10 THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WHOLE SHENANIGAN!

Warning: This could be too much. But it's reality.

Disclaimer: All experiences vary from one mom to another, this is solely my own experience.

OK! I swore to myself I'd write about my entire pregnancy down to the every bit of having the baby born. But, I'm sure there are a lot of books already that could provide you that so I decided on just sharing what information I got hold of right on the very time it was happening. I aim to be positive but some items maybe pretty gross. Here goes nothing...

1. Of course you have read about having that glow when you get pregnant and feeling oh so like Stepford Wife almost pretty. Ha! Wait 'til the morning sickness comes. In my own experience (and every succeeding item would be based on my "own" experience only), I've had evening sickness and was I a pain in the ass. I have a problem with my husband just basically heating the pan with oil. Literally not cooking anything yet. I've sent him out once; the second time it happened, he thought of just ordering a take out. When he did (get all that were my favourites: Lemon Chicken, Roasted Pigeon, Yang-Chow Chao Fan - the authentic Chinese fried rice), I just ate a little, puked it in the end and basically slept off my hunger only for me to complain to him the next morning. I'm pretty sure he didn't see any glow in that moment except that I was just really experiencing the early symptoms of pregnancy.

2. Yes, I said "early" symptoms. Because as my belly grew, they didn't actually emphasise on how big of an expansion your tummy is still in during  the third trimester right before the eviction (delivery) happens. In addition, there was no book that can guide you as to how a half Samoan baby could grow thru the third trimester. Basically, this is my everyday conversation with people:

In the supermarket, at work, at home and in restaurants.
Name the place, there's always one person who
bravely asks. I almost answered, "WALK AWAY."

Just a guide for expectant moms and
to the ones planning to have a baby.

I remember posting a link (10 Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Woman) about what are the inappropriate comments referring to pregnant women on Facebook but some people don't get the message. One piece of advice, have a read to be aware and to avoid getting into the other pregnant woman's nerves.

3. Given the fact that Samoans are muscular and strong in nature, they emit an extreme amount of heat resulting their active metabolism. This was just from my personal assumption in observing my husband's remarkable metabolism. I was warned of the heat I'm about to deal with as I'm due August 15 and boy it was TREMENDOUSLY HOT!!! I was secretly thanking God that I had to miss this one summer from doing the parade. Or maybe that's just because of my hormones too but it was truly, utterly HOT that I thought I was prepared of how hot it could get, but NO.

4. There are also other things that you would unexpectedly encounter. Such as colleagues at work giving you an odd statement that you don't know how to consider it of whether it's a compliment or an insult. As I remember it now, it could all be treated alright with humour. But way back then, WHILE I WAS PREGNANT and a surge of hormones were passing thru my veins, I don't know how many people I wanted to die in my mind. Ahahahaha! That being said, I would like to blame nothing else but the hormones. It is what it is when it comes to being pregnant.

I remember, I always find quotes in Pinterest as I let time pass by and as much as I can, I apply it to my own self. Meditating away from harvesting strong feelings for murder. Some sort of meditation. It works in the beginning but there's always a certain moment when you'll be mad at a certain degree.

For example, no meditation could help me let go a wrongly packed sandwich. When you specifically wanted a double cheese grilled sandwich only to find it was packed without the cheese. I wanted to lit the lady on fire. LOL!

Also, your tummy will become a hand magnet whether you like it or not. At first, I was alright with it. But not until contractions happened during the delivery day, my friend was trying to soothe me but it was just not helping at all. The nesting in me shoots up to the highest level and I suddenly am protective of myself, my baby and my environment where I would be delivering.

5. Delivery day, the day that you've waited, prepared and longed for finally comes. The deliver OF THE BABY was what you expected. But they didn't really orient you that something will be delivered firstly than THE BABY. Remember how I wanted to be in control of my environment? Well, I had talked to my husband, warning him that I may want to be in control once immense pain will come. At 5cm cervix dilatation, I was taking over. While contractions are steadily felt like no other physical pain history have recorded.

I will lay it all to you, there will be poop. The head of the baby literally gets everything out of its way to be delivered. To help you understand, poop will be delivered first. So, I thought I could be in control of that but heck no. I had to ask my husband to go out during my practice pushes because I was just so shy. He was supportive though so he did. And so was the circulating nurse as she forgave me a million times as I apologised, "You don't deserve to see this." LOL!!!!

6. So, you've surpassed them all already. The magic that they say would erase every painful thing you've gone thru in a snap (as you can see) is very true. So, as far as how the episiotomy is repaired, I didn't feel anything. All that my senses had focused automatically onto, was my baby. Proof?

Yes, believe it or not, I'm being stitched up right at this very moment. It's better than pixie dust, some bibideebabideeboo and voila. It's the baby's powerful aura which this quote could be undoubtedly compared to.

A good friend of ours, Marie Vega Tiamson who had been very supportive from the very beginning, had left us this message on the wall...

"And a new journey begins. Congratulations Kyte and Hogan.

Well done mommy kyte. Find time to rest. See you soon Brave.

Now you'll both know how to fall in love all over again.

You'll understand the true meaning of selfless kind of love.

God bless your family." 

And I 100% agree that that is what's going to do to you. Such bliss though is priceless.

7. Here comes the selfless kind of love. You want to do everything for the baby, you practically get worried every time. Combined with the depleting hormones and your body recuperating, you can't help but weep. And I mean WEEP. Weep over silly things. And the way it could attack you is unimaginable. I am so aware of how postpartum blues occur by observing it from all of my friends, from my patients before in Nursing school and by text book. But it just feels totally different when you're the one experiencing it. Sometimes I already get mad at myself for being so vulnerable. But like how everybody puts it, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. And Imma just letting it pass as of the present. Thank God (I thank Him endlessly for all of what I have surpassed for the past 2 weeks.) for a very patient husband. He just reminds me that, "It's both our first time going hands on in taking care of a baby. Don't cry. And don't be too hard on yourself." Hearing that just makes me rejuvenated or instantly oiled up from doing all that has to be done.

8. To the new moms and moms to be, don't be shocked if you'd be seeing a vampire baby at some point.

Breastfeeding could be a workload at first. But trust as I have trusted. BREASTFEEDING IS BEST FOR BABIES and no other formula is. I've been obsessed with this thought though that I may have abused my nipples' capacity to cope. Of course, being new to breastfeeding may leave your nipples cracked and overused making it prone to bleeding. Take it easy, know that the milk you're expecting (full consistency) don't come 'til 3-4 days though your nipples somehow have to sense that there is a human being that needs them. And you have to take advantage of the colostrum which could benefit your baby in terms of fighting gut problems, infection and it passes some immunoglobulins that your baby might be needing as first line of defense for the whole GIT (gastrointestinal tract). It won't take long for the nipples to heal. Make the best out of the experience thru a calm approach. Think of your personal welfare as well. Breastfeeding is supposed to feel good. If latching on or the whole process stings, listen to your body and give it a rest for a day.

In addition, breastfeeding channels good bonding moments between the mom and the child. As per personal experience, I get to observe how my daughter grows bigger and bigger and faster and faster everyday. It had just been 11 days and she had grown tremendously. This somehow gives me relief that I am able to give her needs. I don't know if other moms see this in their child but right after each breastfeeding, my child's face lights up in a certain way than when she finishes a bottle feed. She seems amazingly satisfied by showing her glistening charming huge black eyes.

But going back to my point, nobody warned me that they could really make it bleed due to too much sucking most especially when you let them suck in more than 20 minutes which happened to me. The moment I unlatched Brave off my tit, there she had blood in the mouth. No wonder it hurt unbearably. Remember, you cannot take care of your baby if you're not feeling good yourself.

9. Sleepless nights are one thing. You'll be surprised as how you'd be able to cope up willingly to it. But I literally freaked out when one sleepless night turned the stress meter a little higher. At 3am, after feeding my baby, I went to change her diapers but the next thing I see, blood in my little girl's diaper. I immediately observed my daughter if she was in pain but she had her mouth wide open while asleep during the diaper change. So, I went over some google information (as it was the most handy at that very hour) after putting her back to sleep. I almost had a panic attack until I read that this is to be expected as baby girls depend on the mommy's hormones in developing their genitals for the whole 9 months. NOBODY EVER TALKED ABOUT THIS! I was so relieved in understanding that her own period will not last too long. Whew!

10. Lastly, the baby's breathing pattern could also alarm you. Their breath sounds could be perceived as the congested kind. But know that your baby during its first week is adjusting to their environment. From not breathing in the womb to grasping their first breath of air to adjusting to their actual living environment, hence, the abnormal breath sounds. Just watch out for any change after a week and it is still best to have them checked out within 10-14 days just for a wellness check up.

There you go, a fair share of what I wish I could've known earlier because having your senses awakened at 3am because of being freaked out on something could be very stressful. Or perhaps I didn't research that much despite a weekly news update from all these baby apps. Also, being a mom makes you a worrier automatically. Nonetheless that's how you develop the superhero senses. And the emotion invested as you learn these mommy skills, make you sensitive in a more purposeful way. You learn the basics of nurturing, you understand life even more and you become a better version of you. You get to prioritise efficiently, you instantly get hold of time management skills, you perceive important tasks faster leaving the procrastinating you of the yesteryears and everything makes sense and has meaning all of a sudden. And that's the best feeling ever despite getting freaked out so many times.

Related posts:

1. PHOENIX SEILEAFI BRAVE - What our name for our little girl means.

2. MONTBLANC "I TELL STORIES" - Hugh Jackman's storytelling capabilities... check it out!

3. 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND STILL DANCING - Check out how Mary Helen Bowers danced all thru out her pregnancy.

PHOENIX SEILEAFI BRAVE

Hello everybody! Weighing 8.27lbs., with a normal head circumference and 51cm in length, with a progressive sucking and feeding reflexes, our daughter, our greatest blessing, PHOENIX SEILEAFI BRAVE, is now 2 days old.

A lot had been intrigued as to how and why we named her this way. The first name was from me. Since I was young, I had always been drawn to the name Phoenix. I always read about it every chance I get. I am a Scorpio and it's fascinating to get informed of these remarkable writings about the two. No wonder, there was this mysterious fondness to this mystical creature.

PHOENIX

The Phoenix is the ultimate goal as a Scorpio. The mythical Phoenix is destroyed and rises above its own ashes (another Pluto trait). Life is hard. Scorpio knows how hard life can be. But when Scorpio reaches the symbol of the Phoenix, he or she has achieved the most mature, stable and comfortable life. Knowing he or she can survive anything, Scorpio at this point, doesn’t bog itself down with petty arguments and plots of revenge. The Phoenix has risen above all that nonsense, adopting a “live and let live” attitude, and once again, trusting God to handle affairs of revenge and violence. The Phoenix is the most peaceful of the Scorpion symbols. The older Scorpio has usually achieved this based on all of life’s lessons.

In Judaism, the phoenix is known as Milcham or Chol (or Hol): The story of the phoenix begins in the Garden of Eden when Eve fell, tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit. According to the Midrash Rabbah, upset by her situation and jealous of creatures still innocent, Eve tempted all the other creatures of the garden to do the same. Only the Chol (phoenix) resisted. As a reward, the phoenix was given eternal life, living in peace for a thousand years and then being reborn from an egg to continue to live in peace again, repeating the cycle eternally (Gen. Rabbah 19:5). Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki, better known as Rashi, commented that death has no power over the phoenix, "because it did not taste the fruit from the tree of knowledge."^[5]

The phoenix also appears in the Book of Job: "I shall multiply my days as the Chol, the phoenix" (Job 29:18), again indicating long life if not immortality. This reference, however, is controversial since chol has been translated as phoenix, sand, and palm tree in different versions.^[6]

The phoenix became a symbol of Christianity in early literature, either from the ancient Hebrew legend or from the incorporation of Greek and Roman culture, or from a combination of both. In any case, the ideology of the phoenix fit perfectly with the story of Christ. The phoenix's resurrection from death as new and pure can be viewed as a metaphor for Christ's resurrection, central to Christian belief. The phoenix is referenced by the early Christian Apostolic Father Clement in The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Most of the Christian-based phoenix symbolism appears within works of literature, especially in Medieval and Renaissance Christian literature that combined classical and regional myth and folklore with more mainstream doctrine.

BRAVE

The word, in its very sense, describes the strength my daughter possesses.

I believe that each and every one of us are a living proof that there is a miracle. It first starts as the fastest swimmer amongst thrillions (😜) to fertilize the egg, to surviving in the womb for 9 months til the traumatic entrance via the narrowest canal in the world, the BIRTH CANAL, to thrive in the most complex YET MOST NOURISHING environment, EARTH. So far, Brave managed to surpass all except the last phase in which all of us (NO EXEMPTIONS), are in.

Besides the fact that my husband considers her a Disney baby since we have met and fell in love in the happiest place on earth, she is indeed a half-Samoan. She'll possess remarkable strength, exotic curly hair and indestructible spirit. So much so, the qualities that we admired from "Merida", the heir of the throne in the movie, "BRAVE". My husband finds Merida a one-of-a-kind princess and so it is just right to name our daughter after this profound character for we never doubted, that she'll also be an extraordinary lass growing up. That being said, that was my husband's second name for her.

Naming our daughter is a moment I share intimately with my husband as I realized there would be 3 of us soon. And now that the much awaited time is here, I am  more than grateful for having friends and family all over celebrating with us and showing love by sharing their delight with us because of a joyful "first". I am thankful to the Lord of you all and of course of my loving husband who had done a great job in assisting me through out the delivery process. The most unforgettable moment was when I did the last 3 pushes and you were encouraging me to push in the delivery room along with the medical team. I wouldn't make it if it weren't for you. Lastly, God had never left my side the entire show time of 5 hours. We got admitted at 9pm, PHOENIX BRAVE came out at exactly 2:03am via normal delivery. Dr. Rebecca Tang's hands were used by God to safely bring her out. Welcome to our world!

Recent addition to her name is the Samoan name: "SEILEAFI". Her grandmother had explained the meaning of it and as translated "SEI" - means flower and "LEAFI" means on fire. And we instantly loved it. It suits her perfectly.

Related posts:

1. GOD'S LOVE KNOWS NO LIMITS - God doesn't see you by race, nor by gender and most especially, not by religious preference. He loves each and everyone of us the same way. No special treatments, no favoritisms, just PURE LOVE.

2. THE HEAT IS ON - Filipinos making their dreams come true on stage being part of one of the most prestigious musicals, Miss Saigon.

3. 8TH INTERNATIONAL SAMOAN SIVA AFI COMPETITION, HOGAN TOOMALATAI: CHAMPION - Let's look at Phoenix Brave's roots.

Montblanc "I Tell Stories"

Hugh Jackman - one of the most superb actors out there. I have great respect with how professional he is and how versatile he is in portraying roles in movies. Very inspirational!

 

God's LOVE knows no limits...

Today, the Lord had blessed me and my 40week old baby in my tummy with the words that relieved me of my anxiety and healed me of my impatience. Sharing it to you may have a different impact. I hope it would benefit you one way or another. There were a couple of important reminders for us all this Sunday.

GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

God's love knows no boundaries, no limits and no preferences. Whichever race you're from, whichever gender you prefer and whatever religion you belong to, God sees us all equally and considers all of us His own children. In line with this, God's form of justice is way beyond ours. We, people tend to see other people in our own perspective, dimensions and definitions. As a very limited human being, we ought to judge our neighbours inconsolably. The gospel this Sunday suggests to quit the habit of being judgemental towards others.

The saddest part to realise is that, all of us believe in God and with that very sense, we use it as an excuse or a license to size up others with what they believe in. There are numerous assaults and maltreatments going in some parts of the middle east just because people don't conform to the religion of the majority. Brutally, they impose punishments that involve (and are not limited to) beheading, torture and mass killings. There are also many gay achievers that get denied of civil rights in terms of being in position politically, academically or in sports, military and even in adopting kids. Why? Because they don't meet the standards and norms of how the bible had set it. Yet blindly, the society accepts battery of women by husbands in India, teenage prostitution, human trafficking and death of innocent people because of ongoing wars in between countries (Flight MH17 where innocent passengers on board all died because of the Ukraine-Russia dispute is a very good example).

But the only important thing for Him is how strong your faith remains despite all of these tribulations. Let's take your own dilemmas into account. Most mature thinking adults would let a challenge go with that much hope as there's another "tomorrow" to look forward to. If their prayers don't get answered today, they wait for the bigger picture. But mostly others would consider God deaf to their prayers, not understanding that they're getting moulded into somebody better while waiting. God delays in giving and granting your desired gifts and supplication. But trust in the promise that no windows will be be closed. This paves the way to the second lesson.

TRUST IN GOD'S PERFECT TIMING

Be faithful to God as God stays faithful of you. In the bible, it talked about a "Canaanite Woman's Faith" and it said:

Mt 15:21-28

21Jesus... withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” 24He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”25But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” 28Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

As it was explained in Church today, Jesus had given the pagan woman a test of faith. He rejected her at first, even labelling her as a "dog" to test how strong her belief in Him as a healer is. Matching Jesus' wit, she professed her faith humbly and admits that she maybe a dog but even dogs wait for scraps from the master's table. How profound is her faith! She loves her daughter so much that even though she is a pagan, her commitment to the Lord's promise is kept intact in her heart. Initially, I was thinking to myself, if that was me, and I get rejected for the first time, I might already be walking away.

So much so, another inspiring story of a woman of great faith is St. Monica, St. Augustine's mother who prayed for her son, St. Augustine to be touched by the Lord. She didn't pray for 3 minutes, 3 hours, 3 days, 3 years but 30 years for this. Her faith did not fail her when St. Augustine got transformed from living viciously and wastefully into following God's teachings and becoming the patron of brewers. He's called so because he had helped a lot of people to cut lose of their damaging vices and habits. 

This makes me feel ashamed for feeling so impatient with my pregnancy. I have waited for 9 months for my baby to come and now that the final weeks are here and that all I needed to do was wait for few more days for nature to take its course, I become cranky about it. Almost complaining why I had passed my due date and nothing's happening. 

Like how I started, hearing these 2 messages today had relieved me of my anxiety. Sometimes, that many people whose main concern is your welfare, asking about the baby could also be pressuring and stressful to deal with explaining why it had gone overdue. When I, myself don't know why. So, I'll hold on to another week before we see the doctor once again and stay hopeful and prayerful for a smooth and safe delivery.

I am hoping that you'd also be destressed of what bugs you now and that your mind will be full of clarity upon reading this. 

God bless you today.

Related posts:

1. The Parable of the Weeds - how God's faith in us is strong and is beyond a human mind's comprehension.

2. Purpose Driven Life - How Temptation Works

3. Where Passion Takes You - God had made these people tools of showing how abundant His grace is.

9 of The Most Creative Advertisements

Living in Hong Kong had somehow made me miss a little bit of humor, creativity and inspiration when watching TV (or every commercial, shall I say) when my time permits. Most of their advertisements here do not make sense to me at all. My husband and I think it may be due to language barrier but we both end up with the same realisation saying, "Nahhhh!!! It really is senseless."

Here's a one good example.

Will somebody please make me understand what is the sense of this ad?

I was wondering if it shows how strong Hair Jam could hold the hair up I guess.

There are also nasty ones like:

This went viral and the company was somehow asked to put this down. In the news,
a man that may be one of the Creative Team, had made public apology
about this and had cleared out that he had no intention of demeaning Filipino helpers.

In an attempt to research about creativity the other day, I couldn't help but admit, that I admire the creative directors behind the following commercials. Some of them you might find funny, offensive, delightful. Yet, may I suggest that be open to what you're about to see and if you have commercials in mind that are worth sharing in line with this, I would appreciate it if you type the links below with your comments and sources (links).

1. PooPouri - I find this ad original, funny and inventive. Despite the products main concern which is "poop", I can almost categorise this as a basic need. LOL!

2. Pfizer Ad - Every second, a human being struggles with life. And it wouldn't hurt if we could inspire somebody in our own little way everyday. Here is a reminder of that.

3. Coca-cola - Raising my hands to the roof, Coca-Cola Co. really is earning some millions in paying the most gifted advertiser there is to come up with a touching, effective and piercing-to-the-soul advertisements like this. Despite the fact that sodas/softdrinks belong to what we commonly know as "junk food", people are drawn to purchasing it still because of the subliminal message it delivers to the "mass". I guess there goes the magic word, "mass" of people who greatly belong to the middle class below. Don't you agree? Take a look at this. Workers in Dubai and their families are the target purchasing mass. Why do you think so?

4. Kingston Technology - This commercial enveloped a number of life reminders that we often ignore. Most of the time, we choose to see unfortunate circumstances as it is and often finds it hard to look beyond the bigger picture. The idea of getting hold of the memories was the perfect aim for the people to invest on Kingston USB's. Amazing!

5. Chevvy - Those people who say, "Money can't buy love." ? I get it. Though there is also a point behind the statement, "Money, when utilised very well, may be a tool to bring forth further happiness, convenience and satisfaction. All of which are mostly necessary in taking care of your family." Take a look at this commercial which serves as the best graphical metaphor for it. No need for too much words and that's how I ended up giving a congratulatory gesture by clapping in the end.

6. Naik Foundation - The very heart of the foundation was depicted in this commercial, again, without any need for words or script. The message is there, it's very clear. You'll be officially amoral if you wouldn't get the idea of the two-minutes and 6 seconds story.

Share Care Joy by Naik Foundation from Naik Foundation on Vimeo.

7. Volvo - The steering power of Volvo is what's featured yet this commercial offers more than that. It's challenging to consider that my opinion goes: the precision of the machine's performance do not overcome man's capabilities. You have other interpretation? Don't hesitate to share.

8. Ministry of Education, Singapore - This touched me in a special way because I had become an educator myself and I've always wanted the best out of my students. Academically, I aimed for them not to ever settle for just being in the middle. I had expected a lot from each of them back then. And it's rewarding to get messages from them now, being thankful of what I insisted on in the past years. You will see in this commercial that doing your job not just because of the money involved gives you back more... that self-fulfilment that a good deed beholds and that self-achievement that you have touched somebody's life inspiring them to make a difference. 

9. Thai Life Insurance - Thai people are very innovative in capturing their televiewers' hearts. There are a lot of dramatic and touching commercials they have released but this pinched my heart the most because it touched the most inevitable of all, ageing. Nobody will be exempted from dying, that's a fact. But growing old is a privilege denied to many not to mention, having somebody to take care of you when you get old falls in the same category.

If you've enjoyed this post, you might like the following:

1. WE ALL DON'T WANT TO BE JUDGED - an advertisement about how people are carrying different burdens.

2. AIRLINE VIDEOS - you will enjoy watching these too.

3. PURPOSEFUL LIFE - celebrities that dedicate their lives into becoming a humanitarian despite fame.

Where passion takes you...

I am continuously in awe that I have met a lot of people who are moved by their passion and talent. Besides a number of audience that look up to them, I personally admire the person that they have become as how the Creator had moulded them to be and how they are used as a tool to inspire others. The greatest thing to witness was how they started or how they grew up from dreaming, to working their way thru in making it happen to finally having it within their grasp. In addition, knowing them 'personally' drives me to write and promote the shows that they are currently working on.

1. In Hawaii, Kristian Lei, founder and teacher of the Honululu Broadway Babies are collaborating with huge stars in coming up with a concert for the developmentally disabled. Details are as follows.

I have featured Ms. Kristian Lei before, mentioning a line up of the projects that she had done. And like what I emphasised in writing that post, she remains humble despite an impressive background, not mentioning being part of Ms. Saigon as Kim. And yes, she can sing in English, German, Italian, French  and Tagalog language. 

2. This September 2014 in London, "Here Lies Love", a musical about the controversial life of now, an icon, Ms. Imelda Marcos will be opened. From her great influence to her husband dealing with 

a glimpse of the "Here Lies Love" Production

politics as his own country's president to the lifestyle that she once had as the first lady. The ups and downs of it all until she had lost it in the long run. All of these in an explosive array of lively music and fun numbers that is sure to fire up the stage. This modern musical opened a great demand for Asian talents in London wherein 3 of its new cast are good friends of mine.

Christine Allado

Aaron Jan Mercado

Julius Ebreo

I would like to congratulate them in gaining this opportunity to represent Philippines with their genuine talent and unbeatable perseverance. 

3. In Hong Kong, Horace Mui collaborates with a colleague MS. CRISEL CONSUNJI (whom I've known for more than 6 years now and have worked with for almost 2 years in the happiest place in the planet) in coming up with a concert on September 6, 7:00pm at DBS Auditorium, located in Kowloon. 

4. Furthermore, another colleague had opened his new dance studio, situated in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, called, the Russ Dance Factory and it is by far promising in so many ways.

If you are planning to shed off inches off those love handles; if you want to take the first step in remaining healthy and on your feet effortlessly, or just if you want to feel good about yourself, there are sure ways as you book classes thru their fabulous website. Both available and accessible in English and Chinese, experience its user friendly online booking to assist you fully into a workout programme that you see fits best to your taste and preference.

Tim Russ Fernandez-Lam had been a friend and an inspiration since Day 1. I got to work with him for good 3 years and I know him as the driven, hard-working and persevering type. These traits reflect the team that he had put together that may fire-away all your hesitations in challenging yourself into becoming a better you. He encourages everybody to celebrate their individuality by being healthy in mind, body and spirit. In combining this with personality, confidence and guts, the real you is hailed. And that's sexy! Give their classes a try and I assure you, you will have fun and will sign up for more.

Here is the latest update that is worth booking. For further details, visit their website by clicking on the picture.

www.russdancefactory.com

5. Battle of the Babes – World Model Search 

Featuring:

Kannie Chung

Au Yee Ka

Wong Yue Xoum

Virginia Jessie Li

Rose Mary Darsi

Angelica A. Dizon

Anna Miles

Kwan Yuen Tong

MO YIN SHU

Ng Yan Ting

Catherine Villadelgado

Zoey Ma

Candy Knutzen

Pixie A Valeroo

Chan Lai Yan Theresa

Sharon Yeung

Marichu Ranoco

Christine Joy Tuvilla

Abby Adeva

Carvi Lou Jong Brosoto

Margie Titular De Torres

Ysa-Lou Claribel Joson

Abbygael Reyes

Gold Lopez

Hong Kong, China and Macau models are invited to register now to compete in the Battle of the Babes World Model Search Hong Kong events which will take place in early August.

The first HKG heat will be held on Thursday 14th August at SPICY FINGERS Bar and Restaurant, 78-82 Jaffe Rd, Wanchai, Hong Kong

The winning model will progress to the World Final (also to be held in Hong Kong); competing against the winning models from USA, Thailand, Philippines Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. The overall world winner will win a trip to Paris, international modeling work, magazine features & more.

The event features some of the world’s best up and coming new models.

-EVENT INTRODUCTION-

Battle of the Babes – World Model Search is a brand new global event; an international model search pageant with events taking place within the Asia Pacific Region in 2013/2014.

Over 1000 models have already registered to take part in the first year’s event, with more registering on a daily basis.

The events started in Asia during October and November 2013, with multiple shows held in The Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. New Zealand events took place throughout March and April 2014 at venues throughout the country. Australia was the most recent country to host events, with shows held in 5 states throughout May, with the Australian National Final held in June at the Hard Rock Cafe, Sydney. These first 5 event countries are now completed, with the first 5 World Finalists confirmed.

The United States of America & Hong Kong will be the next countries to take part.

Battle of the Babes World Model Search will continue to grow internationally as more countries are added for the next year’s event; which will start in early 2015.

http://www.worldbattleofthebabes.com/

CATV VILLADELGADO,  a young, radiant, talented lass who will be competing for the first heat had been a colleague and friend since I got here in Hong Kong last 2007. Come to Spicy Fingers on August 14. Admission entitles you to one vote that may help her achieve a place in the world search.


6. In the Philippines, I would like to catch the attention of my countrymen who are dedicated to their craft, with their love of music and its creation and expression as how Saturnino Tiamson, a colleague and co-worker, had embraced everyday while he performs in Hong Kong Disneyland. With his help, here is another opportunity to learn more and enhance your gift. Musicians, composers and anybody whose life is encompassed to music, read on for details.

"As a way of giving back to his countrymen, Mr. Saturnino H. Tiamson Jr. (HK Disneyland Band Leader & Bagong Bayani Awardee for Culture and the Arts 2014 by Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc), will be conducting Percussion Workshop and Music Talk this August at the following venues:

AUGUST 11 at 9am

Percussion Workshop and Music Talk in cooperation with Angono Tourism Office, Samahan ng mga Banda sa Angono and JB Music

Venue: Angono Lakeside Park ( Wawa ) , Angono, Rizal 

Contact persons : Mr. Dennis Gerona @ 0915- 3529600, Mr. Mikhail Senson @ 0906-8671894 & Prof. Jose Rommel “ Jopat “ Gragera @ 0936-4085111

AUGUST 13 at 6pm

Percussion workshop for Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Kids ( MPO Kids )

Venue : Tondo, Manila

Contact person: Maestro Rodel Colmenar ( founder/ music director/ conductor of MPO )

AUGUST 14 at 5pm 

Percussion Workshop and Music Talk in cooperation with PASAMBAP, Inc., Imus Youth Symphonic Band '83 and JB Music

Venue : Kademyahan ng Imus Youth Symphonic Band '83, 

# 6 Castañeda St. Poblacion 1-C Imus, Cavite. 

Contact Persons : Ms. Alexis Constantino @ 0927-6579446 

& Mr. Dennis Gerona at 0915- 3529600

AUGUST 16 at 9am

Percussion Workshop and Music Talk in cooperation with PASAMBAP, Inc., Banda Kabyaw Inc. and JB Music

Venue : Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Contact Person : Mr. Alvin Sahagun @ 0926-1987988

& Mr. Dennis Gerona at 0915- 3529600

The 2nd Laguna Marching Band Boot Camp

A project of JCI San Pedro Portal Key in cooperation with PASAMBAP, Inc

Project Chairman : Saturnino Tiamson, Jr

Date and Venue : TBA

Percussion Workshop and Music Talk in cooperation with PASAMBAP, Inc 

Bulacan Province "

Date and Venue: TBA"

Source - The National Commission of Cultural and Arts

7. If you also get the chance to end up in Manila during these dates, check out this production: 

"Noli Me Tangere, The Opera - A Masterpiece, a Classic and an Immortal Novel by Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Composed and Written by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino...A Compelling Novel about – Love, Betrayal, Oppression, Vengeance and Hope. Performed By a cast of more than 30 Filipino Opera Artists from New York and Manila and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra with Maestro Rodel Colmenar / Stage & Costume Design by Jerry Sibal under the direction of Freddie Santos. Experience, Witness and Enjoy the Opera at the World Class Newport Performing Arts Theater

Show Starts this September 11 till the 28th
Tickets are available at Resorts World Manila Box Office and Ticket World Outlets"

These are just a few of all the great talented people who continuously live their dream to the fullest. As I have interviewed some of them (which will be posted much later on), I realise there is more than what the outcome will be. The journey is the most important upon reaching the highest point of their careers. And in every interview, that's what I consider the most substantial of all. So, watch out for it.

Related posts:

1. ELA LISONDRA - a young, driven Filipina who makes her debut as a triple threat as she becomes one of the cast in the rebirth of Miss Saigon 2014 (Westend, London).

2. ARIEL REONAL - an world class Filipino talent who brings out the soul in every performance he does. Most recently, being also one of the cast of Miss Saigon 2014.

3. NO TEARS, JUST GET INSPIRED INSTEAD - An array of Filipino talents who never fail to bring prestige to their craft as they hon their skills and becoming the best at what they do.