Tag: fiction

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
Why This Organic Milk Brand’s Mommy Meet Up Just Gets It

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.ph

Dr. 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!

13.08.2025
Roanne Duran-Pascual: Raising a Reader

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

July is National Children’s Book Month, kaya naman I asked a fellow Bagong Nanay to share how she’s raising her toddler son to develop a love for reading.

I remember interviewing an Ivy League professor and author Gregory W. Slayton, and he shared that children learn how to make sense of the world through reading. He boldly said, “You cannot be a leader if you are not a reader.” No pressure naman sa ating mga nanay, kasi sabi naman niya, even if you are not a great reader yourself, at least, help your child to love reading because it’s through it that they understand how the world works.

So for our first #KuwentongBagongNanay since our re-launch, I asked my good friend Roanne Duran-Pascual to share tips and book recommendations for parents. Roanne is one of the greatest storytellers I know. ‘Yung tipong kapag nagkuwento siya, feeling mo nandun ka sa pangyayari, ganun ka-vivid. I believe it’s because she reads and writes a lot. That’s why when she became a Nanay, I know she’ll enjoy telling her son stories, and nurturing his love for reading too.

Roanne and her son Noah. Courtesy of Roanne Duran-Pascual

Kaya wala nang patumpik-tumpik pa, here’s how Roanne raises her son to be a reader and a leader. In her words, she’s a Bagong Nanay who is ‘living the prayer, and learning every day.’

Read on, and share this with another Bagong Nanay.

Why raise your child to be a reader, according to a reading mama

I strive to raise a reader because, first, reading opens up a limitless world—and books are passports that take my son to places we never could. I love how books allow him to see, hear, and feel things beyond his everyday experience. How his imagination expands with every new character he meets and new adventure he takes on. This is particularly crucial during children’s foundational years (0-3yo), when their brains are developing at lightning speed. Which brings me to my second reason.

Studies have proven a wide range of benefits of reading to child development. From cognitive and communication skills, to focus and critical thinking. Kids learn faster, comprehend better, and analyse sharper. Of course, we can teach all these skills in other ways, but if we can nurture them all just from one regular activity, isn’t that a big win for us parents?

Reading is one of the best ways to learn empathy.

-Roanne Duran-Pascual

Third, and most importantly for me, I want my son to grow up recognizing and respecting others who are different from him. To hear voices and feel experiences other than his own. Reading is one of the best ways to learn empathy. Like why Rainbow Fish won’t give up any of his shiny scales, or how happy Giraffe felt when Porcupine knitted him a scarf—simple stories allow him to learn others’ struggles and emotions.

Little Noah and his book. Courtesy of Roanne Duran-Pascual

He may not fully show these traits now, but it’s never too early to teach him compassion, kindness, and seeing the world through the eyes of others.

How to raise a reader: 3 practical tips

Be consistent.

I know, it’s hard for us parents who have endless to-do lists and barely half a brain to keep up with routines. So choose at least just one part of your kid’s day and dedicate that time for reading. It could be before bedtime, after shower, first thing in the morning—whichever works best for you and your kid. It doesn’t have to be long, even just 15 minutes of fully present time, every day, makes a huge difference in the long run. Consistency is key.

Make it accessible.

Have books within their reach as much as possible. (Yes, there will be book casualties, but trust me–it’s worth it). If you can, get a toddler shelf so they can pull out books anytime they want (there are pretty decent ones in Lazada/Shopee that are less than P1,000).

Books don’t have to be expensive. Check with other parents if they have hand-me-downs. Second-hand bookstores are also great places to score affordable gems.

Roanne Duran-Pascual

If that’s not an option, just set up a cozy corner with a pile of their books. We also usually leave books lying around in bed, which he can pick up when he wakes up before we do; and we always pack a book in our baby bag as the default “toy” when we go out.

Make it fun.

Reading should be something they enjoy, not earned or dreaded. Avoid associating reading with rewards, punishments, or chores. Make it as normal as eating and playing. Bonus: let them see you reading yourself and finding joy in it.

Noah: Happy reader here! Courtesy of Roanne Duran-Pascual

Book and author recommendations

Noah’s turning two in October and these are the books he engaged well and clearly picked up most from.

Dr. Seuss beginner books

They use simple, repetitive words, and catchy rhyme and rhythm. These help kids learn and memorize words more easily, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to read more.

Adarna board books

Books from Adarna House are best in introducing age-appropriate concepts in Filipino, like body parts, family members, and food. I especially love their series on Filipino values and mabuting asal.

Sandra Boynton and Eric Carle books

Both are engaging series. Boynton’s are short and humorous, often in sing-song patterns, making them super fun to read. Carle’s have vibrant and engaging illustrations with subtle lessons embedded in stories.

There are so many wonderful books out there, so feel free to discover what your child enjoys most. And remember, books don’t have to be expensive. Big tip: check with other parents (friends, mommy/daddy groups, online declutter pages) if they have any hand-me-downs. Second-hand bookstores are also great places to score affordable gems.

About the Bagong Nanay: I am Roanne Duran-Pascual from Marikina City. I am the Bagong Nanay of Noah, 1 year and 9 months. Outside motherhood, I’m a storyteller and development worker, who dreams of opening her own bookstore one day.

Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.

31.07.2025