Don’t let this happen to your baby. Protect against rotavirus by 6 months of age.

One out of 2 hospi ta l i zat ions for d iar rhea and vomit ing is caused by rotav i rus 2, wh i ch a f fec t s bab ies a s young as 3 months o f age 1. Bu t ro tav i rus i n fec t ion i s h igh l y p reventab le 3. The f i r s t 6 months i s the t ime to p ro tec t you r baby. Don ’t m i s s the chance . Ask you r doc to r about ro tav i rus p revent ion today.

References: 1. Glass R. Et al. Rotarvirus Vaccines: current prospects and future changes, The Lancet 2006; 368:323-32. 2. Bresee JS et al.Emerg Infect Dis 2004; 10(6) 988-995. 3. Clark HF et al. Vaccines. 4th edition (USA): 2004; Chapter 51:1327-1345.

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Every year, 2.4 million babies

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Don’t let this happen to your baby. Protect against rotavirus by 6 months of age.

One out of 2 hospi ta l i zat ions for d iar rhea and vomit ing is caused by rotav i rus 2, wh i ch a f fec t s bab ies a s young as 3 months o f age 1. Bu t ro tav i rus i n fec t ion i s h igh l y p reventab le 3. The f i r s t 6 months i s the t ime to p ro tec t you r baby. Don ’t m i s s the chance . Ask you r doc to r about ro tav i rus p revent ion today.

References: 1. Glass R. Et al. Rotarvirus Vaccines: current prospects and future changes, The Lancet 2006; 368:323-32. 2. Bresee JS et al.Emerg Infect Dis 2004; 10(6) 988-995. 3. Clark HF et al. Vaccines. 4th edition (USA): 2004; Chapter 51:1327-1345.

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Every year, 2.4 million babies

The holiday season is a time of rebirth and wonder, so we found it apt to feature glowing expectant mom, Akiko Thomson-Guevara.  Akiko and her husband will be a new mom and dad by Christmas time, and with their baby’s birth will come a whole new life and source of joy for them. 

Akiko, like all moms, will have her own birth-story to tell.  How was your pregnancy? How many hours were you in labor? Did you go for epidural? Did your baby cry loudly? Read the birth stories of other urban moms on page 10 and remember your own day of miracles: the day you became a mother.

Like a newborn baby, may we enter another brand new year, with clear minds and pure hearts and crying out with gusto, “Watch out world, here I come!”

P.S. As of editorial time, Akiko has given birth to baby Noah. All the best, Akiko!

Note From The Editor

CONTACT USFor inquiries, call 470.9925 or 0918.930.0313 or email, urbanmom.magazine@gmail.com

Urban Mom is a lifestyle freezine for young, modern moms. Material appearing here may not be reproduced in print or electronically without written permission from the publisher and without proper credit. Urban Mom is published by MommyMundo, a division of Creative Juice Communications, Inc.www,mommymundo.com

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEFJanice Crisostomo-Villanueva

MARKETINGMicky DarantinaoTiffany de Guzman

Pauline FlavierDiane Nikolai Lopez

ADMINISTRATIVEAngela De LunaArnel Banares

PUBLISHERSGary M. Villanueva

Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva

UrbanMom

Janice Villanueva

DEC-JAN 2010 | VOL 2 NO. 4

CONTRIBUTORCover story by Jing Lejano

CREATIVE CONSULTANTJaymie Crisostomo-Pizarro

PHOTOGRAPHYJohn Mateos Ong of ImagineNation

Photography

LAYOUTAnna Gutierrez

Welcoming my third child, Coby and Zach’s baby sister, Reese, May 2006

THE FORMER OLYMPIAN, AKIKO THOMSON-GUEVARA TAKES ON HER MOST CHALLENGING FEAT-RAISING HER FIRSTBORN

WRITTEN BY JING LEJANOPHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MATEOS ONG OF IMAGINE NATION PHOTOGRAPHY

HAIR AND MAKE UP BY JEN CABRIANAWARDROBE BY HAB & MORE

URBANMOTHERThe birth of a child is always a much-awaited occasion, especially for the mother who has borne him for the most part of the year. “Nine months seems like a long gestation period but then again, God must’ve de-signed it that way to give us enough time to adjust to the major life change,” says Akiko Thomson.

Of course, we all know Akiko, the excellent swimmer who won our hearts and fueled our country’s Olympian dreams. Akiko would eventually work behind the swim meets, you might say, going on to become a sportscaster, working for the Philippine Amateur Swimming Asso-ciation, and now heading the Philippine Sports Commission.

These days, however, Akiko is more concerned with breastfeed-ing and diapers than yardage and best times. At the time of the interview, she was preparing for the birth of her first child, an event which has brought untold joys to her and husband, Chips Guevara.

Unlike most expectant women, Akiko was fortunate enough not to have experienced all those unpleasant things that accom-pany pregnancy. No nausea and

no throwing up for this world-class swimmer. She says, “I am very fortunate and blessed, I had no real symptoms whatsoever but fatigue. I was tired and resting a lot but no cravings... I sometimes wondered if I was really pregnant.”

It helped that her husband was by her side, always. Together, they took the Bradley Course, which teaches expectant parents about the natural child-birth method, with Chiqui Brosas. Akiko also de-voured a variety of books so that she has an idea of what to expect during her pregnancy and beyond.

But the best bits of wisdom, she heard from family and friends: “Get lots of rest before the baby comes, the first three months will be challenging and sleepless. Date my husband and enjoy these last few weeks or months of ‘just us’.”

Recalling the time when she first found out about her interest-ing condition, Akiko says, “I’m normally very regular with my monthly cycle and was delayed.

So we took a pregnancy test and voila! We were elated.”

It was something we welcomed and wanted.”

“ I know we’ll want to be very much involved in his life as he is in ours, just as my parents were.”

Dreaming the days awayFor now, all of the couple’s energy is focused on the baby. Akiko is literally counting the days till she gets to meet her babe. “Having a life growing and moving in you is pretty surreal, and such a blessing for women. I’ve found the last stretch to be a little uncomfortable and long. You’re big, not moving the way you normally do, and so excited to meet the little guy,” she says.

Akiko is very much prepared for the many changes that will happen once the little guy arrives: less sleep, less me time, less we time, more hugs, more kisses, more love.

And it can’t be helped that Chips ad Akiko are dreaming all sorts of dreams for their little one. Apart from wishing that their child grow up loving life, animals, and the great outdoors, they hope to raise an active, conscientious, and loving child who is God-fearing and knows the value of hard work. Akiko says, “Chips would love it if he were an engineer so they can tinker around, creating things together.”

“I know we’ll want to be very much involved in his life as he is in ours, just as my parents were.”

Entrepreneurial pursuitsHer pregnancy progressing with ease, Akiko was able to stay on top of her duties at PSC.

She says, “I’m in the office pretty much every day but not the whole day, so I’m still able to rest if I need to, exercise, and stay involved in my other interests.”

Among her interests: Akiko’s attempts to be more entrepreneurial. Recently, she partnered with a friend and her sister to bring in John Robshaw, a luxurious line beddings and fabrics made by textile artisans from all over Asia. The brand is now available at Ethan Allen and Tempur stores.

Akiko says, however, that she is more of a silent partner more than anything else. She says, “My husband is very much the entrepreneur. I’m quite proud of all the different projects that my husband is involved in, and admire very much how he handles people.” (See our sidebar to know more about Chips’s latest venture)

She adds, “I suppose I am his number one fan, listening ear, sound board, and encourager.”

Cooking oil for your car, anyone? Yes, you read that right, cooking oil. Chips Guevarra, Akiko’s husband, has come up with a ground-breaking technology that has diesel engines running on used cooking oil. Yes, used cooking oil, the kind that you’d just throw away.

Chips’ technology has several advantages. Targeted for jeepneys, it will provide cheap fuel while helping reduce pollution. And because used cooking oil is a carbon neutral fuel, Chips says, “We do not contribute to GHG’s (Green-house Gases) that cause global warming. This is my contribution to stopping global warming. It is my hope that the fast food companies and restaurants, and even petroleum companies will jump in and join the fight to stop global warming.”

As a father-to-be, Chips has extended his social entreprenuership towards building awareness on the effects of polluted air on expectant women and their unborn child. He quotes an article from www.time.com:

“The kind and quantity of nutrition you received in the womb; the pollutants, drugs and infections you were exposed to during gestation; your mother’s health, stress level and state of mind while she was pregnant with you — all these factors shaped you as a baby and a child and continue to affect you to this day.” According to purveyors of a field known as fetal origins, “the conditions we encounter in utero, according to shape our susceptibility to disease, our appetite and metabolism, our intelligence and temperament.” - www.time.com, “How the First Nine Months Shape the Rest of Your Life”, September 2010

For more information,visit www.veggieoilcar.com.ph.

The day I went into labour, I actually didn’t know I was in labour. I went to our doctor for a regular check-up, and literally 10 seconds into the internal exam, my OB was exclaiming that I was already 3-4cm dilated. Since we lived really near the hospital, she let us go home first. So we went home, gathered the rest of our things and went to Greenbelt 5 to do more walking. After an hour of walking, I was contracting every 3-7mins so I called my doctor and she told us to go to the hospital already. I was admitted to one of Makati Med’s birthing rooms at about 6pm - and I progressed pretty quickly, by 9pm, I was 6cm dilated. At this point, although I could handle the pain, I was given an epidural because once I got there I had decided that I wanted epidural during birth. So then, I got stuck at 6cm for the next 6 hours. By early morning July 27 around 430am or so, it was finally time to push. After just 3 pushes, Tala gave a little cry and then stopped to take a good look around her - she had her eyes wide open! When they laid her on my chest, she looked up and then reached up and touched her hand to my face (she still does this until now). I guess I was wired from the medicine, because I didn’t cry, instead I just wanted to smile until my face cracked wide open and to just literally giggle with joy. She was (and still is) the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. Tala Illyana was born 27th of July at 5:42am. 4 months later, we can’t imagine life without her.

-Kaye Carag-Platon, mom of Tala

I was scheduled for a repeat c-section but Gab wanted to surprise me and came a day before my birthday. I went into extremely painful labor at 2am and rushed to the hospital. I thought that this time around I would be spared from the dreaded labor pains since my birth was scheduled, but Gab had other plans. Since this was the second time around, I was more relaxed. Gab came as the best birthday gift.

-Ines Lovina, mom of Seb and Gab

I first gave birth five years ago via emergency CS and because of this, my OB felt it would be safer for me to have a scheduled CS for the delivery of my second baby, my little boy. I have always hoped for the experience of a natural birth -- unfortunately, the odds were against me. Having a scheduled CS though did not stop me from seeking a beautiful beginning with my baby. I requested for continuous epidural to stay awake during the entire procedure. It’s actually tough to be waiting for it all to be over and done with while your arms are tied up and you hear everything the doctors talk about as they open you up and pull your baby out- but it was all worth it in the end. After my baby was delivered, our pedia, Dr. Cricket Chen, quickly wrapped him, and brought him to me for immediate skin-to-skin contact, latching on, and nuzzling. As I sung him a lullaby I had been singing to him in utero, he immediately quieted down knowing he was safe with his mama. This beautiful memory will be forever etched in my heart.

-Maybelle Ti, mom of Sophie and Gavin

We asked urban moms:What was your birth-day like?

URBANMOMQ&A

Obaby Atlas Vintage Union Strollerfrom birth to 3 years, offers multi-position and full lie back feature, adjustable 5-point harness and leg rest, detachable hood, and wipe clean fabric. Available in Rustan’s Depart-ment Store and Quirks Online Store, www.facebook.com/QuirksMarketingPhilippines

Peapod’s Tote-it“Peapod’s Tote-It! is a versatile catch all bin that’s a must have for every parent, whether it’s to store toys, feeding accessories or diaper changing essentials! www.peapodbaby.multiply.com

Cradle Toy CleanerCradle Toy & Surface Cleaner, a non-toxic sanitizer which makes it easy for mommies to keep baby’s toys and sorroundings safe and germ-free. Available soon at most baby stores and major supermarkets.

DwellStudio Coated Bibs Simple fun patterns make these wipe-able bibs an essential for any baby or toddlerAvailable in the Infants Section of Rustan’s Department Store and from Quirks Online Store, www.facebook.com/QuirksMarketingPhilippines

Beginnings Baby is the first all white newborn baby apparel for 0-12 months old, made of hybrid cotton that is gentle and soft to the baby’s body. Available in Robinsons department stores.

Consider these handy helpers to make life with a newborn easier and more convenient

Rome Kanapi’s Infanticipating BookPioneer childbirth educator Rome Kanapi’s ultimate guide to expectant motherhood. Published by Mommy Mundo and GSK. Complimentary copies are available from selected OB gyn clinics and free for download at www.mommymundo.com/infanticipating

FAVEFINDS

EVENTSINTHECITY

EXPO KID“For kids, by kids”, Expo Kid 2 featured not only the latest products for families but also kids doing on-stage demos and talks, held last October 2 at the Rockwell tent. This event provided three unique activity areas for all kid attendees.

OH BABY, MEDIA LAUNCHOh, Baby! All Natural Baby Foods, the country’s first line of all natural meals & snacks was launched recently to the relevant media. This new brand of baby food and snacks, created by mommy chefs is committed to lavishing babies, toddlers and children with all the goodness Mother Nature has to offer so that they can get off to the very best and brightest start. www.ohbabyph.com.

HAVAIANAS DESIGN A SMILEHavaianas “Design a Smile” is a flip-flop design competition for the benefit of Operation Smile, an organization that provides corrective surgery for children suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. www.havaianasphilippines.com/smile

EVENTSINTHECITY

“MAMA MARY AND HER CHILDREN” BOOK LAUNCHThe second book in the series, “Mama Mary and Her Children,” is a compilation of stories on how the Blessed Virgin Mary touched the lives of Filipinos. The book was co-written and edited by Ma. Rowena J. Matti and Cherry Castro Aquino. Sr. Mary Sarah Manapol, SPC was also part of the project, writing the introduction for the book. The book is published by Anvil Publishing and is available at National Book Store and Powerbooks.

MOMSHAREAn afternoon of creativity and ingenuity, Mommy Mundo’s MomShare!, together with Jing Lejano and MomShare! Mommy volunteers, facilitated an art therapy class for the kids from the House of Refuge Foundation. As they happily worked on each activity prepared for them, a live basketball game awaited at the Araneta Coliseum, thanks to PBA reporter Patricia Hizon. MomShare projects are funded through generous contributions from moms and families. To support Mom-Share, visit www.mommymundo.com/momshare

ROCKWELL HALLOWEENRockwell Halloween 2010: Movie Manila held last October 30, 2010 at the Rockwell tent was a blockbuster. Kids dressed as their favorite movie character were treated to free cupcakes, sodas, video gaming and glitter tattoo. Kids were lucky to have watched the balloon twisting show, magic show, mad science experiments and a performance from My Masterpiece. Rockwell Halloween is an annual event of the Powerplant Mall.

FILLINTHEBLANKS

BEA, age 10 GABBIE, age 9ANDIE, age 3NATALIA, age 1

1) most unforgettable experience as mom: birth of my daughters. There is no experience like it!2) most embarrassing ex-perience as mom: when my eldest daughter was about two and a half, I noticed she seemed to have a yellowish growth/ bump on her gums and I was panicking because I was scared that her gums were infected. I immediately rushed her to the dentist to have it checked. When our dentist examined the gums, it turned out to be the outer covering of a corn kernel from the popcorn she had eaten earlier that got stuck to her gums. The dentist couldn’t help but laugh and I felt so embarrassed! 3) I get my parenting info from my mom for advice and our reliable pediatrician, Dr. Den-nis Garcia. 4) What I wish for my kids is for them to grow up as confident and responsible individuals who will put God in the center of their lives always.5) My husband is a loving and protective daddy. 6) 3 essential things in your baby bag/ kids’ bag: Pigeon or ProKids baby wipes, Bactigel hand sanitizer and Dr. J alcohol7) favorite bonding activity with your kids: reading books, watching movies and eating out.

8) any unusual rituals/ habits when you were pregnant? Nothing unusual for me, all four pregnancies were light and fuss-free. 9) are you in yaya heaven or yaya hell? I’m fortunate to be in Yaya heaven. I’m blessed with caring and efficient yayas. 10) Motherhood is very enjoyable and fulfilling but can be very tiring too.11) Favorite mommy products Dr. j alcohol, Bactigel hand sanitizer, Aquaphor ointment and Aveeno lotion 12) My most memorable labor day was when I gave birth to my eldest daughter , Bea, because I gave birth abroad and my husband and I just had each other to rely on. Looking back it seemed that I was so young to give birth at 25. 13) Giving birth to a baby is like no other feeling! Seeing your baby is really love at first sight.14) Best advice you received related to giving birth: stay posi-tive and find something to focus on so you wont think about the pain.15) My tips for a mom about to give birth: 1. get lots of rest because when the baby comes sleeping will be a luxury! 2. Relax and don’t anticipate the pain of childbirth 3. Have a specific birthing plan and tell your husband to make sure it is followed as much as possible.16) What is life like as an urban mom? Fun! Everyday brings new joys and challenges.

Profession:

Kids’ names and ages:

Laurie FaustinoAtilano

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANILA

A Lifetime of Blissful Swimming Starts Here...

World-Class Swimming Instruction for 6 months and up

www.aqualogicswimco.com (0917) 858-2782 ¥ 703-6386

CLASSIFIEDS

EVENTSCALENDAR

1-4: The Great American Circus, SMX Convention Center, Mall Of Asia, Call 40386788-9/ 15-16/ 22-23/ 29-30: Mercato Centrale: The New Weekend Lifestyle Market, 30th cor. 9th sts, Bonifacio Global City, www.mercatocentrale.ph15: Breastfeeding 101: Beginning Breastfeeding, Call or text 09175614366 20-21: Moderne Culinaire Academy’s 2-Day Cooking Course for Expectant Mothers, Call or text 09175614366 22 : The Learning Library’s Reading Fun with Free Reading Assessment, Call or text 09175614366

january 20114-5/ 11-12/ 17-18: Mercato Centrale: The New Weekend Lifestyle Market, 30th cor. 9th sts, Bonifacio Global City, www.mercatocentrale.ph4: Tandem Mother & Yaya Baby Care Seminar, 830am, BF Parañaque, Call or text 09175614366 5: Christmas Party for Breastfed Children, Medela House, Call or text 09175614366 11: Fun Ranch Creativity Avenue, Fun Ranch Pasig, Call 706302912: Lactacyd Baby Care Mums & Tubs Club Members’ Get Together, Fun Ranch, Call 4088070 to register, www.mumsandtubsclub.com16-19: The Little Big Club Live In Concert, Aliw Theatre, Pasay, Call 470222217-19: The 5th Toy Fair & Mom’s Holiday Finds, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall21-31: The Great American Circus, SMX Convention Center, Mall Of Asia, Call 40386782011

december

email us your event announcements at urbanmom_magazine@gmail.com!

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