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!
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.
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
We’re about to end 2025, and welcome another year. It’s been a season full of highs and lows, of trying and enduring. Give yourself a pat on the back, mama!
Yung pagiging Bagong Nanay natin is no joke. Mahirap siya because mahirap talaga siya. Whether you have one child or multiple, ibang level ng endurance and patience ang kailangan natin to not just survive, but thrive. It’s important that we know that in motherhood, we cannot and we must not do everything on our own because if we do, we’ll burn out. More than having a village, we need to nurture our faith.
Kaya naman, to inspire us in our daily routines as moms, I’m very honored to share the Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Tina Santiago Rodriguez, a mom of six children (plus one in Heaven) from Bulacan. She shares how and her husband Anthony are able do it, one day at a time, and how they incorporate prayer and faith in their routine.
While she may not be a “Bagong Nanay” 100% because she’s probably one of the more experienced moms in the Bagong Nanay community, Tina believes (and I agree) that with each pregnancy and birth journey, we go back to being a Bagong Nanay again.
This is how Tina describes herself as a mother: Dependent-on-God, Imperfect, Intentional, Open-minded, Connector, and Community-builder.
Read on, mama.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Tina Santiago Rodriguez, mom of six (plus one in Heaven)
To be brutally honest, life as a mom of six (plus one in heaven!) can be crazy beautiful most days. Sometimes, I find myself “on the go” from the time I wake up because it’s only then that I have more “quiet time” to do stuff. (I usually wake up before everyone else at home).
Faith and parenting
So I try to incorporate prayer and Scripture time during this period, then do my tasks related to work and ministry. (Our family serves at The Feast in Robinsons Galleria, and I also lead our women’s ministry.) Try being the operative word because sometimes I’m not as consistent as I’d like to be! Praise God for being so patient with me!
Tina Santiago Rodriguez and her family | Courtesy of Tina Santiago Rodriguez
I’m privileged to be working from home (or wherever there is internet, haha!) and it’s a blessing also to be able to unschool / homeschool our kids. I do my best to integrate my/our Catholic Christian faith in our daily rhythm. Besides my personal prayer time, I usually pray with the three youngest kids after they wake up. The three older ones say their morning prayers on their own.
“We believe that our faith is better “caught than taught,” so we strive to be good examples to our kids.”
-Mommy Tina Santiago-Rodriguez
After morning chores (and some work tasks for me), we usually gather together again at noontime for the Angelus and Protection Prayer (this was taught to us by a Catholic exorcist priest—very powerful!). After lunch, we usually have our own set of chores / work / individual lessons then we gather again at 3pm for the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Afterwards, the goal is to do some sit-down homeschool lessons with the younger kids (except our toddler, who is just saling pusa for now!)
Tina and her husband Anthony at the Catholic Homeschoolers Summit in 2016 | Courtesy of Tina Santiago Rodriguez
The evening is for dinner, chores (again! Ha, ha! Never-ending!), then we pray together as a family, with my husband leading the prayers. He works from home some days so when he’s home, he usually joins us in our daytime prayers when he’s not in a meeting.
We believe that our faith is better “caught than taught,” so we strive to be good examples to our kids. We fail (a lot!) but by His mercy and grace, we get up and keep going. I think it’s good for us to model how God’s forgiveness looks to our kids as well—that when we struggle in living out our faith, He helps us to move forward and persevere.
Tina as a Bagong Nanay for the very first time. | Courtesy of Tina Santiago Rodriguezz
Intentional parenting and what it means for Tina
I usually try to define intentional parenting in the parenting talks that we give in this way: “The core of intentional parenting is intentional discipleship. We believe that God has a plan for each of us, and that includes our children. So to be an intentional parent, we want to do our best to live according to that plan, and hope to influence our kids to do the same, too.”
Essentially, intentional parenting is all about:
Having a plan for how you want to raise your kids
Beginning with the end in mind: prioritizing character and virtues in your parenting
Prioritizing where you and your kids put your time and energy, because your priorities will guide your daily decisions and commitments
Being mindful of what you’re doing while raising your children: this includes everything, even what they’re exposed to at home and outside the home, like media, etc.
You could say that gentle parenting can be considered part of intentional parenting, since one of its definitions goes like this: “Gentle parenting, also known as collaborative parenting, is a style of parenting where parents do not compel children to behave by means of punishment or control, but rather use connection, communication, and other democratic methods to make decisions together as a family.” (Source: parents.com)
“We need to allow God to heal our inner childhood wounds so that we can be better parents.”
-Mommy Tina Santiago Rodriguez
So, should parents go for this parenting style? My husband and I advocate it, for sure, but we also believe that parents should pray and discern well about how they want to raise their kids. We believe that intentional parenting can be one tool to help them build stronger families.
Top 3 advice for Bagong Nanays on faith and parenting
We need to remember that our children are not ours—
They are just gifts from God, lent to us here on earth. Ultimately, they are His children, and He alone knows how they will turn out to be. We just need to do our best in raising them and let Him do the rest.
There are no perfect parents, there are no perfect families.
But there is one perfect God who loves each of us perfectly. By His mercy and grace, we can be purposeful and present parents. We just need to take the first steps in being so.
Our children need to feel safe, seen, and loved when they are with us.
When we fail to do this, we must take the steps to repair our relationships with them. We also need to acknowledge that oftentimes, we need to allow God to heal our inner childhood wounds so that we can be better parents.
Tina is a renowned speaker in the field of faith and parenting. | Photo credits: Jewels Conference Facebook page
I am Tina Rodriguez from Malolos, Bulacan.
I am the Bagong Nanay of six kids ages 19, 16, 12, 9, 7, and 2 yrs 9 months (plus 1 in heaven!)
Outside motherhood, I’m a writer, editor, content manager, resource speaker, self-professed “media missionary,” servant, co-author of two books published during the pandemic. I used to be active in the mommy blogging world (some would say I’m one of the “OGs”) but God has led me to a different path now.
Last month, I received an email from a mom who wanted to share her Kuwentong Bagong Nanay. Ang saya ko with matching kilig, kasi moms are becoming open to share their stories through Bagong Nanay. It’s giving~ sulit ang domain at hosting natin!
For this month’s Kuwentong Bagong Nanay, I’m honored to share the story of Mommy Eds Nabong from Rizal. She is a mom of a 5-year-old boy named Josiah, and is also the founder of Aimerie, a proudly local cloth diaper brand.
Here, she tells us what made her give up her career and built her business, and how she’s breaking norms in parenting, one day at a time.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Eds Nabong, mom of one and founder of Aimerie
Before becoming a mother, I was totally focused on my career as a licensed mechanical engineer. I wanted everything to go as planned, so I set goals and made plans. I loved being in charge and completing tasks flawlessly. Both my husband and I put in a lot of effort and hoped to create a secure future for ourselves.
But when I became pregnant for the first time, everything changed. I was filled with love but also with fear. I was filled with love but also with fear. I remember thinking, “Kaya ko ba ’to? Am I gonna be enough?” My husband was always there to reassure me that we would learn together as first-time parents. Every day felt new, and my only goal was to give our child the best that I could.
“Many people think that once you become a mom, your dream has to take a backseat. But I believe motherhood can be a start of something new.”
– Mommy Eds Nabong
One of my most important decisions was to put my career on hold to focus on our child and start a small business from home. Although it was difficult, I did what I felt was best for our family with my husband’s wholehearted backing.
Mommy Eds Nabong (center) and her family
My favorite thing about being a mother is that it taught me to appreciate the small things in life, such as quiet times, changing diapers, and morning cuddles. I discovered that being present is more important than being flawless. I bring that same heart with me to Aimerie, a brand built with Pusong Nanay.
Reimagining lampin
When I think of lampin, I remember how my mom used it for my younger siblings. We have a big age gap, so I was old enough to help her take care of them. I would watch her fold and layer each soft, thin, plain white cotton lampin with care. She would change it every time my siblings peed or pooped, then immediately wash it and hung it in the sun. It was part of her daily routine. Tiring, yes, but done with so much patience and love.
So when it was my turn to be a mom, I didn’t have second thoughts about using lampin again. I wanted my baby to feel the same comfort and care that I saw growing up. Like any other first-time mom, I researched what was best to use for my baby. And that was the time I discovered the rise of cloth diapers here and abroad. I realized times have changed. Many parents today find lampin hard to use or too old-fashioned. But when I saw those modern cloth diapers, I thought, “I like this idea.”
Mommy Eds and Aimerie cloth diapers.
That became my inspiration for Aimerie, my way of bringing back the lampin I grew up with, but made easier for today’s parents. I wanted to keep its softness and heart, but make it more practical, functional, and a little more beautiful.
That is how the Aimerie Modern Lampin was born, made with Pusong Nanay and designed for the new generation of moms.
Why parents should try cloth diapering
1. Babies need presko time.
I believe our babies deserve a break from being in plastic all day. Here in the Philippines, where it’s often hot and humid, being presko is something that every family values, especially for babies.
Cloth diapers help give that comfort. Over time, this simple idea became what we now call Presko Time, a few hours a day when baby’s skin can breathe and mom can relax knowing her little one feels fresh and comfortable.
2. Cloth diapering saves cost.
With the prices of basic needs rising, every peso counts for families. Thankfully, cloth diapers can be reused for years, and they can help a lot in saving money. Instead of buying disposables every week, you will only invest once and use them again and again. This becomes a very smart and practical choice for parents who wish to save without having to sacrifice the comfort of their babies.
3. Cloth diapering saves the planet.
We all know that the problem of waste worsens in our country year after year. Floods, garbage, and plastic everywhere affect the world our children will grow up in. Cloth diapers might seem like a very small thing, but it has been of great help already. Whenever we wash and reuse, instead of throwing away, we cut down on waste and show our children how to take care of the earth. It feels good to be able to say that as we take care of our babies, we’re doing something nice for their future.
Parenting traditions or norms I hope to break or rethink
1. That moms can’t dream big.
Many people think that once you become a mom, your dream has to take a backseat. But I believe motherhood can be a start of something new. I might have put my career on pause, but it opened doors for me to build something with purpose. Being a mom doesn’t mean we stop dreaming. It simply means now our dreams include our families, too.
In her element. Mommy Eds talks about presko diapering.
2. That modern means forgetting the old ways.
I want to remind other parents that not everything old is outdated. Traditions like using lampin may seem old-fashioned, but they still work. They just need a modern touch. That is why I wanted to bring back lampin through Aimerie, to show that some of the best ways are the ones passed down and made with Pusong Nanay.
“I wish my son will remember that I raised him with love and patience. They weren’t all perfect, but every decision I made was based on what would bring him comfort and joy.”
– Mommy Eds Nabong
3. That being a good parent means being perfect.
It is easy to feel pressure to do everything right as a parent, especially with all we see online. But I’ve learned that being a good parent isn’t about being perfect. It’s really about just being there, loving your child, and trying your best. I figured out that not everything we plan will happen, and that’s fine. Motherhood has its own timing, and the best moments are usually the ones that were never planned.
What I hope my child will remember
I wish he’ll remember that I raised him with love and patience. They weren’t all perfect, but every decision I made was based on what would bring him comfort and joy.
Mommy Eds and her son, Josiah.
I wish he’ll remember the little things that I took care of him and played with him, that I listened when he needed me. I hope he will see that I am working hard not just for our future, but with purpose and heart.
Most of all, I hope he will remember how warm and full of love our home is. Even though not everything turned out perfectly, we did everything for him to make him feel safe and cared for.
I am Eds Nabong from Rizal. I am the Bagong Nanay of Josiah, 5 years old.
I’m a hands-on mom and the founder of Aimerie, a Filipino brand that brings back the tradition of lampin through the Modern Lampin, made with Pusong Nanay.
I dream of seeing more Filipino families rediscover the comfort of lampin for their babies. I enjoy designing new diaper patterns and products for Aimerie. When I’m not working, you’ll find me reading books or watching movies.
Shop Aimerie using these Bagong Nanay exclusive vouchers!
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:
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.
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!
Bagong Nanay 