My husband and I recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary at Solaire Resort North, and I still can’t believe it’s been a decade already! To mark this milestone, we wanted a family getaway without the hassle of leaving the city. With our eldest busy with school in the morning, an out-of-town trip just wasn’t practical….
Author: Gwen Llana Serrano
Gwen is a mother to two beautiful girls and runs a content writing agency, NGS Communications (www.ngscomms.com). Balancing motherhood and business, she embraces her phlegmatic nature by savoring unhurried mornings and calm weekends. Gwen also loves to travel, daydream, and sing.
Replaceable Except at Home
For some time now, I’ve been quietly grieving the slow death of my freelance writing career. It’s not easy to admit, but I’ve lost many of my long-time clients due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). I don’t blame them, nor do I blame the technology. In fact, I’ve seen firsthand how efficient and useful AI can…
Anko Trinoma: Discover Stylish, Affordable Finds for Every Filipino Home
Good news for shoppers in the North! The much-loved Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko has officially opened its newest and largest store in the Philippines at TriNoma Mall in Quezon City. If you’re a mom who loves one-stop shops for all things home, kids, and lifestyle, then Anko Trinoma is your next go-to destination. Stepping into Anko Trinoma feels like entering a wonderland of…
What Jaw Pain Taught Me About Stress: Dealing with Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ Disorder
Is there an object you can’t sleep without? You’d probably say blanket, pillow, or your pajamas. But for me, it’s a mouthguard. It might sound odd to most of you, but every night before I sleep, I make sure to wear a mouthguard. No, I don’t have a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao in my…
Declutter with Purpose: Where to Donate Items That No Longer Spark Joy
You might have been inspired by Marie Kondo to declutter and put your house in order. But here’s the next question: Where do you put those items that no longer spark joy? That’s always my dilemma whenever I feel the urge to declutter. I don’t want to simply throw things away and add to the…
Having Children is Not the End of Our Freedom
I often think that things are more difficult for me nowadays because I have children. I turn down work opportunities if they don’t offer the time flexibility I need as a parent. I skip adult socials because I either can’t leave the girls behind or it’s just too stressful to bring them along. I can’t…
La Jolla Bataan Review: A Family-Friendly Beach Resort Near Manila
My husband had an office team outing at La Jolla Hotel and Beach Resort, a beautiful family-friendly destination tucked away in Bagac, Bataan. And of course, our daughter and I happily tagged along—because…why not? 😄 It was our first time at La Jolla Bataan, and we were excited to experience what this beachfront haven had to offer….
Family Fun at Canyon Woods: A Kid-Friendly Getaway in Batangas
Before the hustle of another school year, our family made time for our annual bonding trip — this time at Canyon Woods Resort Club in Batangas. Coinciding with our mother’s birth month, it was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled holiday at this kid-friendly resort near Metro Manila. We arrived earlier than the standard 2…
What Parents Need to Know About Mpox or Monkeypox in the Philippines: A Mom’s Quick Guide
One of our biggest concerns as parents is keeping our children safe and healthy—especially with the growing number of illnesses going around these days. Just recently, I came across reports about a rise in cases of Mpox in the Philippines, particularly in parts of Mindanao, with over a dozen cases recorded this month alone. Finding…
Our Search for Best Playschools in Quezon City
As a mom of two, I’m starting to enter a new parenting season. Time flew, and our youngest is now a toddler. While she’s blessed to have her big sis as a constant playmate at home, I know she also needs a bigger social circle of little ones her age. That’s why I’ve started looking…
Hotel Casiana Tagaytay: A Fun, Kid-Friendly Staycation Spot for Families
For my birthday celebration this year, we decided to have a family staycation at a kid-friendly hotel, Hotel Casiana Tagaytay. Since we brought the girls to Yoki’s Farm in Cavite that day, we thought it would be the perfect chance to turn it into an overnight trip. After rounds of online searching for family-friendly accommodations…
When the Roads Turn Tragic: A Parent’s Reflection on Safety, Worry, and Trust
In the Philippines, the start of May 2025 wasn’t as encouraging as we had hoped. On May 1st, a highly anticipated holiday was overshadowed by devastating news. A multi-vehicle collision along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway claimed ten lives—including four children—and injured over 37 others. Social media was flooded with images and headlines. A toddler miraculously survived, but both…