Kumusta? Ako, eto, 36 years old na. Haha! Gusto ko lang maging mas active magsulat because madami tayong time at madami tayong responsibilities as a Bagong Nanay who’s given another lease in life.
So I’m writing this (while listening to the Dogshow Divas podcast ha) because kahapon, may nagtanong na first-time mom sa ating Bagong Nanay Viber Community about her 6-month-old na magsstart na mag-solids.
I remember when I was in her shoes, half-excited and half-kabado ako noon nung magsastart na kumain ang aking firstborn. Pero I became more confident when a mama friend (who also shared breastmilk to me when I gave birth to my preemie baby) shared this panimulang meal plan with me.
I’ve shared this with a lot of moms in my six years as a mother, and so far, okay naman yung mga anak nila!
Because sharing is caring, I’m sharing it here too!
Sample Meal Plan for 6-months-old Baby
Some notes to remember:
I followed this for my two kids. Ang principle behind this is you offer the same food for three days para makita kung may allergies sila sa certain food. Kasi kung meron, inform your pedia agad. It also helps to really track what your child eats, kahit using pen and paper or Google Sheets, you do you. I also take photos of the food bago kumain si baby, for reference. Haha.
Squash puree!
About the water, we used distilled water only until our baby turns one.
How to prepare your baby’s first solids
Cooking
When it comes to food preparation, two ways worked for me:
For my first child: I dedicated an own pot for my baby’s food. Para hindi namimix sa food namin na may seasoning. Boil tapos mash using a fork. You may add breastmilk din, lalo na sa first food like avocado.
For my second child: I received a hand-me-down Boboduck 4-in-1 food blender kaya mas madali magprepare ng food daily. Steam and mash in one na ito!
NANAYS! I’m passing this on to another Bagong Nanay who needs this! Message me if you want it. Just shoulder the SF please.
Storage
Pag naparami yung naluto ko, I put the excess in this food containers from Oxo Tot. Tapos isasapaw ko nalang sa sinaing the next day!
Madaming bowls and utensils that you can shop from Tickled Babies, so just choose what you need. You can also join our Viber group to ask moms what they used! Just comment below or DM me on Instagram to get the link!
High chair
I swear by Ikea Antilop high chair dahil ang dali linisin and stable siya. I bought ours way back in 2020 pa, from pasabuy sellers. Wala pa kasing Ikea noon but now meron na, easy to buy na so go!
Ikea Antilop high chair. Need lang bilhan ng foot rest, madami daw sa Shopee but I got mine from Bears & Berries Manila on Instagram.
Starting solids is exciting, yes, pero may struggles din! But we’re all in this together, and you’ll be okay.
Join our Viber group community. Comment below or send me a message on Instagram: @bagongnanay
Kumusta? Kaliwa’t kanan ang balita ng lindol at flu outbreak, okay ka pa ba? Ang daming nangyayari, pero don’t forget that it’s okay to feel anxious and all these big feelings, but let’s do our best to not dwell on them.
Ang dami kong nakikitang mommies who are preparing their Go Bags at marami ring sellers na nagbebenta ng hard hat. Nabasa ko nga, during these times, it’s okay to worry, but it’s better to be prepared.
Kaya naman, this October, which is also World Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s fitting to share about the story of a Bagong Nanay who, despite her mental health struggles, was able to thrive and build her own business.
We put the spotlight on Mommy Arabella April Yeung, the mom behind the brand Cuddle and Coo PH, which offers an FDA-approved lactation and recovery drink and other parent and baby products. I’ve tried their Malunggay & Acai Berry Juice and you can read about my review here.
Mommy Ara, who used to be a public hospital nurse, shared with Bagong Nanay how she battled with mental health struggles on her own. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when she finally had the courage to seek professional help, and she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her husband supported her through it all, and she poured herself into Cuddle and Coo PH, a small business she dearly loves.
This is her Bagong Nanay Biz story.
A full circle moment
I’d like to think that Cuddle and Coo PH began during our first visit to a baby fair—Momzilla—in 2023. We were browsing baby items and came across a booth managed by siblings. One of the sisters was pregnant at that time, and was selling maternity clothes and baby trinkets. We chatted a little, and they were the first to inspire us to dream of creating our own brand someday. I even told my husband, “Hon, one day tayo naman ang mangbubudol.” Little did I know that joke stayed with him, and eventually became real. At that time, I was pregnant with two babies: my son Jin, and Cuddle and Coo PH.
“Blessings don’t always come all at once—they’re given in perfect timing.”
-Mommy Ara Yeung
When I gave birth in August 2023, I struggled with the sweets and drinks I consumed. Since I had gestational diabetes, I had to be careful with my sugar intake. I stopped eating the usual treats and switched to supplements, but it felt more like a chore than something enjoyable. I wanted something refreshing and delicious without affecting my sugar. This became my daily “litanya” to my husband, who encouraged me to reach out to the right people—being a nurse with connections to hospitals and professionals. That was when it hit me: this challenge could become an opportunity.
Mommy Ara Yeung of Cuddle and Coo PH
One of the main challenges we faced was delegating tasks. As a nurse, I’m used to things progressing in a certain, structured way. My husband meanwhile is a lawyer, who is more chill and used to delays. This difference often frustrated me.
For one, we had to launch the brand without our flagship product because of delays with our FDA certification. By God’s grace, we were able to successfully introduce Cuddle and Coo PH at Momzilla in November 2024!
This Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice is Cuddle and Coo PH’s flagship product
A family affair
Every night, my husband and I would say: “Lord, miss na naming mag-pack ng parcel, palambing naman po ng order.” And true enough, there are days when we have no sales at all—days when we look at each other nervously, wondering if people have already forgotten us and worry that our stocks expire. But the Lord has His ways.
Sometimes the shop is quiet for days, then suddenly we get 10–15 orders in a single day, and we’re scrambling to pack and ship. It taught us that blessings don’t always come all at once—they’re given in perfect timing. It also reminded us to pause, breathe, and enjoy family moments in between.
“When it gets overwhelming, I remind myself: what a blessing it is to do something I love from home.”
-Mommy Ara Yeung
Despite the structured chaos, this business has strengthened our faith and marriage. When I’m busy with inventory, my husband takes over baby duties—feeding, burping, changing nappies, even thawing milk. He has never missed a doctor’s appointment and always makes time for us, even packing parcels after a full day of work. If this business journey has given us that kind of teamwork and resilience, then all the struggle has definitely been worth it.
Ara with her very supportive husband
Although we have an extra hand with our sales associate Thea, who works part-time during baby fairs, I handle most of the day-to-day tasks at home while juggling work, chores, and childcare. It gets overwhelming, but I remind myself: what a blessing it is to do something I love from home. What was once just a dream is now reality. Even our son Jin learns from this—he hands us tape when packing or opens doors when I’m carrying parcels. He sees his dad working, too. These small lessons by example are priceless, something words alone can’t teach a toddler.
Advice for aspiring mompreneurs
If you want to start a business, you need to be ALL IN.
No reservations, no shyness. Who else can champion your product better than you, the creator? That’s why I’ve spent almost a year attending baby fairs, engaging with moms and dads about their breastfeeding journey.
The first year is crucial.
It’s where you’ll see whether the business is earning or just breaking even. Document everything, down to the last peso. That’s how you’ll know what’s working and what’s not. And very importantly, don’t cover costs out-of-pocket. Let the earnings fund the cycle. Proper costing and accounting are key; otherwise, you risk setting yourself up for failure.
Have faith in the Lord, in yourself, in your products, and in your team.
Faith carries you through the days when sales are low and motivation is running out. Sometimes blessings overflow, sometimes it feels quiet. Don’t be discouraged. Maybe it just means more effort is needed or a better strategy for visibility.
Listen to feedback, criticisms, and setbacks.
These are not failures, but steps forward. No system is perfect. Cuddle and Coo PH is what it is today because of continuous feedback—from co-merchants, customers, and our small team.
What’s next for Cuddle and Coo
Our vision is to make Cuddle and Coo PH a trusted name for moms and families who want healthier, safer, and more thoughtful alternatives in their parenting journey. We want our brand to be more than just products—it’s about community, support, and encouragement for parents navigating the same challenges we faced.
“Our dream is to keep growing in a way that stays true to our values: family, faith, and love.” -Ara Yeung
In the near future, we plan to expand our product line to include more parent- and baby-friendly items, with the same focus on health and wellness. We’re also exploring collaborations with fellow mompreneurs and health professionals to bring better awareness and education to families. Beyond online and baby fairs, we hope to eventually have a physical space—a “Cuddle and Coo corner”—where parents can discover products, share experiences, and feel supported.
Our dream is to keep growing in a way that stays true to our values: family, faith, and love.
Follow Cuddle and Coo PH on social media and shop their products here:
Kumusta? October na, napakabilis ng panahon. Birth month ko na, at syempre, more than ever, I celebrate that I’m still here.
I asked the Bagong Nanay Community to take a moment to reflect on who they were bago sila naging Bagong Nanay. Life before motherhood ba. Minsan kasi, nakakalimutan na natin na ang dami pala nating mga nagawa at na-achieve bago tayo naging nanay, especially pag nalulunod na tayo sa daily chores at nauumay sa pag-aalaga ng bata.
Nakakatuwa ang sagot ng mga nanay, at meron ding mga nagpadala ng kanilang mga photos. Read on, and share us a part of your story too!
Moms respond to “Sino ka bago ka naging nanay?”
Banking
“I used to lead a group of officers and staff in an international bank handling operations and customer service for eight years and before that used to work in a TV network. It was my lifelong dream to be a journalist.” Love Cosio
Recruitment
“Before I became an AUsome Mom, I was in the field of recruitment, offshore recruitment to be exact I supported APAC & US clients for industries like banking, finance, insurance, IT & healthcare. This was pre-pandemic and every after work, I always chose to walk instead of riding a jeepney or Angkas to Park Square Glorietta where I’d take a van going home. Walking is therapeutic for me, it’s like my 10-minute me-time every day where I just clear my thoughts.
I stopped working for a while to focus on my AUsome son. It was really challenging, but it was worth it. Recently, I’m back in the industry, starting again, but, it honestly feels good.” Pearl Marie Cordura
Adventure-seekers turned mamas
“HR professional, but being a stay-at-home mom is my favorite. Adventurer. Mountains, oceans, cliff jumps, island hopping. All those things.” Riyalyn Grace Pasimio
Health care
“I was a public hospital nurse on weekdays and an outdoor adventurer on weekends!” Ara Yeung
Credits: Ara Yeung
Freediver
“Marketing girl/freediver/lakwachera turned into SAHM. Loving this new role to be honest!” Gayle Dhillon
Credits: Gayle Hillon
Livestreamer
“I used to stream games online! I play to decompress.” Patrice Gonzales
Credits: Patrice Gonzales
HR Manager
“I used to dream of becoming an HR Manager back in 2013. I told myself that one day, that’s the position I wanted. Little did I know, God granted that dream in 2018—something I never expected. I was always traveling for work, and I truly loved my job. One of the most touching moments was when the CEO himself told me that if I ever wanted to come back, the company doors would always be open for me. I was one of their pioneer employees, and he said I had greatly contributed to the company’s beginnings. Today, I’m so proud because that company has now grown into one of the leading courier services nationwide.” Charmeyn
“Grabe yung passion ko noon. Now that I’m a mom, I had to slow down. My child is teaching me to not rush life and enjoy the little things.”
Gelli Mae Tan
Mission work
“I used to be a full-time lay missionary, along with my husband. After getting married, we served together on mission in East Timor for 5 years – that’s where our first two kids were born. I have always loved writing / communicating, and wanted to take up writing in college but took what was supposedly a pre-Med course instead (for the love of my parents).
So I studied PT in college, took and passed the boards, but practiced PT only for a few months before answering His call to go fulltime in the mission field. Fast forward to the present, and now my work (and advocacies) are very focused on communication. God always has a way of making things work out for us, noh? Tina Santiago Rodriguez
“I remember that I was going almost block by block, business to business when I was a fresh grad. I was offering graphic design services with limited work experience and only a college portfolio. As in ginapang ko magkapangalan lang ako sa larangang ito, lalo na sa Baguio. It did came, yung chance na makilala. Na pag kailangan ng graphic artist sa Baguio, ako yung nirerefer. Grabe yung passion ko noon. Also built my own business after a few years and did so many rakets here and there. Now that I’m a mom, I had to slow down. My quick paced and di mapakali self had to chill. My child is teaching me to not rush life and enjoy the little things. She became my pahinga.” Gelli Mae Tan
From staging events to staying home
Corporate communications and events management
I was a corp comm girlie doing events and writing. Now a SAHM and loving every bit of it! Maiky Berenguer-Verayo
Credits: Maiky Berenguer-Verayo
“A corporate and events girlie for almost 10 years but being a SAHM is so worth it.” Judy Ann Danielle Abad-Roa
Credits: Judy Ann Danielle Abad-Roa
Ikaw, Bagong Nanay? What’s your story?
Me, when I was 29, I used to be a workaholic comms girlie, yung tipong unang dumadating sa office tapos huling uuwi. Mahilig kami tumambay after work hours sa Sheridan, rant sa work at lovelife. I love mounting events, brainstorming, making things happen, and traveling to our partner communities. Siargao? Thrice a year ata ako nandun. I’ve been to a lot of place in Philippines, minsan kakalapag lang, aalis na. Ngayon, as a mom of two, ni hindi makapag-CR ng matiwasay! Hahaha.
Judy Aladin at Calayan, Cagayan
Let’s continue the conversation. Join our Bagong Nanay Community on Viber. Send me a DM on Instagram @bagongnanay for the link!
On August 8, we lost a family member—our almost 16-year-old dog, Panda.
This morning, I caught myself staring at a gaping hole outside our home. It would have been the resting place of our dear Panda,who passed away peacefully in his sleep that day. It’s only been three weeks since he left us, but not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded of him.
That hole was my husband’s and my attempt to dig a grave for our beloved dog. When we found out that he’s dead at 11AM, our instinct was to dig—under the scorching heat, with the only tools we had at home: a small pick and shovel, and a lot of heart.
Hello, Panda
I first met Panda during my then-boyfrend, now husband’s birthday celebration at home back in 2009. He was still a tiny puppy, only a few days old. He had a white fur and black spots, easily, they named him Panda. Since then, we took care of him, and loved him as our family.
When his sister Pipay died a few years back from slug poisoning, we thought we’d lose Panda too. He showed the same symptoms, but thankfully, we rushed him to the vet at midnight and he was given medicine for his liver.
When Kevin and I got married and lived in Eastwood, Panda stayed under the care of our tenant in Tandang Sora. We would visit often, usually bringing liempo as his treat. During the pandemic, when our tenant moved out, we took Panda in because he was all alone. Together with our toddler daughter, we survived the lockdown inside our 24-sqm studio unit.
Our dear Panda.
We walked him at our condo’s parking lot, as we got our own dose of sunlight and exercise. And when we finally moved to our new home, he had the space to run free again.
Goodbye, Lolo Panda
We dug until we reached a rock we just couldn’t break. By then, I was already feeling dizzy, and my husband was drenched in sweat. He took a break from his work, telling his teammates, “I’ll just bury my dog.” My heart broke when I heard him say that. Our kind neighbor saw us and lent us his bigger shovel.
When Panda died, our instinct was to dig a grave for our dog.
We took a break for a while because there seems to be no luck in digging anymore. My husband thought, how about we have him cremated?
On Facebook, we found a pet aftercare provider. When I picked up my daughter from school, I told her what happened. That afternoon, we didn’t play any music during the ride home. We were just quiet.
They picked up Panda’s remains that same afternoon and gave us a short time to view him before cremation. At around 4 PM, they arrived—just after our 6-year-old daughter saw him and said goodbye.
By 6 PM, I received a text from telling us we could schedule a viewing at 9 PM. It was an hour’s drive from our home, but it was worth it.
There, we saw Panda lying on a soft bed surrounded by flowers. Immediately, the tears we’d been holding back poured. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to the dog who had been with us for nearly 16 years.
Thank you, Panda.
When I got pregnant with my first child, Panda knew. He sniffed me often, and appear so clingy because he thought we’d love him less. Whenever he escaped from our house, we’d scour the village non-stop just to find him. I remember looking for him in our village while carrying my three-year-old daughter, holding an umbrella, at noontime. Only to find him resting calmly under a parked truck. He never really left us, but we always feared losing him, because he was family.
Dealing with the grief of losing a family member
Reflecting on Panda’s death, here are a few things that help us cope as a family.
1. Feel your feelings.
Allowing ourselves to sit with the sadness and grief helped. So did telling others we needed time to grieve. I had to refuse from a task that day because I told them we lost a family member. Digging that grave was our way of processing our emotions together. And being able to see Panda one last time, at peace, helped us prepare to say goodbye.
2. Talk about him.
He will never be forgotten. Whenever I see a dog, I think of him. In our home where he was a constant, Panda will always have a special place. Having his ashes with us brings peace—we know he’s still home.
3. Know that it’s not your fault.
On the day he died, I was very sorry that I wasn’t able to save him. I cried, and I was guilty that I could’ve done something to extend his life. However, I realized how blessed we are to be able to spend almost 16 years with Panda. We were his only family, and he gave us unconditional love. For that, we will always be grateful.
Our last family photo, before I gave birth last September
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Run free now, Panda. We love you so much.
In loving memory of Panda Aladin
November 2009 – August 8, 2025
Thank you Precious Paws Aftercare Services for our beautiful send-off to our beloved Panda.
If you are a new mom and you haven’t tried Meinas’ 7-Step Scalp Treatment, this is your sign to make time for it.
Hi, Bagong Nanay! Kumusta? Ako, eto, busy-busyhan. Kaka-soft launch ko lang ng bagong business namin sa social media: Laro Tayo Kids! Inflatable and mobile play space rental siya, perfect for playdates, birthday parties, o kahit walang okasyon! Check it out here.
Speaking of bago, last week, I tried the 7-Step Professional Scalp Treatment at Meinas Scalp Solutions. Kakaopen lang nila ng bagong branch nila sa SM Mall of Asia! May branch rin sila sa SM North EDSA Annex, kaya I tried their scalp treatment for the first time. All I can say is: TRY NIYO RIN.
Bagong Nanay Reviews: Meinas 7-Step Scalp Treatment
So yes, I’m here to convince you to try their 7-Step Scalp Treatment for yourself because you deserve it! If you are any or all of these Bagong Nanays, then go for it!
1. Hindi ka nakakaligo every day.
Gets kita, Bagong Nanay. Ako rin, before my treatment with Meinas, hindi ako daily naliligo. Ang excuse ko, walang time dahil may baby. Instead na maligo ako, mag-sulat na lang ako itutulog ko nalang. Lalo naman nung first baby ko. Inaabot ako ng 3-4 days na walang liguan, kasi pandemic, nasa condo lang naman kami, at wala kaming helper. Imbis na maligo ako, aalagaan ko nalang yung baby ko.
Pero did you know that neglecting hygiene is a sign of depression? Iyan ang kinonfirm sa aking ng aking psychologist when I first consulted a professional for my mental health. Especially nung nakita ko kung anong status ng scalp ko dahil hindi ako naliligo, nakakadiri! May fungus, microbes, at chemical residue na pala sa anit ko! Huhu.
Avail niyo na yung FREE scalp consultation ng MEINAS, and see it for yourself.
Meinas offers free scalp consultation in their branches, kaya talagang makikita mo yung magiging difference after the treatment. Kaya go mo na ‘yan.
My first scalp care treatment at MEINAS SM North EDSA Annex.
2. Grabe ka mag-hairfall.
Normal ang 50-100 strands of hair fall per day, ayon sa Healthline. Pero kung Bagong Nanay ka, i-expect mo na na mas marami ang hair fall because of postpartum hair loss, lalo na within the first six months after mong manganak.
Hindi sa nirerecommend ko, pero noong first baby ko, sobra akong napikon sa hair fall ko, kaya nagpakalbo ako. Shinave ni husband ang aking hair. So in short, na-reset ang aking hair, pero that doesn’t mean na healthy ang scalp ko.
My scalp before and after MEINAS Scalp Treatment!
After one session at Meinas, naging healthy ang scalp ko! Naglabasan din daw yung small hair na hindi makalabas dahil clogged yung pores. Nakakatuwa.
3. Kailangan mo ng me-time.
Well, lahat ng nanay naman need nito. Pero if you are a Bagong Nanay na wala talagang time for yourself, yung 90-minute scalp treatment na wala kang kasamang kids, sobrang nakaka-recharge siya.
Also, lagi ko sinasabi na need ko ng full-body massage. Pero hindi ko akalain na need ko rin pala ng sobrang malupit na head and scalp massage. First time kong ma-massage ng ganun, sabi nga ng friend ko, langit yung feeling. Parang natanggal lahat ng stress ko sa buhay. Haha.
With Ms. Jane of Meinas Scalp Solutions
Sulit siya for its price of P2,980. Meron ding packages where you can save up to P3530 if you buy 5 sessions. I’m telling you, it’s the spa we never knew we needed. And remember: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
Visit Meinas at SM North EDSA Annex (Lower Ground), Greenhills Mall (5th Floor), and SM Mall of Asia (2F North Wing Main Mall) or their website here.
Watch my full video review of Meinas Scalp Treatment on TikTok and Instagram.
Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is best for babies up to two years and beyond.
A few weeks back, I received a message on Instagram from the milk brand HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines inviting me to its second Mommy Meet Up. They even said I could bring a plus one. In my head, “Naku ha, baka parang networking ito!”
HiPP Organic Kindermilk is an organic milk formula from Europe that is certified organic and free from chemicals. Personally, my kids haven’t tried formula milk, and I’ve only read about HiPP from mommy groups saying it has the closest taste to breastmilk because it has no sugar!
I cleared my schedule so I could attend. No kids and husbands allowed. I’d seen posts about their first meet-up and wished I could have gone, but it was in the South. This time, the venue was in Quezon City—just a 40-minute drive from home.
On the day itself, I almost didn’t make it because of an upset tummy that morning. But I pushed through, and upon arriving at B Hotel, I was greeted by a sea of moms riding the elevator with me. Ang gaganda nila!
Here’s why I’m so glad I went to the HiPP Mommy Meet Up:
Bagong Nanay’s HiPP Mommy Meet Up Experience
Yes, it was indeed a mommy meetup.
True to their word, they gathered moms for their much-needed time to socialize and make new mama friends. The call time was 11AM, and after registration, we were escorted to a room with booths and snacks. For the next two hours, we simply mingled with other moms, played games, and just enjoyed being unhurried. Read that again: two hours.
Stacking cups game comparing how many glasses you can make with HiPP vs others. Credit: Facebook /HiPP.ph It me! Thank you Mommy Gayle Dhillon for snapping this!
The brand was being fair.
I’ve been to a lot of brand events, and I could say HiPP’s event was more than just product promotion. They wanted us moms to really know their product–understand it, taste it, learn about it, and yes, earn it. They could’ve easily given each mom a box to take home, but instead, they took the time to share valuable information that made us genuinely want to try it for ourselves.
At 1PM, we went to the main hall for a sumptuous lunch *chef’s kiss!*I couldn’t believe I’d eat this meal all to myself. #iykyk
Every moment was well-thought-out.
HiPP didn’t even have to bring in a celebrity. Choosing Mommy Love Cosio to host the event and share her testimony was one of the event’s highlights. Inviting Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao to explain the importance of gut health hit the jackpot. These two powerhouse mamas made the event not just fun, but heartwarming and meaningful. And if you were there, you’ll definitely feel the sincerity of the brand as their leaders mingled with moms from the time the doors opened until the very end.
Mommy Love Cosio hosted the event. Credit: Facebook /HiPP.phDr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao talked about the importance of gut health in a child’s development
It was a day to remember. I hope I could bring all my Bagong Nanays to future meet-ups. Yes, hello, HiPP?
And oh, I made new mama friends.
What I loved most about the event was coming alone and going home with new friends. For a while I was able to see the mamas behind the Instagram handles I follow. In between their filming and poses, we exchanged stories about motherhood. It’s refreshing to also tell bits and pieces of my journey to moms I just met, and I got to listen to theirs too. The extrovert in me was very, very happy.
Shared the table with Mommy Irene and Mommy Gayle. See you again soon!
If I could join every meet-up and bring all my mama friends, I will. That’s how good it is. Thank you for this experience, HiPP!
Follow HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines on Facebook and Instagram and see you at the next Mommy Meet Up!
Want to invite Bagong Nanay to your event? Email judysantiagoaladin@gmail.com or send me a message on IG: @bagongnanay. Thank you!
For Bagong Nanay’s first gig, my daughter and I were invited to the Blue Carpet Screening of the Smurfs movie at the Gateway Cineplex 18. It was our first time to watch a movie at Gateway Mall in Cubao, and we had an amazing experience.
Smurfs Movie (2025) Review
Without spoiling too many details, Smurfs movie delivered the fun and good vibes for kids, and the lessons and message for parents. Here are some of my takeaways from the movie, whether you plan to watch it or not.
Bagong Nanay at the Blue Carpet Screening of Smurfs at Gateway Cineplex 18
1. It speaks to moms about the identity we lose to motherhood.
The first few minutes shows the first dilemma of the movie, where No Name wonders why he doesn’t have a thing that sets him apart from all the other Smurfs in the Village. To him, it seems like everyone has their own identity—there’s a Worrier Smurf, a Sound Effects Smurf, a Grumpy Smurf, among others. He feels frustrated and thinks he’s nothing special because of that.
As a mom, and I admit it, I sometimes feel like I don’t know myself anymore, especially when I can’t tie myself to a career or anything apart from motherhood. Life as a mom seems like it’s always on survival mode. Yet when we finally realize that our identity as a mom is actually irreplaceable, things just feel better.
Take it from the superstar and soon-to-be mom of three, Rihanna, who voiced Smurfette in the film.
2. Our past doesn’t define us nor our present.
Smurfette reminds us of this truth, that what happened to us in the past doesn’t define what will happen to us in the future. If we come from a broken family, it doesn’t always follow that we’ll have a broken family too. There’s power in rising and overcoming, and from what the movie showed, we can use our scars and wounds from the past as motivation to be better.
Smurfette is Rihanna at Smurfs 2025 movie!
3. There’s power in coming together.
Just like how moms help each other when they have questions about their children’s health, school, or milestones, the Smurfs were stronger when they worked together to battle the dark forces. The movie shows that alone, we can only do so much, but if we put our heads and our hearts together, we can move mountains.
Moms may feel like every struggle they encounter each day is hard, but asking for help already makes the load a little lighter. I read somewhere that a mom needs at least one person whom she can be transparent with about her thoughts and feelings so she can thrive. If you don’t have this yet, maybe you can find it in a support group like the Bagong Nanay Community. Moms love to help their fellow moms because they are paying forward the help they once received.
Smurfs Lessons for Kids
As for my 6-year-old daughter, she shared that she learned about the importance of telling the truth instead of lying, as well as the value of friendship.
My almost 6-year-old Lia at the Smurfs movie advanced screening
Smurfs is rated PG (Parental Guidance), and there are a lot of opportunities to teach your child lessons about honesty, trust, and self-worth throughout the movie. I highly recommend it for a one-on-one movie date with your child, or for a feel-good family movie time.
Smurfs is showing in theaters on July 16, 2025. Watch the trailer here.
Have you watched Smurfs? What do you think about it? Comment below!
After a three-year hiatus, Bagong Nanay is back for the best, and for good.
“It’s for the best, for now.”
‘Yan na lang ang naisip ko nung nag-decide ako mag-resign from my job as a Section Editor of Smart Parenting. Yes, halos four years in total din ako sa SP. Nagsimula as a community member, naging contest finalist, mom ambassador, contributing writer, hanggang sa inofferan ako ng full-time job as a Senior Staff Writer. Bago nun, two years akong unemployed dahil nagpaka-Bagong Nanay ako sa panganay kong anak na si Lia. Ngayon, may isa pa akong baby, si Titus. 10 months old na siya, which means Bagong Nanay ako all over again.
Lia (6) and Titus (<1)
How Bagong Nanay started (recap lang)
Ilang araw nalang, my firstborn will be turning six. Nakaka-senti kasi parang kahapon lang nung nag-break yung water bag ko at pumunta kami ni husband ng ospital, thinking baka hindi pa naman time. 33 weeks, 5 days palang kasi siya noon. Eh, sabi ng BabyCenter app, at least 34 weeks sana ang baby bago lumabas para ma-develop fully yung lungs niya. So ayun, nag-stay ng 3 days sa loob ng tiyan ko si Lia, until in-emergency C-section na ako ng aking OB-GYN na si Tita Ana Villaraza na kilala rin bilang si Dra. V sa Capitol Medical Center dahil ubos na ang aking amniotic fluid.
Si Lia, na dati ay 1.5kg lang noong lumabas, ay isang matalino at madaldal na Grade 1 student na. Ang bilis lang ng panahon. Kaya sabi ko, mabilis lang din naman lalaki si Titus, kaya susulitin ko na muna habang baby pa siya. Focus muna ako sa kanilang dalawa, at habang nasa school si Lia at nap time naman nung isa, makakasulat ako dito sa Bagong Nanay blog na sinimulan ko noong pang 2019. Naaalala ko pa, nasa shower ako noon, maternity leave ko. Hirap na hirap ako bilang first-time mom na nakabukod sa pamilya. Nakatira kami ni husband sa condo sa Quezon City, at walang ibang kasama. Sabi ko, “What if gumawa ako ng Instagram page kung saan pwedeng mag-crowdsource ng mga tanong about parenting? Tapos ako, bilang may communications background ako, icoconsolidate ko into a blog post para mas madaming makabasa at ma-share nila?”
What is Bagong Nanay?
So Bagong Nanay was born. Eventually, bilang unemployed ako nitong time na ito at pandemic, naisipan kong mag-try magbenta ng malunggay supplements. Ang lakas ng benta ko noon! Pano, ang business plan ko kasi ay mag-ship as needed ng mga malunggay tea and coffee, patok sa mga bagong panganak. Tipong nasa ospital pa sila, oorder sila at ipapadala ko ura-urada via Grab Express or Lalamove yung orders nila. Bilang gising ako halos buong araw, anytime delivery din ako. Kahit alas-5 ng umaga at kailangan nila ng pampalakas ng gatas, o gabi dahil yun lang ang time na pwede silang makalabas ng bahay, game ako.
Bagong Nanay, created in 2019
Gumawa din ako ng Viber group kung saan mga Bagong Nanay in different seasons of life ang members. Dito, free sila magtanong at mag-usap about anything under the sun. Pero nagsilakihan na din ang mga anak nila, kaya medyo naging inactive na ito. Nasa 90+ members ang Viber group, pero legit na mga nanay ito dahil by invitation link lang ang pag-join. Walang bots allowed.
Bakit may Bagong Nanay ulit?
Nag-resign ako sa SP dahil may company policy kami na two days report to office per week. Hindi ako maka-keep up dito dahil 1) hindi ko maiwan ang baby ko dahil breastfeeding kami at clingy siya; 2) ang layo ng office namin sa Mandaluyong, taga-Novaliches kami. Sabi ko, it’s for the best for now. Babalik nalang ako pag kaya ko na, dahil unfair din naman sa mga ka-officemate ko kung ako lang ang naka-work from home at sila ay pumapasok sa office. It’s the best for now because lahat ng oras at atensyon ko ay nakatuon sa aking mga maliliit na anak muna. Makakabalik din si Nanay sa work niya.
Long story short, gusto ko lang ituloy ang aking pagsusulat at pagiging nanay kaya binuhay ko ulit ang Bagong Nanay. Marami nga lang magbabago, kasi siyempre, natuto na tayo sa mga needs ng mga nanay. Naisip ko, sa dami ng mga content sa social media, ano ba ang kailangan nilang makita at mabasa? Bakit ako dadagdag pa sa mga isipin nila?
New and improved Bagong Nanay 2.0
As a Bagong Nanay of two, heto ang mga naisip kong magiging laman ng Bagong Nanay blog na ito at ng social media accounts natin.
Bagong Nanay, new logo for 2025 relaunch
Dati, Bagong Nanay served as a community of new and first-time moms, Bagong Nanay 2.0 is a safe space for mothers and their stories.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay
Sa mundo na puno ng Chatgpt or AI-generated content, magpapakatao tayo. Ang kuwento ng bawat nanay ang bida dito. Tuloy pa rin ang mga Kuwentong Bagong Nanay, na sana one Nanay per week. May kuwentong Bagong Nanay ka ba? Send me a message and I will reach out to you. Read our past features:
Sa TikTok kung saan madaming nabubudol, tutulong tayo to make informed decisions. Tuloy pa rin ang Bagong Nanay Reviews, kung saan itetest ko personally ang mga bago o existing brands in a comprehensive article for every mom’s reference.
Bago naman ang Bagong Nanay and her Biz, kung saan iffeature ko ang mga mompreneurs at ang kanilang mga locally-made products for support and empowerment. (Haha, parang wordplay pala ng Beauty and the Beast, LOL). Open din ang Bagong Nanay for consignment or affiliate marketing! If you have a biz, hit me up at isulat natin yan.
Bagong Nanay Things
Eto ang excited ako. Gagawa ako ng isang page dito sa website kung saan makaka-download ang mga new moms ng mga files gaya ng proven and tested hospital bag checklist, postpartum depression test, at marami pang guides and how-tos. Syempre, para pa din ang lahat ng ito sa mga literal na Bagong Nanay.
Sa social media naman, expect affirmations, questions, and giveaways. Buhay pa rin ang Viber group natin, in case may gustong mag-join. Madami nang natulungan ang group to source breastmilk, brand recommendations, at event promotions. Active din ako sa Threads, kung andun din kayo.
Hanggang dito muna ang ire-reveal ko. Pero everything is possible with Bagong Nanay. Wala tayong hierarchy at burokrasiya dito, so feel free to share your thoughts on how we can help each other sa season na ito. Open ako diyan.
It’s for the best, for now.
Thank you sa pagbabasa, Bagong Nanay. It’s an honor to exist and write for you.
Love,
Nanay Judy
PS. Bagong Nanay is also a tribute to Dr. Maria Ana G. Villaraza, my dear tita and OB-GYN, who passed away in April 2024. May she rest in peace.
PPS. Sending a gift to Nanay Kyla Abrenilla Magbag (ky.mgbg) for commenting on my recent post. Yey!
This blog post is long overdue. Halos isang taon na since I published my last #KuwentongBagongNanay featuring Chesca Susmerano, a creative mompreneur and founder of Studio Maria for Mamas last March 20.
And on March 21, I will be celebrating my first anniversary as one of the editors of Smart Parenting. Mababasa ninyo ang halos lahat ng sinulat ko dito.
Napaka-surreal, to think na one year ago, hindi ko akalain na magkakaroon pa ako ng regular job bilang nag-resign ako to be a full-time mom in 2020, then the Covid-19 pandemic happened.
I also learned that I went through postpartum depression in 2021. Grabe the year that was.
But now, I’m here, explaining myself what happened to me. Getting my dream job – writing + parenting – and working with amazing teammates and mentors are just some of the biggest plot twists of 2022, and it’s all glory and thanks to God.
Hindi ko naman nagawa yun dahil magaling ako. Nagawa ko yun dahil nagtiwala ako kay Lord.
Hindi naman ako tumigil sa pagiging advocate ng maternal mental health at pagsuporta sa mga bagong nanay. Kumbaga, naredirect lang ako, pero ganun pa rin ang ginagawa ko. Nagsusulat, nakikipag-usap, nagbebenta ng malunggay, tuloy pa rin.
Buhay na buhay pa rin ang Viber group ng Bagong Nanays. Nag-out of town trips na kami ng ibang members na naging matatalik na kaibigan ko na. Sali ka dito kung wala ka pa doon.
Ang pinagkaiba lang, hindi na ako nakakapagsulat dito. Kasi naman, I’ve been writing daily for Smart Parenting. Stories of celebrities, parents, children, and inspiring people to raise healthy and happy families. I’ve been waking up every day with not just a deadline, but a purpose. And for that, thankful ako kay Lord.
Until one day, sabi sa akin ni Chesca, willing daw ba akong makipag-collab ulit sa kanya for Women’s month. Baka daw busy ako kaya siya nagtatanong muna. Siya pa nagtanong, eh malapit na siya manganak noon! Nanganak na siya, and na-launch pa rin niya ang collab namin. Ganun siya kagaling.
So ano bang point nitong blog post na ito? Aside from giving a life update, invite ko na kayo to join our statement shirt contest! Your witty idea could be printed on shirts and be worn by moms in the Philippines and all over the world. Gustomoyorn
Hindi alam ng mundo ang hirap na dinaranas mo. Hindi nakikita ng lahat kung gaano kasarap sa puso maging nanay.
Simple lang ang mechanics, punta ka lang sa link na ito or basahin mo hanggang dulo and you will know what to do. Then, start thinking about your ideas then write it down on your notebook or phone muna. You know, the best ideas come to us while we are in the shower or washing dishes. Tapos alarm ka ng March 18, isubmit mo entries mo on that day. Yun lang.
Why are we doing this again? Studio Maria and Bagong Nanay believe that moms matter. And through these shirts, we can raise more awareness on what first-time moms and even moms of multiple children go through. Kesyo pa-joke o seryoso, we should make a stand while we can.
Hindi alam ng mundo ang hirap na dinaranas mo. Hindi nakikita ng lahat kung gaano kasarap sa puso maging nanay. Through these shirts, kahit papaano, we are giving the people around us a glimpse of our lives. A snapshot of what we stand for.
Yung tipong pag suot ko yung t-shirt ko na Studio Maria na nakalagay “Moms matter,” para akong tumatayo para sa lahat ng nanay na akala nila wala na silang kwenta simula nung naging nanay sila.
Every day mom
Tuwing suot ko yung shirt ko na “Bagong Nanay Club,” napaparamdam ko sa makakasalubong ko na kapapanganak pa lang na hindi siya nag-iisa.
Lam mo yun, simpleng t-shirt pero ang laki ng impact. Nagsuot ka lang ng damit, pero nakabuo ka ng araw ng ibang tao.
Paano pa kung ang nakasulat sa tshirt na susuotin mo at irarampa sa mall eh, “kaMAhal-MAhal ka.” O di kaya, “Gets ko yang mombrain mo.” Diba, ang sarap mabasa? Ang sarap malamang hindi ka nag-iisa? Teka, entries ko yan ha.
O siya, inaantok na ako at ayokong nagpupuyat dahil ikakagrumpy ko ito bukas. Sana nagets mo yung point ko, na itong mga ganitong pagkakataon para magsalita, o manindigan para sa mga nanay ay napakahalaga.
What if ikaw ang inatasan ni Lord na makaisip ng next statement na ilalagay sa Studio Maria x Bagong Nanay shirt? Click mo na ito, sige na.
PS. Kamusta ka, Bagong Nanay? Comment below kung umabot ka dito, at baka may ipadala ako sa’yong surprise.
PPS. Chescagurl, congrats sa pagiging bagong nanay ulit. Salamat kay Lord at pinagtagpo tayo, 2 collabs in this lifetime, hindi biro yun ah? Salamat sa tiwala, mamsh.
Kumusta ka? Sana okay ka lang despite the rising number of Covid-19 cases dahil sa Omicron na yan.
It’s 2:23AM, pero hyped na hyped ako dahil mamaya na ang launch ng Bagong Nanay Club Merch!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!
So basically, magda-dump lang ako dito ng mga thoughts and feelings ko dahil sobrang overwhelmed ako sa collab na ito.
I remember one of my bestfriends saying, “Paano mo malalaman na will ni God for you ang isang bagay?” And the answer we concluded was, “Pag hindi pilit, at smooth lang ang bagay-bagay.” Kumbaga, iyo talaga yan. Ina-allow ni God yan for you. Hindi ka na Niya papahirapan.
Para organized ang thoughts ko, ganito ko nalang ikikuwento kung paano nagtugma ang lahat para mangyari ang collab na ito:
July 18, 2019:My Bagong Nanay moment. Naging literal na bagong nanay ako kay Therese Aurelia. 34 weeks palang siya, gusto niya na lumabas sa outside world! Siya ang pinakamagandang bata sa buong mundo.
September 11, 2019: Bagong Nanay was conceived. In one of my 5-minute showers, naisip ko “Juskolord. Bagong Nanay na ako. OMG. Paano ba ihahack ito? Napakahirap!” Boom! Nakatuwalya palang ako nun, gumawa ako ng Instagram account, and the rest is history. Ang initial idea is to make it a crowdsourcing hub for first-time moms on IG, kasi andun madalas nakatambay ang mga nanay.
November 8, 2019: Mommy Jersey dreams. Nangarap ako gumawa ng “mommy jerseys.” Four months palang ang baby ko noon, at naka-maternity leave pa ako. Na-inspire akong gawin ang idea na ito kasi lagi kong suot na ang basketball jersey ni Husband for easy access sa boobs. Hehe.
January 29, 2020: Transition. Nag-resign ako from my regular job as an Assistant Communications Manager to be a full-time nanay. Simula noon, sabi ko, kakareerin ko ang Bagong Nanay. Nag-start ako ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, etc.
August2, 2021: Cold message. Na-discover ko ang Studio Maria for Mamas. Meron silang muscle tees na same ng na-envision ko for my mommy jerseys. Parang na-dishearten ako na may nakaisip na pala non. LOL. Pero what if pwedeng maki-ride nalang ako sa current na meron sila? So nag-DM ako sa Studio Maria for Mamas sa Instagram (around 3AM pala yun, haha) na “Would love to have a shirt that says, Bagong Nanay!” Try lang, diba. At nag-reply si Chesca, ng “Nice idea! I can include in future releases!” WOAH. Simula noon, nabuhayan ang pangarap kong mommy jerseys!
September 17, 2021: Bagong Nanay as Studio Maria Partner Affiliate. Nag-join ako sa free workshop ng The Social Media Rebel, at nag-promote doon si Chesca about Studio Maria. Nag-sign up ako to be a Studio Maria Partner Affiliate for extra income, at bilang aligned naman talaga siya sa goals ng Bagong Nanay. Nagka-chat kami ni Chesca on IG, at naalala niya na gusto kong makipag-collab. Di niya alam, halos maihi ako sa kilig!
December 9, 2021: Planning Eto na! Tuloy-tuloy na ang online planning, brainstorming, and execution for the Bagong Nanay Club Merch! Lahat via chat and email lang with Chesca! Haha. Nag-crowdsource kami ng content from Bagong Nanays, dahil para sa kanila ito.
January 15, 2021: Bagong Nanay Club Merch Launch. To God be all the glory.
Sketches of my mommy jersey dreams way back in 2019
Isa ito sa mga pangyayari sa buhay ko na nagpprove na, God’s delays are not denials. May mga bagay na pangarap natin, tapos maffrustrate tayo dahil hindi siya nangyari based on how we envisioned it, pero yun pala, may better plan for us.
God’s detour. A collab with Studio Maria for Mamas!
Chesca Susmerano, a creative mompreneur, has her own shirt printing business, at sobrang high-quality ng shirts at print niya. Pang-alta! Hindi ka mapapahiya ipangregalo! Haha. Ako naman, I’m building an online community for first-time moms. Nag-swak ang mga bagay-bagay, kaya nangyari ang collab na ito. Ang smooth, diba?
Kaya naman, 3AM na. See you later onInstagram Live at 6PM for the Bagong Nanay Club merch launch!!! We’ll be launching FOUR (4) SHIRT DESIGNS na crowdsourced from real Bagong Nanays. Nakakakilig talaga. Thank you Lord for Chesca and for this project! Please please support us and share this to your mommy friends!
See you later at 6PM!
May this collab empower more Bagong Nanays. You are not alone.
Bagong Nanay 