on Broadway, hung out in Central Park, and stuffed our bellies with glorious food!

3. Paris: It’s romantic, it’s elegant, it’s just so darn beautiful. And contrary to popular belief, the French are actually quite pleasant! They’re always so warm and sweet, I love engaging with them so much.

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urbanmompreneur

Being an entrepreneur is in Chal Lontoc-del Rosario’s genes. For many years, her mother

took care of business at their travel agency, Jeron Travel. It was but natural then that when her mom passed away, Chal took over.

She recalls, “It was hard at first but I love to travel and service people. Everything fell into place with a lot of hard work.”

While being a mompreneur has its fair share of challenges, Chal says, “It’s very fulfilling to be able to help yourself and others as well. I love that my son gets to see me accomplishing things.”

Sometimes though, “mom” guilt creeps in. “There are times that I just want to be home with my son and hang out, but can’t. I’m pregnant now and it’s hard too to be always out working. I’m just lucky it’s still turning out

well. I like the balance of being a mom and still having my own career.”

Her secret: She asks for help.

Chal knows that she is no superwoman, so she asks for assistance whenever she needs it. Having a loving and understanding husband is a big bonus too!

“I’m lucky that my husband is hands-on with our son. My family is very supportive. I also have an amazing team in Jeron Travel! I’m thankful that my son’s yaya is there too! You really can’t do it alone. Being a mom, wife, and entrepreneur, they all require 24 hours of your time. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s love for all three that gets me through the day!”

The Natural

In many ways, Em Sulit is a nurturer. A mom of two, she has successfully adhered to the

principles of green living while managing a number of enterprises.

For many years, Em worked in Hong Kong as a business developer. She was particularly good at spotting business opportunities and bringing them to life. It wasn’t surprising then that when she came back to Manila, she set up businesses of her own. She is currently a director at The Souq Organics, Izzy Collection, and Game Changer.

Knowing how difficult life can be for startup entrepreneurs, Em shared her wisdom through her blog, Ice Cream and Chocolates. She explains, “Many startup entrepreneurs end up heartbroken. They have this dream, only to find out it’s not as simple as they thought it is. And they are not equipped with the necessary skills

and knowledge. Me and my husband, we’re always asked so many questions by our friends and acquaintances. We give free advice. When we started our first business, so many people helped us. It’s our way of helping out and giving back.”

But her family remains her first and most important passion.

“My family grounded me. I had no direction before this. Now I know what I want and where I want to go and what I want to do. For once, the world is not just all about me. It became bigger than me. I try to help as many people as I can in terms of entrepreneurial advice, and other stuff. You reap what you sow. When you become a mom, you become kinder to the world hoping that the world will in turn be kinder to your kids as well.”

The Nurturer

youthemom

weekendwanders

We just love going through Anton Diaz’s blog, Our Awesome Planet. It’s fun to see him traipsing all over the country with his wife and kids in tow. They always seem to have a grand time, and so we asked him to share with us his list of the best family destinations.

Here they are!

6 Ideas for the Best Family Trip Ever

1. Strawberry Farm In BaguioA morning spent picking strawberries in La Trinidad, Benguet is definitely something that you and your children must experience. A half hour away from Baguio, the farm features rows and rows of strawberries ripe for the picking. No reservations necessary. Just come on over! The strawberry picking season is from November to May.

2. Tagaytay: Taal Volcano / Sky Ranch

Just an hour or so away from the city, Tagaytay is a favorite among city dwellers as it instantly transports

them to cooler climes. You may get up close and personal by taking a trip to the volcano’s crater, or just

enjoy the view over at Sky Ranch, where you can dine at your favorite restaurant or enjoy the fun rides.

4. Manila Ocean ParkThe first marine-themed park in the country, Manila

Ocean Park will open your children’s eyes to the wonders of life under the sea. While fun rides are to be had, it is the fascinating marine life exhibit which

continue to keep the young ones enthralled. www.manilaoceanpark.com

3. Las Casas de Acuzar in Bataan Located in Bagac, Bataan, this community transports you back to Manila of yore. Enjoy the beauty of Philippine architecture with heritage houses lovingly preserved in this fascinating destination. Walk down cobbled streets, take a dip in the beach, or grab a delicious ensaymada over at the panaderia.

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outandabout

weekendwanders

Mompreneurs Rock!The 3rd Mompreneur Summit: LIFE+BIZ drew together a very appreciative audience of business owners and CEO wannabes at the Aruga by Rockwell. Organized by Mompreneur Manila, it was supported by Epson, Smart Communications, FERN-C, and BPI KaNegosyo. In photos, participants strike a pose as Smart Parenting editor in chief Mia Fausto Cruz exchanges ideas with Manila Bulletin lifestyle editor AA Patawaran.www.mompreneurmanila.com

5. BalerLocated in the east coast of Luzon, Baler is a popular destination among surfers for its fantastic waves. Pack the kids in the car and go on a six-hour road trip. You’ll arrive just in time for check-in at the resort of your choice. The kids will only be too excited to try their hand at surfing, be prepared!

6. Pahiyas in LucbanThis is one of the most exciting fiestas around. In honor of St.

Isidro Labrador, the Pahiyas is celebrated every May 15. They go all out here in Lucban. Enjoy the creative harvest displays. Eat

a lot of Lucban longganisa and Pancit Habhab, and mingle with folks who are the happiest bunch you’ll ever meet!

Happy Skin Gets StyLIZedHappy Skin recently introduced a limited-edition

collaboration with style icon Liz Uy. The fashion editor and celebrity stylist presented the three key lip hues

to Happy Skin’s collection. In photo, Liz Uy with Happy Skin founders Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa

Mananquil-Trillo. store.happyskincosmetics.com/

Feel the Breeze of TempurFocus Global, the exclusive

Philippine distributor of premium mattress brand, Tempur, treated mommy

bloggers and their families to a night at the movies. To

celebrate the introduction of its newest line of mattress, Breeze,

Tempur set up a theater filled with beds. Guests were able to experience the comfort of

Breeze first-hand.www.focusglobalinc.com

Check out the latest adventures, discoveries and tips of Anton Diaz and his family on the award-winning travel and food blog, www.ourawesomeplanet.com

classifieds

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outandabaout

The #BestSummerEver at Expo Kid By bringing together some of the most exciting summer program providers in the metropolis at The Loft at Manansala in Rockwell, Expo Kid gave children the opportunity to get a hands-on preview of fun activities. The expo also featured games, with prizes from FernC and Huggies Philippines, and learning sessions. Mommy Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan shared practical tips for moms through a portion sponsored by Huggies Philippines. www.mommymundo.com

Daphne at National Book StoreNational Book Store, the country’s

largest bookstore chain, recently unveiled its limited edited collection

of Daphne stationery and organizers. Developed by broadcast journalist and blogger Daphne Osena Paez together

with acclaimed graphic designer Isabel Gatuslao, Daphne features four patterns inspired by Daphne’s family.

www.daphne.comwww.nationalbookstore.com.ph

Huggies Philippines at Expo KidThrough the initiative of Huggies Philippines, moms and dads were able to have a lively dialogue with mom of five, author, and triathlete Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan at the recently held Expo Kid. The discussion proved to be a fruitful one as parents talked about their various concerns. At the same event, Huggies Philippines also held a dance contest to the delight of the kiddie participants. www.huggies.com.ph/

Johnson’s Philippines’s So Much More Campaign

Johnson’s & Johnson’s recently launched their So Much More

campaign to inspire parents nationwide to make bath time a

meaningful and delightful experience for their children. It’s all about

enhancing rituals to provide parents an opportunity to nurture baby’s ability to

learn, think, love and grow. www.johnsonsbaby.com/somuchmore

Mommy Mundo Launches Top Mom PicksMommy Mundo, the country’s most extensive portal of mom and family-focused resources, recently launched Top Mom Picks, a comprehensive guidebook of approved and recommended products for mothers in different stages of motherhood. The best products from the guidebook were showcased in a shopping event of the same name, Top Mom Picks. It featured an exciting variety of mompreneur selections complemented by the country’s biggest brands. www.mommymundo.com

MIIS Pursues Pioneering InitiativesMultiple Intelligence International School recently shared

its plans for the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified Green School in the country

and hosted a run-by-any-means fun run at the University of the Philippines Diliman Academic Oval. The run attracted families, environment advocates, and running enthusiasts.

In the same event, MIIS also recognized individuals who have used their particular “intelligence” to affect the lives of others. MIIS gave recognition to Senator Pia Cayetano, singer-composer Noel Cabangon, educator Dr. Josette T. Biyo, architect Paulo G. Alcazaren, and, journalist Maria A.

Ressa, among others. www.mischool.edu.ph

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urbanmom

MAY 22-24, 2015 GLORIETTA 2ACTIVITY CENTER, MAKATI

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