Synchronized Breastfeeding Event

By Belen D

At 10AM today, Matthew and I were participants of another Guiness world record attempt–the Synchronized breastfeeding event. Twenty or so other countries participated in this attempt but my friends Nona Castillo and Dr Elvira Henares Esguerra were the organizers of this event in cooperation with World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

Despite the storm (continuous rains since yesterday) and the possible floods along the way, Matt and I travelled to Technology Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) building in Taguig this morning and got there at 9:30AM. Fortunately, classes had been called off so there was less traffic. Surprisingly, most of the flood waters had also subsided along C5.

At exactly 10AM, we all breastfed our children while Nona recited a prayer she composed. After one minute, we most probably made a world record! We must have gathered over 40 mothers and children (the minimum number is 25 mothers with children per site) despite the storm.

Matthew gamely breastfed and smiled for the cameras. Matthew and Elvira’s son Larry were running around and playing the whole time while the press people were filiming, taking photos, interviewing us. I got interviewed by Reuters’ Philippine staff. We ate a healthy vegetarian meal prepared by Nurturers of the Earth (Nona’s NGO that promotes indigenous food, which included breastmilk, in order to preserve our environment as well). Although the host of the event, Edu Manzano, and the senators who wanted to be present (Chiz Escudero for example), the bad weather prevented them from travelling to the site. TESDA officials and the media were there (GMA7, Reuters, etc) so we hope to get a lot of media mileage in the news later today or tomorrow.

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Mother’s Day Gift at the Diamond Hotel

A Gift of Decadence this Mother’s Day

A Diamond Treat for Mothers is the perfect Mother’s Day gift to your mom who is based in Manila. Give her a treat. I am going to attend the Traditional Japanese Rolls by Chef Junichi Sekiyama culinary class on May 12 at the Diamond Hotel. If you want to give your mom a treat for Mother’s day, read on what Diamond Hotel has to offer.

Of course it’s the thought that really counts. Maybe the sheer effort will even tug at her benevolent maternal heart and make her smile. But do you really think a crayon-colored greeting card will win you brownie-points with Mom if you’re past the age of eight?

While the sentiment will likely be appreciated, you can’t argue with the fact that Moms deserve something special, at least once a year. How much better would it be if your homemade expression of love and regard this Mother’s Day came with an invitation to a hearty meal where you can bond with mom, a decadent day of pampering and an evening of good food with the entire family?

Before you start stressing about where to go and what to do, be reminded that for this special occasion, there’s no such thing as too much comfort and luxury. This is why Diamond Hotel, with its gleaming interiors, indulgent service as well as lavish perks and activities for Moms on their special day makes for an agreeable Mother’s Day atmosphere.

Start by signing her up for the hotel’s exclusive cooking lessons with their culinary connoisseurs. Beginning Mother’s Day, help Mom expand her cooking repertoire by learning how to make new and exotic dishes for the family. Choose from sushi making with Chef Junichi Sekiyama on May 12; explore Thai and Vietnamese flavors with Chef Mel Taylo on May 19; or discover French homestyle and bistro cuisine with Chef Jean Pierre Migne on May 26 (lessons will be held from 9am to 12noon on the said dates.) Signing your Mother’s up also gives them a chance to win a complimentary overnight stay for two at Diamond Hotel’s Superior suites, a chance to win P2,500 worth of Jewelmer gift certificates and a 5% discount for the Jewelmer collection available at Diamond Hotel’s Chez Miwa.

You don’t really need a reason to take your Mom out for a decadent meal, but it’s Mother’s Day after all, and Diamond Hotel, aside from guaranteeing a satisfying feast, has perks and freebies lined up for Mom’s this Mother’s Day.

Specifically for this occasion, a cozy meal at Palm Court Café, a fancy dinner at Le Bellevue or an exotic feast at Yurakuen entitles your mom to a P200 discount on all Kohikan cakes and a gift certificate at the Diamond Spa where she can unwind and relax. Plus, moms also get a 5% discount from Jewelmer and a chance to win P5,000 worth of gift certificates for a minimum bill of P1,000 at Palm Court, Le Bellevue and Yurakuen.

For questions and inquiries regarding reservations and class schedules please call 632-528.3000 or email at bizcenter@diamondhotel.com. Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard, cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila.

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A Family Day at the Market.

It’s a saturday market time at the Salcedo Saturday Market in Makati City. Not only is it market day but family day for mother, father and baby. This cute girl loves to sip on the buco juice (young coconut)