M&S Personality feature: Nikki Honasan’s Christmas shopping tips

 

For Christmas, food is the wisest gift to give. It’s practical and leaves zero waste 

“Being a mom keeps me busy as I’m very hands on and at the same time, I enjoy spending time with my little boy, India. My five-year old keeps me entertained for sure,” said 41-year old Nikki Serrano-Honasan.

Her yoga practice keeps her occupied as well. She starts each day on the mat, whether it’s ten minutes or two hours. Yoga & meditation keep her anchored wherever she is. This sets the tone & energy of the day as she goes about her mommy & teacher duties. 

With Christmas around the corner, Holiday decorating and gift shopping adds up to the must-do list.

“Growing up my siblings and cousins would all spend it in our lola’s house in the province, gathered around the table for Noche Buena followed by the much awaited part of the evening, the gift giving. Now living in Boracay with a small family of my own, I find myself carrying this tradition with me while sharing it with her island family. We have Noche Buena and open gifts together.” shared Nikki.

 

Keep it personal. It gives your gift a special touch 

As for decorating, Nikki’s home is quite open to the outdoors that she finds a little is all it needs. She has all these individual Christmas trees, handmade wooden & metallic ones, which she’s very fond of. She starts placing them around the house in the beginning of December. 

Shopping can be a challenge when you live in an island and little access to shopping areas. So when does she make her Christmas list and shop for gifts? She said when inspiration hits her. It could be as early as September or as late as December.

“I have family, friends on the island, plus my travel buddies who happen to be my closest friends from college on my gift list. I like giving them handmade gifts, as well as personally curated presents like a picnic basket with all the essentials included, from food to a picnic blanket.”

Eshma Bautista-Dumama: A working mom who never compromises her style

  

Mornings are for bonding with Sky 

On Eshma: M&S Collection top & FlextFit jeggings 

 

“I used to be uber-stylish from head to toe,” said 30-year old Estefanie “Eshma” Bautista-Dumama. But all these changed when she took the roles of a politician, a wife and a mother. She may have adjusted to her life as a councilor on her second term, but taking the role of wife last year, and more recently, a mother to 5-month old Sky, is definitely something new to her.

“These days I always keep my fashion and time very flexible. It’s a challenging 24/7 thing with the three hats I’m wearing. I don’t have a routine. Plans and schedules can change in a heartbeat depending on my baby’s mood and needs. So, there is no "typical day" for me. Every day yields new challenges.”

How does she do it? Let’s get to know this multi-tasker.

My day starts… 

..focused on the baby. I bond with Sky from the time he wakes up until noon. In between his naps, I check emails and schedules, update work assignments and give instructions while taking my morning coffee. I’m at the office by 1PM and work over lunch, go to sessions. I check on Sky from time to time.

Juggling my schedule is… 

Not easy, but I do my best. I’m on my first year of being a hands-on mom. I want to witness my baby’s first words, first steps, and considering I’m also a public servant 24/7, schedules can get challenging.

 I’m active all day so it’s important to wear comfortable clothes that move with you. 

In politics, delegating work to a reliable team can make my job uncomplicated. But if it involves legislative matters, I personally take on the matter. 

I’m lucky to have a husband-politician, we both understand what is required of our jobs. But we make sure we go out on a regular dates and keep the romance alive. 

Kadayawan sa Davao 2018 Schedule of Activities

It's Kadayawan Festival season once again, and I am so looking forward to the many activities (old and new) that this celebration has to offer. This year, we commemorate the 33rd year of Kadayawan which is considered to be Davao City's biggest annual cultural event.   Here is the list of activities for Kadayawan sa Davao 2018 to help you plan your travel to the city (if you're a tourist). For Davaoenos at home, this will serve as a guide on which event/activity to go to depending on your interest/liking. Advance Happy Kadayawan everyone!!!! Official Calendar of Events as of July 6, 2018 at 2PM  Theme:  Stand Tall.  United.  Resilient August 10, 2018  Friday, 3pm  Subang Sinugdanan and Panagtagbo  R. Magsaysay Wharf A re-enactment of the convergence of Davao City's 11 ethno-linguistic tribes.  This presentation is symbolic of Davao's rich culture brought about by diversity and unity of its people.  August 10, 2018  Friday , 4pm   Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan  Kadayawan Circle (Magsaysay Park) The festival's opening ceremony that will commence with an ecumenical thanksgiving service for the year of blessing and bounty.  It will be a grand showcase of the colorful culture and tradition of Davao City's 11 tribes. August 10, 2018  Friday , 6pm     Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation (Talent Night) Kadayawan Circle (Magsaysay Park) A display of talent by the 11 Hiyas sa Kadayawan candidates - interpreting their respective tribes' traditions and culture through colorful and engaging presentations.

The Benefits of Clip In Hair Extensions

Bad haircuts, heat damage and bleaching all can leave hair searching just a little worse for put on and looking for some TLC. It seems sensible that you would like to repair the problem with extensions until everything grows out so that as a lasting solution glue ins can be very tempting but choosing clip-ins could save you from more damage and therefore are way less hassle within the lengthy term. 

Here's why:

There's less stress on the follicle.

Clip in extensions put way less stress on hair than every other hair extension method so they are super gentle. What this means is hair can grow at its normal pace but you will also have the choice of altering your look when you really need to.

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop: Your Kid's Fun and Learning This Summer

Mothers, you know the drill. Summer is the time of the year when after the pressures of school year, we get our kids to join skills enhancement workshops and what not.

When my children were younger I signed them up to be McDonald's Kiddie Crew for at least 2 summers in their childhood not too long ago.  See. I'm a stage mother like that.

McDo cheeseburger-making

Kiel and Esme designing their own happy meal box

badges for every activity accomplished!

The workshop runs for 5 days and they get to wear their own uniforms and mingle with the other kids.

Last weekend, bloggers were invited for to join the same workshop for one afternoon of fun and learning. This time, I brought my 5 year-old niece Esme and 7 year-old nephew Kiel.

The McDonald's Kiddie Crew workshop annual summer program is now on its 26th year. This was created for 6-12 year olds to experience all the fun things that make up McDonald's through play-based activities, allowing them to learn good values, build confidence and discover new talents, all in the company of new friends!