The Essential MomMeCation
We can liken ourselves to a gas tank, we can’t provide fuel nor energy if our tank is empty.We’re like an ATM machine, we can’t withdraw funds from zero balance.We can even be compared to a soda bottle that’s been left open, we can’t expect the same fizz and flavor for life if we’ve just been working our caps (heads) off. It's true you know, we can't give others what we don't have for ourselves.Adding to the cliche “Motherhood is a full time job”, motherhood requires 100%, and that is in terms of energy, presence, focus, and time. Sure, sometimes we can only give less of each one at certain times, like when we working moms have days split up at a 50-50 work and home ratio. Sometimes, the balance even tips off more towards the work side. That’s life, and that’s fine, as long as we know that even then, the 100% is still required, that our bodies and minds may be on other essentials, but our hearts and thoughts are with our children, always.That’s what I think at least. For those who know me, I’m a super busy mommy bee all the time, around 340 days out of the year (we try not to work the last weeks of December so that isn’t counted). Out of those 340 days, the fifth month of the year is always the busiest and craziest. It is in May that we hold our big event handled by our events agency, Creative Juice, Make Your own Havaianas (which just had it’s tenth year run, Obrigada!) It is also the month where we hold our biggest event for Mommy Mundo which is Expo Mom! This would also be the last month before the kids go back to school and we need to maximize the time with them, and finally, there’s ME. Factoring time for myself is also important to me, so there’s a need for time to get some pampering at Facial Care, get my treatments in Marie France, do yoga, or just have some quiet time alone. During May, I know it will be a challenge to get all these to-dos and should do’s in, so there’s that perennial battle of heart and mind, of wanting to be everywhere, doing everything I want and need to do, but stuck with only 1 body, 2 legs, 2 arms and 24 hours in a day.So I always “brace” myself for the month of May, and prepare myself, the office, kids and household for it weeks in advance because the balance will be almost fully titled on the work side and abruptly tipping to the other without predictability. It’s been this way for years, but because of some stroke of luck, this year was different because of an invitation I received from Manila’s most established hotels known for its heritage and charm, The Peninsula Manila.The email came serendipitously, and one word popped out from the screen, “MomMeCation”… a Mom-me-cation! A new term but I knew exactly what it meant and it was exactly what I needed! I looked up at Gary while reading the email to see his reaction and without batting an eyelash he said, “Go! You deserve it!”. I wrote an acceptance email and gleefully pressed “send”. I was starting to plan out in my head how I’ll make the most of those 48 hours by myself when my sister, Jaymie, texted and said she was invited too! So we were both excited and promised to incorporate some sister bonding time into the plans. The MomMeCation dates fell simultaneous with some dates of MYOH and while I knew Gary, our events head Ralph, and the Creative Juice team would be in total control, I also felt it was a blessing that Peninsula is just a leisurely walk away Glorietta where the event would be held.Check-in day finally arrived! Jaymie and I had set our kids up for a sleepover at my house so the cousins could enjoy each others’ company while we were away and not miss us too much (as if!).My bag was packed, I left instructions with the helpers at home, kissed Gary and the kids goodbye, and off to The Peninsula I went. Upon arrival, I was greeted with the whole team at the hotel, and handed a beautiful bouquet of flowers along with keys to my suite for the evening. I was escorted up to my suiteand revelled in the space, a 1-bedroom master suite, all to myself.I immediately kicked off my shoes, figuratively and literally,
and felt the warm welcome through these unexpected thoughtful gestures from the Peninsula team
Sweet confections prepared for us plus a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial champagne
A monogrammed thick cotton robe laid out for me!
How can one not feel at home here. This photo kept me connected. Knowing that my taking this time away, is also for THEIR benefit.I loved that the suite had a separate baggage and dressing area
a luxurious bath
with timeless fixtures to boot
my very own king-size bed (a real treat and luxury for this co-sleeping mama!)
Plus an itinerary schedule that made me feel like a VIP
As if the room itself wasn't relaxing enough, you get another dose of tranquility just looking out the window.
After settling in, we had sister time with our chocolates and bubbly.
Happy to share this experience with JaymieWe had a suite assigned to each of us, and Peninsula so thoughtfully mentioned that we can opt to have our families come and join us. Knowing that the kids would love to stay at this luxury suite, we thought of asking our kids if they wanted to come over. Of course, the cousins wanted to come over but still wanted to sleep together stay together, so they stayed at Jaymie’s living room. With the kids just bonding in the room, we got all dressed up and were treated to a delicious dinner in the Spices Restaurant. It was a fun evening amidst great company, delicious food, and good conversation.
The moms' night out capped off at Salon de Ning, also at the ground floor of the hotel.
In the company of mom friends who were also enjoying their MomMeCations:) Jackie, my sister Jaymie, myself, Neva, Ruth and Shen :)(Thanks, Ruth, for the photo!)
It was so nice to meet Mariano Garchitorena, PR director of Peninsula, and the very 'popular' Stefano of Salon de Ning.Just like some fairy tale, before the clock struck midnight,we were all up in our suites…not because we were to turn into pumpkins but because our hosts were sensitive enough to prod us to enjoy our quiet time in our suites.Plus they were eager to show us the surprise notes from our families that they tucked under our door. Such a sweet gesture!
Gary’s note, reminding me to make the most of this timeKnowing the kids were right across the hall, I admit those familiar pangs of mom guilt were starting to poke at my heart.
But then I knew they were okay and having fun, and even my kids wanted to give me my space, so the guilt eventually dissipated and I was able to enjoy my glorious me time, but not before Zach snapped a shot of me in my own king size bed, silky sheets , fluffy pillows…
Good night world!The next morning, I awoke feeling fresh and well rested. I kept the room the whole time I was there. I didnt even turn on the tv. My ears were practically ringing because of the silence and I loved it. I extended my me-time to morning and decided to have my breakfast served in my room. Check out my morning spread
All my fave breakfast fare- ham and eggs, fresh fruits, cereal, bread basket, butter and fruit jam, cereal, hot tea.After getting my fill, it was time for my massage and I headed down to the Peninsula spa located at the Fitness Center.
Going to this pampering session, I did not know what to expect as I enjoy weekly massages at home and love our family masseuse. With a set standard, I wondered if the Pensinsula therapist can match my expectations, and she did! After an hour, she was able to get the tight knots in my shoulders and neck loosened up, aches and pains relieved, with just the right pressure, while being sensitive to my wrist injury.Now it felt like a perfect day.
We ended with a final lunch at the famous lobby of the hotel. Having grown up in Makati, being in this space again brought back memories of ice cream dates and halo-halo sessions with family and friends. I love how they were able to preserve its luxurious interiors, its old world charm, and maintain the quality and standard of its facilities, service, and care for its guests.Lunch was superb
especially the dessert which is as delectable as it looks.
My MomMeCation was a memorable experience that not only refreshed my mind and body, but filled my heart with gratitude. It also served as a strong reminder of the importance of taking time for ourselves, recharge oour batteries, giving time for #selfcare (as my MomManifesto co-creator, Ichel Alignay, advocates).
When people ask me how I “do it”, referring to how I am able to balance my time as a mom and mompreneur, I would say that this is one of the secrets. Work hard, play hard. Give the best to your passions, to your dreams and goals, to your loved ones, but give the same value to yourself. Make time to refill your emotional love banks. Make sure you regularly RRR (rest, relax and refresh). With this #MomMeCation, my tank was back to full, I felt balanced again and couldn’t wait to get back to my hubby and kids after spending time with one of my favorite people, myself! (wink!)Thank you so much, The Peninsula Manila for the experience and for creating this package that gives value to me and my fellow moms!
Here's more about The Peninsula Manila’s MomMeCation package:Benefits:• Daily buffet breakfast for two (2) persons served in Escolta• 60-minute supervised workout at The Fitness Centre and Spa with a personal trainer for two (2) persons, once per stay• One round of MomMeCation-themed cocktails in Salon de Ning for two persons, once per stay• 60-minute Swedish or Shiatsu massage at The Fitness Centre and Spa for one person, once per stay. A 30% discount shall be extended to the second person.• PHP 1,000 dining credit to be used at The Lobby, once per stay• A beauty gift from Rustan’s for one person, once per stayValid from May until December 30, 2015, the MomMeCation Package starts at P 11,500 per night in a Deluxe Room. Packages for a Grand Deluxe Room or a Premiere Suite are also available.To inquire or to make a reservation:Call: +63 (2) 887-2888, extension 6630 (Room Reservations)E-mail: reservationpmn@peninsula.comWebsite: http://manila.peninsula.com/en/special-offers/MomMeCationFacebook: The Peninsula ManilaInstagram: @thepeninsulamanilaTwitter: @thepeninsulamnl