Showing posts with label Mom Finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mom Finds. Show all posts

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Huge discount for Unilab medicines!

Mamas, may good news ako para sa inyo. So here's my Watsons receipt for my drugs. Laki, no? 


Pero kung wala akong Unilab discount, that bill would be bigger. So thanks, Unilab! And thanks to my doctor for sharing this with me. And now I'll share with you!


The discount I got was for my statins. Yeah, ang cholesterol ko ay mataas super. Well, na-manage na with diet and exercise and my statins. So dapat P1,132 for 30 tablets. But I was given 27% discount. That's much bigger than the 20% discount for senior citizens and PWD!

And because I love you all, here's all you need to do: SCAN the QR codes!



Actually, just scan it and register and you'll get a text message with a code. Ipakita mo yung code na yan sa cashier and they'll automatically grant you your discount! Hooray!

Anyway, I'm going to see my pulmonologist soon because I checked Unilab's website for the generic names of my asthma drugs. And they have my meds! I'll ask my pulmo kung pwedeng palitan drugs ko from GSK to Unilab. Nang makatipid naman ako. Ang laki rin ng gastos ko sa gamot buwan-buwan!

Hindi ito sponsored post, ha! Just sharing because my doctor told me to. Have a good weekend!

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Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Start the School Year Right with Abenson’s Back-to-School Deals!

Some good news from our friends at Abenson! Shop this June for exciting deals!


As the new school year approaches, Abenson is ready to make back-to-school shopping simple and stress-free for parents, students, and teachers. Whether you’re upgrading your child’s gadgets for learning or selecting appliances that support daily routines like daily baon, Abenson offers a wide selection to meet every need. Find the latest laptops perfect for school projects, printers for school work, refrigerators to keep your child’s baon fresh, and washing machines designed to handle uniforms with ease, all at affordable prices.

To make shopping even more rewarding, Abenson is offering special promotions throughout June.

Freebies for every Laptop and Printer
  • Get a FREE Desk Drawer (worth ₱3,998) to organize your study space with select laptop purchases
  • Enjoy a FREE HP Printer (worth ₱4,695) for hassle-free assignment printing

Value Bundles
  • FREE TV bracket and installation (worth up to ₱7,998) on select TV models
  • Buy 1, Get 1 Dowell Stand Fans for just ₱2,692
  • Two Asahi Stand Fans for only ₱3,790
  • FREE basic installation on select washing machines

Brand Week Sales
  • LG Brand Week: Save up to 30%
  • TCL Brand Week: Save up to 35%

Exclusive Rewards for Abenson Members
  • FREE Jisulife Fan (worth ₱745) with select fan models
  • FREE Tekno Oven (worth ₱3,495) with Le Germania Cooking Range purchases
  • FREE Microwave with select multi-door or side-by-side refrigerators


Flexible Payment Options to Fit Your Budget

Understanding that budget flexibility is important, Abenson provides multiple payment options, including “Shop Now, Pay Later” plans, 0% installment terms with partner banks, and special promos with GCash and Apple financing partners. These options make it easier than ever to prepare for the school year without breaking the bank.
  • Shop Now, Pay Later: From May 1 to July 31, buy now and pay up to 2 months later, plus enjoy 24-month installment plans through 9 partner banks
  • 0% Installment: Interest-free terms on select items from June 1 to 30
  • BPI Appliances @ 24 Months: Long-term installment plans for appliance purchases over ₱10,000, valid June 1 to August 31
  • GCash GGives Back to School: From June 13 to August 4, pay with GCash in installments with zero downpayment and get ₱500 off on laptops, phones, and tablets (minimum spend ₱15,000)
  • Apple Device Promos: UnionBank offers 0% installment up to 24 months on all Apple devices from June 1 to 30

More Sulit Eskwela Deals with Financing Partners
  • No credit card needed for select promos, running until June 30
  • 0% Hulugan Festival on select appliances and gadgets via Home Credit
  • FREE last monthly payment plus ₱500 Chowking GC on select items
  • Zero downpayment with Skyro plus FREE Aquaflask Tumbler
  • Low downpayment with Salmon plus FREE ₱500 Grocery GC

Abenson also offers added convenience through services like ink delivery and printer repair via Smile Serve, as well as School and Business Solutions for schools and dormitories. For those last-minute needs, an expert Abenson Personal Shopper is available to provide fast same-day delivery.

With over 150 stores nationwide and a fully stocked online shop, Abenson makes gearing up for the new school year straightforward and affordable. Visit your nearest Abenson store or shop online at abenson.com. For more information, call 8811-8811 or follow @abensonappliances on social media.

Make this school year easier and more affordable with Abenson’s Back-to-School Sale — where quality, value, and convenience come together.

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Sunday, April 13, 2025

Brunch at Antonio’s PGA Cars



When your calendar is usually a jumble of Zoom meetings, school pick-ups, grocery runs, and deadlines, an invite to brunch can feel like a mini-vacation. But this wasn’t just any brunch. This was brunch at Antonio’s PGA Cars—where luxury meets leisure in the most delicious way possible.

Yes, you read that right. Antonio’s, the beloved Tagaytay institution known for its impeccable cuisine and elegant ambiance, has rolled into the city and found an unlikely home: inside the PGA Cars showroom right along EDSA Greenhills. I know, I know—EDSA?! But the moment you step inside, the noise of the world melts away. It’s calm, it’s chic, it’s shockingly serene for a space located at one of Metro Manila’s busiest roads. And did I mention there’s parking? Lots of it. (A mom’s dream.)

I had the joy of sharing the table with some truly inspiring women who juggle businesses, kids, passion projects, and more—Ginger Arboleda, Mansy Abesamis, Pattie Poniente, Dara David Roa, and Kat D. What a treat to take a breather with women who get it—the hustle, the heart, the delicate dance of ambition and gentleness. We swapped stories, laughed (a lot), and yes, planned future catch-ups because that’s what happens when good food meets great company.

 
This beautiful morning was hosted by the effortlessly stylish Vanna Garcia and brought together by the dynamic Emm Sulit of Game Changer agency. The setting was stunning, the conversations were soul-filling, and the food? Let me just say—it was worth waking up early on a weekend, blow-drying my hair, and slapping on makeup for!

We started with Octopus Croquettes—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, like a love letter from the sea. Then came the Raclette, bubbling and golden, which went perfectly with the croquettes.


The Porchetta Sandwich was rich and indulgent, while the Pomodoro balanced it out with its fresh, comforting simplicity. 


The Gratinated Portabello? A mushroom lover’s dream. The Beef ala Planch was smoky, tender, and just the right kind of hearty. 


And of course, no Antonio’s experience is complete without a sweet ending: the Pistachio Cannoli was delicate and delightful, and the Basque Cheesecake—heavenly. All of this was enjoyed with strong, delicious coffee and a little sparkle courtesy of some chilled white wine—because why not?


What I love about Antonio’s PGA Cars is that it doesn’t try too hard. Well, it doesn’t need to. Yes, you’re surrounded by gleaming Audis and sleek Porsches, but the vibe? Surprisingly warm and welcoming. Open from 9 AM to 11 PM, it’s the kind of place where you can have a power breakfast meeting at 10, a romantic date night at 8, or a solo coffee-and-journal moment somewhere in between. No reservations needed, just walk in like you belong (because you do, mama).

Just be warned: with all those shiny cars quietly whispering your name, you might be tempted to leave with dessert and a new ride.

So if you’re a working woman craving a quick escape without leaving the city—or a mama looking for a little weekday sparkle—consider this your sign. Drop by Antonio’s PGA Cars. Because luxury doesn't always mean loud, and sometimes, the best kind of power move is taking a pause with people who fill your cup.

Want more stories like this? Let’s stay in touch. Follow me on Instagram for more snapshots of the working woman life—finding moments of joy in work, books, and laundry!
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Monday, March 24, 2025

Proper Diapering: 7 Things Moms and Dads Should Always Remember

Hi, everyone! Let's talk about...  proper diapering!

Ask any parent, and they’ll most likely tell you how caring for a baby is a full-time job that requires patience and a lot of learning along the way. One of their many responsibilities—and one of the most frequent tasks—is changing diapers. While diapering may seem like a simple routine, doing it properly can make a huge difference in your baby’s comfort, hygiene, and overall health.


A clean, properly fitted diaper helps prevent discomfort, leaks, and skin irritation. Good diapering practices also reduce the risk of diaper rash and infections, ensuring your baby stays fresh and happy throughout the day. For new moms and dads, diapering can come with challenges. However, with the right techniques and knowledge, diaper changes can be smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.

From choosing the right diaper to handling your baby safely, we’ll walk you through essential diapering tips.

1. Choose the Right Diaper Size for Your Baby

One of the first things you need to take note of when diapering is picking the right diaper size. A diaper that is too small may cause red marks and leave your baby feeling uncomfortable; it can also lead to leaks. On the other hand, a diaper that is too loose may not provide enough protection.

So, when you shop for your baby’s diapers, make sure they fit your child perfectly. If you have an infant, make sure to get something marked “diaper for baby” and check the weight range of the diaper size. It’s also a good idea to check if you can fit two fingers under the waistband. This indicates that the diaper is secure but not too tight. If you notice frequent leaks, red marks on your baby’s skin, or difficulty securing the diaper properly, it might be time to move to the next size. Since babies grow quickly, be prepared to adjust diaper sizes as your child gains weight.

2. Be Aware of How Often You Should Change a Newborn’s Diaper

Newborns need frequent diaper changes since they urinate often and have multiple bowel movements each day. As a recommendation, change a newborn’s diaper every two to three hours or immediately after they have soiled it. If you leave a wet or soiled diaper on for too long, it can cause skin irritation and lead to painful diaper rashes or even potential infections.

For older babies, the frequency of diaper changes may decrease as their bladders develop and start to urinate less frequently. However, it’s still important to keep an eye on your baby’s diaper throughout the day to ensure they stay dry and comfortable.

3. Always Wash Your Hands Before and After Diapering

Diaper changes expose both parents and babies to bacteria, making proper hand hygiene essential. Before touching your baby, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs. After changing the diaper, wash your hands again.

If soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-free baby wipes or a gentle alcohol-based hand sanitizer are a good alternative. Keeping a small bottle of sanitizer near the diapering area ensures that you always have a quick way to clean your hands after a change.

4. Properly Wipe and Clean Your Baby

After diaper changes, proper cleaning helps prevent infections and keeps your baby comfortable. For baby girls, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading to the genital area, which can lead to urinary tract infections. For baby boys, make sure to gently clean the genital area, paying attention to folds of skin where dirt may accumulate.

Some parents prefer using fragrance-free baby wipes, but warm water and soft cotton are a gentler option, especially for newborns. If your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to rashes, using just water can help prevent irritation. After wiping, make sure the area is completely dry before putting on a new diaper to reduce the risk of diaper rash.

5. Handle Your Baby Safely During Diaper Changes

Most newborns and young babies can move unpredictably, which is why you need to handle them carefully yet securely during diaper changes. Always support your baby’s legs by gently lifting their ankles rather than pulling on their feet. Avoid lifting their legs too high, as this can put unnecessary pressure on their lower back.

Additionally, ensure that you’re changing your baby on a stable, flat surface and never leave them unattended, even for a second, to minimize the risk of falls.

6. Apply the Diaper Correctly

A properly fitted diaper helps prevent leaks and keeps your baby comfortable. When putting on a diaper, make sure the waistband is snug (not tight) and sits just below the belly button; for newborns, you can fold the diaper down in the front to avoid covering the umbilical stump. You should also adjust the leg openings to ensure they fit well. There should be no gaps to prevent any leaks, but still loose enough so that there’s some space between the diaper and your baby’s bum.

7. Prevent and Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a common issue among babies, but it can be prevented with proper care. To reduce the chances of diaper rash, change diapers frequently to prevent prolonged contact with moisture. Also, apply a thin layer of diaper rash cream or petroleum jelly to create a protective barrier. Additionally, give your baby some diaper-free time to allow their skin to breathe.

If your baby develops a persistent or severe rash, consult a pediatrician to determine if medical treatment is needed.


Diapering is a daily routine that you’ll quickly become familiar with as parents. However, you need to watch out for small mistakes. Otherwise, they can lead to discomfort for your baby. With this in mind, consider following these diapering tips to help keep your little one happy, dry, and protected.


*baby photo by Ignacio Campo on Unsplash, products photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
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Saturday, January 18, 2025

My 2025 Vision Board

Happy New Year to all my dear Loyal Readers! How's 2025 treating you so far? Me, well, all the songs playing in my head have these lyrics: "Such a feelin's gotten over me. There is wonder in most everything I see...", "It's gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day," and "I had a dream so big and loud I jumped so high, I touched the clouds, all the possibilities, no limits, just epiphanies!" 

I guess you can tell I like the vibe of 2025! 

I have lots and lots of plans. All involve words! A devotional. A workbook. A romance trilogy (yep, that werewolf romance novel I started in 2022 nag-multiply!). A children's book. Maybe even a literary website. Am I launching them all this year? I don't know! The plan is just to finish them and then we'll see! Hope you support me as always!


Speaking of plans, one of the best things I did recently was attend a workshop by Belle de Jour Power Planners. The formal name is Life & Business Vision Integration Workshop. Sounds so serious so I just call it the BDJ Goals Workshop. I attended the one last December at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at BGC and I believe that event propelled me to my happy, hopeful vibe. 

Madaling mangarap, mahirap tuparin ang mga ito. But because of the goals- and intention-setting sessions we did (na may kasamang personal sharing at iyakan pa!), parang lahat kaya kong abutin - kahit na yung ambisyosa kong goal na mag-publish ng 6 books this 2025! Ngayon pa lang alam ko it's a giant task but because we were taught to set goals in bite-sized pieces and to make them all short-term, napaniwala ako ni Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo na kaya kong gawin ito. 


Here's Dar, soft-spoken and a truly inspirational speaker. I've known her since my editor days (so that's almost 2 decades) and she's achieved so much. Not only did she launch a successful planner business, she's also become a motivational coach, connecting women and empowering them to start making their dreams come true through concrete steps (that's tied up neatly with her planner biz, diba?). Despite knowing her all this time and having worked with BDJ briefly, it was only at this Goals Workshop that I got to know her as a woman driven to make other women succeed. It was a revelation! I encourage you all to sign up for this workshop kasi it's like the heavens open up for you and talaga namang parang lahat kaya mong gawin!

Here's a peek at what happened at our workshop. We had delicious food served while we learned and shared and made our vision boards. We got a BDJ planner, a lovely journal, art materials for our vision board, and of course vital lessons on setting goals. 

I hope this is still a safe space to share with you my dreams. I always have done that with you since I started this blog in 2006. And I may have disappeared for a while (the last 2 years were very interesting) but I'm dreaming and planning and hoping again! And maybe I can share some of those hopes and dreams with you like I used to, if that's okay?

So here's my vision board!  


At the top is me writing books and blogs. That's all I really want to do - make a living on words alone! Everyone told me that was a dumb dream but my husband and I are making it happen! Next is me speaking to a group of women. I used to do this - hold workshops, be a guest speaker. I want to do that again. I'm thinking I'd do a speaking event when I launch my books! Will you be there? I'm so deathly afraid that no one will show up for me but then you ladies always have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (Now, I don't know if you're still around given that I've been silent for a while but if you're still here, it means a lot.) Last pic is a crazy idea - do a podcast. It's crazy because I have the worst voice ever. It's squeaky, not for broadcasting at all. But hey, I think I have some important things to say and a podcast may be in my future (I really don't think so, though haha but like I said this goals workshop makes you believe in the crazy!).

The left part is personal goals. I want to spend more time with my family and friends, enjoying life. Then, because I'm going through a transition that is traumatic to the body (a.k.a. perimenopause), I want to care for myself with proper nutrition, enough sleep, regular exercise, and also indulge now and then in a massage because my body has served me so well in the last 48 years. I should serve it now.

The right part is all money! My husband and I have insurance policies and mutual funds to help us with our retirement years (10-12 years na lang grabe!!!) so kami ni Vince, we're ready. But I want to save up anyway for the kids. I want to give them the world but writing - surprise surprise haha - doesn't really make a lot of money unless Vince and I become bestselling authors (like millions of copies sold!). It's not impossible but, boy, I hope it happens sooner than later because my boys are growing up so fast and I want to give them music lessons and art classes and sports and take them all over the world... 

I am running out of time. I am running out of time.

But I am not unhappy. Believe me when I say I am overflowing with joy. Despite the perimenopause hell, the long hours at the office, the having just-enough money, the unfinished books, the never having enough time... I am still so happy. My husband and I are still in love, we and the kids are healthy, we are safe, the kids are growing up so fast and they're all so handsome and smart and talented, we all get along fine, we're okay! We're more than okay. We're happy.

That said, I still need to dream bigger! I am so blessed that for a time I stopped myself from dreaming of more because it just felt so greedy, you know? I have so much! Maybe not money and time haha but everything else? Siksik, liglig at umaapaw! So I had been telling Jesus, "Okay na po ito. Tama na. Masaya na ako. Just help me be a good wife and mother and take care of the precious people you gave me." 

But somewhere along the way I just felt that God didn't give me all these stories and experiences and writing talent to just be quiet! Jesus promised me an abundant life, a life that should be all used up so that he can keep on pouring into my cup! In John 10:10, Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly."

I have allowed the devil to steal my purpose. I am a writer. Before I was a wife and mother and till the day I die, I hope I will still be writing. So that's what I'll do. Write! Will it make me money? I hope so! But that's just a benefit. I want to write because I want to tell stories that inspire women and I want to change lives again, the way my blogs used to when I used to blog a storm the last 18 years. Woah! Yep. Let's add more years to that, shall we? Yes! Thank you for reading all these years!

So anyway! That's my vision board. Please help me make those visions real. As in yung mahahawakan, matitikman, at mararanasan ko at ng pamilya ko. Stick around for updates!


And if you're interested in a little life-changing day, sign up for the Life & Business Vision Integration Workshop a.k.a. the BDJ Goal Setting Workshop! Register now for just P3,999! You won't regret it! 
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Sunday, November 17, 2024

At the MomCon 2024 media launch

I had a sweet time at the media launch of Mommy Mundo MomCon 2024 recently. I've not been in the mommy blogging/influencing circuit since 2019 so it was nice to see familiar faces again. Some of them (like mine) are older, while many still look the same, even better! Check out a few snaps from the event:

With Mommy Mundo herself - Janice Villanueva! So excited for all her plans for MomCon. And how cute are we? We're like strawberry and pistachio ice cream 😊
The OGs of mommy blogging. 
So sweet of Mommy Mundo to have our photos taken by Sheila Catilo and Stanley Ong!

These were the giveaways and will be part of the giveaways at MomCon 2024. I didn't get mine (I was rushing home because it was my birthday!) so I don't really know what the items are. I guess we'll have to go to MomCon to get our loot bags!

Let's learn about how to connect better - with ourselves, our children, and the world. See you at Mommy Mundo MomCon 2024: #CalltoConnect! It's this Saturday na! November 23, 2024, from 9 AM -6:30 PM, at the Samsung Hall, AMAura Premier. You can also join from anywhere in the world via live stream!

Get your tickets at mommymundo.com/momcon2024. 

Use this code: FrancesforMomCon to get a discount!


See you on Saturday!

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Sunday, October 06, 2024

Book Review: Nanay and the Moon by Elyrah L. Salanga-Torralba

If you'd like to expose your children to more poetry, then here's a book you should try. Nanay and the Moon by Elyrah L. Salanga-Torralba. Elyrah is a lovely writer and her honesty and wit come through in her book of poetry for children. Before I share with you a couple of my favorites, let's quickly go through the reasons why parents should read poetry to their children.


Any book lover knows that reading to children offers a wealth of benefits, not just as an emotional bonding experience but also adds greatly to their intellectual development. I noticed that when I read poems to my kids, they enjoyed them a lot. So here's very quickly why we parents should make poetry a part of our children’s reading experience:

1. Helps our kids with language development. That means a bigger vocabulary, exposure to playful language, and an awareness of sounds and rhythm. 

2. Improves their listening and concentration skills. This is obviously spoken poetry. And poetry really must be read aloud anyway. Our kids learn active listening. Kids these days need to learn this! 

3. Enhances their imagination (and parents' too!). Poetry often uses vivid imagery which makes kids use their imagination. It helps them visualize what's happening and feel emotions in a way that prose doesn’t always provide. So hello, creativity!

4. Encourages critical thinking. How??? Poems have metaphors and symbolism so our kids think beyond literal meanings and dive deeper into the words to discover what they really mean.

5. Helps them express emotions better. We all know the power of a song, right? When we're in love, heartbroken, happy, grieving. Poetry does the same for our kids, especially those who are discovering new feelings they don't have words for yet.

So try to squeeze poetry into your child’s life. It can unlock creativity, nurture emotional intelligence, and build a strong foundation for literacy skills—all while creating enjoyable bonding moments!

So now let me share with you my favorite poems from Nanay and the Moon:


So funny! But that ending is ouch! The kids will find this hilarious while we parents can use this as a teaching moment to remind them to keep the house clean so that we don't suffer the terrorism of ipis!


I love how this poem says that we mommies are storytellers. We have so many stories and I spend a lot of time just chatting with my boys and they're spellbound. We're the ones who teach our kids language, emotions, culture, moral lessons, spirituality. What a beautiful responsibility!

Nanay and the Moon is full of simple language that many children can grasp. They're easy to read aloud - no hard-to-pronounce word here! The poems are short, too, so you can be sure your kids won't fall asleep (well, depending on the age of your child, try to do 1-3 poems per session). 

Congratulations, Elyrah, on your book!

Purchase Nanay and the Moon by Elyrah L. Salanga-Torralba here:
UP Press 
Lazada
Shopee

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I review books written by Filipinos. If you're a mom, I'll prioritize it!     


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Saturday, September 07, 2024

Book Review: Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes


I'm excited to share with you this sweet little book, Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes. To my dear Loyal Readers, Elaine should be familiar to you because she and I used to be the editors of OK! magazine. She's worked since then as features editor, beauty editor, and freelance writer. 

And now she's added author to that list! I'm so proud of Elaine's new book and I'll tell you why today.


Look at this page from her book (beautifully drawn by Eleanor Bautista). This is how it starts. Elaine lays out the situation by describing the day of a typical mom. I relate to it a lot because that's me every single day. She was describing me! Many women are busy working on something and relying on coffee (or sugar or bone broth) to get them through their day. 

Now, check out the entire page below. If this was an activity sheet for kids, the instructions would be, "Find the object that doesn't belong." (I encircled it haha) For moms like Elaine and me, our desks and minds and schedules revolve around our children. And we try to make everything else - husband, chores, work, friends - fit in. 


Every mom is a working mom, that's what I always say. Doesn't matter if you're working from home or the office, if you're a housewife or the mom everyone at church/school/neighborhood counts on. If you're a mom, your hands are full. More full than anyone's hands. More full than anyone's heart, too. And I guess that's what makes moms such amazing people. Distracted, stressed out, exhausted, sleepless, yes. But amazing nevertheless.

Elaine writes -

This is how her days usually go,
full of stops and starts, rarely a smooth flow.


On top of all the things we have to do, Elaine touches on how we're desperate for help. For many of us without household help or family to rely on, we turn to that dreaded device: the TV, or the iPad, or the smartphone. Sometimes we have to feed the always-hungry kids instant noodles, or hotdogs, or chips. Because we don't always have the time to cook. Or sometimes because it's just easier dammit. But ease seems to be something mothers shouldn't enjoy, and there is a poignant pain that twinges my heart as I read Elaine's plea for understanding. 

And then Elaine writes the words every mom says to herself at the end of another chaotic day.


Ain't that the truth.

In her Lithub article, The Heartbreaking Ingenuity of the Mother-Writer, Olivia Campbell writes, "Women writers have always been up against the expectation that they can do it all, all at once. Male authors are lauded as disciplined recluses for closing themselves away to write; women are praised for juggling writing and family simultaneously. But you can’t have it both ways. Either writing is a laborious, worthwhile craft requiring time alone or it’s not, no matter the writer’s gender. 'How does she do it all?' society muses while staring at the bedraggled mom-author clutching her book in one hand and her baby in the other. By having no work-life balance or boundaries. Losing sleep. Hiding in pantries. Getting increasingly angry by the lack of support. By nearly drowning." (italics mine)

No sleep, no rest, no time alone to collect oneself. And yet we persist in doing the work that separates us from the roles of wife and mother. For me, it's my work that saves me from the drowning. It's my writing that convinces me I am my own person, even if I love giving myself to others. It's what stops me from screaming into the void of duty. It's what takes my eyes away from the despair of exhaustion.

Don't worry, the book isn't all desperation. After that page where the mom in Elaine's book is undone by all her unfinished tasks, the book takes on a tender realization. 


Daddy to the rescue! I love how dads never seem to be worried. I guess that's how amazing moms are haha! Because moms are so focused on the tiny details, dads can see the big picture and know that we're doing okay, that this won't last, that this is actually the sweetest days of our life.

(On that note, not gonna lie, I am SO GLAD that stage is over. True, it was so sweet but I am in a much better place now that I can breathe. And read. And spend more than 5 minutes in the bathroom.)

And that's what I love about Mama, Interrupted. The book describes a mother's day - the chaos, the desperation, the wish to do her best - but it never shows resentment for the adorable interruptions. Having kids is difficult and the book doesn't shy away from that. That's why I urge everyone to give a copy to friends who just got married and are dreaming of babies. The book tells you it's going to be hard. But... It is what it is but it's not that bad as long as mama has support from her husband.

I appreciate that the book also brings attention to the role of dads. They're important, of course, as a father, but the mama also needs him as her husband, the one who anchors her when she's spiraling from all the drudgery of motherhood, the one who calms her down with his strength and logic, the one who assures her that after all this craziness, she still has him.


Mama, Interrupted is actually a book for moms disguised as a children's book. It's a love letter to her. It's an assurance - "I see you, mama, and I see all that you do. You're doing an amazing job." And isn't that what we mamas need? Not exactly gratitude because this is our duty. But it's ever so nice to be acknowledged. 

All that in a little book? Yes! It's a tender book with many hard truths. Easy to read and digest because of the rhyme, and a wonderful gift to give the moms in your life to tell her, "I see you. I love you. I honor you."  

Get your copy of Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes. It's only P399 but you save more if you buy more! Order here.

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I review books written by Filipinos. If you're a mom, I'll prioritize it! 

Follow me on Threads, @francesampersales
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