Future Bloggers, My Blogging Goals

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In the photos are FUTURE Bloggers who are active Filipino American leaders such as Yolanda Stern (President, Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce), Jose Pecho (Chair, Regional NAFFAA Northern California) Larry Flores (Seattle Transportation), Maurese Owens and more!

My sister, Lorna, is quite active in the Filipino-American community . It is no wonder that she initiated a workshop, How to be a ““Techy” Non Techie with Internet and Technology Tools to Effective Communication for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations’ (NaFFAA) 8th Empowerment Conference in Seattle on September 26-28. The goal of the workshop was to provide a quick overview of “techy” stuff for the emerging or seasoned community leader to complement their grassroots efforts in advocating social change by using some of the exciting and simple internet and technology tools.

The thing was she didn’t feel confident about the blogging part. I taught my sister to blog in 2004 even way before I started my personal blog but she felt I could best handle the techy part.

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Bloggers’ Choice Award Voting for the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards

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awards
Voting for the Bloggers’ Choice Award is now open. It is the highlight of the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards.

*Sigh* it is so hard to choose. I have so many friends in the list. It’s a good thing I am automatically disqualified to vote because I am in the committee of the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards. But for all you bloggers, please choose among the list of 47 nominees.

Vote now for your Bloggers’ Choice Award.

Thank you to our generous Sponsors!

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The Filipino Mom Blog

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Once upon a time, seven mothers, all bloggers eagerly went out with their kids to meet up, just for fun. They all seemed to have a common ground. They all loved to eat. It seemed but natural that they would convene for this very reason so they could feed (literally and figuratively) their same interest to their hearts’ content. Never mind that they risked expanding their waistlines, the company was just too delicious to resist.

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Photo Hunt: Beautiful

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Today’s Photo Hunt theme is: Beautiful


L with her youngest cousin, D.
 

There is nothing more beautiful than the smiles of my lovely children. Children are one of life’s most beautiful gift and everyday, I thank God for blessing me with children. So, I often tell my kids this… “Oh, you are God’s gift to me” over and over again as I give them a warm hug and kiss.

One day when Lauren was four years old, I scolded her for not paying attention. She bent her head on her hands and looked up to me, her tears streaming down her beautiful face.

Am I not God’s gift to you?

Whenever I recall that incident, I often kick myself for not being more patient. My beautiful daughter reminds me that God is good and forgiving. Maybe God will forgive me for being an impatient mom.

 

of course, memories of my beautiful 6 year old son will always be in my heart.


What is beautiful to you?

Dealing with Household Helpers

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Our newly employed househelper wanted to visit her family for the weekend. Sure, I told her you can take your weekend off. I soon left for a movie date with my husband. The next morning, one of my helpers reported that she caught her sneaking out at night carrying a bag. Good thing one of my ex-househelper/Luijoe’s yaya was around for a visit and corroborated my other helper. I took a look at the bag. What did I see?

Lipton Milk Tea
Yoghurt Milk
Instant Coffee mix

Disappointed more than angry, I asked her why she stole those items?

Her reply: “I pity my kids.”

I didn’t buy it. Her children are still small. Why would they need Lipton Milk Tea? or coffee mix? Now that the trust was broken, I could not retain her for employment. Petty stuff like this can lead to other bigger loot. She can also be a security risk for those theft syndicates that commonly invade households in Manila.

I never had to worry about security in my old residence. The village guards checked their bags at the gate and they couldn’t leave the gate without our clearance. Quite a snobbish village. I hate checking their bags. I would like to believe that employers should trust their employees. But being nice does not get me anywhere. I lost my cellphone and camera once. Lauren’s Birkenstock sandals too. And probably many other things.

After employing househelpers for years, I should have been an expert by now in sizing them up. Sure I have shared a few tips with you in the past. In fact, that entry on Tips for Household help or Yaya (nanny) caught the eye of the Baby Magazine writer that they featured it alongside an article for the July 2008 issue.

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