HOW A MOM FASHIONS CHRISTMAS

 

Touching up the Christmas tree. On Kay Gempesaw: Pink Cardigan & necklace from M&S Collection for Women, lace print blouse from Per Una, white pants from Autograph, gold shoes from Limited Collection.

Every mother embraces Christmas with twice as much dedication and love just to give her family a memorable and exciting holiday experience. Next to Santa Claus, Mothers are the busiest bodies during this time. At the start of this festive season --- which usually comes three months early --- we see mothers on the roll, laying out vacation plans and menu options, scouting for new Christmas ornaments, and meticulously jotting down names in the gift list.

The perfect hostess. Kay’s Red knitted top & Graphic print skirt from Per Una.

Come December, in between errands and everyday jobs, a mother still finds the time to redecorate the house, making it look more welcoming for family gatherings and dinner hostings. She could easily narrow down her menu options to culinary staples and celebratory favorites, yet she manages to reinvent recipes for that touch of originality and creativity to please her company. After she puts her family’s individual needs together, she her sets her foot in the long queue, buying gifts for everyone in her list.

“The holiday season has a way of fashioning things a bit more remarkable --- demanding extra attention to detail,” says Kay Gempesaw, a mother and entrepreneur.

 

Taking it easy as home. Kay’s ensemble from M&S Collection.

Baby Cakes and Fun Cuts keep Kay busy during the day, more so now that orders for Christmas confections have started to pile up by day. Parents also line up their children for a holiday makeover in Kay’s kiddie salon. Not that Kay is the designated hairstylist you see in action with handy-dandy scissors and comb, but she has to oversee the parlor’s operations in between baking. “We all want to look our best this season as celebrations are indeed in full swing. From office parties to reunion dinners and the much-awaited Noche Buena, this really is the season to be feasting and to socialize.” 

In their holiday look. On Kay: Blazer, formal top, black pencil skirt & accessory from M&S Collection for Women, shoes from Limited. On her husband, Tom: Tailored fit blazer & pants from Limited Collection; Tailored top & necktie from Autograph; leather belt & shoes from M&S Collection for Men.

Catering to business needs alone is time consuming, but Kay always makes time for family. Despite keeping up with the busy schedule at work, she passionately puts her heart into planning an enchanting Christmas for her husband, Tom, and kids, Chloe and Tomas.

 

 “To this day, I still find excitement in cooking for them and wrapping and sneaking in gifts under the tree at night when everyone is asleep. I pay heed to the little things that make my children and husband happy.  I try to veer away from the Christmas list and surprise them with something that they least expect getting. The smiles on their faces are just precious. Mothers know best, don’t you think?”

Christmas at the Gempesaws. On Tom: Navy Blue mock-shirt, maroon corduroy pants from M&S Collection; deck shoes from Blue Harbour. On Kay: Top & black pants from M&S Collection for Women, gold shoes from Limited Collection.

 “The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint, and I just want to enjoy it rather than worry about getting through it. Christmas reminds us that we are all here for a purpose and for someone else besides ourselves. For me, my purpose in life is my family.”

To Kay, Christmas with the family will never be out of fashion. 


HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FROM MARKS & SPENCER

Still caught in the holiday rush and can’t decide what to give to friends and family? Fret no more as Marks & Spencer gives you a world of possibilities that would make gift giving decidedly more festive.

Here we followed Kay and Tom Gempesaw and their kids, joyfully scanning through each section, in search for sophisticated scents, smart looking wearables, accessories, and decadent delights.

 
1. A wide range of cookies and chocolates kids and grown-ups will enjoy at the Food Hall of the M&S stores.

2. Saving some for Santa. Chocolates, chocolate coated cookies & Ginger Snaps are great holiday gift ideas.

3. The M&S Food Hall offers a wide variety of wines.

4. Men will always look good in neckties. Choose one or two for the man in your life.

5. Men’s grooming will never be out of style.

6. Women & perfumes will always make a perfect pair. Choose your scents from the wide offerings of toiletries at the M&S stores.

Photography: Wacky Masbad | Styling & Make-Up: Otoy Mercado

All clothes from Marks & Spencer
Store locations:

Level 1 of Abreeza Mall, J. P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City
Telephone nos. 321-7231 to 32

Ground Floor of SM Lanang Premier, J. P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City

Telephone no. 285-0654

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 198, 18 December 2013.

 

SUNNY HOLIDAZE

I was sort of expecting December to blow in some cool breeze all over sunbaked metro Davao, but it seems like summer heat is still lurking around the corner.

Given that we’re facing bright and sunny holidays ahead, we might as well bask and sizzle in the season in great style --- starting with our eyewear.

Spectacles continue to be the craze among the hip and stylish. These glasses have gained their popularity through icons that graced the fashion and movie industry, decades and years over. All eyes have witnessed the evolution of this style staple, which, for some time, also became a status symbol. By retrospect, shades have added character to every look --- they complemented the classics, accessorized the ordinary, and polished the grunge.

In this day and age, sunspecs have gone past the caste sensitivity and has become reasonably more price-friendly for all to afford.  At this turning point, young entrepreneurs of this tech and trend savvy generation revolutionized street fashion, which paved way to the emergence of new brands that offered the complete getup at a competitive price.

Sunnies by Charlie: Retro Chic

Today’s most influential local eyewear brand, Sunnies by Charlie, took its cues from the growing demand for quality eyewear at a reasonable cost. Launched in early 2013, this brand grew out of the collaboration of four fantabulous friends --- Eric Dee Jr., Bea Soriano, Martine Cajucom, and Georgina Wilson.

A spin-off to the successful Charlie apparel brand, Sunnies by Charlie offers curated eyewear to suit the ever-changing tastes and moods of the contemporary market, all within an affordable price range. Classic-contemporary styles and unique frames makeup their collection which is named after celebrities and popular personalities like Jackie O, James Dean, Brooke Shields, and many more.

The brand’s design aesthetic is inspired by the 60’s and 70’s, with a bit of a modern twist. The visuals and branding employed for their ad campaign follow mid-century color stories and guerrilla style photography shot mainly on film.

 

Sunnies by Charlie stations are located in SM Mall of Asia and SM Southmall. Sunglasses are also sold in Charlie branches in SM North Edsa (The Block), SM San Lazaro, SM Fairview, Robinson’s Place Manila, and Robinsons Galleria.

Davaoeños can order online at http://zalora.com.ph/sunnies-by-charlie.
Visit the brand's official website at https://sunniesbycharlie.com/.

Getting the right fit: Which suits you best?

Not everything goes for all shapes and sizes. That’s a fact.

When choosing spectacles, you should always consider the shape of your face and the design of the frame. Here is a simple guide you can follow:

1.    Almost any style works for an OVAL FACE (balanced forehead, cheekbones and jaw).  

2.    Those with ROUND FACE (full cheekbones; narrow forehead and jaw) should avoid round frames and colored lenses. They can actually emphasize the shape of your face. Instead, stick to wide and rectangular frames.

3.    Round, oval, cat's-eye frames can give definition and balance to a SQUARE FACE (broad forehead; square jawline). Steer away from sharp geometric shapes.

4.    A HEART-SHAPED FACE (wide forehead and cheekbones; narrow chin) looks great with cat's-eye and round frames.  Say no to heavily embellished sunspecs.

5.    Oversize or wrap styles compliment the OBLONG SHAPED FACE (long face; narrow chin and cheeks). You can widen and shorten the look of your face with sunglass styles that do not extend beyond the cheekbone.

Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol.6 Issue 193, 11 December 2013.

A WOMAN OF THE FUTURE

 

“I like my money right where I see it… hanging in my closet.” That’s the Carrie Bradshaw in most modern day women, talking. Women nowadays are fast becoming a strong force in the corporate scene, holding high positions which used to be associated to men. Women comprise more than 50% of the labor force, which goes to show that we are competent enough to look after our own needs. Having that stable income gives us the independence and purchasing power to invest in material things and enjoy a bit luxury. With all this economic power, however, comes greater responsibility, for your finances, and for the next generation.

Easy comes, easy goes. Money is just as easily expended as food. Same goes with our job: Nothing is permanent. We need to invest our money wisely and manage our priorities in life. While there is nothing immoral in indulging ourselves with branded clothing, shoes, or bags, we should also try and save something for our future.

Yes, ladies. Regardless of your age, financial or domestic status, life insurance is usually necessary. Whether you’re married or single, divorced or widowed - starting your career or approaching retirement — the time to get more involved in your investments is now. More often than not, men and women have a difficult time confronting their own mortality. The fact of the matter is each one of us is going to die. Avoiding this fact doesn't change the inevitable. Aside from equitable inheritance for your heirs or children, life insurance can also provide you money to help pay expenses and generate more income. It can even give you benefits which you can enjoy during your lifetime.

As a single mom, I have become more conscious of how much I spend on myself in order to set aside a enough for my daughter’s future. I certainly do not want to leave our future to chance.

A woman of the future

Most women have this natural gift to meet and adapt to the changing needs of society who want relational and holistic solutions, and this paved the way for women to find their calling in the insurance industry.

Kristin Veronica “Nina” Laurel Borromeo is one of them. As Area Manager for Pru Life U.K. and Managing Director of Borromeo Insurance Agency, her work encompasses representing recruitment, training, administration, management, and representation of the team in the Pru Life U.K. She is also a wife and mother of 2.

 

 

All in entrepreneurial spirit

“Before the year 2000, my husband and I were at a crossroads.  We had wanted to be able to achieve a few goals of having our own corporate office, a long-term enterprise which helps people and provide recognition for achievements and offers the option to travel both locally and abroad. We wanted a business we can hopefully turn over to our children.”

“My husband, Paul, received an invitation to listen to a business opportunity hosted by Allstate Life Insurance. He came home and we stayed up until 3 am talking about the possibilities. We did our due diligence and after two weeks decided to create our business.  We did not have the capital to put up the business right away and at that time, all we had was our home.  We decided to take a calculated risk, dive in with both feet, mortgaged our home for 1/4 of its value and created our organization with an initial manpower of 4 associates.”

“Our first office was a 100 square meter office space at the Josefina Building and after 5 years our office space grew to 235 square meters. As we could see that we were still in the process of expanding, we decided to construct our own office building at 11 Juna Avenue, to suit our needs and declare to our clients that we intend to stay for the long term. From a start-up group of 4 people, we are now more than 200 strong with 3 distinct groups operating in Metro Manila and Davao.”

“We set off on this vocation to help other people achieve the best. Seeing improvements in the lives of our colleagues alone is a great reward. A small smile and whisper that I have been instrumental as a source of inspiration is what drives me forward. To see my children aspire to be where we are at in the future, encapsulates why we do our mission whole heartedly; to be able to work with my husband, hand in hand, day in and out in an industry that rewards us handsomely by doing what is inherently good and create memories along the way, is living a dream.”

“My career path has long since revolved and evolved around education, whether it be through a human resources department, the academe or in our small businesses. Thus my direction has not changed at all, just the vehicle in which I use to educate our friends and colleagues.”

“Looking at my career, I will not be able to save the world by myself. I wish for people to give an opportunity an ear. What the worst that can happen?”

 

 

On life insurance

“Investment is a practice of trust and patience.  Once it is done with an educated decision, and done in the longer term, I believe it will always be for the better.”

“Our services offer clients the alternative to maximize their productivity and health now, by providing financial protection for themselves and their loved ones. I have realized that there are only two things that can happen to us in this world; either we leave too soon or live too long.  In both of these cases, we provide a back-up plan for disability, illness, accident, investments and of course life.”

“At this day and age, women and mothers need to think of the future. Independence does have a cost. As we become more and more productive, we maximize our abilities by investing for the long term to augment our retirement and our whims at a cost comfortable today. As the state of health changes due to the change in the environment, we protect our families from financial distress by investing in a program that provides for the cost of illness should it strike.  As our children's future relies on our own hands, I encourage women to provide for life protection so our dreams will live on even if we are no longer around.”

“With my exposure in Pru Life U.K. and the insurance industry, I have become more discerning on wants and needs, quality of service and long term use and potential.  These are parallel to what it is that we try to relay to our clients and colleagues.  As an example, I would prefer to purchase a sensible pair of good quality, but not necessarily name branded pumps, because it will serve the same purpose. Women should invest in knowing the alternatives and looking forward to a future of less worry. Less worry, less wrinkles.”

“We should not hesitate in investing. Strip down all the technicalities of life insurance and what it all boils down to is a concrete expression of Love.  To see dreams to fruition, to not leave the futures of children to chance, to provide for an illness fund and a dignified retirement, I believe is the work of love."

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 188, 04 December 2013.

 

CROSSFIT DMA: WHERE DAVAO ATHLETES ARE MADE

From personal time record, group shots, death defying routines, foodstagram and insta-reposts, chances are you’ve heard about the latest fitness craze that hit Davao City. Before you know it, CrossFit has become the “WO(r)D” of the day. It has gone beyond the level of what’s hip and trending. It even changed the common vocabulary on body conditioning. Gone are the days when the word “burp” only resonates the feeling of gastronomic satisfaction. Add 2 vowels and a consonant to that, the formula leads you to floor smackin’ drills dreaded by most ---otherwise called as “burpees”.  

What is CrossFit?

“CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program designed to improve one’s muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility,” explains Trent Pruett, certified trainer and founder of CrossFit DMA (Davao Made Athletes). The core concept of this is to keep the body guessing and adapting by perpetually changing the mix of movements which range from aerobic exercise, gymnastics (body weight exercises), and Olympic weight lifting. It is a collective take on activities we do on a daily basis and movements that aren't so applied by all like sports and military training. These are what we refer to as functional movements.” 

 

 

“WOD basically means Workout of the Day. Routine is our worst enemy because our muscles have good ‘memory’. They work only with what they already know, and sometimes we leave it at that. Results of routinely programs may be impressive at first, but soon you will hit the dreaded plateau. The rate your muscles burn fat and calories would remain stagnant and the progress to a fitter and stronger you will become slower. You have to condition yourself to think that there is always room for improvement. Our body is meant to adapt to anything, more so with varied movements. Here at CrossFit, we make sure we give you series of full body work out’s at the right amount of intensity. Once adapted, physical changes decrease or stop all together. In essence routine is the enemy.”

 

 

Here’s a short list of some of the basic movements that are done at the Box:
 

Body Weight Exercises

Air squat, Back extension, Hip Extension, Box jump, Burpee, Handstand push-up, Jump rope, Knees-to-elbows, L-sit, Lunge, Muscle-up, Ring dip, Pull-up, Push-up, Rope climb, Sit-up, Toes-to-bar

Distance movements

Running, Rowing

Movements with weights

Deadlift, Kettlebell swing, Press, Snatch, Squat, Sumo deadlift high pull, Thruster, Tire flip, Wallball

 

 

Building the community

 “My wife and I moved here for the purpose of sharing the good news to the locals. We wanted to share our faith in the Lord Jesus by building a community of believers. At the same time, we have this great passion for clean living and fitness. In a way, it is one of the ideals that guide us as Christians: Looking after the welfare of other people, not just ourselves. I got a certification to teach CrossFit and I realized it can be a platform for me to continue reaching out for welfare of others. With my co-trainer, Kevin, we built this Box with our own hands --- literally. You see, we are trained in welding metals and steel, so we used our skills in creating this space where we can gather people who are dedicated to fitness and health. It didn’t take long before things started to take shape --- this goes for both the Box and our team here at CrossFit DMA.”

 

“This is probably one sort of gym where the ‘me’ attitude don’t exist. We don’t warn off people from taking selfie’s, but I guess the kind of atmosphere we have here promotes so much interaction and camaraderie among boxmates that no one has the time to look at only himself. As you can see, we don’t have mirrors. That way, you won’t have to check on your form or face while working out. You’d then listen to your body and concentrate on the movements. Also, you can help spot how your boxmates are doing --- not to try to outdo him or her, but to check on how they can do better, to give encouragement. Here, no one competes with one another. We all support and cheer on everyone. Aside from sweating off the calories, we also campaign on healthy eating. After a few sessions, boxmates were able to develop the right attitude in choosing and planning what to eat. Right now, we have 150 people registered at the Box and we’re hoping we’ll be able to reach out to more --- all in the spirit of creating a healthier, happier, and stronger community.”

CrossFit DMA is located at 3rd floor, Consuelo Buidling, Km.6, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. For more information on WOD and how to register, please visit www.crossfitdavao.com or email amy@crossfitdavao.com.

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You might think CrossFit is dominated by the male population. On the contrary, females also run this world. Here are some career women and fellow mommies who are happy to give us insights on how CrossFit changed their body and lifestyle.

 

Carine Cabebe, fashion merchandiser and entrepreneur

“For someone who has never exercised regularly before, CrossFit sure turned out to be hell in the beginning. Halfway through the warm up, I was already asking myself ‘Are you sure you want to finish the WOD?!’ I was determined to start being healthy and fit, so I pushed myself. I had the lowest number of reps, with the rest having more than twice as much. At the end of the day, I was so proud of myself for being able to endure the entire workout.”

 

“That great satisfaction convinced me to enroll for a full package. I go to the Box once or twice a week. Since then, I have noticed that my body has become more firm. Also my metabolism has significantly improved.”

 

Kat Reambillo, trade communications and media relations specialist
“I usually go to the Box 5 times a week. Because of CrossFit, I became leaner and have gained lean muscle mass. Not bulky, just lean. CrossFit says is all about GPP (general physical preparedness) and functional fitness. Day-to-day tasks are easier whether they're going through 10 flights of stairs, carrying your kids, running 5k on a whim and climbing up your house's gate because you're locked out. I would say CrossFit prepares you for everything!

Because of Crossfit, you also gain new circle of friends in boxes from all over the world! Your boxmates become your support system. They will be the same people who would cheer for you, teach you, and share your pain.”

 

 

 

 

Marga Rey, advertising professional

“Since September, I've been going to the box twice a week and I’ve found that doing CrossFit regularly lessens the post-workout soreness, improves my energy and overall disposition. I’m not sure if my performance has improved, but I think I’m getting less pathetic. Our CrossFit trainers also introduced us to the Paleo Diet and challenged us to forgo grains, sugar and processed food for 30 days. This taught me how to cook my own food, make better food choices (e.g. camote > rice), and has helped me lose a few pounds and inches.”

Carine Bacani, professional makeup artist

“I have a lot of friends in Manila that do CrossFit so I knew what the workout is all about. It didn't shock me since I work out regularly, but it was definitely tough and tiring. I just continue to challenge myself, aiming to get better with each WOD.”

 

“As a mom of two toddlers, the most noticeable change after CrossFit is how I can easily pick up my children and carry them longer. CrossFit has also cured my chronic back pain by strengthening my core muscles. Since I do the WOD in the mornings, it gives me more energy throughout the day.”

 

Stephanie Ong, entrepreneur

“Initially, it was nerve-wracking because I didn't know what to expect. The exercises are very basic but because of the repetition, it requires extreme strength and stamina. I felt nauseous after my first experience but exhilarated at the same time because I completed the task. I only visit once a week because I try to balance it with other forms of exercise.

I've noticed that my arms and legs have become stronger. I no longer feel nauseous after every exercise. But more than the physical improvements, I enjoy the feeling of camaraderie (and friendly competition) among the CrossFitters."

 

 

 

 

 

--- Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1 and A2, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 183, 27 November 2013.