GottaLoveMom

I’d rather be running on the rooftop of my brother’s house in Manila. Last summer, I got up at 5am, and ran for an hour – as the sun rises! (It was just really calming- it’s like yoga-like!) But it’s winter in New Jersey – so there’s no waking up at 5 in the morning to even go outside for a walk! We’ve had a snow storm almost every week since Christmas – and because my Filipino bones aren’t accustomed to the cold weather, I haven’t had a chance to run outside. This week is the Red Cross Treadmill 10K. I figured, it will also kick-off my training for my first half marathon. So I’ll get my running shoes and head to the community center’s gym! I plan on running at least 7 miles today. (which means no Power 90 work-out for me today!) I was telling my husband, how tough can a half marathon be? I was able to do 6 miles with no problem, do I really have to train for the half marathon? Can I just wing it and show up on the day of the race? His answer: “ Yes ...

My little guy loves going to the City. So for this day's trip, I let him click-away with the digital camera.    We hop on to the train from New Jersey, and as we pass by the different towns before we hit New York, My little guy enjoys looking through the windows... and observing what's out there.. He is amazed on how there are plenty of backyards with swimming pools, snow covered, buildings, trees, more houses, and more trees. But as soon as we hit the City, the landscape changes. My little guy knows that I love to live in the City. and walk by Times Square, to just see the lights change. So as we are near our destination, the Nickelodeon Studio at Viacom, my little guy and I know that there will be more days like this. (Inside Nickelodeon studio) Just like the song he was singing as we walk the streets of NYC,     "Do...

"A smile remains the most inexpensive gift I can bestow on anyone and yet its powers can vanquish kingdoms." — Og Mandino Time, it’s either too fast or too slow, but when it’s just right, it’s just precious! My 3 older ones are mostly on their own busy doing what they enjoy doing. Most of the times, I'm not even privy on their plans for the day or night. Luckily for me, my littlest crumbcatcher is still a single-digit little guy ( well, not for long…) who still needs me! This week I got my fixed: being in the City with my little guy who doesn’t mind walking in the freezing cold, hand-in-hand in the streets of Manhattan - and it's doesn't bother him whether it's 2 blocks or 10 blocks! We headed to two different casting studios – a great excuse to bond with the little guy! As I watched him interact with adults I just can’t help smile and thank G-d for giving me the most precious gift: my children and their smiles. Sometimes, ...

(Photo credit: Driving Miss Daisy ) Performing Arts is dear to our family, therefore, when the Actors Fund asked me to write about a Special Performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic “ Driving Miss Daisy” with benefits going to the Actors Fund , I didn’t hesitate to spread the news. The Actors Fund is a human services organization that provides aid to people working in performing arts and entertainment. On Monday, February 7th at 8pm, the Broadway Company of “Driving Miss Daisy” will perform a benefit performance where proceeds will go to benefit the Actors Fund. Watch as James Earl Jones, Vanessa Redgrave and Boyd Gaines bring the stage to life in this timeless American play about the decades-long relationship between a stubborn Southern matriarch and her compassionate chauffeur. You can purchase your tickets today by visiting https://www.store.actorsfund.org/ You can also find out more information about The Actors Fund and Driving Miss Daisy by visiting the...

Home is a constant place that continues to shine; Its lights remain lit day and night; Recent tragedies in Arizona make one wonder, “What is happening to the world that we live in?” (Click HERE for the news update.) And all I can pray for is LOVE. To remind our kids that LOVE is what matters the most. Without LOVE our lives are bankrupt – empty! Without LOVE, there will be no laughter. And children have a way of reminding us of what matters the most! I have 4 children – 21, 19, 15 and 9. The older ones are barely home. Every time they leave the house, I a lways s ay a p rayer (asap) (thanks Ate M.)   . But sometimes, our prayers seem like they are not being heard because tragedies, accidents do happen. All I can do is pray for strength and understanding – reminding myself that there is always a reason for everything. We sometimes don’t understand why and for what purpose, but our lives are part of a bigger plan, a bigger purpose. (Believ...