Chosen - A Mother's Retreat

Moms, do you ever feel like things are not going to its rightful place? Household chores become unbearable, work is demanding, the husband needs your attention, kids are not cooperative.. everyone is demanding your time and energy.

Are you overwhelmed being a Mom who wears many hats? Do you sometimes wish to disappear for a moment? 

Sometimes, all we need is a break.

A car can run on fumes for only so long. It needs to be refilled or it will stop running together. You as a mother can't continue to be everything to everybody, eventually, you will break down. You need to take a break for yourself, to rejuvenate, to make sure you are not lost while trying to hold everything together. ~ journeysofawoman.com

Whether you are a stay at home Mom, or a working mom like me, whatever season you are right now in your motherhood, here's a treat for you!

Chosen - A Mother's Retreat

Moms, do you ever feel like things are not going to its rightful place? Household chores become unbearable, work is demanding, the husband needs your attention, kids are not cooperative.. everyone is demanding your time and energy.

Are you overwhelmed being a Mom who wears many hats? Do you sometimes wish to disappear for a moment? 

Sometimes, all we need is a break.

A car can run on fumes for only so long. It needs to be refilled or it will stop running together. You as a mother can't continue to be everything to everybody, eventually, you will break down. You need to take a break for yourself, to rejuvenate, to make sure you are not lost while trying to hold everything together. ~ journeysofawoman.com

Whether you are a stay at home Mom, or a working mom like me, whatever season you are right now in your motherhood, here's a treat for you!

This coming February 25-26, 2017 - Recharge, Refresh, and Be Awaken. 

Learn from seasoned Moms and Speakers on how to be Rooted in Him, being A Mother after God's own heart, Seasons of a Mother's heart, how to Teach our kids diligently, Stewardship of motherhood and a Mother's legacy.

Location: Mt. Makiling Recreation Center Sto. Tomas Batangas

Retreat Fee: 2700
*Inclusive of meals, accommodations, materials and transportation

Registration is open online:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0fAYB09elI_OHLvxqBuwywvgU9Gb4Adz8i5LrWZqsOaxDzw/viewform

Please follow Chosen Mother's Retreat Facebook Page for more details or contact Roselle 09228131105.

This is open to Mothers of all ages! Please share to those Moms who need a break. 

Chosen - A Mother's Retreat

Moms, do you ever feel like things are not going to its rightful place? Household chores become unbearable, work is demanding, the husband needs your attention, kids are not cooperative.. everyone is demanding your time and energy.

Are you overwhelmed being a Mom who wears many hats? Do you sometimes wish to disappear for a moment? 

Sometimes, all we need is a break.

A car can run on fumes for only so long. It needs to be refilled or it will stop running together. You as a mother can't continue to be everything to everybody, eventually, you will break down. You need to take a break for yourself, to rejuvenate, to make sure you are not lost while trying to hold everything together. ~ journeysofawoman.com

Whether you are a stay at home Mom, or a working mom like me, whatever season you are right now in your motherhood, here's a treat for you!

This coming February 25-26, 2017 - Recharge, Refresh, and Be Awaken. 

Learn from seasoned Moms and Speakers on how to be Rooted in Him, being A Mother after God's own heart, Seasons of a Mother's heart, how to Teach our kids diligently, Stewardship of motherhood and a Mother's legacy.

Location: Mt. Makiling Recreation Center Sto. Tomas Batangas

Retreat Fee: 2700
*Inclusive of meals, accommodations, materials and transportation

Registration is open online:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0fAYB09elI_OHLvxqBuwywvgU9Gb4Adz8i5LrWZqsOaxDzw/viewform

Please follow Chosen Mother's Retreat Facebook Page for more details or contact Roselle 09228131105.

This is open to Mothers of all ages! Please share to those Moms who need a break. 

stART Hope: The 1st For-a-Cause Art Exhibit by Philippine Homeschoolers

Last December 03, 2016, we were invited to join the Media Launch of stArt Hope at The Crafter's Marketplace, Ground Floor, Rustan's EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong.

stART Hope is the first ever benefit art exhibit curated purely by homeschooled students in the Philippines. About fifty homeschooling students grades 4 to 8 have united their efforts in the pursuit for hope, peace, and change for the sake of the next generation.

This for-a-cause event is one of the collaborated projects of the class’ SY 2016-2017 students through the direction and inspiration of their teachers, which are both co-owners of the education-travel blog, School in a Backpack.

Homeschool @ Alabang and Homeschool @ Valle Verde are the expanded communities of the original Homeschool @ The Fort, an organized community of homeschoolers that provide fun and engaging classes for homeschoolers. It is the place to go to if you want to join a playgroup, co-op, or a homeschooling support group. 

Comm & Collab teachers and co-owners of School in a Backpack Blog, Owie and Jana

For three years now, it held its Communication and Collaboration class (formerly called Projects and Presentations) with a thrust of supplementing the learning experiences of homeschooling independent learners by giving them an avenue to work in different group/class settings.

The homeschoolers, in coordination with Wishes of Aid and Limbs for Kids (WALK), Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization, and one of the projects of Rotary Club of Makati Forbes Park District 3830, aims to spark hope for our exhibit's main beneficiary, Nice So, along with the children of WALK Inc.

Nice So

Nice So, a lupus patient who discovered her innate artistic talent while in the hospital just about the same time she was informed about her medical condition, has been painting and selling her artworks since she was in grade school to pay for her medical necessities as well as help other kids with lupus and other incurable diseases.

Waby Liberia, Ginger de Guia and Nino Henandez

Contemporary artist Niño Hernandez, and professional calligraphist Ginger de Guia, both art teachers in the homeschool community, supported the student project and its cause by collaborating their artworks for the exhibit.

Homeschooled until her senior high year, and now incoming college student pursuing arts management, Waby Liberia will be officially launched into the art industry through the exhibit.

Artists' Artworks

During the event, we were assisted by homeschoolers, from the registration up to the last activity. We were also welcomed with a coffee and delicious cake from Salva's Kitchen. I bet everyone loves the maja cake!

The program started with a Q&A with the artists. After the talks from the organizers, we were ushered to the next venue for a surprise art activity. 

We were given materials from Ogalala and designed a tote bag. Nice So was the artist assigned to our table and we were able to get to know more of her and her passion as an artist. I received a gift certificate from DARE by Dr. Jean Marquez, FPDS for winning the best-designed bag in our table, Yey!  

I'm so amazed to see these homeschooling students make a difference through this activity. Their desire to give hope is really inspiring. Kudos to the students, parents, teachers and the organizers of this project!

As a homeschooling Mom, I want my kids not just to appreciate art but for them to be able to use their talents to serve God and to serve others. As I exposed them in this kind of activity, my prayer is that they will be able to use their gifts wisely. 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12:6-8 NIV

*     *    *

stART Hope will greet the New Year with youthful expectations at the exhibit launch on January 7, 2017, at the Kanto Artist-Run Space, 2nd Floor, Makati Cinema Square, Makati. The program starts at 3PM. Featured artists, seasoned performers, homeschool talents and more will be part of the exhibition launch program.

The exhibit will run all the way until January 26, 2017, will be held. It is open to accepting artworks with the theme “hope” on a 16x16 mounted canvas from all homeschooling students in the Philippines.

Exhibition artworks are currently pre-selling through stART Hope’s online shop via facebook.com/stARTofHope. For partnerships, sponsorships and other inquiries, please email homeschoolph.starthope@gmail.com.

stART Hope: The 1st For-a-Cause Art Exhibit by Philippine Homeschoolers

Last December 03, 2016, we were invited to join the Media Launch of stArt Hope at The Crafter's Marketplace, Ground Floor, Rustan's EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong.

stART Hope is the first ever benefit art exhibit curated purely by homeschooled students in the Philippines. About fifty homeschooling students grades 4 to 8 have united their efforts in the pursuit for hope, peace, and change for the sake of the next generation.

stART Hope: The 1st For-a-Cause Art Exhibit by Philippine Homeschoolers

Last December 03, 2016, we were invited to join the Media Launch of stArt Hope at The Crafter's Marketplace, Ground Floor, Rustan's EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong.

stART Hope is the first ever benefit art exhibit curated purely by homeschooled students in the Philippines. About fifty homeschooling students grades 4 to 8 have united their efforts in the pursuit for hope, peace, and change for the sake of the next generation.

This for-a-cause event is one of the collaborated projects of the class’ SY 2016-2017 students through the direction and inspiration of their teachers, which are both co-owners of the education-travel blog, School in a Backpack.

Homeschool @ Alabang and Homeschool @ Valle Verde are the expanded communities of the original Homeschool @ The Fort, an organized community of homeschoolers that provide fun and engaging classes for homeschoolers. It is the place to go to if you want to join a playgroup, co-op, or a homeschooling support group. 

Comm & Collab teachers and co-owners of School in a Backpack Blog, Owie and Jana

For three years now, it held its Communication and Collaboration class (formerly called Projects and Presentations) with a thrust of supplementing the learning experiences of homeschooling independent learners by giving them an avenue to work in different group/class settings.

The homeschoolers, in coordination with Wishes of Aid and Limbs for Kids (WALK), Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization, and one of the projects of Rotary Club of Makati Forbes Park District 3830, aims to spark hope for our exhibit's main beneficiary, Nice So, along with the children of WALK Inc.

Nice So

Nice So, a lupus patient who discovered her innate artistic talent while in the hospital just about the same time she was informed about her medical condition, has been painting and selling her artworks since she was in grade school to pay for her medical necessities as well as help other kids with lupus and other incurable diseases.

Waby Liberia, Ginger de Guia and Nino Henandez

Contemporary artist Niño Hernandez, and professional calligraphist Ginger de Guia, both art teachers in the homeschool community, supported the student project and its cause by collaborating their artworks for the exhibit.

Homeschooled until her senior high year, and now incoming college student pursuing arts management, Waby Liberia will be officially launched into the art industry through the exhibit.

Artists' Artworks

During the event, we were assisted by homeschoolers, from the registration up to the last activity. We were also welcomed with a coffee and delicious cake from Salva's Kitchen. I bet everyone loves the maja cake!

The program started with a Q&A with the artists. After the talks from the organizers, we were ushered to the next venue for a surprise art activity. 

We were given materials from Ogalala and designed a tote bag. Nice So was the artist assigned to our table and we were able to get to know more of her and her passion as an artist. I received a gift certificate from DARE by Dr. Jean Marquez, FPDS for winning the best-designed bag in our table, Yey!  

I'm so amazed to see these homeschooling students make a difference through this activity. Their desire to give hope is really inspiring. Kudos to the students, parents, teachers and the organizers of this project!

As a homeschooling Mom, I want my kids not just to appreciate art but for them to be able to use their talents to serve God and to serve others. As I exposed them in this kind of activity, my prayer is that they will be able to use their gifts wisely. 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12:6-8 NIV

*     *    *

stART Hope will greet the New Year with youthful expectations at the exhibit launch on January 7, 2017, at the Kanto Artist-Run Space, 2nd Floor, Makati Cinema Square, Makati. The program starts at 3PM. Featured artists, seasoned performers, homeschool talents and more will be part of the exhibition launch program.

The exhibit will run all the way until January 26, 2017, will be held. It is open to accepting artworks with the theme “hope” on a 16x16 mounted canvas from all homeschooling students in the Philippines.

Exhibition artworks are currently pre-selling through stART Hope’s online shop via facebook.com/stARTofHope. For partnerships, sponsorships and other inquiries, please email homeschoolph.starthope@gmail.com.

BeautyMNL: My First Online Shopping Experience

I am so blessed to be handpicked to give the BeautyMNL site a test run. This is very timely because going to mall is a luxury for me, something that I cannot afford, haha! Especially this season where people are mostly in the mall doing early Christmas shopping.

BeautyMNL: My First Online Shopping Experience

I am so blessed to be handpicked to give the BeautyMNL site a test run. This is very timely because going to mall is a luxury for me, something that I cannot afford, haha! Especially this season where people are mostly in the mall doing early Christmas shopping.

BeautyMNL is the No.1 and the biggest beauty site in the Philippines, where Filipinas can discover something pretty and new every day. 

A major part of BeautyMNL is its Shop, here you can buy a wide range of mommy-and-kid-friendly products. I came to know this site from other blogger friends so I'm not really new to this. Although, this is definitely my first online shopping with them. 

When I got the invitation, I hurried to browse their site. It is very easy to navigate and takes very little time to use. I'm so happy to see familiar brands. Some of the brands available include makeup and skincare favorites from Maybelline and Be Organic Bath & Body, and some kid-friendly items too from VMV Hypoallergenics, Happy Face, Happy Body: Milk Wash by MooGoo, and Baby Shampoo from Zenutrients.

I'm not very confident in buying makeup products online. As much as possible, I want to see it, touch it or even test it out first. But since I've read good reviews about BeautyMNL, I did not hesitate to give it a shot. Good thing you can read descriptions on What to love and How to use the products. There are also Reviews available and some Swatch guide. These are very helpful especially if you want to try new products or a first-timer like me. You can save time because you don't really need to step out of the site, everything has been provided!

BeautyMNL offers 24-hour delivery for Metro Manila and 5-7 days for nationwide delivery. I placed my order Friday and I was surprised when I received a text notification last Sunday that my order will be arriving anytime within the day. Wow! I was actually expecting it to arrive on Monday because of the weekends. 

So here's what I have in my haul:

Color Sensational Creamy Mattes in Faint for Fuchsia

L.a. Colors Mineral Blush in Tenderling

Dearberry Must Eyetem Mascara

L.A. Colors Pro Concealer Stick in Light Honey

Online shopping is becoming more of a trend nowadays and my experience with BeautyMNL is as easy as 1-2-3, what a breeze! For Moms who cannot afford to leave home, this shop is for you!

Thank you BeautyMNL for the smooth and easy shopping! I can't wait to try these beauty loot!

If you like taking selfies (hihi we looove selfies!), join BeautyMNL's #selfieMNL contest! Get a chance to win a Printster polaroid of your pretty face and a PHP200 BeautyMNL GC. Click here for the complete details.

BeautyMNL: My First Online Shopping Experience

I am so blessed to be handpicked to give the BeautyMNL site a test run. This is very timely because going to mall is a luxury for me, something that I cannot afford, haha! Especially this season where people are mostly in the mall doing early Christmas shopping.

BeautyMNL is the No.1 and the biggest beauty site in the Philippines, where Filipinas can discover something pretty and new every day. 

A major part of BeautyMNL is its Shop, here you can buy a wide range of mommy-and-kid-friendly products. I came to know this site from other blogger friends so I'm not really new to this. Although, this is definitely my first online shopping with them. 

When I got the invitation, I hurried to browse their site. It is very easy to navigate and takes very little time to use. I'm so happy to see familiar brands. Some of the brands available include makeup and skincare favorites from Maybelline and Be Organic Bath & Body, and some kid-friendly items too from VMV Hypoallergenics, Happy Face, Happy Body: Milk Wash by MooGoo, and Baby Shampoo from Zenutrients.

I'm not very confident in buying makeup products online. As much as possible, I want to see it, touch it or even test it out first. But since I've read good reviews about BeautyMNL, I did not hesitate to give it a shot. Good thing you can read descriptions on What to love and How to use the products. There are also Reviews available and some Swatch guide. These are very helpful especially if you want to try new products or a first-timer like me. You can save time because you don't really need to step out of the site, everything has been provided!

BeautyMNL offers 24-hour delivery for Metro Manila and 5-7 days for nationwide delivery. I placed my order Friday and I was surprised when I received a text notification last Sunday that my order will be arriving anytime within the day. Wow! I was actually expecting it to arrive on Monday because of the weekends. 

So here's what I have in my haul:

Color Sensational Creamy Mattes in Faint for Fuchsia

L.a. Colors Mineral Blush in Tenderling

Dearberry Must Eyetem Mascara

L.A. Colors Pro Concealer Stick in Light Honey

Online shopping is becoming more of a trend nowadays and my experience with BeautyMNL is as easy as 1-2-3, what a breeze! For Moms who cannot afford to leave home, this shop is for you!

Thank you BeautyMNL for the smooth and easy shopping! I can't wait to try these beauty loot!

If you like taking selfies (hihi we looove selfies!), join BeautyMNL's #selfieMNL contest! Get a chance to win a Printster polaroid of your pretty face and a PHP200 BeautyMNL GC. Click here for the complete details.

8 Years of Marriage

Last November 19, we celebrated our 8 years of marriage. Yes! 8 years, by God's grace!

I can still remember the time when I proposed marriage to my husband. Yes, you read it right, I did the proposal. Funny isn't it?

I was a new Christian when I got pregnant to Gabi, our eldest. We were living together and I was convicted that our situation is not pleasing to God. I told my husband which was my boyfriend then that if we want to live together, we need to get married. His face was puzzled but he eventually said OK. I think he doesn't want to disappoint me that time. He was just 18 then, 4 years younger than me and most of the time, I do the major decisions. I decided that we separate first in order to purify ourselves. We parted for 3 months and lived together after getting married.

The first few years of our marriage was a rocky road. We were both young and immature. We don't have a clear model of a wife and a husband. (by the way, I came from a broken family). We fight and argue a lot. We were both proud and self-centered. We have a lot of drama; from packing things, tearing our marriage contract, tossing rings, oh my! It was like a teleserye.

But I praise God because he is the restorer of every marriage. Though the enemy attempted many times to destroy it, God is sovereign. You see, there's nothing really good in us. We were both sinners with lots of faults and if God is not part of our marriage, we won't get this far.

After 8 years of marriage, we still argue and fight. We still exchange hurtful words from time to time. There are things about my husband that still annoys me and sometimes I still want to wring his neck, haha. But those imperfections, most of the time are covered up with love and forgiveness. We are a recipient of God's love and forgiveness, therefore, we should not withhold these things to our spouse. I choose to accept him and rejoice in his transformation because eventually, we will grow up out of our foolishness and stupidity as we walk with the Lord. 

hubby's sweet message posted in our FB account

Marriage should not be focused on our spouse but on the one true God. Our husbands will never complete us, only the Creator Himself. Our marriage is not perfect and it will never be. That is why we need a perfect God at the center of it. 

We have a long road to take but we are happy to know that God will lead us every step of the way. He is not done yet with our lives and we are excited for his plan to unfold.

We love because he first loved us. ~ 1 John 4:19

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 1:6

8 Years of Marriage

Last November 19, we celebrated our 8 years of marriage. Yes! 8 years, by God's grace!

I can still remember the time when I proposed marriage to my husband. Yes, you read it right, I did the proposal. Funny isn't it?

I was a new Christian when I got pregnant to Gabi, our eldest. We were living together and I was convicted that our situation is not pleasing to God. I told my husband which was my boyfriend then that if we want to live together, we need to get married. His face was puzzled but he eventually said OK. I think he doesn't want to disappoint me that time. He was just 18 then, 4 years younger than me and most of the time, I do the major decisions. I decided that we separate first in order to purify ourselves. We parted for 3 months and lived together after getting married.

The first few years of our marriage was a rocky road. We were both young and immature. We don't have a clear model of a wife and a husband. (by the way, I came from a broken family). We fight and argue a lot. We were both proud and self-centered. We have a lot of drama; from packing things, tearing our marriage contract, tossing rings, oh my! It was like a teleserye.

But I praise God because he is the restorer of every marriage. Though the enemy attempted many times to destroy it, God is sovereign. You see, there's nothing really good in us. We were both sinners with lots of faults and if God is not part of our marriage, we won't get this far.

After 8 years of marriage, we still argue and fight. We still exchange hurtful words from time to time. There are things about my husband that still annoys me and sometimes I still want to wring his neck, haha. But those imperfections, most of the time are covered up with love and forgiveness. We are a recipient of God's love and forgiveness, therefore, we should not withhold these things to our spouse. I choose to accept him and rejoice in his transformation because eventually, we will grow up out of our foolishness and stupidity as we walk with the Lord. 

hubby's sweet message posted in our FB account

Marriage should not be focused on our spouse but on the one true God. Our husbands will never complete us, only the Creator Himself. Our marriage is not perfect and it will never be. That is why we need a perfect God at the center of it. 

We have a long road to take but we are happy to know that God will lead us every step of the way. He is not done yet with our lives and we are excited for his plan to unfold.

We love because he first loved us. ~ 1 John 4:19

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 1:6

8 Years of Marriage

Last November 19, we celebrated our 8 years of marriage. Yes! 8 years, by God's grace!

I can still remember the time when I proposed marriage to my husband. Yes, you read it right, I did the proposal. Funny isn't it?