"Meet Mom's Winners"
Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 10, 2007

For my column’s first year anniversary contest, I posed these questions to readers, “Why do you read Mom-About-Town?”and "What was your most favorite article and why?”.

Now, meet the winners and read their answers!

AILEEN BRIGOLE-ABADILLA
(Major prize winner)

There is only one reason I’ve been hooked to the “Mom-About-Town” column at Sun.Star Davao: inspiration.

I’m turning 30 years old this Halloween and about to become a mom myself by November 2007. With all the anticipation, the ceaseless questions, the anxieties of the delivery and motherhood in general, I have actually all kinds of reasons to freak out. But with a weekly dose of features, informative data and real-life stories of different moms, I get more and more relaxed, excited and inspired even to join a new world called motherhood.

My husband and I are based in Singapore but I'm back in Davao just recently since my due date is nearing.

I truly appreciate the range of helpful mother and family-related articles: Be it a feature on new baby stores, breastfeeding information, seminars for mothers or even special birthday parties celebrated by the locals.

These are all not just important, but essential information especially for moms who are out of the country. It’s nice to be updated on the latest baby care, the children’s specialty stores or services, and even the nice plays and activities in Davao City. It reconnects us to our roots, and allows us to still adapt the culture of Dabawenyos in raising children.

I can’t truly point a specific article I’ve been fond of the most, because all of the articles written have different levels of impact on me.

The articles on special theme parties for example, may seem unimportant to others, but they’ve been significant to me. Reading about how moms dedicate themselves to throw their children extraordinary parties have personally inspired me to ‘Mommyhood’.

Features made on new ways of communicating with babies, on the other hand, will also come in handy as I welcome my daughter in this world.

It truly is important to have a one-stop feature column online that pertains to parenthood and family and all with a touch of Davao City in it.

AMY BORRE-SAZON
(Major prize winner)

I read “Mom-About-Town” which comes out together with Saturday issues of Sun.Star Davao because it covers diverse topics. It is well-placed as it is positioned in the front page of Section B. The articles are very catchy with good photos and spark readers’ interest well.

My interest was really drawn by the “Flying Moms” last October 13, 2007 issue. The article is so inspiring.

Being a mom myself, I know how difficult it is to perfect the balancing act to be a successful career woman, an ideal mom and a loving wife, altogether.

The featured moms hold a more difficult work set-up than most career oriented moms because of having to be in different parts of the globe with a very irregular time element. However, even with this kind of career, Ditdit sees to it that she can still actually breastfeed her baby. Amazing!

The quality time spent with their kids is something to be envied upon and worth emulating. However, being a good and loving wife is a continuous process accessed through a two-way lane with a very supportive husband on the other end. In this last aspect, I do believe that it takes two to tango.

A perfect balancing act indeed! Very inspiring!

More success stories to come and congratulations, “Mom-About-Town” is now one year old and growing!

HONEYLET CONCEPCION-LIM
(Major prize winner)

Honestly, I’m not an avid reader of the daily local newspaper but I make sure that I to get a copy of it during Saturdays because of the “Mom-About-Town” articles. I read the column mainly because it is very interesting and informative.

I especially liked the "Beyond I Do" article.

When I gave birth to my son last October 2003, my world started to revolve around him. I never realized that I already stopped being a wife to my husband because being a mother to my son was my ultimate priority and goal.

The article inspired me so much that I learned to appreciate my husband more. I now spend equal quality time and bonding moments with both my husband and son.

I can now really say that I have a very happy family!

JUDILYN GUTIERREZ-ZAMBALES
(1st runner-up)

I am writing because besides knowing the writer of “Mom-About-Town” personally, I also enjoy reading her articles. It is also a channel for me, in a simple way, of thanking her, for being so masipag and matiyaga to put her articles over the internet so her friends who are away from the Philippines like me, feel close at home, pabawas mingaw ba.

If I would describe one simple sentence about her articles, it is: Her articles are reflective of her.

Like for example articles where it gives advice on how to help your child do well in school, what to do in the summer, teaching your kid to do sign language. It’s the kind of advice I’m sure every parent or child-minder is looking for....straight to the point advice and suggestions.

It’s not only the advice I enjoy and look forward to reading, it’s the drama of life itself. I am very much touched with the stories of “Yaya Nanay” and “Mr. Mom”. How every parent would do everything and rise to the occasion to give the best to their kids.

“Mom-About-Town” is Sun Star Davao’s gift to parents. More power and congratulations for a job well done… Cheers!!!

VIVIAN VILLANUEVA-SABULAO
(1st runner-up)

Thanks for featuring the Asidors. I love these guys. The Asidors sang during my daughter’s wedding ceremony and reception.

They are all gifted with beautiful voices and charm, yet they are so unaffected. I pray to God they would continue with their mission, to bless more people and that they will stay humble and as sweet as they are. Salamat gyud!

Thanks for consistently giving your readers great materials.

It's time we read about things that are inspiring and positive about our people. We're not just about intrigues, scandals and corruption. We are also a people who are Godly, hard-working, talented, smart, and innovative. I think it's about time the world be reminded about that.

I’m sure a lot of readers are blessed by your work. Keep writing!! Mabuhay, “Mom-About-Town”!

ANNE MICHELLE ORIGENES-SICAM
(2nd runner-up)

Aside from watching “teleseryes” online, reading “Mom-About-Town” online is one way of getting a cure for my homesickness. The articles are inspiring, informative and educational.

My favorite article, so far, is “Mr. Mom” story because I always believe that a dad, if given a chance, is equally good as a mom in looking after his family.

Living abroad with my family, I can say my husband is a very hands-on dad. He knows exactly what’s happening in our household. I have great confidence in him.

Bong Lafuente is not only an "inatay" but also a good role model to other parents. He inspires others to gain something good from what he has lost.

OLIVE HUA TE
(2nd runner-up)

I'm not really much of a newspaper reader, but as I scanned through the articles of “Mom-About-Town” (as posted on your blog), the title "Mr. Mom" caught my eye. Immediately after reading it, it became my favorite article.

How heartbreaking that, in a snap, the person you’ve always imagined to be with you forever would be gone just like that. It made me realize how easy and how possible it could be for our loved ones to disappear in seconds.

To Mr. Bong who’s been such an amazing dad, I salute you! And to my dad Alfred Te, who’s been more than the best father I could ever imagine, I want you to know I love you so much.

JACQUELINE DAKUDAO DUMLAO
(3rd runner-up)

I read “Mom-About-Town” primarily because Wowie or Janette as the rest of the world knows her, has been part of my family for as long as I can remember - being friends with my older sister since grade school.

Wowie, as I know her, is a source of knowledge and inspiration to all her friends and this lovable trait shines through in all of her articles.

Secondly, not having any child-rearing experience myself, I gain a lot of insights and harvest a lot of tips from her writings that help me enjoy my aunt and godmother status better.

My favorite article is the one where she featured moms and daughters. What a thoughtful touching piece!

DR. CHERRYL CHAN-TABIN
(4th runner-up)

I read “Mom-About-Town” because like a fellow mom, I'd like to keep myself abreast with nurture/nature (pun intended). Your travel articles are well-written and helpful!

I loved the article, “Davao’s Model Market ." Food! Abundance! Nobody in Davao deserves to go hungry. I wish Agdao market would prosper and improve a lot more!

ALEXIS JR PALANCA RIVERA
(4th runner-up)

I love reading your blogs because it keeps me updated of the latest trends and must-haves, etc.

I've read your December 16, 2006 article "Good finds @ X’mas bazaar".

I’m a bazaar addict myself. Indeed, it was a sure catch especially those who are fond of accessories and other stuffs.

In fact, I bought a pair of beaded flip flops at the said bazaar. Great finds at very affordable prices!

MARDY NAYRE-NUÑEZ
(4th runner-up)

I read “Mom-About-Town” because it is very exciting, educational and most of all touching!!

I love the article, “Mr. Mom”. The story of Bong Lafuente, inspired me a lot -- how to show love and care to the people around us because we all know, life is so short - we cannot turn back the clock.

It's not too late to say “ I love you" to my husband Noli and to my only daughter, Samantha.

HENRI ABENIS-MACAHILO
(4th runner-up)

Just read your article on Patrick & Lyn Buyco-Tan's new business venture, "Oak and Acorn". I was Lyn's student in her birthing class when I decided to give birth there in Davao last year.

Unfortunately, I was not able to see Lyn again after giving birth, as I have to go back to Dubai immediately because of my demanding job. Kindly tell Lyn that I am looking forward to visit their new store with my son, Caleb Paul when we go home to Davao for our vacation, God be willing.

Also I want to let you know that I am an avid reader of "Mom-About-Town" in www.sunstar.com.ph .

I have likewise visited your blog site and read all you entries. Made me miss Davao and its lovely people more! I find your articles informative and very helpful especially for working mothers like me.

Keep up the good work!

(I would love to read your comments and suggestions! E-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com)