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Events

5 Things I learned from Life and South X Molito

I have this friend Mia.

I met her when I had been blogging for about a year or so, and she gifted me with So True Natural soaps for my kiddos. During that first lunch that we shared in Molito, I remember thinking to myself how quickly that meal went from an introduction to feeling like a catch-up sesh with an old friend.

Flash forward to 2017 where I see my friend team up with HER girlfriends/support group to start sharing some goodness in this very small world that we live in called Manila.

They are all entrepreneurs. They are all mommas. They are all Proudly Filipina.

They also all live in this little bubble which we call “The South.” 

Together, they are called Life and South. 

This past Saturday, they invited another group of women to learn more about Ito Kish, for their second installment of “Life and South.”

It was an afternoon spent learning the story behind Ito’s brand while noshing at Un Cuenca’s afternoon buffet and sipping on Sangria.

Because Molito was the host of this gathering, guests enjoyed two establishments which I have always seen packed to the brim with people on Friday and Saturday nights.

I was excited to be among the select few guests to enjoy the company of other women and of course to hear more about Ito’s story and his journey as one of the most sought after designers in his field. This handsome fella of 54 years was as down to earth as he was charming. His honesty while sharing his story, his inspiration, and what continues to drive him, left me feeling inspired, and even more in awe of the man that built his brand which has been internationally awarded and lauded as an industry leader. 

Photo Credit: Silver Linings Photography

Apol opened up the very loosely planned program by asking all of us to bring forth our exchange gifts. (Part of the invitation was to bring something that spoke of you, or your business.) I thought this was a brilliant way for each of the ladies to showcase the work that we all do. 

We introduced ourselves by presenting an exchange gift for the person who came before us in a lottery style drawing. This was the time for each of us to share snippets of who we are and what we represent. Many of the women are involved in more than one business, endeavor, or cause, so it was really interesting to see the wide range of ladies that this five-some brought together, making it a quintessential networking mixer.

I was happy to share some homemade goodies from my kitchen exemplifying a little bit of who I am. From the apple dish towel signifying that I am from New York, to the three different spreads which can be used for pandesal during brunch, my favorite meal, and the Best Buddies Philippines refrigerator magnet, I knew that whomever received my exchange gift would certainly have created a small understanding of who I am, and where I am from. (Shucks. I realize only now, that I didn’t take a photo!)

“Early Birds sat at one table together. How lucky was I to be sitting with the likes of Zara Juan, Maricel Cua, and Len Cabili!

After the gift exchanges, we were given time to mix and mingle with the other ladies in attendance. Seeing as how I was seated with some pretty amazing women already, I knew that the rest of the women would certainly offer me more insight and tidbits of knowledge than I wouldn’t normally have access to.

When everyone settled in for their late lunch, Apol invited Ito to share parts of his story. With the casual and warm program style, and from what I gather that Apol and Ito are close friends, it started out as more of a question and answer forum.

From Ito’s sharing, I felt like I could put together some really important principles that I was reminded of while listening to his journey.

Photo Credit: Silver Linings Photography

Never forget where you came from.

Ito really began at his very humble beginning. He shared what it was like growing up in a small town where his mother was a elementary school teacher, and his father a security guard in the local high school. He shared what it was like growing up in a family where gender roles and stereotypes were alive and well and honored. He shared how he found his creativity as an escape to the unhappy parts of his childhood.

This creativity would later be fueled and furthered when he landed a job at The Cultural Center of the Philippines as an usher.

Surround yourself with people you can learn from.

This part of Ito’s story reminded me of my own. The Cultural Center of the Philippines opened up a whole new world for Ito. He experienced culture and met people whom he said he would have never have been given the opportunity to meet and this expanded more than just his horizons. It reminded him that while he may have come from simple beginnings, he had the power and the choice to bring himself to a place where he could be proud of all of his successes in life.

When I was younger, I was given different opportunities that expanded my horizons as well. Throughout each of these opportunities I grew into a different person, and my ideals changed. The people who I chose to surround myself with changed as well. Things shifted. And I evolved.

It’s all in the sharing of our stories.

Sharing is CARING.

Ito shared this part of his story and how much he grew through this job. He knew it wasn’t going to be his career, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But it provided him an opportunity to grow. To expand. To become more than he was before. 

If you are like me, you are looking for opportunities to do the same. I am a self-proclaimed “work in progress.” I do not know everything about anything. I am constantly changing, and looking for new opportunities to grow and make the most of this journey that we are on. 

I do that by asking others about THEIR stories.

Everyone has a story.

I was humbled and inspired by Ito’s story.

Therefore, his story somehow inspires my own story…and hopefully, yours, if you are reading this post.  

Photo Credit: Silver Linings Photography

You define your version of SUCCESS.

I used to visit Ito’s shop in the LRI building. I loved going into his shop for inspiration. Somehow, I have had this notion that if I have small children, there are just some things that don’t belong in my home. I love pretty things, but there is a practical side to me which I cannot ignore. Especially, after having children.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to visit his storefront in Greenbelt. But whenever I would visit the LRI building I would make it a point to browse in Kish before leaving, to look for different ways I could change up my living space. Truth is, Nino is the one with the eye for interior decor, while I feel so much more at home in the kitchen and setting the tablescape for the evening. I love all the different ways I can dress up my table and make my food more appealing, even if that just means serving it on a pretty plate.

So one things that surprised me when Ito was sharing the different parts of his story that surrounded the opening and closing of his different storefronts, was not whether or not Ito enjoyed having partners, or whether or not he was seen as an in demand Interior Designer. “Making it” in the industry can be interpreted by so many different people in so many different ways. 

Success for Ito comes in providing inspiration for others. Even after he has decided to close the doors to his storefront, he still continues to do what he loves, offering others the opportunity to make their homes beautiful and comfortable in their own eyes.

Which leads me to my next reminder from Ito.

Surround yourself with what makes you happy.

When Ito was younger, he would earn a little extra money by making yema to sell to his classmates. After one particularly trying day, Ito really just wanted to feel better about his surroundings. He came from a home where his mom was the sole bread winner and she provided for the family on her meager public school teacher’s salary.

Because Ito had earned and saved his own money from his makeshift yema making business, he bought pastel wrapping paper and proceeded to make his living space something he would be happy to come home to. So he “wallpapered” the interior of his very modest home with this pretty pastel wrapping paper and he knew then, at that young age of 11 or 12, that he would find a way to inspire others to change the way they lived too.

So, if I want take charge of my own happiness in my relationships, my parenting, my business, my advocacy, and in my life there is one last thing that Ito shared, which I think is one of most important messages that he shared.

Calculated risk is a necessity.

I may have taken this quote out of context.

Sorry. Not sorry.

But if I am to be reminded of some life lesson, or even morsels of insight, I must remove the “business” aspect of this actual quote that came from a conversation that Ito was having with Apol.

While I do believe in taking calculated risks in business, I also believe that these same risk taking characteristics should be applied in life.

You know how we take calculated risks in LIFE?

Step outside your comfort zone.

But wait. Does that mean I have to leave the south more often?

hehehehe.

After Ito’s inspiring talk, we all moved next door to Ralph’s Wine and Spirits. 

These Life and South ladies really know how to show their guests a good time. 

 

@lifeandsouth moves on to @ralphswines1975 to learn more about wines. Here we are starting with #Cava! Cheers! #lifeandsouth #lifeandsouthxmolito #ralphswineandspirits #motherswhobrunch

A post shared by Mothers Who Brunch (@motherswhobrunch) on Jul 29, 2017 at 2:01am PDT

My notes were not as in depth after the third glass of wine served us by Ronnie (Ralph’s brother) and Adie, but I can tell you, that I have a new found appreciation for wine because of Ronnie’s elaborate explanations about grapes, what regions each bottle was from, and what food we can serve with each bottle of fermented fruit.

Note to self: I would like to repeat this part of the event over just one more time…this time taking better notes, perhaps pictures of each wine label, and perhaps even what to serve, so that my take home tidbits could have at least been shared with Nino, as I know he would like to learn more about wine too.

Instead, Nino and I (with the kids) had dinner in another Molito favorite restaurant of ours, where I continued with some more happy vibes (and a little bit of sake) calling it an early night, so I was well rested for the next day.

Thanks Life and South for an afternoon well spent!

If you want to find out more about what these lovely ladies are up to follow them on Instagram. 

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We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
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From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
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Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

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Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith toda I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith today with some university students. 

I have shared my testimony with other mommas, women in our community, and parents through this platform and others. It’s always come naturally and has often ended in tears of gratitude and joy for His faithfulness and unending LOVE. 

Of course, sharing parts of myself with others who may find it helpful is a privilege. But for some reason, I am always just a little bit anxious and apprehensive right before I am about to present parts of my story.

Perhaps today, I’m anxious because the format for how I will share is a bit different, I won’t have the comforts I have gotten used to since working from home. Instead I’ll print some cue cards for myself so I can stay on task and within my given time period. 

I love the opportunity this endeavor has given me, to reflect on His presence in my life. He’s been there all along, even if I didn’t know it. I love the understanding that I can have these intimate conversations with my Creator knowing that He has plans for me. He loves me. He knows all the hairs on my head. And that He knows what I need to fulfill my purpose.

This doesn’t mean I won’t have challenges, or times when I feel broken in my life and faith. In fact, there have been many times where my faith has faltered. All of it just means that He is fortifying me through each and every lesson. He is allowing me to create a greater understanding of who I am, where I am supposed to be, and how He will get me there.

Do you share parts of your faith here?
What does that look like?

#ThoughtfulThursday #faith #thoughtful 
#sharingiscaring
Brunch feels with beautiful ingredients. Tous Les Brunch feels with beautiful ingredients.

Tous Les Jours Toasted Ciabatta with toppings for everyone.

Exhibit A: Miso Peanut Butter Chickpea Salad with grated hard boiled eggs and fried onion strips
Exhibit B: Herbed Cream Cheese with Avocados and Everything But The Bagel seasoning
Exhibit C: Whipped Peanut Butter with Raspberry Merlot Peppercorn Jam and fresh berries

Thankfully, I was able to have a bite of each one. I cannot choose. Which one would you call dibs on?

A  B  or C?
If you love #Brunch and seafood the way I do, then If you love #Brunch and seafood the way I do, then this Seafood Tower @jonesalldayph will tempt your tummy and make your tastebuds sing. 🎶

You’re welcome! 🤗
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Definitely not enough time with these two!!!
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