Author: Bagong Nanay

Jaahzel Jadulco-Alvendia: Faith Over Fear

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

As Mother’s Month comes to a close, I wanted to honor the strength of this Bagong Nanay who became a mom at 23 years old. She was a graduating student, working on her thesis, when she found out that she was three months pregnant with her first child. Not to romanticize becoming a young mother, but to honor the strength it took to navigate motherhood so early in life.

It was during the Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup at the North when I got to know the story of Jaahzel Jadulco-Alvendia or Mommy Jazz, and I knew then and there that I had to share her inspiring story about faith, courage, and love. Her baby, Reeses Kiara, was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease at two months old, and underwent open heart surgery at barely five months old.

Mommy Jazz shared her story with me over Zoom, and I’m honored to share with you her Kuwentong Bagong Nanay. Read on.

Kuwentong Bagong Nanay: Jazz Alvendia

Her motherhood journey started with a terrible headache.

Jazz was 23 years old then, on her last semester in college, busy with their thesis. She had no idea she was pregnant because she was drowning in acads and also had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She commuted from Quezon City to Morayta in Manila to go to school every day.

“Akala ko normal lang kasi mahihiluhin ako sa biyahe, may thesis pa kami nung time na yun kaya stressed din ako sa school. Until one night, iba na yung sakit ng ulo ko tapos gusto na ako ipa-CT scan ng mother ko, buti nalang hindi natuloy. Before ako i-CT scan, pinregnancy test ako, tapos doon nalaman.”

Because of a terrible headache, Jazz confirmed she was pregnant with her first child.

She then had a transvaginal ultrasound, and it confirmed that she was going to have a baby. “Nung na-transvaginal ultrasound ako, nakita na buo na siya, may heartbeat, may kamay na, gumagalaw-galaw na rin siya, tapos nasilip na rin ng doktor na baka girl ito!”

“Hanggang sa nanganak ako, sobrang smooth lang ng journey namin. Dinala ako sa ospital ng 7 AM, tapos 7 cm na pala ako, unmedicated birth yun, tapos ang bilis lang ng labor. 9 AM, baby out na. One hour mahigit lang ako nag-labor. Parang hindi iyon yung pain na in-expect ko. Parang di niya ako pinahirapan. Tapos okay din siya.”

Jazz became a Bagong Nanay at 24.

They thought everything was okay until they had to go to another pediatrician for Reese’s routine checkup when she was two months old.

“Nagulat ako kasi pag nagwe-well baby checkup, laging normal naman. Pero doon sa isang pedia, parang iba agad yung reaksyon niya paglapat niya ng stethoscope.”

“She recounts, “Bigla nalang nagtanong si Doc, “Meron ba kayong lahi na may sakit sa puso?” Sabi ko, “Wala po.” Sabi niya, “I’m scared, kasi parang feeling ko may butas sa puso si Reese. Diretso na kayo sa Heart Center, ipa-check niyo na kasi ang lakas ng murmur, tsaka parang hindi rin siya maliit,” the doctor explained.

They went to a hospital where they know a pedia-cardiologist first, and scans confirmed that Baby Reese had a ventricular septal defect (VSD), or a hole in her heart. Her family and doctors initially hoped the hole would close on its own.

“After two months, iniscan ulit, nag-twice na yung size nung buttas. By October, gusto na nila ma-operahan si Reese. Lalaki na daw yung butas at magmamanifest na daw yung symptoms in a few months.”

Their first step was to get Reese baptized by September. They asked to extend for another month to save up for the hospital costs, which amounted to P800,000.

Jazz shared that after Reese was baptized, blessings poured to their family.

“Madaming gustong tumulong. May mayor sa Pangasinan na mother din siya, bumili siya ng plushies ni Reese tapos tinransfer nila agad yung pera. Kahit andyan na yung lahat ng sign, ready na kami, ayoko pa ituloy. Yung decision ko, di pa consistent,” Jazz recounts.

Reese’s surgery was finally scheduled to November 4.

“Ang gulo ng isip ko nun. Yung husband ko yung nagpupush na gawin kung ano yung makakabuti kay Reese. November 2, na-admit na siya. November 4, na-operahan na siya. Sobrang smooth lang.”

“The night before, nandun na yung mga waiver, mas lalo ako kinabahan kasi pwede daw magkaproblema sa nervous system, ma-paralyze or magka-infection. Lahat ng possibilities. Sila yung pinaka at risk, pero at the same time, sila din yung pinakamagandang operahan kasi yung puso nila bago pa, if ever may mga adjustment, mabilis silang maka-cope up.”

She spoke to Reese’s pedia-cardio, who said there’s a 94% success rate with her condition.

“Binago ni Reese yung buhay namin in so many ways. Mas lumakas yung faith namin. ‘Yun rin siguro yung way ni Lord para mapalapit kami sa Kanya.”

– Mommy Jazz Alvendia

“7 AM bumaba na kami. Nung time na yun, di ako takot na takot. Mas stressed na stressed yung mga lola, lalo na yung mother ko na nasa US, kasi anak niya ako tapos wala siya sa tabi ko. Yung mother-in-law ko, naghi-hysterical na. Ako, ang gaan. Pinagaan ni Lord. Hindi ako natatakot anong mangyayari.

Strong baby! Reese underwent an open heart surgery at 5 months old.

10 AM palang tapos na. Ang bilis. Lumabas yung surgeon, all good na. Nagulat sila na ang laki na daw ng butas. Sabi nila, “Buti nag-decide kayo na ipaopera siya.”

12 NN, pwede na silipin si baby sa surgical ICU. Nakita ko siya, bilang nanay, ang daming tubo, may mga aparato.”

While Reese had a successful operation, things took a turn when she had a fever.

“Nagkaroon siya ng sepsis, nilagnat siya bigla. Ang taas ng bacteria na nakita sa blood niya.”

They spent about 20 more days in the hospital.

“Nagtatanong ako, bakit hindi siya nagrerespond? Bakit hindi siya nagsasmile? Sobrang dami rin niyang antibiotic.”

Reese’s doctor assured her that they were doing their best.

They celebrated Reese’s 6th month at the hospital.

“After four days, tsaka lang siya ulit nag-smile. Tuwang-tuwa ako nung nag-smile siya tapos dumedede na siya. Takot na takot ako makita yung scar niya, pero nagulat ako, pagtingin ko sa sugat, tuyo na siya. Ganun pala kabilis mag-heal kapag baby pa. Doon na kami nagkaroon ng pag-asa, kahit may antibiotics pa siya, okay na si baby.

“Nung gabi na iuuwi na siya, dinaan namin siya sa chapel ng Heart Center. Ang saya saya ko lang, kasi ang bilis lang din ng recovery niya.

November siya inoperahan, dineklara siya na fully healed na and wala nang maintenance by March.”

Happy 1st birthday, Reese!

Reese celebrated her first birthday on May 16, and Jazz shared her Bagong Nanay story three days after.

Three things Jazz learned about a mother’s love and a child’s strength

Jazz and her family. Photo by Baby and Company Photography

A mother’s love is limitless

“Ibibigay mo pala talaga lahat, pag nanay ka na. Nung time na yun, first time ko yung nanghihingi ako ng tulong sa iba-ibang tao, pumipila ako sa DSWD, sa mga party list, sa mga pulitiko. Kaya pag sinasabi nila na grabe daw ako mag-dress up ngayon, ang gaganda daw ng damit ko. Naranasan ko nasi na ako talaga nag-aasikaso sa mga papers niya. Hindi ko in-expect na sa buong buhay ko, gagawin ko yun. Nilunok ko yung pride ko, naming mag-asawa, kasi para sa baby namin yun eh.”

“It’s okay to ask for help sa ibang tao, hindi siya pagiging weak o what, kakailanganin mo talaga ng tulong. Hindi mo kakayanin ng mag-isa ka lang.”

– Mommy Jazz Alvendia

Faith over fear

“Binago ni Reese yung buhay namin in so many ways. Mas lumakas yung faith namin. ‘Yun rin siguro yung way ni Lord para mapalapit kami sa Kanya. Naging faith over fear ako noon, kasi wala naman akong ibang paghuhugutan ng lakas or sasandalan. Talagang kumapit nalang ako sa Kanya, nagtiwala ako sa Kanya, kung ano yung plans Niya para sa amin. Kami rin ni MJ mas tumibay kami kasi every time mag-aaway kami, naaalala ko, meron kaming mas malaking laban na dapat harapin.”

Babies are braver than we think

“Ang galing ng babies. Yung ine-expect natin, na pag babies delicate sila, nakita ko yung version ni Reese na sobrang lakas niya. Madaming nagsasabi wag namin ipa-opera. Pero nagtiwala rin kami sa science, sa mga doktor, at kay Reese.”

Jazz’s message to her Bagong Nanay self

“Nakaka-proud ka. Noong time na nalaman ko na pregnant ako, one sem nalang sana tapos OJT. Tapos sa US sana ako mag-OJT kasi andun yung mother ko. Parang nirepurpose ako. Ngayon na-realize ko para dito siguro pala talaga ako, para maging mother. Makikita mo palang yung best version ng sarili mo.

The Alvendias. Photo by Baby and Company Photography

“Hindi ko inakala na ganyan ka pala ka-strong. Kasi young mom, tapos five months postpartum palang din naman ako noon, sabi ko, di pa nga nag-si-sink in sa akin na mother na ako dahil ang bilis din ng pregnancy journey ko. Sobrang proud ako sa kanya, na-overcome niya lahat, may mas better version pa pala ako. Hindi lang pala ako anak, hindi lang pala ako yung magaling na classmate, or girlfriend, magiging magaling ka rin pala na mother.”

An advice she holds deeply

There’s one advice that Jazz received when she was a Bagong Nanay that she will forever cherish, “Nung nalaman na namin na may heart condition si Reese, may nagsabi sa akin na parang “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

‘Yun yung talagang ni-look forward ko, matatapos din to, kahit ang bagal ng oras pag may problema ka, parang kailan ba ‘to matatapos, malalagpasan ba namin to? Pinanghawakan ko talaga na after nito, ginhawa naman. Pagsubok lang to. Hanggang ngayon, pag may mga mothers na nakakausap ko na struggle sila sa first year ng motherhood nila, lagi ko sinasabi na there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Naging meaningful niya sa akin. Noong nandun ako sa situation na sobrang bigat, sinasabi ko kay MJ, “Paano pag nawala si Reese?” Lahat ng possibilities kasi pwede. Sabi niya, “Malalagpasan rin natin ito.”

3 things a Bagong Nanay needs to thrive in motherhood

“Every mom needs a village talaga.”

Jazz believes that what helped her get through the hardest parts of her motherhood journey was her support system.

“Kakailanganin mo talaga ng tulong, kahit anong pride mo. Nung mag-jowa palang kami, ang taas ng pride namin eh. Bata pa kasi kami, kaya ma-pride kami. Sabi namin, ‘Wag tayo magpost, wag tayo humingi ng tulong,’ pero kinailangan namin. It’s okay to ask for help sa ibang tao, hindi siya pagiging weak o what, kakailanganin mo talaga ng tulong.”

For Bagong Nanays, she emphasizes, “Pwedeng family mo yun, or kung hindi ka comfortable sa family mo, maghanap ka ng isang friend, kahit isang friend lang, o kung wala talaga, pwedeng husband mo, o kung wala din, sa sisters mo. Kailangan mo talaga ng village.”

Mama Jazz and her family.

She adds, “Hindi mo kakayanin ng mag-isa ka lang. Siguro kakayanin, pero may times talaga na, kinailangan ko talagang humingi ng tulong.”

“Nagtiwala din ako sa husband ko.”

Throughout her pregnancy, Jazz said she had been calling the shots as a mother. “May decisions na gusto ko ako lang. Pero noong nalaman ko na may sakit si Reese, kailangan ko rin ng kaagapay sa mga decisions. Hindi katulad nung nagbubuntis ako na, ‘Wag niyo ako pagsabihan, ayoko sa pamahiin, ayoko sa kasabihan. Ayoko nang minamanduhan ako.’ Na-realize ko na dapat mag-trust ka sa partner mo, kasi as the father, meron din siyang dapat say sa mga decisions.”

“Kailangan mo si Lord sa buhay mo.”

With all they went through, Jazz always points to God. “Kahit anong problema, kapag wala ka nang mapuntahan o mahingan ng tulong, Siya lang yung nandiyan para makinig sayo. Sa Kanya ka lang kakapit.”

“Hindi rin ako makapaniwala na naging ganun ka-strong yung faith ko sa Kanya, kasi kung hindi, baka hindi naoperahan si Reese kung nagtiwala lang ako sa sarili ko.”

What makes Jazz happy as a mom

Jazz has been sharing her motherhood as a content creator, sharing daily vlogs, product reviews, and more on her social. When asked what makes her happy, she says it’s being part of a community.

“Sobrang saya ko na nakakaattend ako ng meet-ups kasi nagkakaroon ako ng time para sa sarili ko. Ang saya kapag may kasama kang mom friends kasi sila yung nakakarelate. Masaya ako ngayon sa mom friends ko, mommy gatherings, mommy meetups. Masaya ako na naging part ako ng Bagong Nanay Community. Na-meet ko si Mama Frances, siya yung naging way para maging member ako ng Bagong Nanay noong HiPP Mommy Meetup.”

She adds, as a young mom, being part of a support group helps her to feel less alone in her journey.

“Mas hindi na ako intimidated ngayon kasi alam kong may Bagong Nanay Community na papansin sa akin, makikipag-usap sa akin, at magaaya sa akin mag-milk tea.”

Follow Mommy Jazz’s journey on her socials: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Threads

Are you a Bagong Nanay who wants to have a mom community and have milk tea together? Comment below or send a message here.

28.05.2026
We Tried Kubo’s Free Trial Class on Reading, Filipino Sign Language, and More

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

Patapos na ang summer vacation ng ating kids, and as a nanay of an incoming Grade 2, andiyan na yung thoughts like, “Paano na kaya this school year? Maging as bibo kaya siya as before? What if mahirapan siya?”

But then, we’ll never know! We take it one day at a time, and we’ll arrive at the end for sure, feeling proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

For now, I wanted to share with you about an online learning platform I discovered recently. I received an email from Mommy Ericka Gonzales Macasaquit, founder of Kubo Learning Center, earlier this month. She offered my 6-year-old a free trial class! They offer online classes on Reading in English and Filipino, Mathematics, and Filipino Sign Language, among others. The last one piqued our interest.

When Lia was younger, we loved reading a book entitled Every Sunday, written by Och Gonzalez and illustrated by CJ Reynaldo. It tells about the story of Kuya Berto, an ice cream vendor who is Deaf. A little girl started learning how to sign so she can order ice cream from him. Thus, may interest and context na si Lia about sign language and the Deaf community.

Kaya when she tried the 20-minute Filipino Sign Language online trial class with Kubo, she loved it a lot, and we wanted to take additional classes!

Bagong Nanay Reviews: Kubo Learning Center

1-on-1 class

What we loved about the session is that it was customized for the child. Before the session, they sent me a list of questions to answer about my child so that they can tailor-fit the class for her. We’ve tried group online classes before, and medyo kagulo siya. But this one, it’s one-on-one so it really held space for the child to focus and learn.

No-fuss free trial class

After sending the details, Kubo sent me a Google Calendar with the video call link. On the day, I just set up my laptop with a webcam in a quiet room with Lia, and on her scheduled time, the teacher started the class without needing my help.

Lia during her free online Filipino sign language trial class at Kubo Learning Center

The teacher was kind and communicative

What I loved about Kubo’s class is that Teacher Q was good at communicating with children. Based on his background, he’s only 20 years old, and he instantly connected with my daughter. He explained the instructions well and proceeded with the lesson smoothly. There was no dull moment and he was interacting with her throughout the 20-minute class.

Lia’s FSL teacher, Coach Q! Courtesy: Facebook /Kubo Learning Center

The trial class was informative enough!

I was surprised that after 20 minutes, my daughter was able to understand why it’s important to learn how to sign in Filipino, know and remember how to sign vowels, and have her own sign name. After the class, my daughter got her journal and took notes! So cute.

If we plan to proceed with the full session, Kubo will send the full lesson plan with the rates. You may choose lang from the sessions what you like or take the whole course.

Watch Lia’s full review on TikTok here.

Our verdict: Must-try!

Talking to Mommy Ericka, who is a mom of two and business consultant based in California, USA, she started Kubo to make her kids familiar and stay connected with the Filipino culture and heritage, even when they are growing abroad.

“Every class was tested by my kids to make sure that they are valuable,” she said. “We made Kubo classes online, so that they can learn comfortably from home, wherever they are in the world.”

If you want to try Kubo’s online trial classes for FREE, message them on Instagram or Facebook.

27.05.2026
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Bloom Pad by Irish Chloe Yu

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

If you are active on Threads like me, you might have come across some of the courageous and heartfelt posts of Mommy Irish Chloe Yu, mom of three and founder of Bloom Sanitary Napkin. I’ve been following her and read her journey as a mom and a cancer warrior.

Kaya na-shookt ako one morning when I was contemplating whose business I could feature on Bagong Nanay Biz this April, sobrang sakto, Irish sent me a DM asking me if she can collaborate with me. I mean, it’s a yes. It’s really meant to be.

Therefore, it’s my honor and privilege to share her inspiring business story for this month’s Bagong Nanay Biz. Please read til the end to get an exclusive voucher!

In Her Own Words: How Irish Chloe Yu started Bloom Sanitary Napkin

I am Irish Chloe Yu, a 31-year-old mother of three beautiful children, ages 7, 5, and 2. My professional foundation is in Financial Management and Business Administration, and I previously spent years in the corporate world as a bank teller and a telco account executive.

However, my heart has always been in entrepreneurship; I have been a business owner from different industries for nearly a decade now, and am the proud founder of Bloom Sanitary Napkin.

Mommy Irish Chloe Yu, founder of Bloom Sanitary Napkin | Courtesy of Irish Chloe Yu

How a cancer diagnosis started a brand

Bloom was born out of a very personal struggle. For a long time, I lived a life of “trial and error” with menstrual products because of my health battles. I have endometrial polyps, which caused me to bleed for up to 20 days a month, and as a thyroid cancer warrior, my hormonal health was a constant uphill climb.

“I wanted to turn my recovery into a testimony to show that even in our weakest moments, we can create something that empowers and heals others.“

-Mommy Irish Chloe Yu, Bloom Sanitary Napkin

I remembered how my nanay started me on pasador (menstrual cloth), and I spent years searching for a modern product that offered that same level of breathability, gentleness, and care.

Bloom Sanitary Napkin | Courtesy of Irish Chloe Yun

I actually found the courage to start this business right when I was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of letting the fear consume me, I chose to focus on healing and creating a solution that had a deeper purpose. I wanted to turn my recovery into a testimony to show that even in our weakest moments, we can create something that empowers and heals others.

Lessons from being a mom and businessowner

I’ve learned that business is a reflection of motherhood: both require you to slow down, be deeply intentional, and lead with a clear purpose. There is a certain grace in both roles that forces you to look for the “gift of God” in every challenge.

“Bloom isn’t just a product; it’s the peace of mind every nanay deserves,” says Irish Chloe Yu. | Courtesy of Irish Chloe Yu

Motherhood taught me that you cannot rush growth, and business taught me that every small effort is a seed planted for the future. Both have shown me that when you lead with love, success is no longer just about numbers it’s about the lives you touch.

Why moms should try Bloom Sanitary Napkin

During my journey, I discovered a harsh reality: many sanitary pads are made with chlorine and whiteners that are far too harsh for our bodies. I engineered Bloom specifically with the Filipina in mind. We live in a warm climate, so I prioritized breathable materials and eliminated all harmful chemicals.

Courtesy of Irish Chloe Yu

We used Hard Lock Technology to ensure that blood never “bounces back,” combined with an ultra-thin design for maximum comfort.

Courtesy of Irish Chloe Yu

As moms, we carry so much on our shoulders already our menstrual care should be one thing we don’t have to worry about. Bloom isn’t just a product; it’s the peace of mind every nanay deserves. We’ve made it with extra love because your comfort is non-negotiable.

Advice for Bagong Nanays who also want to start a business

1. Start by going back to the Source.

If God placed a specific idea in your heart, it is because He has already entrusted you with the strength and knowledge to bring it to life.

2. Don’t be afraid to start small.

There is so much beauty in the humble beginnings. Enjoy every part of the process, and remember that failure isn’t a dead end, it’s just a part of growing.

3. Never forget to rest.

As driven as we are, we must remember that rest is not a sign of weakness; it is a luxury and a necessity that keeps our spirits fueled for the journey.

Exclusive Bloom discount code for Bagong Nanays!

Courtesy of Irish Chloe Yu

I would love for you to experience the comfort of Bloom! Use this code to start your journey toward better self-care when you checked out in our Shopee account. Use the code below for 10% OFF all products:

Voucher Code: BLOOMBN

Purchase Bloom Sanitary Napkin on Shopee here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

22.04.2026
Herschel Del Castillo: Surviving Postpartum Cardiomyopathy

Trigger warning: near death experience

This Bagong Nanay experienced postpartum cardiomyopathy, a type of heart failure that occurs after pregnancy.

Content note: This article discusses a near-death experience.

I met Herschel and her sister Terese in one of the HiPP Mommy Meetups. When Terese shared a bit about Herschel’s story while waiting for her to arrive, I was so excited to meet her, because knowing what happened to her, pwedeng hindi na kami nag-meet. But then I met her. She is alive, healthy and a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness.

In a study published in The Lancet, this heart disease has been a cause of maternal and neonatal deaths, with only half of women experiencing complete myocardial recovery within 6 months of the onset of symptoms. Postpartum depression is common, but this one? We need to raise awareness about this.

So in celebration of Women’s Month, I invited Herschel to share her story. And she did. In between naps and pedia check-ups for her 1 year old boy, she wrote this with her whole heart.

Read on, Bagong Nanay. Share this to every pregnant mama you know.

A second chance at life

On January 25, 2025, Herschel posted this on Instagram:

“It’s been a month since I got discharged from the hospital.

No words can explain what happened to me and to our family last year, lots of blessings and challenges, but I never thought that I would spend the last few days of 2024 in the hospital.

November 9, I gave birth to Baby Boy Del Castillo.

November 12, went home with our little one.

November 16, a week after giving birth, I was rushed to the ER due to an alarming heart rate. I was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and hypokalemia. That same day, I knew that I already have a heart failure, and I had no memories of the following days since.

November 18, I was intubated and put in ICU due to postpartum cardiomyopathy.

Herschel and her baby boy. | Courtesy of Herschel Radovan-Castillo

I stayed in the ICU for 2 weeks. During my time there, I didn’t know I was in my worst possible condition and almost died. It was by God’s faithfulness and grace that I got extubated on November 23. Stayed in there for a few more days and was transferred to telemetry on December 1. And again, stayed there for two more weeks for further monitoring and rehab. I realized that I lost so much weight, cannot stand on my own, and have no appetite. Then, I was transferred to a regular room because my doctors already saw my improvement.

A day before Christmas is the day I came back home.

I want to thank God for my second life.

Thanks to my family, friends, churchmates, and everyone around us who prayed for me and helped us to get through these times of hardship.“

Kuwentong Bagong Nanay: Herschel Del Castillo

When people ask me about my motherhood journey, I usually tell them that I had postpartum cardiomyopathy and that I’m still in the process of recovering. It’s something I don’t hide, because for me, it’s also a testimony of how good and faithful God has been in my life, in our lives.

Herschel’s maternity shoot photo | Courtesy of Herschel Radovan-Castillo

Looking back, I can really say it was a miracle. There were so many moments when things could have gone differently, but God carried us through.

“Listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek medical help.” -Mommy Hershel Del Castillo

As for the parts I haven’t shared… honestly, parang naikwento ko na rin lahat along the way. Siguro because going through something like that changes you—you become more open, more grateful, and more willing to share your story.

An uncommon postpartum disease

Postpartum cardiomyopathy isn’t something you hear about often, which is why it caught me by surprise. What’s even more tricky is that the symptoms I experienced at the time like hingal and pamamanas are actually very common in pregnancy. Nothing felt alarming at first.

It was only later on that things became serious.

Herschel in 2024 | Courtesy of Herschel Radovan-Castillo

If there’s one thing I wish I had known before becoming a nanay, it would be the importance of really looking into your medical history. We actually have a family history of heart disease, but I didn’t get to disclose it to my OB because it happened a long time ago.

I sometimes wonder maybe if I had done a 2D echo during pregnancy, things could have been detected earlier, and maybe hindi na lumala. That’s something I carry with me now, not as regret, but as a lesson.

What she’s grateful for

In this season of my life, I am most grateful for a second chance. I truly believe that God gave me a second life, and I don’t take that lightly.

I’m also deeply grateful for my son. Becoming his mom changed me in ways I didn’t expect—it made me stronger, more resilient, and more intentional.

Herschel and her son, Fionn | Courtesy of Herschel Radovan-Castillo

And of course, I will always be thankful for our families and friends who stood by us during the hardest time in our lives. Their support reminded me that we were never alone.

Her message to her Bagong Nanay self

If I could talk to my Bagong Nanay self, the version of me who was just entering motherhood and going through childbirth, I would simply say:

“You’re doing a great job. Ang laki na ng pinagbago mo. You’re becoming stronger every day.”

Because at that time, I didn’t fully realize how much I was already enduring and overcoming. I was just trying to survive each day.

Herchel’s message to Bagong Nanays

If there’s one lesson I would want to share with other Bagong Nanays, it’s this: listen to your body and don’t hesitate to seek medical help.

Sobrang daming changes sa katawan natin during and after pregnancy, and it’s easy to assume that everything is normal. But sometimes, what we think is “normal” could already be a sign that something is wrong.

Herschel’s family. | Courtesy of Herschel Radovan-Castillo

So if there’s anything that feels off—magpa-check up. It’s always better to be sure, especially when it comes to your health. Because as mothers, taking care of ourselves is also a way of taking care of our families.

About the Bagong Nanay: I am Herschel Del Castillo from Antipolo City, Rizal. I am the Bagong Nanay of Fionn, who is 16 months old. Outside motherhood, I’m a financial control analyst. I also serve in our church’s music ministry as a guitarist and bassist.

27.03.2026
Musings habang gumagawa ng salad

Hi, Bagong Nanay.

Raw and unfiltered ito. Gusto ko lang isulat dahil may oras ako.

“I feel such a sense of loss when I think of the great, unwritten poems that took a backseat to polished floors.”

-Brigid Schulte, “A Woman’s Greatest Enemy? A Lack of Time for Herself,” The Guardian.com

Ang dami kong gustong isulat na istorya.

Teka, pupunuin ko muna itong bote ng tubig.

Istorya ng araw-araw na buhay bilang isang nanay.

Marahil simple at hindi marangya, pero hindi ba’t nakakatuwa na nabubuhay ka at naisusulat ito.

Baka mapanis na ang pagkain sa ref, kainin ko na kaya?

Pero magsusulat muna ako ng istorya.

May panahon na akala ko hindi ko na maaabutan ang araw na ito.

Day off ko, tahimik sa sala, naghanda ako ng baong salad para sa asawa kong papasok sa opisina.

Sa unang pagkakataon, habang ginagayat ko ang lettuce na bigay ng kapitbahay at pinipili ang pinakamagagandang dahon para sa baon, kumuha din ako ng lalagyan para sa akin. Tinanggal ko ang maiitim na lettuce, ang bilis nila masira! Nilagay ko ang karamihan ng magagandang dahon sa baunan ni Tatay, at kumuha rin ako ng kaunti para sa akin.

Hindi, marami akong kinuhang magandang dahon para sa akin.

Kung anong laman ng salad ni Tatay ay ganun din ang laman ng salad ko. Hindi lang pinagtabasan, hindi lang tira. Hindi lang yung sira na. Nilagyan ko din ng sesame oil, kahit alam kong mahal yun. Pati Himalayan salt. Kumain ako ng mag-isa sa sala. Payapa, dahil nagpapaaraw ang aking anak na isa kasama ng kanyang yaya. Yung isa naman ay tulog pa sa taas, katabi ng pinsan niya.

Kaunting kuwento: alam kong lahat ng hinahanda kong pagkain para sa mister ko ay kinukuhanan niya ng litrato. Mapa-ulam, merienda, o kahit ano. Napaisip tuloy ako, “Pag namatay ba ako, may slideshow din ng mga pagkaing niluto ko?”

Teka, iaakyat ko muna itong maduming pajama. Ay, mamaya na. Lalasapin ko muna ang sandaling ito. Inaantay kong bumaba si Tatay, dahil kapag nakita ko na siya, makikita na niya ako. Nandito ako, ang kanyang asawa at nanay ng mga anak niya, buhay at masaya.

Payapa. Tahimik. Magaan. Buhay.

Kaya habang nagpupuno ako ng basyo, dahil naiabot ko na kay Tatay ang baon niya, naisip ko, “Bakit hindi kaya ako magsulat ng istorya?”

At ang istorya ng aking buhay ay isang bagay na hindi kailanman maisusulat ng kahit sino, kahit pa AI.

Kaya umakyat ako, pumwesto sa aking mesa, binuksan ko ang aking matandang laptop na nauna pa sa aking kasaysayan bilang ina.

Sumulat ako ng istorya habang tahimik pa, at habang naaalala ko pa.

Ang istorya na naisulat ko ay kung paanong nandito pa ako sa oras na ito, kahit na napakaraming beses na inisip ko noon na sana wala na.

Ito ang pinakamagandang istorya ng buhay ko: Iniligtas ako ng Diyos.

At kung nasa panahon ka ngayon na magulo, madilim, at walang kasiguraduhan, pumanatag ka:

Hindi ka lang nanay.

Anak ka rin Niya.

Judy

PS. Habang buhay ako, medyo mga ganitong content ang gagawin ko. Labyu all.

25.03.2026
A Bagong Nanay Tested 11 Newborn Diaper Brands for Her Baby—Here’s Her Review
Hi, Bagong Nanay!

So in our Bagong Nanay Viber group, a mom shared that she’s selling trial packs of diapers for newborn. I asked her if she wanted to share her review with Bagong Nanay so more moms would know, and she happily shared her detailed diaper review.

Mommy Quincherville Villanueva is a Bagong Nanay of a 6-week-old baby. She’s a pastry chef, too! She told Bagong Nanay that she wanted to try different diaper brands before buying a lot because she wanted to know which would work best for her budget and for her baby. “I realized through this na affordable doesn’t always mean better for the budget. The more premium ones requires less diaper changes and less leaks and blowouts,” she said.

So here’s Mommy Quincherville’s review of 10 diaper brands, Bagong Nanays. Sharing is caring, indeed!

11 Newborn Diaper Brands Review by Bagong Nanay Quincherville Villanueva

Not in photo: Baby Pal diaper | Courtesy of Quincherville Villanueva

Legend:

🌙 – great for daytime and nightime
☀️ – great for daytime use
🛒 – Affordable
💵 – Pricey
💦 – No leak
🪽- cotton soft

1. Kleenfant ☀️🛒🪽

Price is affordable. Interior and exterior has a nice cotton feel. Comparable to cloth diapers. Ideal for babies with sensitive skin. This diaper is ideal for daytime use. Gets full pretty quickly. Has a pee indicator but no back garter or stretch. Potential to leak upwards.

Personal Rating based on experience: 6/10

2. Inspi Babies ☀️🛒🪽
Price is affordable. Interior and exterior has a nice cotton feel. Ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Comparable to cloth diapers but lesser quality than Kleenfant but almost similar feel (same manufacturing). This diaper is ideal for daytime use. Gets full pretty quickly. Has a pee indicator but no back garter or stretch as well. Potential to leak upwards.

Personal Rating based on experience: 6/10

3. Huggies Skin Perfect 💦🛒🌙

Price is unexpectedly affordable for an international brand. Interior is soft but unlike Inspi Babies and Kleenfant, the texture is not cotton-soft like cloth diapers. This is a good option for sensitive skin babies for overnight use. Has a pee indicator and a stretchy back. Great for wide butt babies.

Personal Rating based on experience: 8/10

4. Unilove Airpro 🪽🛒☀️

Price is affordable. The diaper has a light cottony texture perfect for the hot weather. This diaper tends to get full easily so it is recommended for daytime use. The diaper is also ideal for photoshoots since the diaper is thin, it won’t show up under costumes. They also have smaller sized diapers for preemie babies which is uncommon. Unlike Inspi Babies and Kleenfant, this diaper has a stretchy back and a pee indicator as well.

Personal Rating based on experience: 7/10

5. Moosegear 💦🛒☀️🪽

Price for quality is really good. It is affordable and has a good cottony feel. Ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Works great during the day. Can be used at night but tends to get full easily if with poop. I used this the longest for my baby before trying more premium brands worked great and did not hurt my budget. Sizing is quite small so don’t buy too much of one size.

Personal Rating based on experience: 8/10

6. Baby Pal 🛒☀️

I saw these online and they are one of the cheapest in the market. Usually sold as buy 1, get 1. If your mindset is diapers don’t need to be high quality because it will just be thrown out, then this is for you. It is really a low quality diaper with a more plasticky feel. It is very thin and not great with absorbing poop. I was just curious to try it because it offered a good price. If you plan to use this, save it for a day time diaper and buy a better quality one for night time use. Has a pee indicator.

Personal Rating based on experience: 1/10

7. Aiwibi 🌙💵🪽

Quite pricey but branded as premium diapers. Softest diaper I have tried. Great for very sensitive skin. It has an absorbent layer that absorbs the poop so cleanup is alot easier since less poop tends to stay on the skin. Can be used for night time and can tolerate pee however, if there is alot of poop it tends to leak. No garterized back so tendency to leak towards the back can happen. Has a pee indicator

Personal Rating based on experience: 7/10

8. Hoppi Royal 🌙💵🪽💦

Quite pricey but branded as premium diapers. Texture is close to Huggies Skin Perfect but way softer but not as soft as Aiwibi. Great for very sensitive skin. Similar to Aiwibi, it has an absorbent layer that absorbs the poop so cleanup is a lot easier since almost no poop tends to stay on the skin. Great for nighttime use. No leaks and sizing is not small. Has a pee indicator and garterized back.

Personal Rating based on experience: 10/10

9. Rascals 💵🌙💦

Quite pricey but branded as premium diapers. Interior texture is soft but exterior feels a bit plastic for me. It has an absorbent layer that absorbs the poop so cleanup is a lot easier since less poop tends to stay on the skin. Great for nighttime use. No leaks but sizing is quite small. Has a pee indicator and garterized back.

Personal Rating based on experience: 9/10

10. EQ Premium 🌙💵💦

Quite pricey but branded as premium diapers. Interior and Exterior texture is soft. Similar to the premium diapers above, it has an absorbent layer that absorbs the poop so cleanup is a lot easier since less poop tends to stay on the skin. Great for nighttime use. No leaks if you buy the correct size but sizing is quite small so don’t buy too much of one size. Has a pee indicator and garterized back. Cute design, too.

Personal Rating based on experience: 9/10

11. Millie Moon 🌙💵💦

Quite pricey but branded as premium. Texture feels similar to EQ Premium. It has an absorbent layer that absorbs the poop so cleanup is a lot easier since almost no poop tends to stay on the skin. Great for nighttime use. No leaks and great for nightime use. Has a pee indicator and garterized back.

Personal Rating based on experience: 10/10

Newborn Diaper Brands Review Summary

Personally, I prefer Hoppi Royal and Millie Moon. The quality justifies the price. However, every baby is different so it really boils down to which your baby prefers. Thankfully my baby does not have any sensitivities so I was able to try all these brands and be able to share with everyone the pros and cons of each without any biases.

Everything I have shared here is mainly based on our experience. I purchased several brands trying to figure out which brand will work for my baby and not break the bank. I sell trial packs with these brands for you to find out yourself which will work for your baby. I am just sharing my experience with these brands for you to have an idea of which might work out for you but it is best to try the diapers on your child than merely basing on reviews. Hope this helps!

About the Bagong Nanay

Mommy Quincherville Villanueva is a Bagong Nanay of one. She is still selling newborn diaper trial packs for P180 (instead of P220) or 3 packs for P500 because they are moving out soon. Contact Mommy Quinch on Instagram at @mommacuddlesmnl.

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Want to share something helpful with the Bagong Nanays too? Comment below or DM me @bagongnanay
10.03.2026
Bagong Nanay x Elisha & Eliana Giveaway Winners!

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

As we close February, we are happy to announce the winners of our first giveaway for 2026 in collaboration with Mommy Yane Cuarto of Elisha & Eliana.

Ang saya namin kasi daming sumali, to the point na may nag-create pa ng fake account dahil sa taas ng engagement (wow) haha.

With no further ado, here are the winners! Read til the end kasi may mga pasabog!

Winners of Bagong Nanay x Elisha & Eliana Giveaway

Congratulations to Mommy Sham Cabile (@sham.cabile) for winning 1 KNITTED SWEATER for your baby!

…and Mommy Patricia Jamo-ay (@mommypat_) for winning 1 MOM AND BABY MATCHING SHIRTS with custom handsewn prints!

But wait – there’s more!

We’re giving away a bonus MOM SHIRT with custom handsewn print to another mom! Congratulations to Mommy Louise Jade Ballesteros (@mommy_jadey)!

More, more winners!

And because natuwa kami ni Mommy Yane sa mga sagot ng mommies, we are giving away 5% off vouchers to these 5 lucky mommies, when you order from Elisha & Eliana

View this post on Instagram

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How to claim your prize

For all winners, please send me a message on Instagram (@bagongnanay) on how you can receive your prize. As mentioned in the mechanics, shipping fee will be shouldered by the winner (items will be coming from Cavite, delivered through J&T).

Thanks so much, mamas! See you in our Bagong Nanay Community on Viber for more pasabog this 2026.

Love,

Nanay Judy of Bagong Nanay

and Mommy Yane of Elisha & Eliana

Follow Elisha & Eliana on Instagram and Facebook

Read about how Mommy Yane started her handsewn clothing biz here.

28.02.2026
‘Holding Both’ is a book for Bagong Nanays

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

Kumusta? Just a quick life update, I just got hired last January 14, and it’s a remote job that I prayed for. As you know, I resigned from my previous job to be a full-time Bagong Nanay again. Kaya I’m so happy na, ika nga sa Threads, “pinagresign ako ni Lord.” I know, God gave me this job – fully remote, flexible, and same timezone lang because it’s Hong Kong-based. (Chat nalang tayo for more deets).

Anyway, I mentioned that because as a millennial mom, sobrang taas ng guilt level ko kapag nahahati yung oras ko as an employee and as a mom. Parang it’s either – mag-resign ako and be a full-time mom, or mag-work ako but always think about resigning every day. Kayo din ba?

Holding Both by Chesca Susmerano Review

Kaya when I read this book, Holding Both, written by Chesca Susmerano, founder of Studio Maria and a good friend, I was affirmed that it’s valid to feel both of these feelings. Yung guilt pati yung joy, yung longing na mag-work pero ma-enjoy din yung tambay lang sa bahay with kids. Reading the first few pages of the book, I had to stop and take a screenshot, cry, and message Chesca how I felt so seen and so understood just by reading. Lalo na when I read this line:

“You’re allowed to drop some things but not forever.”

Talagang, iyak malaley sa bed. Reading that line, carefully and thoughtfully written by Chesca, sabi ko, grabe yung feelings ko of guilt for not working, wala akong contribution sa bahay financially, wala akong pambili ng mga gamit na gusto ko for myself, pero this is not forever. Ang bilis lang niya actually. And mas naiyak ako sa part na, being with our young children na lagi nating kabunong-braso pag babalik ka na sa laptop mo or aalis ka going to office, is also not forever.

An easy read, unputdownable for moms

So I continued reading the book. 63 pages lang siya. Actually, it was meant to be read one chapter at a time. Pero sobrang easy and relatable read niya na I read it bago matulog, habang tulog na ang mga anak ko. Naisip ko nga, posible palang magbasa ng libro kahit may dalawang anak! Buti nalang, Chesca made it an e-book, sobrang convenient basahin ng mommies whenever and wherever.

Tapos napa-stop na naman ako dito sa page where Chesca talked about the sacrifices she did as a mother, being the career woman she used to be before being a Bagong Nanay. If you also resigned from your job to be a full-time mom, grabe yung page 17, I’m telling you. I’m not going to spoil because you have to read it on your own.

Then sa page 20, yung affirmation ni Chesca that whatever we are doing for our children, no matter how small or mundane, matters, wala na. I lost it. Seriously, Holding Both is unputdownable. Hooked na hooked ako.

An affordable, necessary gift for moms

Reading my screenshots of the book now, I’m getting goosebumps. Meron pa akong isang page na twice ko iniscreenshot because it’s so good. Yes, instead of a book na i-Stabilo para maalala, sa e-book you can screenshot so you can always remember. You will always be reminded. Kasi as moms, need natin ng daily reminder that we are doing okay. That we will be okay. That we are enough.

That’s why I encourage you to buy the book, and read it for yourself, or gift it to another Bagong Nanay, may occasion man o wala. I know, 6 years na ako as a nanay, and I thought I know it all – yang mental health, self-care, guilt – akala ko gets ko na yan. Not until I read Holding Both, para akong na-refresh as a mom. Parang na-encourage ako to be myself, to not hide, to not play small anymore. And I hope all of us moms realize this too. That we are doing sacred work as a mom, and we didn’t become less of a person when we gave up our jobs and became a mother.

My honest review of Holding Both, hehe.

Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards review

And it’s important to have a village. If there’s one thing I will always remember when I sought professional help, it’s that moms need a strong support system. Hindi mo kailangang maging part ng Facebook group na may libu-libong members. Minsan, sapat na yung may chatgroup ka of four moms who are in the same season as you. Yung hindi ka ija-judge pag sinabi mong nahulog sa bed yung anak mo. Yung gets ka pag naiiinis ka sa husband mo na matagal sa CR. Yung pwede mo makausap about faith, about rage, about anything.

I’m happy that we are growing our Bagong Nanay Viber community (ask me for the link). Mommy Charlotte Silva and I started this group way back pandemic era, nung uso yung group chats at pa-Lalamove ng mga stuff. Kasi may nag-close na isang mommy chatgroup, eh parehas kaming bagong nanay noon, at yun ang source namin ng info. Now, with Bagong Nanay group getting bigger, we get to hold meetups na din.

Last January, we held our first Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup in Molito, Alabang. Ang saya, hindi pa kami maka-move on. Pito lang kaming moms na nagmeet, pero it was enough. We were meant to be there, all 7 of us. And during our meetup, we used Chesca’s Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards! It’s a freebie when you buy the Holding Both book through her website.

If you are a mom and you’re going to meet up with your mom friends and you want to make the most of your very limited time, use the Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards para hindi naman puro chismisan or “Anong diaper gamit niyo?” ang topic. Makabuluhan naman sana, please.

What Bagong Nanays say about the Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards

Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup @ The South!

Here’s what the Bagong Nanay mamas said about their experience using the Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards during our meetup.

“I sometimes feel awkward initiating conversations with new people but the Confession Cards served as an effective icebreaker! I like that I get to really know the moms using the reflective questions and relatable prompts that were provided. It’s interactive, and thought-provoking. It helped us connect genuinely throughout the whole Milk Tea Meetup.” –Mommy Camille Chua

“It gently opened the door to the kind of heartful conversations we don’t always get to have in everyday mom life. It wasn’t just small talk—it was real stories, shared emotions, and that comforting feeling of “me too.” So grateful for the space it created.” -Mommy Kyla Magbag

“The idea is so clever and the experience of bringing these conversation cards to the table (with the right circle) is surely refreshing!

I think it’s a must-have for every mom meetups. My momma heart is happy. Ang saya to bring back the beautiful art of conversation while sharing a fave drink during gatherings, than just randomly checking stuff on our phones.

Sana soon meron ding family conversation cards and kids convo cardsss.” -Mommy Cess Arnaiz

Read Mommy Chesca’s thoughts about the Milk Tea Meetup here.

Bagong Nanay events happening soon!

If you want to join the next Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup sa North this March, comment below or send me a message on Instagram (@bagongnanay).

Chesca is also holding a Mini Mindful Art Tambay in Las Pinas on Feb 28, message her on IG (@studiomaria.formamas) to join! See you soon, Bagong Nanay. You are loved.

Holding Both: A Gentle 7-Day Journey Through the Quiet Contradictions We Carry As Mothers e-book is available through Studio Maria’s website here. Get 5% off when you use the code BAGONGNANAY upon checkout!

PS. Thank you, Chesca, for the gift of you. And for giving yourself to the Bagong Nanays.

20.02.2026
It’s Her Time: Clawhaus by Ella Libaton

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

For our first Bagong Nanay Biz feature this 2026, I’m happy to share the story of Ella Libaton and her claw machine rental business, Clawhaus. This 29-year-old mama of two from Rizal is also a content creator, and a friend who pushed me to also start my inflatable rental biz last year.

I know her story can inspire both stay-at-home moms and working moms to trust that even if the time to start a passion project or dream business isn’t now, it will come in His perfect time.

How Clawhaus started, according to Mommy Ella Libaton

I started Clawhaus fresh out of postpartum, during a season when I was still finding my way back to myself. As many of you know, building something while raising little kids isn’t easy—your time is divided, and your energy is constantly tested.

When my younger son turned three and life finally felt a little more manageable—no more sleepless nights or late-night feedings—I knew it was time. I wanted to build something of my own, something that existed beyond my role as a mom. I also wanted to create an additional stream of income for my family—one that required only a few hours a day while still allowing me to be a present wife and mother.

That was the beginning of Clawhaus.

More than a business

When I was just starting, putting myself out there was honestly scary. I was still finding my footing after postpartum and figuring out who I was again, so the idea of showing up and starting something new felt really vulnerable. On top of that, the initial money we invested in Clawhaus came from our savings, and I carried this quiet pressure of not wanting to let my family, especially my husband, down. That made the risk feel even more real.

Ella Libaton and her claw machines rental business, Clawhaus

“I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder, so I can grow Clawhaus while still showing up for my family.”

Ella Libaton, owner, Clawhaus

Looking back now, it was absolutely worth it. Every uncomfortable step, every risk I took led me to something I’m truly proud of. Clawhaus gave me more than just a business—it gave me confidence, purpose, and the reminder that I can build something meaningful while still being fully present for my family.

Celebrating small wins

So far, so good! We recently wrapped up our first bridal fair, which led to over 20+ bookings for the year, something that really helped Clawhaus gain momentum and move forward with confidence this 2026. From starting with just two machines, we’ve now grown to four, and we’re planning to add more for lease and rental ventures across our city.

Planning your child’s birthday party? It’s not complete without these crowd-favorite claw machines!

Being a mom has actually helped me a lot in business. It taught me how to manage my time better, be more patient, and focus on what truly matters. I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder, so I can grow Clawhaus while still showing up for my family.

Lessons from starting a biz

The biggest lesson this business has taught me is that becoming a mother doesn’t mean the end of our dreams. If anything, it can be the fuel that pushes us to dream bigger and braver. I’ve learned that it’s okay to start small, to be scared, and to grow at your own pace.

Having a reliable village (my husband, family and friends) also made a huge difference. Knowing I have people I can count on allows me to show up fully for both my business and my kids.

Ella and her family

If there’s one thing I’d love to share, it’s this: you don’t have to choose between being a mom and building something for yourself. You can do both. Your dreams may look different now, but they’re still valid—and sometimes, motherhood is exactly what gives us the courage to finally take that risk.

Support Mommy Ella’s business by booking at Clawhaus. Tell her you read her story on Bagong Nanay and get 10% off or free transpo fee for Marikina and Antipolo events!

Do you have a business story you want to share too? Message me on Instagram @bagongnanay or comment below!

27.01.2026
Hello, 2026: Bagong Taon, Bagong Nanay!

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

Kumusta?

I just wanted to write a quick post to do two things: 1) recap our 2025 in Bagong Nanay; 2) invite you to our first Milk Tea Meetup.

Bagong Nanay’s 2025, wrapped

I mentioned in a reel that my 2025 was a year of heartbreaks and breakthroughs. The first half of the year was the extension of my maternity leave. I gave birth to my second child via Caesarean section in September 2024, and went back to work in January 2025. I became a Bagong Nanay all over again, and I wasn’t prepared for the reset. I prayed and prayed for God to help me decide what to do next: I love my job, but my son needed me more.

That’s why in May, I decided to resign from my job as an editor at Smart Parenting.

July

In July, I restarted Bagong Nanay. I bought a new domain and hosting, and started writing for my own website. I was scared but also excited for what God has in store for me. And so I kept writing.

Bagong Nanay, new logo for 2025 relaunch

Before the month ended, my good friend and Bagong Nanay Roanne Duran Pascual wrote about how she’s raising her son to be a reader. It was the first Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of 2025.

Photo credits: Roanne Duran Pascual

August

The next month, God showed His plans for me.

In August, I signed my first brand partnership. The only milk brand I trust, HiPP Organic Kindermilk tapped Bagong Nanay to be one of their influencers. Not only did I found THE milk for my children, but they helped grow my mom community through their Mommy Meetups.

Having fun at the HiPP Mommy Meetup with my new Bagong Nanay friend, Gayle Dhillon. | Photo credits: HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines Facebook page

On the same month, another good friend and writer Jilianne Roylence Francia, who also owns Valianne’s Trends, shared how she started her advocacy to normalize breastfeeding anywhere.

Photo credits: Jilianne Roylence Francia

I also debuted the Bagong Nanay Biz section, where I feature moms and their businesses. For the first issue, Suzette Goc-ong of Sew Childhood shared how she built her clothing business from scratch.

Photo credits: Suzette Goc-ong

It was also in August when our family grieved the death of our 16-year-old dog, Lolo Panda. I knew I had to write about it, and it helped that I did.

I started showing up on TikTok too! Panindigan na natin ‘to.

September

It was during this month when I was busy preparing for my son’s first birthday. During his party, my husband and I launched Laro Tayo Kids, an inflatable slide and mobile playground rental business. It was my biggest move for 2025, and it took lots of prayers and sleepless nights to happen.

View this post on Instagram

I also featured a mom I found on Threads, who sells sweaters and onesies with handsewn prints: Yane Cuarto of Elisha and Eliana. Her story reached thousands, and it was the highest viewed story of Bagong Nanay to date.

Photo credits: Yane Cuarto

October

On my birth month, I finally had the courage to write a vulnerable post about caring for our mental health and staying alive.

I was grateful to also share the story of Ara Yeung, the Bagong Nanay behind Cuddle and Coo PH, on how her business helped her in so many ways.

Photo credits: Ara Yeung

November

The best is yet to come. In November, I had the pleasure of working with Bianca Gonzalez, and becoming part of one of the episodes in her Paano Ba To? The Podcast.

Screenshot from YouTube /iamsuperbianca

It was a dream come true, an answered prayer, and again, God showing how powerful He is. He makes all things new. I didn’t know it yet, but Bianca will invite me to a very intimate brunch in December! Watch it here.

I also received an email from a mompreneur who wanted to share her story on Bagong Nanay. Sobrang kilig ko when I read her message. Eds Nabong of Aimerie shared how she paused her career and built her cloth diapering business.

Photo credits: Eds Nabong

December

To end the year, Ives Lim Esteban of Tickled Babies shared how she built her business during her tender season as a Bagong Nanay. She’s the mom who brought well-loved brands like HALO SleepSack, NoseFrida, and OXO Tot to the Philippines

Photo credits: Ives Lim Esteban

And the last Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of 2025 was the story of Tina Santiago Rodriguez, a media missionary and mother of six (plus one in Heaven). She shared what and who helps her do it all.

Photo credits: Facebook /Jewels Conference, Tina Santiago Rodriguez

Hello, 2026! Milk tea tayo, yes?

What a year that was. I didn’t know that all those things could happen, all I knew was I’ve chosen to surrender to God’s plans.

That’s why, to start the year, we’ll be having our very first Bagong Nanay Milk Tea Meetup this month! Yes, gusto lang naman nating mga mommies ay mag-me time habang umiinom ng ating dasurv na dasurv na milk tea. Start tayo sa South! Our venue is in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Babies are allowed! Gets na gets namin yan.

So far, may 10 mom members of our Viber community confirmed! Partner kami ni mother Chesca Susmerano of Studio Maria for the program. We want to make it special and meaningful for the Bagong Nanays!

If you want to join us, comment below or send me a DM on Facebook, Instagram, or Threads so I can send you the link to our Bagong Nanay Community Viber group. We’ll be having another one in the North and East soon!

If you made it this far, thank you so much for being here. You matter so much. I hope you remember that. God loves you!

My 2026 Surrender planner from my bestie Cherrie Julian

Here for you,

Nanay Judy

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

13.01.2026