SPiN Turns 3

Becoming a mommy is like going to a foreign place. There is a new language to decipher, unfamiliar objects and practices to understand, and a whole new person (persons if you are having twins or multiples) to get to know. The motherhood journey can be confusing, daunting, and even nerve-racking especially for first time mothers like me. Thankfully, others like the beautiful mommies of South PiNanays are very generous with their advices and tips. 

South PiNanays, more known as SPiN, is an online community of Filipina mothers living in Southern Luzon. I have been a member of this wonderful and helpful group for almost 2 years. And last October 8, it celebrated its 3^rd Anniversary at the Activity Center of Alabang Town Center.  I with my little Queen B attended the fun and information-filled whole day celebration.

Please click here for my recap of what happened during SPiN’s 2^nd Anniversary last year.

SPiN advocates breastfeeding, Tamang Kain, cloth diapering, and proper babywearing. Coincidentally, it was also the International Babywearing Week so upon arrival at the venue we were greeted with sights of mommies and even daddies wearing their adorable babies in various types of carriers. J and I also babywear though not as much as before as our little Queen B now likes to walk. It was great to see more parents making informed choices about their child which is one of the many goals of SPiN.

The program started around 10:30 AM. Mommy Nina Atienza, a founding member of SPiN gave the welcome remarks. There were four main speakers who talked about various concerns of mothers. The first was Miss Bing Sugue-Guevara of Breastfeeding Pinays. She disputed the well-known Myths about Breastfeeding. Sadly, these myths negatively affect the breastfeeding journey of many mothers in our country. SPiN, along with Breastfeeding Pinays, try their best to bring the truth about these myths so as to encourage more mothers that breastmilk is indeed the best milk for babies.

Miss Bing Sugue-Guevara still breastfeeds her youngest who is now 4 years old. 

The second main speaker was Mommy Camille Manalo of Babywearing Testers PH. She talked about Safe and Responsible Babywearing. This year is a great year for babywearing in the Philippines. More parents are using recommended carriers and there are now more locally made carriers. A lot of attendees this year are using carriers by IMA, a local brand, unlike last year in which the popular carrier is Tula. Even though the IMA carrier still hasn’t undergone their international safety testing, they follow recommended specifications in their carriers and they also come in beautiful designs.

Mommy Camille giving a talk about babywearing while babywearing. 

The third main speaker was Dr. Issa San Jose of Bright Discovery Toddler Learning Center. She discussed to us the ins and outs of Reading Aloud. I strongly believe in the benefits of reading aloud to our children which is why it is an integral part of our bedtime ritual. As a bookworm myself, I am elated that my little Queen B also enjoys this amazing activity.

The fourth speaker is Mommy Nina Rayos of Oeuvretrends Vlog in Youtube. She shared to us some Make-up Tips.

A fun addition to the program this year is the Fashion Show. The models who are also members of SPiN showcased locally made nursing wears and carriers.

Mommy Camille tandem babywearing her kids. It was an amazing sight! With proper babywearing practices, our childrren are ergonomically positioned without sacrificing our own posture. Photo courtesy of the event's official photographer.

These daddies are proud babywearers. They actually looked more manly and fatherly with their wrap carriers. Photo courtesy of the event's official photographer. 

All throughout the day, prizes were raffled off. I won a bib and bonnet set from MacKenzie, the first local shop that sells customized teething pads for soft-structured carriers. They are now offering other products for babies and children. The grand prize this year is a brand new Tula from CEO Emporium.

Thanks MacKenzie for our little Queen B's bib and bonnet set. Photo courtesy of the event's official photographer. 

Also, sponsors of the raffle prizes and giveaways have booths in the venue which we were free to visit any time during the event. My little Queen B and I stayed for quite some time at Bright Discovery Toddler Learning Center’s area where activities for the children were being held.

We also visited some of the sellers’ booths. Our little Queen B’s favorite is Hands n’ Mind Toy Store which sells educational toys. Its owner who was observing Georgina as she plays with the toys remarked that our little Queen B shows admirable qualities like she returns the toys to its proper place after playing with it and that she interacts well with other children and adults. It warms my heart to hear affirmation of our parenting style from others. Of course, I bring back the glory to God for it is only through His guidance and blessing of patience that we were able to teach and guide our little darling.

It was another successful celebration for SPiN. It is my hope that it continue to inform, support, and inspire more parents to make informed choices regarding their children. Even though SPiN advocates breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and babywearing, it welcomes and supports mothers who chose not to because as the saying goes “There is no way to be a perfect mother but a million ways to be a good one”.

The beautiful mommies (I included myself, of course) with their delightful children of South PiNanays. Photo courtesy of the event's official photographer. 

Again, Happy 3^rd Anniversary South PiNanays!

#xoxo