2nd Mompreneur Summit: Passion and Purpose

I am a follower of mommy bloggers because I easily relate myself with my daily struggle as I read their own stories.  I found comfort of being "hindi nag-iisa" with the usual mommy-life errands(parenting, cooking, fashion, travel, foods and lifestyle).

Until I saw this post from Mommy Mundo.

2nd Mompreneur Summit

Mommy Mundo is founded by Janice Villanueva who is an ardent advocate for breastfeeding and active parenting.  She has been tirelessly working to give young moms in the country the most memorable lifestyle events and publications since 2001.  She is also the author of Mommy Matters, Mompreneur Manila, Mommy pages and Urban Mom.

Ms. Janice Villanueva

After browsing and found out the speakers of the summit, I have this a-ha moment.  You know.....I'm in a state of "hunger for learning".  I love to attend several talks about financial literacy, parenting, marriage and personal excellence.  Because I know that beyond reading, I can get more knowledge by interacting with people who have the same interest.    In spite my a-ha moment I still hesitate to come because I am not an entrepreneur. I am afraid of sales and marketing.  I don't have any convincing power to promote any product or services that will lead me to entrepreneurship. But I was inspired with the post of Painter's Wife about last year's summit.  She tickled my mind that I should explore, I need to be open-minded, I need to learn more and I should discover my passion. 

With the subject: Passion and Purpose, it directly connects with my continuous financial literacy awareness.  One of the mentor said, "to strengthen financial discipline, associate yourself with savers, investors and mentors."  Most of the mentors don't just invest in stock market, save and have an insurance.  They also have side business that became their money machine.  And they are doing it enjoyably because those are their passion.  So I'd like to realize what are my strength?  What is my passion?  Saan ba ako magaling at paano ako mag-uumpisa?  I am dreaming to be an entrepreneur. It's my chance to surround myself with brilliant thinkers. O!ha!

After saving my snack allowance and other pleasure budget for the registration fee, finally I'm registered online.

Officially registered and excited for what is waiting for me here!

  I was so happy when a friend of mine confirmed that she will join with me(on a last minute).  Yehey! hindi ako nag-iisa.

Blue Leaf Events Pavillion-Jade

We arrived just on time and peek-a-boo, "faces of brilliant people".  I can't believe myself that I'm here.  At the back of mind, what am I doing here?  Moms on my left and right are talking about their products and business while me and my friend just talk about ourselves. haha! 

It is a whole day affair and we chose the table at the center with a beautiful life quote. 

Passion is the genesis of Genius

Let me share to you the thoughts I've learned from the speakers.

Speaker No. 1. Amor Maclang
She is the person behind the award-winning PR agency GeiserMaclang together with her husband and their team of strategic thinkers and doers.

Amor Maclang at the Mompreneur Summit

 This brilliant woman shares their corporate mantra of Doing Well by Doing Good. They uses communication expertise and strong media relationships to push for causes and advocacies they believe in.  She imparted that we should have a pretty mindsets to create a positive change of the world.  What I really like about entrepreneurship goal is the purpose beyond making money.  The Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) that will uplift not only our own business but also the people around us which will lead to more enhanced economic impact.  "Finding a purpose for the businesses, one that is beyond self and profit, is a legacy worth working for".  We had a short talk when we approached her for photo opportunity.

Me and Amor,  I'm sorry for the faded photo. 

 She asked me what is my business. Whoa! Nagulat ako, of course.  And my prompt answer is, I'm not an entrepreneur yet and I aspire to be one, that's why I'm here.  So what venture you want to start? Whoooo! Another gulat! I want to own a school for toddlers, I replied.  Then she shares about how to be passionate about it, what opportunities i'll be facing and how to explore the things in my mind.  Thank you Ms. Amor for your wonderful thought.  Note: Of course all the "peek-a-boo moment" were not obvious.  I managed it well. Haha!  

Speaker No.2 : Anne Arcenas-Gonzales
She shared the Havaianas Story, how positioning a brand for success. She said that proper timing, credibility, creativity and attainable luxury are the things in her mind when she started her business.  She is also empowered by their vision, to be the preferred and global lifestyle-creation company  and their mision: to provide enjoyable experiences as celebration of happiness, because everyone deserves a little bit more.

Their Values: Integrity, Passion, Respect, Creativity, Growth and Empowerment

She talked how they started the business in their home and uses his brother's room as stock room without a business and marketing background.  But now they are the distributor of the Havaianas in Singapore, Malaysia and of course Philippines because of their continuing passion and purpose.  She inspired me most of her own story of failure and how she used that to achieve her goals.

Speaker No. 3: AJ and Audrey Dimarucot
This couple is the owner of googoo&gaga, a quirky clothes for kooky kids.  They talked about big biz & small biz purposeful branding.  AJ is an artist while Audrey is a sales/marketing specialist before. 

AJ & Audrey of Googoo & Gaga Clothing

Just like me and my husband they are totally different personality. And yet they were successful in the business they are catering right now because they are doing it with love and passion.  AJ and Audrey said that every "happy ever after" begins with a love story.  They done things with clear concept, personality and identity.  The couple shared to us how they come up with their branding which is one of the important part of the business. 

Their brand

AJ said that the googoo is Audrey because it means love with structured, traditional, classy and refined attitude.  While gaga is him means madness who is with spontaneous, modern, edgy and raw personality.  They designed their logo with "a dose of love and a pinch of madness". Super cute!
I learned from them that I need to be creative and adopt my personality if I will do my own branding(in the future) hehe!  I was just amazed knowing that their market is not just inside but outside the Philippines too.  It's so inspiring to know this perfect combination love affair.

Speaker # 4: Jenni Epperson
She is an award-winner lifestyle blogger.  She talked about "harnessing passion towards success".

Jenni at her talk

Here are the things she pointed out:
1. The first step to success is knowing yourself.
2. Don't be someone you are not.
3. Continue discovering yourself.
4. Build a character, not necessarily having beautiful face but being true to yourself.
5. Be influenced in a positive way.
6. Visualize to realize. Create a goal book.
7. The key is......don't stop.  The best way is always forward.
8. Start now.  Create your dream board. Create your destiny.

Another inspiring thoughts from her.  She said, she is not the best in one thing but she can do a lot of things.  Being herself is her way to success. (Wow!)

Of course, I have this kilig moments with her when she allowed us to have photo with her.  Oh my! She is so classy.

Jennie & my friend Beth

Jenni & Me

Speaker # 5: Joy Abaquin
She is the owner of Multiple Intelligence International School in Quezon City.

Joy Canon-Abaquin

She imparted how multiple intelligence can be use to make a difference.  It seems she answered my question at the beginning, where will I start?  She cited the 4D to discover the smart entrepreneurship in me.

1. Discover my strength/intelligence
2. Develop my strength/intelligence
3. Do my smart idea.  Share my thoughts.
4. "D" secret ingredient (Dasal)

According to her, interest plus intelligence equals idea.  And idea is the best capital in nurturing entrepreneurship. It's so important to identify the strength/intelligence that is within you so that you can be successful in it.  Take a look of the following strength naturally gifted to each in everyone of us.

1. Linguistic Intelligence- those that are talented with words, enjoys reading, writing and learning languages, has the ability to teach and explain things. Like: bloggers, newscater, publisher, writer, publis speaker, proof-reader and editors.
2. Mathematical Intelligence- those that are abstract thinkers, attracted to logic and reasoning, good with numbers.  Like: online sellers, retailers, investors, bazaar weekend, network
3. Musical Intelligence-those are music smart. Like: musicians, singers, voice coach
4. Spatial Intelligence- those are "picture smart", strong appreciation for visual images like drawings, good sense of creative visual expression. Like: Make-up artist, photographers, stylist and crafts maker
5. Nature Smart- those that are nature lover and gifted in nurturing and interacting with animals. Like: pet sitter & groomer, florist, landscape, organic product developer
6. Body smart- those who loves movements, good at building things, stay active and with good motor skills.  Like: art crafts, choreographers, coach athlete, craftsman, actor, theater works, dance studio
7. People Smart- those that are good with people and thrive in social interaction, good at reading, sympathizing & understanding others. Like: motivational speaker, public relations, event organizers
8. Self Smart- those who are best at looking inward and figuring out own feelings, motivation and goals, intuitive and introspective, work best independently. Like: counselor, psychologist, philosopher, planner, negotiator

So,,,,,,which one is your strength? Me,,,linguistic?(nope!), body smart?(maybe!) or spatial?(maybe). Haha!  oh...... it is still to be discovered and developed.  I need more training and exposure to squeeze what is my talent for me to push for my entrepreneurship goal. Well, at least for now I am well-motivated, I have goals and I'm willing to learn.

It was such a blast Saturday.  I can say that "I am inspired by Passion and guided by Purpose".
 
The summit was catered by Josiah's Catering

With many sponsors

The Mompreneur Summit also awarded 1st Mompreneur Awards.

1st Mompreneur Awards

These girls are all moms who are successful in their own ventures.

Photo grabbed from Mompreneurmanila

I hope sharing this thought will nurture your strength too.

Live it. Dream it. Do it. And thank God for it.

Stay Focus

As my age increases, the more I became so forgetful about it.  It seems I'm acquiring the hereditary disease of the family 'Alzhaimer's". haha! I am proud of my age whatever it is.  Are you puzzled why I'm talking about age?

What really matters to our AGE is “the more it increases the more knowledge we gained”.  My mind has a  loooooong “TO DO LIST”, from simplest to more complex thing about my life.  From craziest to impossible and achievable goals. From learning how to draw attractive eyebrows to my face to more travel escapes and relationship improvements.

As days goes by, my list became longer and longer granting some are crossed out which means “ACHIEVED”. 

One of the best point I learned was “STAY FOCUS”. 

I am proud to share the simplest thing I achieved.

My Photography Project called a 48-Week Photo Assignment

Photobook

It all started when my husband bought my precious DSLR 500D.  It became my best friend and my stress reliever. 

At first I did not approve the acquisition because of the expensive price.  He reasoned out that memories are priceless.  Hmmmmmm……the truth is I really appreciated it.  I love pictures.  I love to pose for a capture.  For the record, I was once awarded Miss Photogenic way back time. LOL!(Kailangan talagang sabihin pa yun!).  Proof that camera and I have a good tandem.  I also volunteer myself to be the subject/model of my co-photography hobbyist.  So… having a good camera is a good investment.  I took that opportunity to learn a little bit because knowing how to use the DSLR is an advantage.  We can produce good quality of memories to treasure.

This photography project is a 48-week photo assignment.  Why 48?  It is supposed to be 52 to complete as a year but I spare four weeks for some preparation and besides 52 weeks is too long.  I assigned one subject in a week and I need to post it to my Facebook account from Monday to Friday to gather likes and comments.  Basically, the only reason why I did that is to PRACTICE and apply whatever knowledge I obtained from different photography website.  Likes and comments from my facebook friends really boost my ability to continue that project.  At first it became so thrilling and interesting but there was a time that I got so tired of accomplishing my assignments. But I need to meet my own challenge.  Self-appointed task must be performed whatever it takes.  Because I consider FOCUS and DETERMINATION are the the secrets of achieving the GOAL.  So I STAYED FOCUS on working with the challenge and meet the OBJECTIVE.

Fortunately, I finished it and was able to compile and made it as a book. Excuse me..... for the time delay. hihi!

Here are some of the pages.

 

Every time I flipped the pages,  I remember all the memories behind the photos which I tried hard to capture the best way I can. 

It was a beautiful memory which reminds me that:

1.        I can make a little DIFFERENCE.

2.       Working hard pays for sure.

3.       Taking responsibility of your own challenge is a strength of character.

4.       I should not be afraid of criticism because it will make a better me. 

5.       Maintain FOCUS on goals.

We must appreciate every single details we experienced.  Always look on the best possible impact in our lives.  Small encounters are good exposure to big opportunities.

At present, I'm happy that my friends appreciate my talent I gained from my project.  They entrusted their special memories to me.  And I look forward to more challenging and income generating hobby.

My First Pre-Nup Photoshoot

I captured LOVE

I love kiddie parties

Yanna's 2nd Birthday

Yanna's 2nd Birthday

Yanna's 2nd Birthday

My first kiddie party coverage

My First Baptismal Coverage

It's so nice working happy.  I may not be the best but I am learning.

I love CHALLENGE! Just stay focus!

Torrential Rain

Another Habagat brought torrential rain that ruined the life of Manilenos as well as the nearby towns and cities.  Our office is close since yesterday because it is situated in a most flooded area in Manila.  But I was able to come to the office yesterday(Monday) because my home is just a few kembots away from my office.  And since my reports are due for submission on August 22, I managed to work alone.  I finished one of my reports but I still have a lot to be done.  I thought I can come to office today(Tuesday) because transportation is not a problem just a tumbling away, I prepared myself but when  I'm about to leave and I saw the road. Whoooo! Look!

Pilar Hidalgo-Lim St. corner Malvar

Taft Ave.

  It's really dangerous going outside, so better stay home to be safe.  I enjoyed myself cooking and playing with my boys.  One good thing, we have supplies in the refrigerator.

R has more time memorizing his poem for Linggo ng Wika which I guided him.  I got to watch also my favorite teleserye "Annaliza" which I felt so kilig with the three boys consistently liking Annaliza.  Ang haba ng hair ni Annaliza. LOL! And I found time to blog again.

This too shall pass.

Stay safe everyone!

My Idol

To my fellow blogger, please follow my idol Patty Laurel.  She is a simple and amazing woman.  I admire her for being a down-to-earth celebrity.  Her blog is interesting!

Patty Laurel's blog

And don't forget to vote her on  http://www.stylebible.ph/virtual-style-awards/celebrity-site/

Thanks for dropping by.

Weekend Rush and a lot of points to ponder

Lately, I've been so busy with my Mid-Year Resolution # 2: To be Truly Rich. (ha!ha!)  Yeah, you read it right....I want to be rich and enjoy life with financial freedom.  I read several books about financial stewardship strategies.


I have Pisobilities and Easy Money para sa mga Kababaihan by Francisco Colayco








 
8 Habits of Happy Millionare and My maid invest in Stock Market by Bo Sanchez



 
                                                                 Ang Pera na Di Bitin by Ardy Roberto, Jr.


and a lot of related blogs.

One common factor they are teaching is being a "SMART MONEY PERSON".  Little by little I adopted their tips on managing hard earned money.  I listed my priorities,  follow budgeting tips, bring to life the equation "INCOME-SAVINGS=EXPENSES and avoid being an impulsive buyer.  In short, I need to simplify my life more.

But when I opened my facebook, instagram and blog accounts waaahhhhhhhh other people are happy spending their money on foods, travel, fashion and leisure.  Nakaka-inggit!!!!! How come they can afford all that.

And so I realized that I should reward myself for trying my best to be a smart money woman.  Time to relax this weekend. Besides my meaning for "TRULY RICH" is a wealthy relationship.  Relationship with God, with family and friends. And I need money to gain that. Money really matters,  let's all admit it.


So, let's start the weekend rush.

I need to reward my kids for being so diligent and responsible students.  It's Friday night and I gave them a good laugh at minion's adventure with Gru and kids. 

Instagram Photo

M is rolling to laugh with the cute actions of the minions and secret agents Gru and Lucy.

Instagram photo

After the movie, they were excited to have some sweets from Krispy Kreme.  All time favorite of R.  It was a nice feeling when I see my boys really enjoying each others company.  Movies are the thing the we always want to do.  Parang nakalakihan na nila ang manood ng movies.  When they were toddlers pa, R sleeps in the movie house but now he's so excited with the popcorn, hotdogs and fries he could munch while watching. haha! Time flies so fast.  I'm quite sad because they are not babies anymore.  Sometimes, they argue with me na. Huhu! Mas marami na silang alam.

Their dad did not make it to the movie kasi Friday, a lot to attend but he picked up us at the mall and we went home together.

When we're on the bed na, M ask me, Mom when are we going to watch White House Down? Huh! I laughed and said, Anak, ang budget natin ay pang Despicable Me lang.

On Saturday,  I have office work in the morning and in the afternoon, kids' Galileo session.

At the Galileo Pasong Tamo

My kids do their session every Saturday for two hours.  They suppose to go to the center twice a week but because of hectic schedules in school they need to compress it in one day.

M did the level up test for Math. He finished the activity for Grade 4 level and he needed to pass the qualifying exam to jump up to the next level-Grade 5.  M is currently Grade 3 in regular school but in this enrichment program M is almost two level advanced.

Super Nova level up test result

 Great!!!! he passed the level up test. The result is not bad.  He is in Grade 5 level now. Yahoooo!  Let's celebrate.








                                         Avail their 2-week free learning lesson.  Visit any branch near you.





While waiting, I didn't waste my time.  It's grocery time at the nearest supermarket.

Shopwise Makati

I am currently collecting stamps for their on going promotion PREMIUM GERMAN BRANDED ARZBERG COOKWARE.  The promo runs until August 4.  I want to avail this high-quality German Brand cookwares for free just by shopping at Shopwise.

I do the grocery weekly to preserve freshness of wet goods.  And here are some smart tips when doing the marketing to save time and money.

1.  Schedule your grocery time.

         Our mindset makes everything smooth.  Plan everything. Bring anything you need in doing shopping like bags and loyalty card.

          Shopwise is doing a small part in preserving the environment that's why they encourage their customers to cut down the use plastic. It's a bring your own reusable bags policy. 

          They also have "WISE CARD" that earn points and accumulate every shopping.

          Planning is one cost-saving scheme.   

2. List down all the things that you need to buy. 

           This will save you cost of telephone calls.  When you don't have the list and you arrived in the laundry supplies.  At the back of your mind, meron pa bang sabon?  If you're not sure, you will call the house and ask somebody to check the supplies cabinet.  Sayang.....kung nag-lista lang sana.

3.  Do not do the shopping when you're hungry.  

           When you're hungry, you might add to cart things that you don't need.  Maybe you just want it.  "Sira na ang budget mo sira pa ang diet mo."

Those are the three basic things I recall before I do my grocery time.  I know you all know that,  Just a reminder.  Minsan din nakakalimutan ko eh especially if shopping is not planned.

Our next stop: Keil's 7th Birthday

 We are doing socialization naman.  Kids had fun with the games and magic show.  M & R are into parties.  Parties have big factor in their social skills. 

Our boss and some friends in the party

R wore his 7th Birthday Party costume.  Last year, he celebrated it at the same venue and theme.  It's tight fit and short na. haha!

The day is not over yet.  I still have other STOP.  I'm done with my little boys.....it's time for my BIG boy naman.

Another stop......Movie with my man.

Channing Tatum's White House Down

The movie is nice.  I was so thrilled with how Channing saved the president and her daughter.  She has a very smart daughter who played a great role in saving the White House.

Movie date with me only is HIS simple pleasure.  We do it every Saturdays when the schedule permits.  It's one of my submissive way to HIM.  Kahit I don't like the movie I have to go. hehe! But mostly, we have good movies naman. What really matter is the time together.  We have a stressful week days so we need a deserving weekend.

We had our snack at Mexicali after movie

After every movie, either snack or coffee will do for some usap usap.

Guess what???? We talked about STOCKS.  Huh! Usap ng matatalino at mayayaman. hahaha!  He shared to me his experience and learning on the seminar he attended that morning.  He attended STOCK TRADING AWARENESS. 

That night we both do snack and coffee. Mahaba-habang usapan because excited for the Money Machine (Money that works for you) we need to find. 

For curiosity, I tried Starbuck's daily offerings Red Bean Green Tea Frappucino Blended Beverage.  It's worth a try, for a change. A strange taste of green tea in frap but I enjoyed the red beans. haha!

Part of my "To be Truly Rich" resolution is to learn about STOCKS.  I really don't have idea how it is played.  So....my goal is to explore and invest.  The very first step I did was to be a member of Truly Rich Club.  I am so inspired with Bo Sanchez's My Maid Invest in Stock Market.  He will teach you step by step to start investing in stock.  For as low as P 5,000.00 you can start buying.  Come.... join me to explore STOCK MARKET.  Read, explore and try.  Don't be afraid to start a thing that will give you financial freedom with happy life.

It was a very good Saturday.... as always.

As a routine, we started the week with a HOLY MASS at National Shrine of Sacred Heart in San Antonio Village Makati City.   The church is well decorated because of a wedding.

A glimpse of church in garden theme

And a snapshot of proper church attire

  Welcome another week! A week with a lot to learn. 

I am just sharing whatever is in my thoughts.  I don't mind if it's huge or meaningless.  For me everything about my life is a gift from God that deserves an importance.

 

Is your kid ready for school?

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 Have fun exploring Galileo E-Bulletin for May-June 2013.  Watch out my son is a model.

My son Marco in blue shirt behind Galileo

Just sharing!