A Mother’s best, yet toughest choice

This 2019, Absolute Distilled Drinking Water explores a territory of love uncommon to most mothers. A discovery of Pure Love and where it sits between the safe comforts of a mother’s love and the uncertainties of letting go.

Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo on raising a family built on trust

A discussion with Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, an Absolute Mom for seven years, as she shares her own story on Pure Love; a discovery she slowly uncovered while raising her own family, and raising herself too, as now a mom to three children: Yohan, Lucho, and Luna.

Absolute: What would be the main difference of your experience as a new mom (back when you only had Yohan) to now that you have Lucho and Luna?

Judy Ann: It was very different. I had Yohan when I was 26 and at that time parang ang bilis lang ng lahat. Hindi pa nag sink in that I’m already responsible for the life of another human being. Noon, ang alam ko lang nagtatrabaho ako ng mabuti and I thought that was enough. When Lucho and Luna came, my perspective changed because nag-aalaga na ako ng toddler and ng infant at the same time. I learned to be more attentive and give more importance to the love and attention that I give. 

A: Would you consider yourself a hands-on mom? 

JA: I try to be as hands-on as I can to all of my children. But I cannot always be present because of industry I’m in. There was a time when Lucho got into an accident, and I was out of town for work. Grabe yung guilt ko nun. It’s never easy. It took me time para matanggap ko that it doesn’t make me a bad mom pag hindi ko nakikita yung milestones nila, or pag wala ako if something bad happens. I am just blessed that I am surrounded by people who love my children. And I teach my kids also na may mga ibang tao din na nagmamahal and aalagaan sila. So they also learn to trust and respect them.

 A: What would be your biggest discovery about a mother’s love?

JA: You have to learn how to Trust. Trust is one of the foundations of any healthy relationship. Parang sa amin din na mag-asawa, Ryan taught me the values of honesty, trust, and respect. And this is what I teach our children too. I learned, especially now that I have Yohan, Lucho, and Luna that you have to trust them, so they also begin to trust themselves. You have to make them feel na may confidence ka sa ginagawa nila, and in return, magkakaron din sila ng tiwala at confidence sa mga ginagawa nila.

A: Do you think this is what Pure Love means? Trusting your children to make their own choices?

JA: I give my children space so they can have their own experiences. Isa to sa mga discoveries ko sa sarili ko as my experiences also grow as a mom. I make it a point that I make my kids feel that I trust them. So they also trust me back in return and hindi sila takot magsabi sa amin ng experiences nila, kahit good pa yan or bad. I remind them na wag matakot because kahit ano pang pagdaanan mo sa buhay, lagi kang may matututunan. 

Now that I am a mom of three, the way I understand Pure Love has evolved. Ngayon, Pure Love means I allow them to make their own decisions and may tiwala ako sa mga desisyon nila. I give them the freedom to choose their sports or hobbies, or if gusto nila tanggapin yung endorsement deal or hindi.

A: What if they make decisions that you don’t agree with? 

JA: I listen. Pinapakinggan ko sila and I try to understand that best way that I can. Pero siyempre I also make them understand my point of view and sa paraan na maiintindihan din nila - kung tama ba to or hindi? Before I used to overanalyze their decisions, pero I learned na they’re kids, and kids say what they feel. So it’s a learning discovery din for me.

A: How would you encourage other moms to show their Pure Love?

JA: Probably isa ito sa mga pinakamahirap gawin bilang nanay, kasi takot tayo mag let go. But always remember that they will only learn how to trust themselves, when we make them feel that we trust them first. To moms, hindi natin malalaman how much they will grow if hindi natin sila bibigyan ng chance. We let go little by little, so we allow them to grow and be their own person. That’s what I’ve learned about Pure Love today. It’s trusting them so they can be their own person.

Motherhood is indeed a journey of trust for Judy Ann. It is learning to co-create this life filled with decision-making together with her children, and that her greatest discovery yet as a mom is realizing there is Pure Love that continuously grows inside her.

Absolute celebrates #PureLoveTrusts 

For the first time in seven years with Absolute, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo stars in her first-ever TVC with children Yohan, Lucho, and Luna in celebration of the brand’s newest campaign #PureLoveTrusts. This gives light to one of the biggest fears and milestones of a mother – trusting and letting go. 

Absolute aims to inspire mothers to find within them the heart to trust their child’s own decisions. To understand that trusting is a continuous learning process – from supporting their decisions, being present as they face the consequences and helping them make sense out of it. It also means hoping that whatever choices they make, these will all lead them to the person they’ve always hoped of becoming.

THIRTY YEARS OF THE AUTISM ADVOCACY AT ANGELS WALK FOR AUTISM

File photo from last year’s Angels Walk for Autism, held at the Mall of Asia Arena, organized by the Autism Society Philippines in partnership with SM Cares. 

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, will hold the annual Angels Walk for Autism on March 3, 9:00AM, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Since it began in 2007, the walk continues to advocate for acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of Filipinos with autism towards an Autism-OK Philippines.

“Although many are aware of autism, very few people actually understand what it means to live life on the autism spectrum. SM Cares and ASP come together as a community to remind everyone that autism awareness and acceptance should be part of their everyday lives. Awareness is a good thing, but acceptance is far more meaningful,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SVP of SM Supermalls and Program Director of SM Cares Program on PWD’s.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, who issued EO 711 of 1996, instituting the commemoration of the National Autism Consciousness Week, will be honored by ASP as the Father of the Philippine Autism Advocacy. “FVR’s leadership opened the doors for the government agencies and private institutions to begin the path towards genuine acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons on the autism spectrum,” shared Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President, "His administration’s disability-inclusive policies have put the Philippines ahead of our ASEAN neighbors in advocating for persons with autism and other invisible disabilities.”

The pre-walk program will include performances from children and adults on the autism spectrum and special guests, the annual ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards and a special presentation on ASP’s milestones since 1989.

Families, professionals, supporters from the government and private sectors, from the Philippines and overseas are expected to join the walk from the MOA Arena to the SM MOA Music Hall.

To know more about how to you can join Angels Walk for Autism, visit http://bit.ly/AW2019-know.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization working towards an environment that empowers persons with autism spectrum disorder to become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. ASP labors to establish institutional mechanisms to support persons with autism and their families. Established in 1989, the organization -- composed of 13,000 members spread over 96 chapters -- has been in the 

forefront of providing services to families and individuals affected with autism.

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Environment Sustainability, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy). As a responsible integrated property developer, SM ensures that its CSR programs serve as a catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit 

www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.

Prep Up for Your Kiddie’s Bag!

Having a preschooler or a toddler in tow while at leisure ceases to be a challenge when you have lifesaver items in your bag. Whether it is for daily school routine, class fieldtrip, or play dates with friends, it is important to have your kid’s bag filled with essentials.

Hapee Kiddie toothpaste talked to mothers, preschool teachers, and other child-rearing experts, including celebrity mom and oral healthcare advocate Chesca Kramer, to find out what they think are a kid’s bag must-haves for hassle-free kiddie adventures.

Mobility Feature. The kiddie bag must be a lifesaver itself, especially for school. Lift the burden off your kid’s shoulders by using a stroller bag instead of a backpack. This would help keep their posture straight and back pain-free from all the heavy books and school materials they have. “Get one with their favorite characters so that they would be encouraged to go to school and study,” shares Ms. Celine Dy Buenaventura, former pre-school teacher and now proud mother of five. She recommends an upright stroller bag over the horizontal one for easier maneuvering, especially during dismissal time when fetchers flock the gates.

Snacks and Water. Toddlers’ appetite knows no limits; they tend to get hungry every now and then. “I make sure I have something available that is on-the-go and not messy to keep up my son’s energy and good mood. I also make sure he is always well hydrated,” shares mompreneur Christine Li of Wandermom.ph. Make sure that they have a spill-proof jug so that they can drink without worrying about spillage.

First Aid. Kids will always be kids and part of their growing up years is to have bumps, booboos, and wounds. “My staple first aid is a travel-sized ointment for multipurpose use in case of situations like rashes, dryness, itchiness, or insect bites,” mompreneur Christine Li also shared. The first aid kit should also contain band aids for quick fix on wounds they get from all that playing, as well as a card with the contact details of parents in case of emergency.

Playtime Kit. With all the playtime they get and the polluted environment that they may face, it is important for the kids to look and feel at their best. “To get rid of dirty pollutants, my kids’ bags always have a hand sanitizer or alcohol. Bringing an extra shirt in case play time gets intense and sweaty will be useful, along with powder and a roll of tissue for messy moments, so that their bodies can cool down and stay fresh,” says blogger mom, Lanie Lluch of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

Oral Care Kit. Chesca Kramer, oral healthcare advocate for Hapee Kiddie, shares that she makes sure her three kids, Gavin, Scarlett, and Kendra, have their oral care kits in their kiddie bags wherever they go. This contains a colorful toothbrush and a tube of their favorite Hapee Kiddie anti-cavity toothpaste. “When all the kids were still in traditional school, I made sure they bring an oral care kit with them always. By doing this, we teach them the importance of taking care of their teeth so that they can smile and interact confidently,” shares Chesca. Hapee Kiddie toothpaste not only contains kid-safe levels of fluoride which can help fight off dental cavities, but also comes in different fruity flavors that kids love. 

Once they have their kiddie bag with all these essentials, kids are now ready for adventure and the many experiences and fun that come with it. At the same time, moms can be worry-free having all these must-haves in one bag. 

To get more mommy hacks and oral care tips, visit www.facebook.com/HapeeKiddie.

SM AND DSAPI ALL SET FOR HAPPY WALK 2019

File photo from last year’s Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, organized by the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) and SM Cares.  

In celebration of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), in partnership with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., will hold the annual Happy Walk for Down syndrome on February 24, 2019 at Halls 1 & 2 of the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. 

The theme of this year’s event is “Living with Down, This Is My Story,” and will feature performances from children with Down syndrome, talks from honorary guests, and interactive booths. 

“This is a time to tell our stories, the stories of our children. As each person goes through life, there are countless experiences that touch our lives. Some experiences can be so powerful that they have long-lasting and life-changing impact on our lives,” DSAPI ChairmanElmer Lapeña shares. 

On its 17th year, Happy Walk continues to promote awareness and inclusivity for Persons with Down syndrome, and is expected to gather thousands of families, friends and advocates, as well as private and public sectors supporting the advocacy. 

“SM has been and will always be for inclusiveness. Everyone should be able to enjoy the good things SM can offer, regardless of varying conditions. We are very grateful for the partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, who work endlessly to reach and help more people, and most importantly, provide access and care to the ones who need it most,” said Bien Mateo, SM SVP for Operations and Director for SM Cares Program on PWDs.  

Registration starts at 7:00 AM and program begins at 8:30 AM. The event will be immediately followed by a parade around the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Simultaneously, SM City Bacolod will also join the celebration and have their walk as well.  

Happy Walk for Down Syndrome has come a long way since it started in 2002, with only a handful of participants. It is also one of the many strong advocacies of SM Cares that champions the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).  

“SM Cares enables us to expand all over the Philippines, increasing the impact and benefits to more and more families, helping persons with Down syndrome to live more normal lives,” Lapeña added. 

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Environment Sustainability, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy). 

As a responsible integrated property developer, SM ensures that its CSR programs serve as a catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports. To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCaresor email smcares@smsupermalls.com. 

To know more about Happy Walk for Down syndrome, you may contact dsapi@hotmail.com.