Not just child's play

"Not just child’s play"
Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 29, 2008

As a devoted mother of 2 preschoolers, Karen Tiu-Tingtat is always on the lookout for toys that do not only entertain but also help develop her children's motor, comprehension and problem solving skills.

“I prefer them to play with toys rather than watch TV or videos in their free time. It is also a perfect opportunity for me and my husband to bond with them especially when we tell stories”, shares Karen who is married to businessman Gaudi Tingtat.

During one of her trips out of town, the thoughtful mother discovered interesting educational toys which she bought for her children as gifts. The colorful and interactive toys appealed to her young son and daughter.

Eventually, these fun toys became a hit with the kids of Karen’s friends that she began receiving orders from them. The overwhelming response of family and friends gave Karen the idea to start a business specializing in educational toys. Thus, Learning Mates was born in May 2008.

“Edutoys”

According to Karen, parents should look for educational toys for their children because they improve observation skills, develop problem solving techniques as well as logical thinking.

“As children play, they begin to be familiar with similarities and differences in everyday things. Kids need observation skills to recognize patterns in math and language like rhyming words”, discloses the hands-on mom.

“In addition, facts and concepts are likewise easier to grasp when they deal with familiar objects as they learn vocabulary in their native tongue or a second language. Parents can take note of their children's interests and further extend their conversation as they teach good values such as turn taking and loving one another”, illustrates Karen who has a degree in Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver B.C., (Canada).

On the other hand, the former preschool teacher explains that “children develop problem solving techniques through “manipulatives” such as the Connect A Cube and Cube Activity Board (P715) toys for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. For multiplication, they can stack up the cubes and put them into sets of three or four to work out problems”.

“Kids feel good about themselves when they can understand abstract concepts through “manipulatives”. Their self esteem is heightened”, Karen adds.

“Lastly, as we know, logical thinking is an important foundational skill of math. Children need to have a hands-on approach to learning math”, Karen discusses.

“To understand fractions, kids must first understand division. Toys such as Plastic Pattern Blocks and Pattern Blocks Work Tray (P1,080) not only teach children how to classify shapes, develop patterns and symmetry, but they also help develop the concept of fractions. Young learners are empowered to use their thinking skills and challenged to come up with better methods to arrive at a solution”, Karen elaborates.

Learning Mates
Learning Mates’ wide range of educational toys is guaranteed to heighten little children's curiosity for learning.

Some of Learning Mates’ bestselling items include:

Educational Wall Hanging Toys (P550). Made of 70% polyester, 30% cotton and fiberpill for filler of ornaments (like apple, ball, etc.), the interactive toys have various themes like Alphabets, Learn to Count, My Calendar, Under the Sea, Glory and Solar System. These are ideal for toddlers until the kindergarten level.

Noah's Ark, Carpentry Set and Beauty Kit (P600) and Medical and Dinosaur Kits (P650). Children love to pretend! The medical kits made of soft and felt materials, for instance, will charm the junior doctor. They help develop eye hand coordination and improve fine motor skills.

Bead Machine (P 1,159.75). With observation skills and fine motor movement as the learning goals, the bead machine is recommended for kids ages 36 months and up. Sort the beads according to each of the 24 challenge cards and turn the wheel when necessary.

Jumbo Lacing Beads (P910). Appropriate for ages 3 and up, the large size beads and colored laces help little fingers develop manual dexterity and fine motor skills while teaching them patterning and sequencing.

Attribute Logic Blocks (P640). This 60-piece set composed of 5 shapes in colors of red, blue and yellow is a great way to learn classifying, sorting and concepts like size and thickness. Highly recommended for ages 3 and up.

Animal Finger Puppets (P550). Use the 24 set of 100% cotton finger puppets to engage your children when you talk to them about kindness, helpfulness, and other family values. In addition, letting children play with the finger puppets can assist in enhancing their fine motor skills and develop their imagination through puppet shows. You may bring out the farm animals one by one, too, as you sing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. Children can be encouraged to make up new words to a familiar song as well.

Not just child’s play
Aside from educational toys, Learning Mates offers hand crafted faux leather animal bookends (P1,350) that keep hardcover or paperback books neatly in place.

Each one weighs around 1 kilo with natural cotton and iron fillings to keep books in place. They are available in giraffe, bear, penguin, milky cow, hippopotamus, horse, crocodile, pig and dog designs. The adorable bookends double as doorstoppers.

Karen assures that her products are safe and are made by companies and individuals who are dedicated to the welfare of children and families.

Her careful selection of educational toys is a testament to Karen’s belief that these enjoyable teaching tools are not just child’s play.

Online mom
The entrepreneurial mom began posting photos of her educational toys at www.karentiutingtat.multiply.com in May 2008.

“Because I wasn't a computer expert, I built my site step by step. I worked on it when I had free time. At first, I joined the multiply site because my friend was using it to store her family photos. As I visited other people's sites, I discovered that they were posting their work and products online, so I decided to upload my toys online. People invited me to join their sites and slowly I built a network of buddies”, reveals Karen.

Although she has an online presence already, Karen observes that parents can understand the need to have their children play with Learning Mates’ toys better if she personally demonstrates to them how to use the products.

Occasionally, Karen sets up her free demonstration booth during school fairs and programs so that parents and children can play and discover the toys’ educational benefits.

Karen advises other moms who would like to start an online business to “be patient and persevere. Ask an expert to help set up your site”.

“Put God first in your lives, next is your family. Love and relationships are important in families. Invest your extra time in business, but God and family come first”, she advises other budding mompreneurs.

For its pre-Christmas promo, Learning Mates is offering a 10% discount on all items (except bookends). For orders and inquiries, call (0906)3068378 or (0922)5553120. E-mail address: learningmates@gmail.com. Website: www.karentiutingtat.multiply.com.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com/.

Motherhood...just like a pro

“Motherhood...just like a pro”

Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 22, 2008

When I interview applicants for the family business what their mother’s occupation is, the most common replies are “housewife lang po” or “plain housewife”.

I gently remind the interviewees that there is nothing “plain” about being a housewife. In fact, it is one of the hardest jobs in the world! I know. I tried being a stay-at-home mom for one and a half years when I had my eldest child.

In an article, “Mothers Don’t Go on Strike (Some Jobs Defy Quantification)”, written by Carrie Lukas for the National Review Online, she cites that “according to the website, www.salary.com, a full-time stay-at-home mom would earn US$134,121 if only she were paid for her work”.

“These experts in compensation surveyed 400 mothers and found that the stay-at-home mom is part day care worker, housekeeper, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, chief executive and psychologist”, she adds.

And, let me add to that list...a mother also acts as the tutor, nurse, doctor and marketing arm (in short, “tagapamalengke”, as humorously described by Dr. Bing Veloso), name it, and the mothers will oftentimes try to find a way to perform these multiple roles.

Mommy Frannie

Last Saturday, I attended an enlightening talk entitled “Motherhood...Just Like a Pro” by Frannie Severino Daez, a Manila-based mother of seven (yes, seven children!) and author of the must-read book “Keep It Together: A Home Management Manual”. The two-hour talk was presented by the Lamdag Foundation, Inc. and organized by Blooms, a club for mothers.

Before meeting Frannie in person, I pictured her to be ‘losyang’ and haggard-looking (who wouldn’t be with seven children?). I turned out to be wrong.

Instead, I was introduced to this pretty fair-skinned chinita lady who looked younger than her 39 years. Having only given birth to her youngest Lucas, just a year ago, Frannie appeared radiant, fit, and with a very positive disposition.

A Psychology graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Frannie previously worked as a career counselor, trainor for a bank and for an organizational development company. She taught managers and supervisors how to apply the principles of management to their corporations.

No plain housewife

After giving birth to her first three children, Frannie made the crucial decision to quit her job and become a full-time housewife.

“I thought that being a housewife would give me more time to relax and enjoy my children, but staying home didn’t seem to make my life easier....I felt that my day was just filled with unglamorous tasks. At the end of the day, I’d be tired, confused, and stressed out. I couldn’t imagine how women with children could work at the office all day and still raise good kids and keep a well-run home”, shares Frannie who is married to businessman David Daez.

So, Frannie consulted her old boss and good friend. The latter still maintained a successful career while raising well-mannered kids. Frannie confided in her and asked her how she did it. Her former boss replied, “Well, it’s just a matter of management”.

Motherhood...just like a pro

Her boss’ statement became an eye-opener for Frannie. It dawned on her that the reason why she was having quite a complicated time being a housewife was due to the fact that she was disorganized and couldn’t find meaning in what she was doing.

“Little by little, I started applying in my own home the corporate principles that I used to teach”, reveals the former college athlete whose children are Chinny (15), Sabrina (14), Martina (12), Yuan (11), Coby (9), Santi (5) and Lucas (1).

Frannie realized that “running a home is like running a corporation. We start out with a mission, a vision, and a set of priorities and goals. Then, we define our responsibilities. As work progresses, we organize. We streamline processes and procedures, check the quality of our work, and find ways to improve the system”.

“Depending on our needs, we may hire outside help. When we do, we have to train, coach, and counsel them. We help them organize and work to our standards”, she continues.

Slowly, Frannie transformed the “difficult, monotonous, exhausting and unrewarding task of managing the home into a meaningful and challenging endeavor. Her constant reflection on how to love her family better has inspired her to add creativity and freshness to her approach”.

Keep it together

Applying corporate principles to her home, Frannie created her own household how-to book, which eventually became “Keep It Together: A Home Management Manual”.

“Keep It Together” is envisioned to empower women who multitask as a way of life.

“As women, we find ourselves being so many things and doing so many things for ourselves and for others. This holds true whether or not we are married, have children, live alone or work full-time. We all end up with so little time to do everything we have to do. This is exactly why I developed my household manual and why I want to share it with you”, writes Frannie in the book’s introduction.

Frannie explains that “since every household is different and each household manager has specific needs, this manual is designed in such a way that it can become your own personal manual, which you can use to manage your own home and create balance in your life”.

The 145-page book published by Inkwell Publishing Co., Inc. is filled with practical household tips (e.g., Organizing the Home through the 5-S Philosophy), an eight-week menu, family-friendly recipes, comprehensive grocery and packing lists, scheduling guide, a lengthy discussion on how to create your house helper’s guidebook and many more!

Because Frannie has learned how to organize her household, she has now found the extra time to homeschooling her children (imagine!), working as a human resources consultant to Linden Tree Institute, giving workshops and seminars for adults and kids, doing volunteer work as founding member and president of the Catholic Homeschool Association of the Philippines (CHAP), and of course, writing the book, “Keep It Together”. Whew!

Indeed, the dynamic supermom Frannie has taken motherhood to a whole new level!

For orders of the book, “Keep It Together: A Home Management Manual” (P500), you may e-mail Ms. Frannie Daez at kit.frannie@gmail.com.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.

An Ego-pleasing chicken

"An Ego-pleasing chicken"
Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 15, 2008

One of the most memorable scenes from the animated film “Ratatouille” was when the hard-to-please food critic Anton Ego experienced a dramatic flashback of his childhood upon tasting Remy’s unpretentious but delectable ratatouille dish.

I guess, almost all of us could relate to Anton’s personal gustatory tale. We have our own good old treasured dishes made by our beloved family members that remind us of home.

For Pepper and Peppers co-owners Michael and Bunny Sy, their restaurant’s bestselling Iberian Chicken was a favorite dish prepared by Bunny’s mom Rose Lim during family meals. Mommy Rose eventually passed on the well-guarded recipe to Bunny.

The Iberian Chicken is one whole chicken marinated in herbs and spices with plenty of garlic, olive oil and potatoes; and oven-baked to perfection for two hours.

Last week, my family and I ordered two whole Iberian Chicken at Pepper and Peppers for dinner. I took home the left-over chicken and cooked the excess chicken flakes with buttered corn and carrots and it still retained its yummy flavor. And, since we still had untouched breast parts, I used the bones to make chicken stock for my macaroni and vegetable soup. The chicken soup was so unbelievably tasty and soothing.

Definitely, the intimidating Anton Ego would be pleased with Pepper and Peppers’ Iberian chicken!

Mom’s home-cooked goodness

“We would wake up late from a Saturday night out and smell the aroma of the Iberian Chicken wafting through our bedroom while it was being baked in the oven. Since some Sundays would also be a sort of "potluck" activity with our barkada, it pretty soon became much loved by friends who would come over for lunch or dinner”, recalls Michael who is the managing partner for Pepper and Peppers.

“During the planning stage for the restaurant, we came to realize that we love the Iberian Chicken that Bunny's mom makes so we decided to make it as the house specialty”, says Michael.

Michael met his Pepper and Peppers partners, Karloz Alba and John Obsines, in 2003 when he joined the Davao Jaycees, Inc. Karloz, a budding entrepreneur, is a bachelor who hails from the Carriedo clan of Davao while John is a Senior Marketing Executive for a leading global pharmaceutical company.

“We opened a restaurant because this is something we love to do and it is something we are good at....plus the fact that our friends and partners like to eat a lot!”, chuckles Michael.

Pepper and Peppers

While Michael, Karloz and John were thinking about their restaurant’s name, they gathered all the possible names from those of their children to the Sys’ pet dog, Pepper.

Initially, the trio wanted to only use Peppers but during the course of their research, they found out that there is a wide variety of peppers in the world.

“It turns out that ‘pepper’ refers to the peppercorn or more commonly known as black pepper while ‘peppers’, on the other hand, refers to the different varieties like chili and bell peppers”, explains Michael, who together with his family, has operated other Davao-based restaurants such as Dimsum Diner, Madayaw Ihaw-Ihaw, Pops Resto-Bar and Pinoy Republik.

Thus, Pepper and Peppers opened its doors to the public last December 8, 2007 and will be celebrating its first year anniversary next month.

Beyond spicy

“Pepper and Peppers is different in the sense that it also has a theme. We have signature dishes that are spicy which gives credence to our name, although it doesn't mean everything we serve is spicy”, clarifies Michael.

He shares that their food at Pepper and Peppers is basically a fusion of Asian and Spanish cuisine with a sprinkling of American and Filipino dishes.

“We basically do a bit of research on food that we ourselves would like or be interested in and we try to create our own version of it. Sometimes, we even have dishes that are inspired by recipes that we see on the Travel & Living channel. Naturally, we have to take into account the availability of the ingredients as well as the costing since pricing is also a big factor in dining out”, Michael adds.

Must-try dishes include Dory Fish in Cucumber and Lime Sauce (imported Dory fish seasoned with salt and pepper , grilled then topped with cucumber and tomatoes in lime sauce); Salted Egg and Tomatoes Pasta (pasta with a unique combination of salted egg and tomatoes tossed in olive oil, cashew nuts and parmesan cheese); Spicy Portuguese Pasta (pasta mixed with spicy herring, onions tomatoes and garlic); El Grande (combination of grilled quarter chicken, Hungarian sausage, slices of beef, shrimps and scrambled eggs over steaming rice with homemade gravy); and Sizzling Blackened Chicken (chicken strips coated with honey and smothered with honey and crushed pepper corn).

Touch of home

Pepper and Peppers’ air-conditioned dining area is approximately 30 square meters and sits 25 people. The al fresco seating can accommodate another 15 people.

The well-appointed interior was designed by Architect Leo Coching, who is the cousin of John.

“During the design process, we asked Architect Leo to give us a design that would give a "homey" feel. Hence, the decor used at Peppers could also be easily used at home”, illustrates Michael.

Michael, Karloz and John also put in a corner table with a couch mainly as a design feature but it turned out to be the most popular table in the restaurant. In addition, Karloz loaned his antique Moroccan chandelier which gives the place a touch of European flair.

As for the lighting, the partners emphasized that they would not have any white light in the dining area to do away with the usual glare. Instead, the restaurant relied on a combination of cool and warm white lights.

Party pack

Recently, the restaurant launched the Peppers Party Pack, an ideal food combo for family or friends. It consists of an order each of one whole Iberian Chicken, mixed seafood, charbroiled spareribs; five orders of rice; five bottomless iced tea; and two orders of fudge ala mode (to share).

The entire Party Pack is good for five persons and is reasonably priced at P999 only.
“Just remember to order two hours in advance since the Party Pack has an Iberian Chicken with it. However, if you do not pre-order, you can easily replace the Iberian Chicken with the Chicken in a Basket”, says Michael.

And, here’s more delicious news! For their upcoming anniversary this December 8, Pepper and Peppers will be giving away free Portuguese Pasta Samplers to all dine-in customers.

“We encourage our fellow Dabawenyos to go out, explore and support the local restaurants that offer different kinds of cuisine. Dining together is a good way to bond with the family. In this fast-paced world, it is necessary for us to take a break and enjoy the company of our loved ones”, enthuses Michael.

Peppers and Peppers is located at The Site compound (corner of E. Jacinto Extension and V. Mapa Street). Contact numbers: 221-1396 and (0922)448-3626.

Special thanks to my brother Jasper Huang for the photos.

Ties that bind

"Ties that bind"

Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 8, 2009

What can make you “fly” at 200 feet high and at the speed of 100 kph?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s The Xcelerator zipline which is said to be the “longest and fastest zipline in Asia”!

Last Sunday, my brothers Jason and Jasper, sisters-in-law Pat and Maricel, nieces Zoe and Steff, my husband Gary, daughter Anicka and I trooped to Outland Adventure where The Xcelerator is located.

“Outland Adventure is the operational name of Project Challenge Foundation Inc. We set up the foundation 8 years ago in 2000 with the vision to build a world-class ropes course facility to primarily offer a life-impacting adventure-based program for the youth of Davao”, shares Outland Adventure director Matthew “Matt” McNeil who has been living with his wife Krystina in the Philippines for 16 years as American missionaries. They have two daughters, Josie, 12 and Jessica, 7.

Because Outland Adventure is a non-profit foundation, Matt and his co-directors wanted to develop an additional ‘economic engine’ that would provide more revenue to help meet the operational expenses.

“And, of course, we really wanted to create a new thrilling ride for people to enjoy! So, we decided to build the two-line traverse and ‘The Xcelerator’ which is our newest zipline”, Matt continues.

The Xcelerator is designed with a redundant safety factor which means that every component has a back-up system in order to make sure riders are free from danger.

After the staff helped us put on our safety gear, we boarded a makeshift wooden raft, crossed a deep river and started our short but exciting uphill hike. Matt reminded us to just take our time and walk at our own comfortable pace.

Crossing over

The adults in the group were given the option to either proceed directly to The Xcelerator or to try the traverse before meeting up to the zipline.

Since we were feeling brave that morning, we unanimously made the decision to traverse.

“The two-line traverse is a simple horizontal cable suspended at the top of the jungle canopy that people walk sideways on. It’s about 100 meters long situated 70 feet off the ground”, explains Matt.

First to cross over was Jason, followed by Gary and Jasper, then Maricel, me and Pat.

I’m glad I decided to try the traverse as it became a difficult but rewarding test of one’s ability to rise above one’s fears (literally).

It was not as easy as I imagined it to be, but it was a welcome challenge to be able to concentrate and keep my balance as I slowly but painstakingly inched my way to the site of the Xcelerator, where the kids have been waiting for close to 30 minutes.

During the briefing, the guide informed us that the traverse would only take 7 minutes but apparently, that time frame didn’t apply to the ladies of our family!

There were different reactions from our little fans as we traversed, one cheered “Yehey, malapit na si Mommy!” while another impatiently uttered “Mommy, bilisan mo. Tayo na lang naiwan!”...hahaha.

Zipideedooda

At The Xcelerator, each kid partnered with an adult and did the sitting position while the other adults assumed the “Superman” pose.

“Are you ready?”, I asked Anicka as we geared up for the ride. “Yes!”, she enthusiastically replied.

And, away we went!!

For approximately 30 seconds, we descended along a steep jungle-faced cliff while being suspended for 200 feet. It was mixed feelings for me as waves of exhilaration and awe overcame my exhaustion. Below us we can see the lush forest and the large fresh water lake as the wind swept our faces and greeted us.

I have not tried the zipline in Camp Sabros (Kapatagan, Davao del Sur) and Eden Nature Park (Toril) yet. So, I consider my first time at the The Xcelerator as an incredible and memorable experience. And, to be able to do a tandem zipline with my daughter Anicka who is just 7 years old, is just priceless.

The two-line traverse and The Xcelerator are open from 8am-5pm, Saturday to Sunday. Fee is P300.

Largest ropes course facility

Aside from the two amazing attractions, Outland Adventure, which is the Philippines’ largest ropes course facility, also offers a specialized program for families that mainly incorporates low level games. It has dozens of activities that both the young and old can enjoy.

“By its very design, a ropes course facility is intended to challenge people in two distinct areas: team building and overcoming personal barriers”, points out Matt who together with wife Krystina are also the owners and directors of Mercy Maternity Center, a charity laying-in maternity clinic serving impoverished families. Their midwife staff has delivered over 13,000 babies since its establishment in 1996.

Outland Adventure likewise offers tailored programs for civic organizations, NGOs, churches, volunteer organizations, private schools, barangays, government agencies, foundations, among others.

“In addition to the individuals that comprise our governing board of directors, the principal sponsors of Outland Adventure are Davao Light & Power Co. and The Aboitiz Group Foundation that sponsors local high school youth to attend our 3-day Great Adventure Camps. Coke and Powerade is also a sponsor of the new Xcelerator zipline”, cites Matt.

Ties that bind

According to Matt, the real intrigue of a ropes course program is what they call the high elements. Participants are harnessed into safety equipment and belayed and guided through a series of high challenges. Each participant is faced with a perception of risk that is obviously associated with the fact they are suspended fairly high off the ground.

“Once he or she reconciles their predicament by realizing they are safe and cannot fall then they can complete the task. It’s a lot of fun and people laugh with jubilation once they address their fears and realize they can step beyond their perceived personal limitations. It’s a very practical life-growth experience that can be transferred to all areas in life whether it is home, school, work or any situation”, divulges Matt.

“As with our corporate team building programs, the specialized program for families features games which also address the primary core issues of trust and encourage families to better communicate and plan how to solve certain tasks”, illustrates Matt.

“All of our team building and family programs require group reservations. We prefer group sizes of at least 20 people. We will work closely with each group to create and modify the program according to their interests and objectives. Basically, a group can create their own program. Since Filipino families are usually large, this is a great opportunity to get the entire extended family involved. It’s a family bonding activity that you will never forget!”, Matt guarantees.

Outland Adventure is located in Diversion Road, Barangay Langub, Ma-a, Davao City (just across GAP Farm and near the ‘Twin Rocks’) with telephone no. 2245855/cellphone no: (0918)6184330. Email address: outland_adventure@hotmail.com. Website: www.outlandadventure.org.

Thankful at two

"Thankful at two"
Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 11, 2008

Thankful.

This is the overwhelming feeling I have as I am writing my 104th article for Mom-About-Town, officially marking my second year anniversary.

What makes me even more grateful is the fact that I never missed an article since November 3, 2006, the day when I started, in spite of extra responsibilities with the family business and at home.

Aside from working at the office, try personally tutoring your grade one kid and raising an active toddler while training and adjusting to an all-new set of yayas, and you would know what I mean.

As I am given the total freedom to find topics for this column, I am faced with the weekly task of searching for interesting people, events and places that would fit into Mom-About-Town’s family-oriented theme. For making my job a whole lot easier, I would like to sincerely thank this year’s wonderful interviewees for their trust, confidence and time.

My profound thanks, too, to my husband Gary, Huang and Teves families as well as my Sun.Star Davao family especially Stella, Tonette and Donna for their unwavering support.

Source of inspiration

And, of course, who could forget the dear readers? Your letters and comments gave me such thrill and inspiration.

Here are some e-mails which touched me greatly:

From: Martin Santiago

“I read with great interest your article, “In the ‘zone’ this 2008”, today in Sun.Star Davao. At first I wasn't sure whether it was the brewed coffee at Coffee Dream-Damosa Gateway which jolted me from my sleepy mood this afternoon or if it was the topic of your article.

I just happened to drop my daughter at KidzWonder and thought of pepping up myself with a nice cup of coffee there. I was reading the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" while I was whiling away the time in KidsWonder. I'll tell you later why I mentioned this book.

It was after reading your article, though, that everything started to make some connections. I have already read the above book twice. But I just had this feeling a couple of days ago to read it again. I don't know why. This afternoon, before I went to Coffee Dream, I stopped on page 34. It read, "You'd best change your point of view. Stop blaming me, thinking I'm the problem. If you think I'm the problem, then you have to change me. If you realize that you're the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something and grow wiser. Most people want everyone else in the world to change but themselves. Let me tell you, it's easier to change yourself than everyone else."

After that, I was really sleepy so I went to this coffee shop. It was there that I saw your article. At first, I thought, it was just about an ordinary topic. When I turned to the next page, that caught my serious attention. I finished reading it at exactly 3:37 PM.

Guess what? My younger brother (who's living in Manila) texted me a couple of weeks ago informing me that he had dreamed about me. In that dream, I was riding on a plane. But it crashed at 3:37 AM.

Then it registered in my mind. I suddenly realized that what the last lines in the book were telling me was that the problem was my mental attitude...in the way I was thinking. Just like what you wrote in your article. I just had a life-changing experience....at exactly 3:37 PM. The dream that my brother had about me probably meant that I'll be having a life-changing experience very soon. I did. I just did.

Thank you very much for sharing that article to a lot of readers like me.

Hope you'd write more of those powerful messages in the future. Don't stop writing. God has probably given you a mission to change the world into a better place by influencing the thoughts of others.....in a positive way.”

From: Rochelle Sesbino

“Good day! Hope you're doing great today. I am Rochelle and I’m from Davao, too.

I'm here in South Carolina, USA because I married an American. I read your article “Out of the rat race” to my husband because we've been reading that book too and he's happy to know that there are smart Filipinos like you who are trying to reach and educate the poor/middle class through your article.

Right now that's what we're trying to do, to be "out in the cage" of this "rat race" game. Living here in the US is hard when you're poor, just relying on your pay check every payday, you're going nowhere.

Reading that book is really inspiring. We cannot wait when we can start our first business. Hope God will give us the right time and help us.
Thank you for writing that article. I know everybody who can read it will be inspired too.”

From: Tina Lam-Ong

“Congratulations are due your way, even from a little known friend and long time schoolmate like me! First your blog getting "discovered" by ABS-CBN writers, and then your subject being interviewed for national TV by one the stations’ prime talent, and now a heartfelt letter from a reader about your articles making a life changing contribution in her life.... wow!

I admire you for having the capacity and the ability to take on so many roles in life. As a stay at home mom myself, I know how hard it is just to be there for the kids, to personally tutor a grade schooler is a huge task in itself, too - what more to juggle a full time job and writing articles for the local paper, at that!

I write as a hobby, too, and I have maintained a blog about my family, if only to record it for posterity's sake. Hopefully, the kids would be able to read it in the future and appreciate it. It's not meant to be read by everybody, though, only family and friends. I enjoy writing new articles to post to my blog, but I can't even start to imagine the pressures of having a weekly deadline to beat! Kudos!”

From: Neil de los Santos

“Indeed, yayas or household helpers do a great part in helping us especially in household chores. On our part, while we hire the service of yayas, especially when they are still young, I encourage them to pursue their studies and help them find a better job.

I tell them to dream bigger than just remaining as low paid house helpers. I even offer to sponsor their schooling over and above their monthly pay. This way, I believe I give them somehow a little justice to their great job in doing household chores and as a yaya. In other words, it’s like helping them row their boats to move forward. And, while they row their boats, it helped me get across my own boat.

Thank you for your nice thoughts. I always make it a point to read your articles.”

From: Joy Inocencio (http://partyfanatics.multiply.com)

“I am a housewife and my day's not complete without visiting your blog and reading your Saturday articles. In fact, you inspire me.

Because of your articles about kiddie parties, I was able to organize my baby's party on my OWN. It wasn't easy but it really made us happy and fulfilled! My husband (who's an army officer) did all the table centerpieces. Imagine an army doing the balloon works! He he! :)

After the 1st birthday party of our little princess, my friends kept telling me to start a 'small' business and just cater my friends' parties. But that small business is now catering not just my friends, but to all Mindanaoans. And it's all because of you Ms. Janette! It all started with my Sun.Star newspapers. It all started with your articles. Thank you so much!

And as part of my gratitude to you and to my clients, I have decided to celebrate my birthday in an orphanage or Bantay Bata 163 this December. I pledged to do this every December. Part of our profit will go to Bantay Bata 163, Carmelite Monastery and Sisters of Charity.

You may not know it, but you have inspired a lot of Dabawenyos. I, for one, have not imagined I can go into this business and find happiness seeing those kids (and even adults!) really happy during my parties.

Thank you so much! Your articles can touch lives and can move hearts!”

Thankful at two

Indeed, receiving words of encouragement from readers and friends have made writing more meaningful and fulfilling.

Fifteen years ago, when I was about to graduate from De La Salle University in Manila, our Communication Arts department chairperson Bro. Mike Rapatan did an exit interview. Bro. Mike told me that he hoped that I would work in media because he admired my being “persistent”.

However, after graduating from college, I ended up in the tourism industry for several years before working in the family business.

Now, two years into writing about topics that are close to my heart as a mother, I am amazed at how God has led me in this direction. I don’t know how long I will be doing this as a hobby. But, one thing is for certain, I am thankful. Thankful at two.

To God be the glory!