Category Archives: Events

[WordCamp Philippines 2012] Government Initiatives Using WordPress

This entry is long overdue as it’s been more than two months since I attended the WordCamp Philippines 2012. I plan to write in parts because I don’t want to lose my train of thought. Here goes…

WORDCAMP PHILIPPINES 2012

WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that are put together by WordPress users like you. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate, share ideas, and get to know each other.

That’s how Wordcamp.org describes such event. WordCamps are held in many cities and countries and in the Philippines, the Filipino WordPress community has been holding WordCamp conferences the past four years. I’ve heard of this and I have friends who’ve attended before. I wasn’t as interested but since I decided to go back to blogging, I thought maybe it would be nice for me to join and meet other WordPress bloggers.

More than 170 WordPress users and bloggers gathered at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City last October 27, Saturday. I didn’t know anyone when I came in to the conference so I searched for a possible seatmate. I chose a nice, quiet lady that looks like in her early 20’s. Little did I know Klaris Chua and I would hit it off and would discover we have  things in common. (Right, Klaris?:D )

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES USING WORDPRESS
WordCamp Philippines 2012 Keynote by Manuel L. Quezon III

Keynoting the event was Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). Honestly, because I haven’t been following our local news and government, I had no idea about this group commissioned by the Aquino government. I was ashamed of myself but I soon understood the mission of the PCDSPO as explained to us by MLQ3. It is the “chief message-crafting body of the Office of the President“. I realized that President Aquino is serious about communicating to his constituents and the PCDSPO is expected to help him in that area.

Created by the Executive Order No. 4 last July 30, 2010, the PCDSPO is called to do the following:

  • provide strategic communication leadership and support to the Executive Branch, all agencies and instrumentalities of government;
  • lead the strategic communication of government through the formulation and enforcement of a National Communications Policy;
  • open and extende channels of communication between the government and the people [Source]

Sir MLQ3’s presentation “Government Initiatives Using WordPress” provided me the understanding of the communication strategy of the government. I’m glad to hear that the Philippine government under the Pres. Aquino is making an effort to go digital and use social media to further its many projects. Continue reading [WordCamp Philippines 2012] Government Initiatives Using WordPress

Yes Mommy: How to Talk so your Child will Listen and Understand

The year is about to end and I’ve started listing down the things I’ve accomplished and learned. It will be one long list but I can now tell you that the year 2012 made me realize that parenting and disciplining your child isn’t as easy. Taking care of your kid is very much different from raising him up. I, together with my husband, have finally faced the challenge of disciplining our 3-year old Noah.

I realized I cannot just rely on what I know or learned from our parents because everything is different now. All I know is, I still need to hold on to God and trust Him that I can become the kind of mother He wants me to be. By Grace.

I started My Mommy Notebook and shared with you a few tips and my reflections on Disciplining Children with Love. It’s been a challenging year because my Noah is one hyper active kid. Josh and I both work from home and while others think it’s one amazing setup, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

To learn more about parenting, we read books. Husband and I read a book separately and then we meet over breakfast or lunch to talk about what we just read.  I have my Moms devotional book that I so treasure. There’s the Bible to read and remind me. Oh the nuggets of wisdom you can find in this book are just too many–all helpful!

And next week, I’m going to attend a seminar on intentional parenting: the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so Your Child will Listen and Understand Workshop. Reading will not be enough and it’s interesting to meet other women who are in this same journey.

By Manila Workshops & Optimommy

DETAILS
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Time: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Venue: COWO – Ground Floor, Suntree Tower, #27 Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Rates: Regular rate of Php 1,400 / participant
Early bird rate of Php 1,200 / participant (PAID before Dec. 1, 2012 or via Okayokay.com until Dec. 10)Group discount of Php 1,000 for 3 or more participants * Lunch and afternoon snack included

More details HERE.

It’s been two months since I started blogging again and it’s been very fun! Life has become more exciting and I’ve been meeting a lot of people. It’s interesting to connect with other people who have the same passion as you. I’m excited to meet the other moms. I can’t say that I’m a certified mommy blogger  because I have so many interests that I write about. I’m more interested in writing gadget and tech news now so I can’t commit full force with mommy blogging. I guess I’ll just say I’m a blogger who is a wife and a mother who is a bit of geek inside. :p

Would you like to attend the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so Your Child will Listen and Understand Workshop with me? It would be more fun if my current mommy friends from highschool, college, and church come. Let’s? 🙂

UPDATE: Good news! You can join the workshop with a 50% discount on the workshop fee. Just type in OptimommyREAH on the discount code section when you register. See yah!

 _____________

Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

1st Philippine Instagram Photo Exhibit

I’m an avid Instagrammer and so are you. But did you know about Instagramers Manila? It’s a community of Filipino Instagram’ers from all over the world that tell stories through photos every 9PM on Instagram.

If you’ve seen the hashtags #IGersManila #9pmhabit — that’s it. They’ve been meeting regularly during Instameets but it’s only now that the group is having its own Photo Exhibit sponsored by Globe. It’s a photo exhibit of Instagram snapshots taken during their photo walk sessions at the Bonifacio Global City, Luneta Park, Manila Bay, and Intramuros.

I’m a member of this group albeit not active on Instagram but I’m proud to support their activities. This November 30 until December 1, the first ever Philippine Instagram Photo Exhibit will be held at  Glorietta 4, Ayala Center in Makati City. See you there!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
30 November 2012
11:00AM

Instameet
01 December 2012
4:00PM to 6:00PM

IGersManila Philippines | Facebook | Twitter

______________________

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

Fun Ranch Country Fair

Another event for the mommies and daddies…and babies too!

Fun Ranch Country Fair

When: November 30 to December 1, 2012 | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Center Stage and Great Big Room at the FUN RANCH
Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue Corner C5, 1604 Pasig

 FUN RANCH COUNTRY FAIR Event Page

I highly recommend going to this Fun Ranch Country Fair with your kids. We’ve been to the Fun Ranch a number of times already and Noah would always enjoy his time here. Just last May, we’ve been to the nearby Ark Avilon Zoo.

Here is the official press release by Fun Ranch:

Country Fair is a one-of-a-kind event that offers various activities you and your kids will surely enjoy. We have a mini-petting zoo by Zoomanity Group, an enthralling animal show for pet lovers and a kiddie fashion show featuring ranch outfits. You can also win prizes in our family eating and animal race contests. Or watch our jugglers and magicians perform live on stage.

Visit our Kidpreneur Area at the Big Red Barn. Watch our kids show their entrepreneurial skills by selling their stuff while you discover great finds this holiday season.The first Fun Ranch Country Fair is from November 30, 2012 to December 1, 2012. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. Entrance is free of charge. We are also giving away free loot bags to the first one hundred (100) kids (per day) who will present their Ride All You Can or Playdium Play wristbands at our registration counter.This event is co-presented by Pet Me Home by Zoomanity Group sponsored by Pepsi. For more details, call 706-3029 or 706-3031.

We’re going this Saturday. See yah!

____________________

My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.
Proverbs 23:15

500 Shaw Zentrum Grand Opening this Weekend

I have been to this building a few times already. The first time to buy the grocery at Super 8. It was then I discovered Office Busters at the parking lot where I fell in love with a leather sofa set and got heartbroken because it was sold already. I haven’t gone back to the grocery and the surplus store but I would always check out the latter’s website for great furniture deals. We’ve tried a few restaurants at the 500 Shaw Zentrum already with Army Navy as my and my husband’s favorite. We live only a few blocks so we would pass by it regularly. I’ve always been curious of this “mall”.  Next to SM Hypermart, this one is the nearest to our house. Pwede. Continue reading 500 Shaw Zentrum Grand Opening this Weekend

Super Looloo is coming!

Sounds like a new superhero but it’s not. It’s the looloo I’ve been talking about for the past weeks. Remember that Kapitolyo Foodie Map Guide and SPAS 101 I shared? Those infographics were released by a local tech startup to introduce it’s very own mobile app.

looloo is going live on Tuesday, November 20. Apple has finally given the green light to launch the looloo on the App Store. No definite time has been given but expect it to be available in the evening here in the Philippines.

What is looloo?

It’s a friend-powered guidebook to Manila’s best places. At first, I thought it’s just for the foodies but looloo also covers salons, barbershops, hotel spas, nightlife spots, and other places of interest around the metro.

I’ve been beta-testing this app and it’s been fun to use. So you just tried a new resto? Review it. If you like it, recommend it to your friends. More often than not, people go to different establishments as recommended by family and friends. The people who know you best always know what you will like.

It’s launching tomorrow but you can still sign up HERE to win an iPhone 4S. 🙂

Sign up for pre-launch updates:  signup.looloo.com

ROCK with NOAH

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY NOAH!

Has it been 3 years?

My son turns 3 today. I wish to share a lot of new things today about my son but one day won’t be enough. I have a number of posts on draft already but I have no idea when I’ll be able to finish them.

I just want to enjoy this day with my son and husband. No big party this year…just a small one at Jollibee with family next week.

Planning a “small party” is more challenging than planning a big one. I could still remember Noah’s 1st Birthday party when I went all out. I promise to feature his Rockstar Themed Party preparations but I can’t find the time yet. But here’s a video to give you an idea:

Music was by 13Needles–my husband’s old emo-rock band- where he was the bassist. Video by my friend Richard Samellano.

That’s only the video invitation. Hee. 😀

And here is 13 Needle’s Cab One video:

Spot my husband. 😀

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1

Christmas Bazaar for the Shopaholic Moms

 

Mommy Mundo Bazaar 2012: The Christmas Bazaar for Chic Shopping Mamas!

You can never strip mamas off their shopping duties. More often than not, shopaholic single women graduate to become shopaholic mamas. One perfect example is me! (Don’t ask how.) I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet but I know I have to be more practical this year. Unlike many of the couples I know, my husband and I do not have 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses. I used to look forward to December because of such. My husband before even had up to 14th month pay. Oh how I’d love to receive an extra month pay! The only way we could receive such bonus is through some sort of miracle.

I need to be smart and practical because times are changing. Can one still be a shopaholic and save money? Yes, if you will choose what to buy and learn to be wise. You don’t need to splurge on Christmas gifts this year, you just have to be wise.

And so I suggest you go to bazaars such as the Mommy Mundo Christmas Bazaar because you will find great deals. I am a supporter of local products, especially by the mompreneurs (mom entrepreneurs), so I highly recommend this one.

I cringe on going to crowded malls during Christmas seasons but the Mommy Mundo Christmas Bazaar 2012 will be held at the Rockwell Tent so you know shopping will be more efficient and more comfy. (The AC inside the tent really works!)

I’m a regular goer of bazaars held at the Rockwell Tent because it’s near our place. I remember going to one Christmas bazaar there a few weeks after I gave birth. Obviously, I scored really great deals.

So who wants to go shopping with me, mommas?

“In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:6

Continue reading Christmas Bazaar for the Shopaholic Moms

Grill & BBQ Fest 2012: BAGA Manila’s 1st Anniversary

The Grill & BBQ Fest 2012 scheduled for last October 25 was postponed due to the weather condition. This now means I could still drop by A.Venue that Friday and check out what Filipino micro-entrepreneurs part of BAGA Manila have to offer.

WHAT: BAGA (Barbecuers and Grillers Association) Manila’s 1st Anniversary Celebration, “Grill & BBQ Fest 2012”
WHEN: November 16, 2012, Friday, 7PM
WHERE: A. Venue Open Parking Lot, Makati Ave., Makati City

Event Organizer: Barbecuers and Grillers Association | BAGA Manila’s Facebook Page

The thought of barbecues, pork belly, and kebabs is already painful to my husband. The only thing I know he’d enjoy at this event is chicken inasal. Ack, I hate gout. :/