I first came to know of Mommy Mundo in 2010, when I joined a creativity workshop for mompreneurs, which was organized by Mompreneur Manila and My Masterpiece Movement. The founder of Mompreneur Manila, Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva, is the same “mom-mover” behind Mommy Mundo, the Philippines’ “most extensive portal of mom and family-focused resources.”
At that time, I was still a fulltime pastoral worker (lay missionary) for Couples for Christ, our Catholic community, but was praying about taking a different path. My husband, two young kids, and I had just returned from a five-year foreign mission in Timor Leste. We were discerning about pursuing a business, particularly myself, to help augment our salaries as missionaries.
At the creativity workshop for mompreneurs in 2010
Little did I know that attending that creativity workshop would open doors and windows that I would never have explored before, and eventually pave the ways for friendships and connections with other like-minded moms (and dads!), who are as passionate about intentional, involved parenting as I am. Moms like Janice and Anna, of My Masterpiece Movement, became inspirations-of-sorts for me — specifically in pursuing the dreams and desires that I believe God has planted in my heart.
During the almost two years that I’ve been linked with Mommy Mundo, my family and I have been blessed to attend a few of its events — like Expo Kid 2 and Moms on the Floor. I even had a go at being a “bazaarista” mompreneur at the Expo Mom Christmas bazaar in 2010. They were exciting, fun-filled events for the whole family, and my husband and I learned a lot from them. I also got to meet a lot of great moms (and their families) at these events. Some of them have become sort-of-good friends of mine, and I am so grateful to God for these enriching and eye-opening friendships.
Most recently, the kids and I were able to attend two events organized by Janice and her team: one was a mom bloggers’ tour of the Faith Academy Philippines (under Janice’s events company, Creative Juice); and Expo Kid 4. Both events were in the same week, and it was truly a blessing that we were able to go (hubby was out on mission, so he couldn’t join us). Sadly, I forgot to bring my camera for both events! (Chalk it down to “momnesia,” friends!)
Anyway, being present at both events and getting to chat a bit with Janice led me to realize again how important it is that moms connect with other moms. God created us to be social beings (especially us women, ha, ha!) and the beauty of motherhood is, no matter what your age, or background, or social status, or upbringing, the fact that you actually took part in bringing life into this world links you together. You suddenly share this strange yet somewhat familiar bond, and you are no longer complete strangers.
That’s why I LOVE Mommy Mundo (and other “mom communities”) — it’s a great vehicle for moms (and dads and kids) to get together, whether virtually or in person.
Me and little Therese with Janice of Mommy Mundo.
Expo Kid 4, particularly, was a memorable event for me, because its line-up of activities onstage included the media launch of HAPI (the Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands). I was so touched and affirmed by all the presentations and personal experiences of fellow homeschoolers. This came at a very good time since my husband and I are in the process of discerning whether or not to continue homeschooling our five-year-old son. To think, I was 90% decided on NOT going to Expo Kid anymore, because we had too many activities scheduled for that day! God really works in mysterious ways!
So, for all you moms (and dads!) out there, I urge you – get connected to a support group of like-minded people! It could be Mommy Mundo or a moms’ group in your church, or maybe even a group on Facebook! Whatever it may be, remember that it always helps to be linked to other people – especially those who are journeying the same path of parenthood as yours. So do not be afraid to reach out; after all, in the words of well-known American author and motivational speaker Leo F. Buscaglia:
“We need others. We need others to love and we need to be loved by them. There is no doubt that without it, we too, like the infant left alone, would cease to grow, cease to develop, choose madness and even death."