Pursue Your Passions Without Going Broke

Wow. What a title, right? For me, it hit me hard because I've always been the dream chaser- do whatever it takes to get it, even if it meant risking it all. Like how I played "the game of life" in 2010 when we uprooted and moved to Palawan to live in paradise.

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Security Bank to share this very topic with an intimate group of media influencers and bloggers. I was brutally honest in sharing what I went through when I didn't have a financial back up plan for my dream project. To make the looong story short: FAILURE isn't a word I fear anymore because I've been there and done that. In fact, I thank my husband and myself for failing on that dream because it placed things in perspective and taught us life-long lessons needed for us to rise. Just like a Phoenix, we feel like we have begun entirely new lives within this lifetime.

Obviously, we are now wiser beyond our years. And grateful that we can start over because in truth, we never stop dreaming and creating our realities. So, we have new goals and visions to manifest. It makes it more exciting because we currently have the knowledge and tools that we didn't have in the previous years to make it through.

Security Bank came in my life at the right moment, now that my husband and I are seriously thinking about investing for our children's future. We can no longer be selfish about living "our dreams" alone. We have to also be realistic on HOW to achieve those without suffering. As parents, we are fully responsible for the welfare of our children.

In the workshop, not only did I share my story, I also learned the true value of investing for myself and my family. This is something I have always been interested in but too scared or shy to really learn since any topic that discusses money can be quite sensitive. The Security Bank officers during the day made sure to answer all our inquiries on UITF or Unit Investment Trust Funds where we can choose to invest in the manner of our personality. I am a natural risk taker but believe it or not, when it comes to money that I have earned or want to invest in, it seems that I want to play it safe which makes me a conservative to moderate (surprisingly, not an aggressive) investor. You can learn more about UITF and how you can start investing now for as little as Php10,000 here. 

What I loved most about Security Bank is the hassle-free personalized banking service called "Switch Kit" wherein a dedicated sales associate will open an account for you in the comforts of your own home! There was a document that I needed to sign for me to open my UITF and true enough, like top service, a representative came to my house for this breastfeeding- work-at-home mother. (Yes, I was really nursing my 2-year old to sleep at the time of her visit!).

For more information visit www.securitybank.com.ph to know more about Security Bank's products and services.

Monica Manifests: The Shift

In the recent months, I felt an intense pull of energy to STAY put and not travel. (very different from my last year of non-stop travel with the family thus prompting me to launch My Little Globetrotters). I quit traveling (for now) and stopped going to many of the social events I was invited to, took a pause on blogging and even take digital detox days to truly BE with my children. What happened next was an abundance of time and energy to do the things that I really wanted to do but didn't have the time for because of all the excuses I kept telling myself. I used the sudden freedom to recalibrate and think things through. Have my goals and dreams changed? Where do I spend a bulk of my time and energy on? Does it add up? Am I truly investing in the right path to get to where I need to be?

So, I have switched my old Instagram name from @dharmadreamsbig to @MonicaManifests and also use the same name now for Facebook. The old name didn't feel right anymore and it helps to be aligned with your current desires. I've also been doing a lot making with my hands. I needed alchemy in my life, where I can make things from scratch and then come out with a completely new product that can be of good use like art therapy, cold processed soaps (thanks to soap mentor extraordinaire, @AnaGutch of @bodyfoodallnatural on IG), healing balms and salves. During the new moon week, I planted new seeds of herbs and veggies on my garden patch. I've also been meditating and praying more. For someone who is in another cross-road in life, I simply asked for guidance. 

The Universe listened to my thoughts and intentions and brought upon me changes that needed to unfold for myself. The invites from potential work clients also started to shift-- from those that do not align with my personal values, to those that actually do! I have been invited to speak on my personal life pursuits and help inspire others -- which IS my dharma or purpose. (By the way, I still have to change my blog name, too!)

In connection with my new changes, I have collaborated with @nabalo on Instagram who is giving away her glorious gem of an e-book "Manifest With The Moon: Your Workbook for Lunar Phase Manifestation" to my followers. Read mechanics on my Instagram page @MonicaManifests and join me in manifesting new dreams!

My Motherhood Journey (So Far)

Most people think that we choose our children, when and how they will journey with us in our lives. On the contrary, it is they who choose us. Yes, you read that right. If you believe that we are spiritual beings, much more than our physical bodies in our earthly existence, then you will understand this concept. I learned it from my mentors at my son's Waldorf Schools here in the Philippines (he has been to 3 different ones to date!).

To give you a fresh perspective of where I am coming from, here is an excerpt from the book Heaven on Earth by Sharifa Oppenheimer which I highly recommend for all parents. (Prepare some tissue, I always get weepy reading this!)

Birthday Story 

By Susan Bruck

Song:The stars are watching when for a birth,A little child comes down to earth.Her angel leads her both day and night,To fill her heart with love and light. 

Once, not so very long ago, way up in the heavens, there lived a star child.  She lived there with the other star children, who were her friends, and together they would visit the sun, the moon and the planets.  She had a special angel who watched over her always.  She was very happy up there in the stars.  One night, as she was sitting all snuggled up with her angel and they were looking out at the thousands of sparkling stars, the star child saw something that she had not seen before.  It was a planet, and it was blue and green and most lovely to behold. 

“What is that place?” she asked her angel.  

“That is the planet earth,” the angel replied.  “Come, I will show you.”

And together they went to visit the earth.  When they got there, they saw great oceans and mountains.  They saw forests and winding rivers.  They saw birds flying in the sky and animals walking on the face of the earth.  The earth was so beautiful.  There were flowers blooming everywhere, and the baby birds were hatching out of their eggs while their mothers and fathers sang joyous songs.  They saw many children running and laughing in the meadows, splashing in puddles and gathering dandelions and violets that they put in each others’ hair. 

The star child and the angel continued their journey and soon they came to a large city next to a big lake.  Here there were many people working and playing.  Among them the star child saw a kind man and a loving woman, and she felt something stir within her. 

“I would like to come here,” said the star child. 

“And so you shall,” said the angel, “But first you must rest.  While you rest, I will weave you a garment, for when you leave here, you must leave your heavenly garments behind.” 

Song:  Sleep my little star child,            Sleep the long night through,            While you sleep I will weave a             Garment of light for you. 

And so the child slept for many days and weeks and months.  When she woke up, the angel said, “Now it is time.  Put on the garment I have made for you.”The child put the garment on.  The angel led her to a bridge made of all the colors of the rainbow. 

The angel said, “Take courage.”And the child walked across the bridge. 

Song: In heaven shines a golden star,

An angel brought me from afar,From heaven high unto the earth,And brought me to my house of birth. 

And soon the child saw once more the kind man and the loving woman, and the woman held the child close to her heart.  The child looked into the loving faces of her father and mother, and heard them say, “We shall call her Grace, and she is the best gift of all.Song:Welcome, welcome lovely day,With flowers bright and sunshine gay,And painted birds who sing their songs,And make me kind and good and strong.And so, dear children, Grace came to join us on this earth, and we are so glad you are here.

If you understand the story, you will grasp that our children are heavenly beings that incarnated to (re)learn lessons and also teach us what we need to learn in this lifetime ourselves. If you believe in karma, then you're probably nodding your head.

You see, when I was pregnant with my first child, I was already searching for my truth, a parenting path that would go "beyond the norm" as I have questioned conventional lifestyle practices that didn't seem to fit my personal values. Looking back at how my choices have been, the data clearly shows an alternative route-- From my birth choices (c-section to home water birth!), to extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing, opting for a Waldorf school, becoming a yoga teacher... even when we uprooted to live in Palawan for 2 years..now that certainly took guts for me and my husband because many opposed us. People will always resist the unknown. But I have learned to stand for my quest for truth and embrace constant change.. because these changes, although uncomfortable, help you grow and evolve. Interestingly, a sense of rhythm also balances and grounds - a lesson my dear son brings to our lives today.

So, I thank my children for they have truly brought out the very best of me. Without them coming into my life, I would have made very different decisions and would certainly be a lesser version of me.

To my children - I know this love so well, it has indeed surpassed the bounds of time and space and will go on through eternity. Thank you again and again for choosing me to become your mother. I am honored and will rise up to the challenge of helping you both realize your life's mysteries. 

A Waldorf Doll Making Workshop

With just a few days left before we leave for our holiday vacation, I decided to take a mini-break from the frantic planning and chaotic busy-ness of last minute work deliverables (I still have one last event this Sunday for Flow In The City Christmas Edition!).

A Waldorf Doll Making Workshop with Tita Malou Medrano (one of my son's nurturers or kindergarten teacher years ago) was just what I needed to slow down and ground. It is also my own preparation for my handmade and homemade Christmas present to both my kids (they will have to share a doll until I get to make another one!). Since I wasn't able to attend her 3-day workshop because of conflicted schedules, I opted to attend a shorter version with other Waldorf parents and teachers.

Here are some of the materials I started to work with

My classmates for today were parents and teachers from other Waldorf schools in the Philippines. I am so glad to be part of this community of like-minded folks!

Yes! With much guidance from Tita Malou, I made the head of a baby!

This doll was my inspiration for the one I am currently making. It is one of Tita Malou's masterpieces :)

Here's the group with our almost-finised works! I'm still working on adding hair and completing the finishing touches on mine but will make sure it will be ready for Christmas!

I honestly waited until I had a daughter before I decided to finally get one or better yet... make one. I don't know why I never made one for my son. Perhaps, I wasn't ready yet. Waldorf dolls are so very special because they are very simple, handmade and with the best intentions for your child. Unlike mass produced, plastic or factory made dolls that have no deep meaning nor positive energy, these loving creations are a gem to childhood! I wish I had one when I was young!

I saw this beautiful quote --

"......a handcrafted doll is one of a kind, an individual which carries the spirit of the maker in its stitches and absorbs the spirit of the child who loves it".

Another important thing about Waldorf dolls, Tita Malou says that it is important to keep it very simple, with no emotions especially for very young children (as you can see in the photos) so that your child may imagine it on the doll. Children will mirror their own emotions on the doll as they go through life's milestones. Whenever they are sad, they will also hug and care for a sad doll. When they are happy or excited, the doll will be the same. It is an extension of themselves, and so we treat dolls with respect, with reverence as with life. Read more about Waldorf dolls here.

Here are more of Tita Malou's brilliant works all sold out at the recent Advent Fair in Acacia Waldorf School. Thank you for the photo, Luisa!

To order a very special Waldorf doll for your child or your godchildren or join future Waldorf doll making workshops, please SMS Tita Malou Medrano at 0932-9603392 or email mjrmedrano@yahoo.com

Petit Parties by She Dreams In Ink

If you are planning an intimate party, do consider my recent discovery - Petit Parties by She Dreams In Ink!

The story behind my discovery is quite interesting. I stumbled upon the Instagram account of Indy / She Dreams In Ink and resonated towards her whimsical designs. A few months later, I bump into her at the launch of The Parenting Emporium which I blogged about here.

I was overjoyed when she agreed to design my travel blog launch party for My Little Globetrotters because I knew that she would execute my vintage travel design inspirations really well. And she proved me right!

See more photos at the launch party and birthday bash here. Please show me how awesome your events come out with Petit Parties!

Fitness Factors For Work At Home Professionals

I have been invited to speak about Fitness Factors For a Work-At-Home Professionals at an Expo happening tom! Find more details here and hope to see you there!

7 Real Good Reasons Why You Should Flow to Bali, Indonesia

Last year, FLOW conducted it's very first international retreat in Bali, Indonesia. Visiting this magical island for the first time in 2010 by myself, I knew that I would be back again and again and again. There is a certain charm to this Island of the Gods that I can't get enough of! Those who have been to this place know what I am talking about, right???! And I am so glad we pulled through with such a fun crew last year!

Here are reasons why you should join our next two retreats this coming June:

1. Destress, decompress and detox with daily yoga classes: Yep, you know you've deserve this kind of bliss!

2. Get cultured : Consider that the world really is your grand classroom. Get yourself out there and learn about other cultures and become more interesting in your next dinner conversation with friends.



4. Earthing : Walking on bare earth like soil or sand for at least 20 minutes a day will strengthen your immune system. Doing it in paradiso makes it 100 times cooler.

 5. Watching a raw food chef like Joao of Seeds of Life demonstrate why this high frequency food is super good for your whole being.

6. Make precious memories: Life is short. It's time you started collecting great moments, not things!

7. Just DO IT! When life gets crazy, you have two options. Take it or FILG. F it let's go! Then come back with a vengeance... renewed and ready to take on the universe. 

FLOW will be back in Bali, Indonesia this June! 

More details and registration at here.

All photos taken by Stephanie Dandan of Infinite Satori at #FlowBali 2014 

FLOW turns 4!

The FLOW Surf Yoga Samba team celebrated another milestone when we turned another year older in the place where it all began - San Juan Surf Resort in La Union.

Since November 2009, we have been organizing Surf Yoga Samba weekend retreats as an alternative weekend for anyone up for a healthier choice. Not all beach venues in the Philippines are surf spots- some retreats have ventured out into having other interesting and unique activities like crafternoons with cocktails (held last summer in Boracay!), stand up paddle board (happening in the next Moalboal, Cebu retreat!), even adding healing massage options to the package (which we did last June in Negros).

Opening Circle: Participants from all over the world: Russia, Malaysia, USA, Australia and of course Philippines come together to FLOW with us!

Last November 1-3, 2013 was the "classic retreat package " which consists of the our favorite activities: surfing, yoga and samba classes. These are our passions, which is really the seed of FLOW which blossomed to what it is today.

I taught the 2 yoga sunrise classes: Yin Yoga (a very deep, relaxing and healing yoga style which focuses on the joints and fascia tissues of the body) and Partner Yoga which the group enjoyed very much because it is not the usual yoga class you can find in any studio.

Guests try out partner yoga with their new friends from the retreat

Yoga after glow with our Nyogi and Lightwater refreshments

San Juan Surf School's top teachers led the surfing classes. The waves were big and messy in San Juan so everyone took a jeepney ride to bacnotan, another surf spot 30 minutes away. Luke Landrigan taught basics on land such as popping up, balance and surf safety. San Juan surf instructors guided all participants in the water. The current was strong, and waves were big but participants braved the waves and were able to stand despite most of them being first time surfers. They all enjoyed the surfing experience that some even opted for extra lessons.

Walking to Bacnotan shore

Surf's up!

Samba school Imperatriz Filipinense capped off Friday and Saturday's sunset hour with their dance and drum performance/ class sessions. Toni Bernardo, drum director of the school together with sibling, Bogey Bernardo pumped up the people with their mad percussion skills while Denise Gonzales-Bernardo taught the complementing samba dance routine which also happens to be a fun calorie burner!

Strutting their stuff on the beach

All three founders of FLOW are advocates of the green lifestyle and we share our knowledge on how to jumpstart health through the green smoothie and basic raw vegan demo in every retreat. 

Every participant had a chance to try several green smoothies, a raw vegan brekky and also received a handout of easy recipes to follow.

Many thanks to our fab sponsor for making this retreat a memorable milestone to cherish! All of this would not be possible without you - Moringana, Aura Athletica, Havaianas, Bobble, Cutieverse, Beyond Yoga, Lightwater, Lagu, Belo, The Superfood Grocer, Strip, Browhaus, Yamamay, The Juice Barista, Rawlicious Green Smoothies, Nyogi, plus our media partners: When In Manila, Wazzup Pilipinas, Travel Magazine, Lifestyle Network and My Life on Board

FLOW turns 4 in La Union

To mark our 4th year creating unique boutique weekend retreats, the FLOW Surf Yoga Samba is having another grand anniversary party at the San Juan Surf Resort on Nov 1-3 long weekend holiday in La Union.

Join me as I lead a beginner’s Yin Yoga class and a fun-filled Partner Yoga class in nature, our fave thing! Never surfed before or just want to hit the waves again in this upcoming surf season? The San Juan Surf School offers surfing classes for beginners and beyond led by Billabong Asia sponsored pro-surfer, Luke Landrigan. The party ain’t complete without the drum and dance sessions by the Samba School of Imperatriz Filipinense under drum director Toni Bernardo and Sambista, Denise Gonzales-Bernardo. Get your greens goin’ with our Green Smoothie and Raw Food workshop led by artist extraordinaire and vegetarian advocate, Noelle Hilario. Each participant gets to go home with a goodie bag filled with awesome items from our sponsors (Havaianas flipflops!!!)

This retreat is sponsored by: Aura Athletica, Havaianas, Bobble, Belo, Moringana, Lagu, STRIP, Browhaus, The Superfood Grocer, Rawlicious, The Juice Barista, Nyogi, Yamamay, San Juan Surf Resort, Cutieverse, LIghtwater, Vitaminboost, Travel Leisure Magazine, When In Manila, My Life on Board and Beyond Yoga,

What are you waiting for? Sign up at www.flowsurfyogasamba.com. Drop in rates also apply (See photo below!) Feel the FLOW fun! See ya’ll there!

FLOW SurfYogaSamba turns 3!

FLOW Zambales Retreat poster

We are turning 3! Since November 2009, FLOW SurfYogaSamba has been organizing weekend retreats for all of you beach hungry people. And we're planning a grand celebration next week for our third year of existence. 

FLOW trio: Me, Noelle & Denise

We're going to celebrate our milestone with another awesome retreat with the usual Surf, Yoga, Samba combination but this time in another known surf spot only 3 hours away from Manila...yep, we're flowin' to Zambales! Enjoy a long weekend getaway with like-minded people in dreamy destination -Casa San Miguel, Zambales.

Taken during a 2011 FLOW SurfYogaSamba retreat

Recharge in a relaxing Yin Yoga class by me :P Monica E. Manzano, learn drumming and samba dancing with Escola de Samba de Manila, get healthy as the Flow team share their favorite recipes in the Green Smoothie Workshop and discover the world of raw veganism with Mona Lisa Neuboeck, a raw food chef who will be giving a talk on Raw Surf Trip - tried and tested tips & tricks on How to eat healthfully raw at any surf spot.

Santi my son loves Green Smoothies!

Mona Lisa our sexy Raw Food chef

A newbie on the waves? Learn how to surf with Surfasana School by Nuno Romao & Corey Wills. Corey Wills, a raw vegan, PETA advocate and yogi, will also be leading a fundamentals yoga class to mentally prepare the mind & the body for surfing.

Nuno Romao

Corey Wills in his element

The Flow:SurfYogaSamba Weekend Retreat is on November 30 – December 2, 2012 at Casa San Miguel, Zambales. To register, please log on to www.flowsurfyogasamba.com.

For more information, email flowsurfyogasamba@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook: flow surfyogasamba, Twitter: @surfyogasamba and www.instagram.com/flowsurfyogasamba.

Flow:SurfYogaSamba Weekend Retreat in Zambales is presented by Havaianas, Aura Athletica, Bobble. In partnership with Belo Essentials Sun Expert, Moringana, Lightwater, Vitaminboost, Beyond Yoga. Minor Sponsors: Aloha Boardsports, Billabong. Browhaus, Strip, Lagu, Human Heart Nature, Fitness Lab. Media Partner: Travel Magazine and My Life on Board.