The epicurious mama
Plant-powered food: A family game changer
SunStar Davao, Dec. 14, 2019
"Okay Ka Yaya Ko: The Kasambahay Manual"
Swiss bliss
Taking a gazillion photos in the mountaineering and ski resort of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt, we almost missed the last gondola ride going up to Matterhorn, one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe.










Inside Out : Mental and Emotional Health Matter

The Lion King: A roaring homecoming musical

Let's get bready
SunStar Davao, Feb. 22, 2020
So, about once a week, Vanessa would make her homemade pan de sal. “If you can imagine a stress ball you can squeeze with one hand, a two-kilogram piece of dough is an even bigger and better stress ball you can squeeze and knead with two hands. The more stressed I was, the better the pan de sal came out!” the proud Dabawenya giggles.
Eventually, Vanessa found herself enjoying the art and craft of baking bread more than interior design that she took certificate courses inBaking Arts and Artisan Bread Baking from George Brown College in Toronto.


Bread baking really wasn’t part of their repertoire back then, but Vanessa just knew when she had exceptionally good bread. “It leaves a lasting taste memory in my brain,” she explains.

For example, Vanessa reminisces that the first time she ever had homemade bread was at the house of a Costa Rican friend in grade school. “It was just so good with its thin golden crust and soft fluffy white interior and that delicious yeasty smell coming out of the warm bread. Back in university, I got a summer job at the French Baker in SM Annex where I enjoyed employee discounts. So, I was really stuffing my face with all the bread I could manage to eat!” she chuckles.
Craft Breads and Pastries mainly focus on European-style bread as well as a couple of




“All breads have a place in this world. What I consider good might not be good for other people. But I’ll try and narrow it down to the characteristics I like. I love enriched bread where I can taste the real butter, egginess, softness, and chewy texture. Enriched bread shouldn’t just taste like cotton that melts in your mouth. On the other hand, the lean bread’s crust should be golden to mahogany (but not burnt). Inside should be soft, tangy, malty, and chewy,” the artisan baker differentiates.



Contact details:
www.craftbreadsandpastries.com
💻craftbreads@gmail.com
📱(0995)9854744
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. To view more photos, please visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
Staying for summer
for ages 10 years old and above
SKED: Months of May and June
FEE: Available upon request. 3-4 students get a discount.
VENUE: Tulip Drive, Matina, Davao City
CONTACT: MEAN TAN GUINOO, CP nos. (0917)3220320; (0932)9264676
Art for Beginners/Advanced Drawing and Painting
SKED: All-year-round
FEE: Available upon request
FEE: P6,800
WHAT: Music Theatre (Kids & Teens): Acting classes, voice lessons, ensemble singing (18 sessions)
FEE: P8,200
WHAT: Ensemble Class - Voice, Guitar, or Violin (12 sessions)
FEE: P4,500
WHAT: Musikids for kids ages 3-5 yrs. old (12 sessions)
FEE: P4,200
Early bird rate available upon request (until March 14, 2020)
CONTACT: MUSIKADEMY, 3F L & P Bldg. Loreto St., Juna Subdivision, Matina; Landline 2336776; SMS 0905-2727642.
WHERE: Door, 143 V. Mapa St., Davao City fronting Crafters Haven of JDEG Bldg. NOTE: 12 sessions/1 hour per session.
FEE: P3,800 (voice, piano, bamboo flute, violin, drums, beatbox, guitar, bass and ukulele); PhP4,400 (saxophone & Flute). Full payment upon enrollment
CONTACT/VENUES: JDR16 MUSIC TUTORIAL, The Shoppes, Purok 34, Diversion Road Maa Davao City. For more details, call/text Teacher Jay: 09159009718 and 09465539076.
COURSES: Teens Poise, Personality Development and Modeling (8 years old and above); Powerful Speech for Elementary, High School, College and Professionals)
SKED: April 20-24, 2020 (5 sessions, Mon-Fri, 1pm-3pm)
FEE: Available upon request
CONTACT: JOJI ILAGAN CAREER CENTER FOUNDATION, INC., Gov. Chavez Street; Tel: 2275602; 0917 577 7336.
WHAT: Young Executive Chef (ages 13-18 y.o.)
SKED: Batch 1-April 13-17, 2020, 9am-12nn
FEE: P7,500 (includes all ingredients)
WHAT: Kids Culinary Boot Camp (ages 7-12 y.o.)
SKED: Batch 1 - April 20-24, 9am-12nn
FEE: P7,500 (includes all ingredients)
WHAT: Senior Chef De Cuisine (18 y.o. and above)
SKED: Batch 1-April 29, 9am-12nn
FEE: P3,500 (includes all ingredients)
CONTACT: (ICHEF) INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP, S. De Jesus Street; Tel no.: 305 8833; (0919)9298154.
Karate, Dance, Voice, Arts, and Digital Literacy
WHAT: Academic Sneak Peak Week
Hands-on experience with science, explore international literacy in the library, create your own comic strip, and learn all about how to make a vlog (a video log).
SKED: April 20-May 15, 2020
WHAT: Diving In to Stockbridge Ocean Adventure!
Smart Play (6mos to 1.5), Smart cubs (1.6-2.0); Underwater Explorers (Literacy and Numeracy; 2.1-3.0; Book Surfers (Introduction to phonics and reading; 3.1-4.0); and
Reading Marines (Reading; 4.1-5.0)
WHAT: Let's Get Ready! (5.1-6.0 y.o.)-(Reading, Math, and Writing)
Around the World Class 1 (6.1-8.0); Around the World Class 2 (8.1-10.0), and Around the World Class 3 (10.1-13.0)
SKED AND FEE: Summer classes from June 15- July 16, 2020. Fees available upon request.
CONTACT: STOCKBRIDGE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, Maa Road, Davao City, CP no. 09222501491. Tel. 3276590
WHAT: Karate-do
SKED: April 3, 2020 - July 3, 2020. Wed/Sat 9:00am - 10:30am (5-7yrs old)/ Wed/Sat 1pm-230pm (8 y.o. and above); Sunday 9am-All ages
WHAT: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
SKED: April 4, 2020 - July 4, 2020. MWF-1030am-1200nn all ages
FEE: Packages are offered at a “per-month” enrollment basis. 1 Month - 2,000Php, 2 Months - 3,500Php, 3 Months 4,500Php. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - Pay and reserve on or before end of March 2020 and get a 10% discount on any of their packages.
CONTACT: LIMITLESS FITNESS & MARTIAL ARTS (E. Quirino Ave., D.C.) 2856028/09227923588
SCHEDULE: April 13-24 (Batch 1); April 27- May 8 (Batch 2); May 11-22 (Batch 3); May 25-June 5 (Batch 4); June 8-19 (Batch 5); June 22- July 3 (Batch 6); July 6-17 (Batch 7); July 20-31 (Batch 8). Mon-Friday, 9am-12nn. Start Date: April 13, 2020
FEE: P1,500.00/student (inclusive of 1 souvenir shirt, shuttlecock, court & trainer's fee)
CONTACT: Coach ROCELYN PO with Asst. Coach JUDE OLAYTA. CP no. (0933)8692313.
VENUE: HOLIDAY GYM and SPA BADMINTON COURTS, F. Torres St., Davao City
***
Making the most of the 'quarantimes'
Fortunately, the majority of the parents did the same thing.
A few days later, Northern Italy was put on lockdown then eventually, as the cases became alarmingly high, a nationwide lockdown.
According to Pinky, supermarkets and pharmacies remain open but only one member of the family can leave the house to buy food.
Those who go out for other reasons, like work, have to fill out a form to show to the authorities.
People who break the quarantine rules must pay the fine or go to jail for up to three months, depending on the violations.
She observed that the Italians are very sociable and proud. They do not like to be told what to do. So, instead of staying home, they kept going out especially the young ones.
"Those in their 20s were even interviewed and they said there was no reason for them to give up on their nightlife. They thought they were immune, so they got infected," Pinky recounts.
"Sadly, they also infected the more vulnerable members of their families, their parents, and grandparents. That’s why the outbreak worsened. It’s really important to stay home these days to contain the virus,” she stresses.
“We have not been to school since then. So, this is our 7th week of official online home learning,” says the Dabawenya.
In addition, she kept a journal of long-term project ideas (e.g., painting, fixing, organizing closets, sorting clothes and books) and decide which ones to tackle during each week.
This quarantine taught their household a sense of social responsibility to keep their family and the families around them safe and healthy. They pray a lot, too.
Her household uses a footbath to sanitize all the shoes and slippers. She likewise emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and proper hygiene.
As for the kids, they still study and do their activity sheets daily. Sometimes, they would help her bake and cook. They do sports in the afternoon as well.
"We get to spend mealtime together and binge-watch Netflix as a family which we don’t normally do because of work,” she shares.

Their daughter Bianca just finished school and needed to be kept occupied for the duration.
"For this, we have listed down tasks for her to complete, to “buy” gadget time. This keeps her, me, and Julia productive,” reveals Jae.
They likewise have cut back on eating meat and processed food and clean the house more often.
In general, they appreciate that this quarantine has made people much more aware of sanitation and health.
Her daughters help their kasambahays with their chores which they normally could not do during school days. They also practice their piano or violin after schoolwork.
Sunny afternoons are spent in their backyard: biking, running around with the dog, playing hide and seek, water play and the like.
"The quality time spent with the whole family without the daily grind of going places and rushing to appointments has been quite an eye-opener. It made me realize that life is actually better spent slower,” she happily reflects.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. To view more photos, please visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
The Phenomenal Mama's pantry-led cooking
Cook. Wash dishes. Repeat.
With most members of the family staying home for the community quarantine, homemakers are endlessly busy whipping up meals for their famished brood multiple times a day. Adding to the gastronomic challenge is the limited access to ingredients.
Food prep in the time of COVID-19
“For over two weeks now, we have been observing the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, which means we are staying home and limiting trips to the grocery. My pantry and freezer are sufficiently stocked, and pantry-led cooking is the order of the day. This simply means that I go into the kitchen and try to make the best possible meal out of what's already in my pantry,” the mom-of-three shares.

“COVID-19 has changed the way I do my food shopping. For vegetables and seafood, I order online and they get delivered. But, for meat and pantry items, we go to the nearby grocery store, which, thankfully, has remained well-stocked. We have so far only done this once,” she says.
Low-waste kitchen hacks
To prolong the life of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, spinach and green beans, they are quickly blanched in boiling water and frozen in freezer-safe resealable plastic bags. The rest are dried properly and wrapped in kitchen towels (to save on precious fridge real estate) before storing in the crisper.

“While it is already a practice to put items with the nearest expiration dates toward the front of the shelves, it cannot be helped that certain items are just not used as often. I corralled all of those expiring in the next 2 months in one bin so I can plan my meals accordingly,” she divulges.
Cooks-in-training
Online classes may have been cancelled but it does not mean that learning has stopped for the Ong kids. The hands-on mom assigned each of them to take charge of dinner once a week.
The children decide on what to cook based on existing items in the kitchen. They are challenged to be resourceful as Tina encourages them to look for substitutes in case an ingredient is not available.

“Getting my teens involved in the kitchen is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the concept of planning meals and making smarter food choices,” she enthuses.
Tina shares more of her kitchen tips on pantry-led cooking, low-waste kitchen hacks, and baon ideas on her social media accounts. Follow her on FB/IG @thephenomenalmama and @thismommaloves.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. To view more photos, please visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
City farming: Great things start from small beginnings
Lockdown got talent
Sparking joy

“My specialties are my onion soup, callos, chili con carne, and all my keto pastries. The kids like my chocolate chip cookies and red velvet cupcake. But, my husband stresses that he loves everything that I cook, probably for fear that I would turn in my resignation letter,” she jokes.
Work-from-home parents: Best of both worlds
With our ‘new normal’, more and more parents are considering working from home as an alternative way to earn income, spend quality time with their families, and keep themselves and their loved ones safe from Covid-19.
Taking that big leap from a traditional work set-up to a work-from-home environment might be an unchartered territory, so to ease your fears, let’s learn from these parents on how to take this route.
NAME: KATHERINE C. ANSALDO
FORMER WORK: Finance Officer/Food Caterer
WORK-FROM-HOME JOB: Teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) to foreign
students via an online class since 2016
WFH SKED: As I tutor students of all ages from 4 to 56 years old, I hold regular class appointments starting as early as 9:00 a.m. and ending around 10:00 p.m.
QUALIFICATIONS: Employers look to experience as a worthy foundation for employment as an ESL tutor, especially when the experience is in child-rearing. Training certificates and credentials are a plus but having just the right amount of confidence when facing the camera and getting into character is always key to online teaching.
EQUIPMENT: Lenovo Core i3-powered desktop with 20 Mbps Globe-at-Home Fiber subscription
WFH PERKS:
Ø No more commute. No more traffic. No more rush hours.
Ø Work-life balance is not a myth, it can be achieved. Even the air you breathe changes, literally. Everything becomes non-toxic. Embracing the bare necessities of having a job, earning your daily keep without the hassle of stepping out of your home.
Ø Less stress, more family interaction. You get to know who you live with better. You begin a cycle of inner change. You learn to be silent and listen more attentively. You begin to nurture and be truly grateful.
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NAME: PAUL B. ANSALDO
FORMER WORK: I used to have a regular 9 to 5 job, working in the construction industry, juggling roles in sales and marketing for almost half of my life.
WORK-FROM-HOME JOB: I write copy and content for start-up companies and individuals as a project-based freelancer.
WFH SKED: When I began working as a content writer, my hours needed to coincide with the client’s time zone. It took some time to get adjusted to graveyard shifts but I was also blessed to have had countless opportunities to work with companies and individuals who understand the value of creativity and respect the time zone that I am in.
TYPICAL DAY: We manage our working hours seamlessly interweaved with the comings and goings of a regular day at home. Since our work requires us to sit for hours and may often lead to a sedentary lifestyle, we make it a point to squeeze in light cardio exercises.
QUALIFICATIONS: One might find it easy-peasy to write compelling copy and content in today’s tech-driven world of e-commerce and getting it into Google’s first page. It’s not. You need to have a steady stream of creativity and imagination, lose the verbose, and mind the fluff.
EQUIPMENT: I sport a “detonator” PC. A bareboned desktop running a P4 3.2 GHz processor, compensated by 6 GB worth of RAM.
WFH PERKS:
Ø You embrace simplicity at its core and be genuinely happy and content all the more.
Ø The biggest bonus is the opportunity to meet people globally, fostering relationships beyond borders, and learning new skill sets every day.
Ø Working from home enabled us to unplug from the normal society and be worthy to be counted among digital nomads who proverbially are a “dime a dozen”. It was our mutual choice to be intentionally present and engaged in our new roles as WFH parents, so much so, that our eldest daughter just recently took a life-defining career shift and is now also working from home.
NAME: CHERYL P. DACER
FORMER WORK:I worked for 3 years in Tokyo as an operator of reefer ships that carried bananas from the Philippines to be shipped to various parts of the world.
WORK-FROM-HOME JOB: I am a cake artist, baker, and owner of Cake Lab. I bake cakes and different kinds of pastries. I create dessert tables and sell regular cakes in trays from home. My specialty is making fondant cakes and creating edible character figurines as toppers for my work.
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WFH SKED: My working hours can be flexible when we’re not busy, around 8-10 hours. I prefer to work later in the day because it’s not too hot to bake and I like to decorate at night because it’s quiet. But, during the holidays, it can get crazy. I sometimes must stay up for 24-48 hours to finish my work.
TYPICAL DAY:A typical day would be answering queries on my Facebook page while having a cup of coffee in the morning. I write down the details of the cakes that I need to decorate during the day, prepare all the ingredients needed, and decorate for the rest of the day. When I’m tired from a previous night’s work, I can take naps during the afternoons. And, when the cakes are easy and I finish early, I spend time watching movies with my son and my assistant.
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QUALIFICATIONS:I think it is important to have some inclination to art as my work requires a lot of creativity. It is also important to have patience as the details can be quite tedious. Most importantly, one must be incredibly hardworking to work long hours and rarely getting a chance to sit.
EQUIPMENT:I use a Kitchen Aid, an oven, a chiller for the cakes, an air-conditioned kitchen, and baking pans and tools. Internet is also a must since I do most of my marketing online.
WFH PERKS:
Ø I get to spend time with my son. I take him to school and pick him up and we can do homework and chat while I am working.
Ø My son has a medical condition called Hemophilia. Sometimes, the school calls me for when he has nosebleeds or when he has fallen or hurt himself and I can immediately go and pick him up and give him the injections that he needs.
Ø My work hours are flexible. No one tells me what time I have to start working and when I should stop. My body dictates when it’s time to rest.
Ø I’m not required to dress up and put on make-up to work. I can work in my PJ’s as long as I’m wearing an apron and a hairnet, I’m good to go
Ø I can watch movies, play loud music and laugh with my staff while working. It’s a very relaxed work environment.
NAME: JULIE FAITH PALO-LAPAZ
FORMER WORK:My first job was at a Korean academy teaching English to students for two years. I then worked for a BPO company as a communications trainer for another two years.
WORK-FROM-HOME JOB: Our company is an online business English school that caters to Japanese professionals. So, our students range from fresh university graduates to top management officials in corporations. My job description basically entails assisting our trainers (English instructors) while they are teaching the students
WFH SKED: Being in Trainer Support Services, I work 8 hours a day and 6 days a week. The hours differ from day to day which also makes it more flexible for my home schedule as well.
TYPICAL DAY:A typical day means lugging around my laptop and earphones as I’m doing my supervisory duties while attending to the kids. During meetings, I slip into the bedroom or basement and prep my background (which is required to be white) and I wear my office shirt (instead of a blazer during the summer season) as I start my meetings both via Zoom and Skype.
QUALIFICATIONS:To be a trainer at my company, you just need to have at least two years of college to qualify. Then maintain good KPI and feedback from the students in order to be shortlisted by the Human Capital Department.
EQUIPMENT: Good working laptop; primary and backup internet; backup power supply; noise-cancelling headset and microphone; ring light; and roll-up tarp system for white background
Ø I do not miss commuting to and from the office so working from home maximizes my time between family and work itself.
Ø Not having to think of what to wear for work, as even though we are required to wear a blazer or our office shirt during meetings, I don’t have to worry about anything else.
Ø Flexibility of schedule that helps me in managing the home as well as my team at work.
Ø Safety, as I am just home and avoiding having to go out, it’s given my family the sense of security and safety that I do not have to go out especially during this pandemic.
Ø I am a person who thrives on routine and schedules to help my life go in line with everyone else’s lives and with my work-from-home set-up, it has certainly helped me be as involved as I want to be and be as present in everyone’s lives as much as possible.
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NAME:MARIA LEA NOVERO-DOBLADO
FORMER WORK: I was a payroll application programmer/analyst in an integrated forest and paper company for 22 years.
WORK-FROM-HOME JOB: I work in an online English training platform where our students are Chinese from all ages. I conduct a 25-minute class depending on the student's chosen topic which I study or check ahead of time. The job entails me to give corrective feedback and make the lessons as fun and engaging.
WFH SKED: I start from 10:00 a.m to 9:30 p.m. with lunch, pm snack and dinner breaks for 1 hour each.
TYPICAL DAY: My day starts with me doing simple exercises and housework, then preparing for my classes by reviewing the student's chosen lessons. I catch sleep after eating lunch and snacks and after my last class, I review the next day's lessons. I end the day by browsing the internet, catching up on the news and playing brain games like Sudoku.
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QUALIFICATIONS: You should have an excellent command in English language then passion and patience in teaching because some lessons could be tough depending on the student's proficiency level. Also, have energy and enthusiasm in teaching because this helps the students enjoy and be attentive in classes.
EQUIPMENT: Laptop or desk computer with a working camera, headset, and a strong internet connection
WFH PERKS:
Ø Advantages would include control over my schedule as I can plot the time I'm only available and adjust it depending on other plans/commitments I have.
Ø Work at home helps me save more as I don't have to spend any transportation fares.
Ø I don't have to worry about the traffic or being late. It is also convenient to do other things in between like cleaning, cooking or napping on my breaks.
Ø Higher earning potential as there are lots of online jobs out there you can try which are convenient for you.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. To view more photos, please visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
The kawaii world of Kitty Necy
Raising young savers and investors
Finding the extra in the ordinary
Online distance learning: A home - school partnership
Fifth time's a charm
"Fifth time’s a charm"
SunStar Davao, August 1, 2020
It was two days before her due date when Gladys Gonzaga-Togonon abruptly woke up due to slight contractions at 3:30 a.m.
“I thought I was in false labor and waited for forty-five minutes. The contractions were not as extremely painful as my previous pregnancies though, so I slept again,” says the 31-year-old mom.
At past 5:00 a.m., as the labor pains increased in frequency and intensity, she began mindfully packing things to prepare for her hospital delivery. Suddenly, Gladys noticed that she was leaking a little after a contraction. In minutes, her water broke.
“As I was calling my husband Ben to get ready, I knew it was too late when the inevitable was happening,” she recalled.
Gladys was about to give birth, unassisted, at home.
Unassisted home birth
The brave mom quickly rushed to the bathroom and secured her towel. Gladys instinctively felt the urge to push as hard as she could, loudly calling Jesus to help her.
In less than ten minutes, her little one was out. Hearing the loud cry of her precious 38-week-old baby, Dwayne Benjamin, was pure music to the mother’s ears!
"Our fifth baby entered the world during this pandemic, but God had His own way of showing us that life is beautiful. I delivered a healthy 3.59-kilo baby boy by myself, right at the comfort of my throne (toilet seat) at home and in the fastest and most natural way,” she gratefully expressed.
When Gladys went to Davao Doctors Hospital, the umbilical cord remained uncut and her placenta was still intact. She decided not to push out the placenta and waited until she and Ben reached the hospital for fear of possible risks and complications.
Labor of love
Baby Dwayne was roomed-in from the beginning because all his laboratory tests were normal. Mother and child stayed at the hospital overnight and were discharged the following day.
“Every childbirth has a different story and each time, it was a magical moment for me, but the labor and delivery are not easy feats,” admitted Gladys.
For her four previous deliveries, Gladys gave birth via Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery (NSVD) in a birthing suite and used the Lamaze method for breathing and pain management. She also had one ectopic pregnancy where her right fallopian tube was removed and two miscarriages.
The Togonons’ “basketball dream team line-up” includes their eldest Brent (aged 13); Cid (8); Gabe (5); Benzy (1.5 y.o.); and their newest “recruit” 3-week-old Dwayne.
Team Togonon
“I am blessed with a husband who is a good provider, loving partner as well as a hands- on and caring daddy. He is my helpmate in everything especially in taking turns in watching the kids,” Gladys shared.
Last September, the Togonons took a leap of faith and started to homeschool their children through the help of their church’s Discipleship Group (Dgroup), learning coaches, homeschool provider, and other homeschool families.
More than just academics, homeschooling fostered deeper connection and bonding among Ben, Gladys, and their kids.
Keeping her sanity
This quarantine, Gladys, who is a graduate of the Center for Asian Culinary Arts, reacquainted herself with the kitchen. She also enjoys reading and tends to her ornamental plants every day.
Once a week, she and Ben meet with their Dgroup family through Zoom where they study the word of God together. Her friendship with fellow homeschooling moms has also been an invaluable source of comfort.
“And, of course, tons of prayers keep my sanity intact,” Gladys revealed.
“The best part of being a mom of 5 boys is how they show their love and affection to me. I like how they are so attached and clingy although, sometimes, it can be overwhelming and annoying. There are also times I feel like I have failed them but in the eyes of my kids, I am a supermom”, said the Togonons’ one and only queen bee.
Asked if she and Ben had any plans of adding another “team member” in the future, Gladys promptly replied, “Nah-uh! The baby factory is officially closed and sealed. Enough is enough. Thank God!”.
Special thanks to Mima Tan of Mimathology for the studio photos.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
Taking root: Plant momma 101
“Taking root: Plant momma 101”
SunStar Davao, August 15, 2020
You may know Jenny Uyking best as the woman behind Jenny’s Kitchen Davao where she creates intricately-designed bento art boxes and cakes, and rolls out mouthwatering homemade goodies.
Or, if you follow her on social media, you may have noticed her adorable twinning outfits with her 8-year-old daughter Natalie Kate who shares her kikay mom’s fondness for fashion even at a tender age.
The mompreneur who works in the family’s buy and sell business is also an active barter enthusiast of Davao who loves to make gorgeous tablescapes at home.
These days, her fascination for plants has taken root, pun here intended, adding another passion project to her growing list. She is ‘Jen of all trades’, after all.
Connecting with plants
“I love plants because it helps keep me grounded. There’s something about digging in the dirt and growing living plants that settles my soul and helps me feel alive inside. Plants connect us to hope, anticipation, learning and nurturing,” Jenny, who is married to businessman Earlan Uyking, says.
“Owning a plant can improve your well-being. Aside from purifying the air, they are good for one’s mental health. Surrounding yourself with houseplants can boost your concentration and help your psychological well-being,” she shares.
Jenny reveals that a lot of her plants were given by beloved friends, customers, and family. “I’d get cuttings from people and we’d swap them. Then, I started collecting the rarer ones. It is fun to start with one inspiring first plant and then build from there. Collections are more fun when you’re learning about something new”, the busy mom adds.
Plant momma 101
For those who want to start their own plant collection, Jenny suggests that they include gardening essentials such as pruning shears, gardening gloves, garden fork, hoe, trowel, hose or watering can, fertilizer, small stool, pots, soil tester, and digging shovel.
“Beginners can start with easy and low maintenance plants like Sanseveria, Aglaonema, Cactus/Succulents, Peace Lily, and Welcome or ZZ Plant,” Jenny recommends.
Jenny attests that the Aglaonema is one of the best indoor air purifying plants because aside from releasing fresh oxygen, it is a natural humidifier. “They like to be kept moist but not soggy so just water them two to three times a week when topsoil is dry. The plant likes bright indirect light, so they are simply perfect inside the house near the window,” she advises.
Stayin’ alive
Want to keep your plants alive? Jenny shares that it starts with getting the right plant. Choosing the correct pot and drainage are extremely important as well.
“Use good potting soil. Try your best when watering, fertilizing, and repotting your plants. Give them plenty of light but do take note that every plant has different preferences in terms of shade versus sun,” she points out.
Another enjoyable and integral part of collecting plants are the pretty pots and accessories that make them even more eye-catching.
“Before the lockdown, I scoured the department stores, local shops, and hardwares for planters and plant racks. For native-looking planters, you can buy them at Jonah’s Craft Store. A lot of online sellers are offering pots, too. You just have to check the price and quality,” Jenny says.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
From girl scout to jail officer: GSP's National Young Achiever
"From girl scout to jail officer: GSP's National Young Achiever"
SunStar Davao, September 12, 2020
“Once a girl scout, always a girl scout.”
This could not be any truer for Gilvee Chardyl Plana who was recognized by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines’ National Headquarters as one of the 80 awardees during the recent “Search for GSP’s National Young Achievers” in line with the celebration of its 80thyear.
The search aims to recognize active and former girls scouts ages 21 to 35 years old for “their notable achievements within and outside the GSP movement as well as their continuous efforts to contribute positively to social, economic, environment and development of their communities and the country as a whole.”
“I have been in girl scouting for more than two decades and it has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl. It made me who I am today, from a Twinkler Scout to an Adult Leader,” Gilvee proudly proclaims.
Selfless service
Gilvee, 26, was the first-ever Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme Awardee from the Bernardo D. Carpio National High School in Davao City where she graduated as a salutatorian in 2010.
“Immersing myself in the community while still a student was one of the best experiences I had in scouting because I discovered the needs of the people. It made me realize that this was the essence of the mission and vision of the Girl Scout in molding girls and young women in extending selfless service to the people,” she says.
“Being a girl scout is not as easy as what others think because it has an equal responsibility. I can feel the pressure when some people tell me, “Uy! Girl Scout, dapat laging handa,” Gilvee shares with amusement.
Through girl scouting, Gilvee is grateful that there were countless opportunities in developing her leadership skills through enriching seminars, trainings, campings, among others. “I also visited many places for free and encountered respected and inspiring people who became my role models,” she reveals.
Agent of change
Upon graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 2014, Gilvee worked as a Technical Assistant for Training at the GSP Davao Council. In the same year, she also passed the Civil Service Examination, and the Criminology Licensure Examination.
While working, she likewise taught Criminology on a part-time basis at the Holy Cross of Davao College. After four fruitful years working in the GSP, Gilvee moved on to practice her profession as a Jail Officer with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Region XI.
“My task is not only to protect and develop Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) but I am also trained to extend our services to other people in the community as a Community Relations Service Jail Non-Officer Task. I coordinate activities such as coastal clean-ups, tree planting, gift-giving, among others,” she relates.
“I thought I can no longer practice the fulfilling deeds that I used to do in Girl Scouting but through my profession, I have expanded my influence in doing good for others and be an effective agent of change in building a safer and better nation,” Gilvee imparts.
Congratulations to Gilvee and the other GSP National Young Achievers from all over the Philippines!
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.