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in On the Board

#TeamMom: Brave Moms


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As Expo Mom celebrates its tenth year, the longest running event of its kind pays tribute to #TeamMoms that have served as a lifeline for mothers all over the Philippines. Here, three mothers bounded by something extra special draw strength and inspiration from each other, allowing them to lead fruitful lives filled with hope.
Michelle Ressa Aventajado, Neva Arboleda Santos, and Betty Ching Sy crossed paths because of something extra special. Each of these three different women leading three entirely different lives have been blessed with a child with an extra chromosome. In particular, Betty says, “The extra chromosome refers to the extra chromosome in the 21st set that causes Down syndrome. It’s extra special, extra everything.”

Rather than sulking about this extra something, these moms have taken what many perceive as a challenge into something truly inspiring. The three women are not only hands-on mommas, they are also actively involved in organizations working to improve the lives of children with Down Syndrome like Best Buddies and Night to Shine. As they worked to make things better for their children, they were happily surprised to find friends in each other as well.

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Neva, mom of Noah, says, “We’re bonded because of our kids and we’re also in and out of each other’s lives. I look to Betty because her daughter Kayla is such an achiever. She read to little kids in a video she did for World Down Syndrome day. I look to Gelli, Michelle’s daughter, because she is a year older than Noah. Gelli’s doing so much already. She’s doing a lot of things that I want Noah to do so I look to them.”

Michelle says, “Because Kayla is older than our kids, I look to Betty not just to ground me but also inspire me in my parenting. Kayla rides horses. Betty homeschools all of her girls. She’s the mom that can do it all and Neva, when there are things that I see are controversial out there, in terms of testing or new advances for kids with Down syndrome, I usually talk to Neva because I know she does the same kind of research, too.”

“Neva and Michelle are both bloggers. They really help a lot in creating awareness of people with special needs. There’s a voice that goes out there for families with special needs. At the same time, I enjoy being with both of them. They’re both really kind. They’re both down to earth, heartwarming,” says Betty.

Though the three may not see each other all the time, they are instantly connected through their private group in social media. They would exchange information on schools and therapists. They also talk about hair treatments and recipes. Oftentimes, they just say hello to each other and support each other.

One particularly memorable incident had Betty bringing home a man with Down syndrome. She recalls, “I was on the street and I saw a young man with Down syndrome. I couldn’t leave him. I took him home. I brought him to Joliibee first to eat, and then I didn’t know what to do.”

Betty was messaging the group, and that’s when Neva called her and told her to bring the man to the police station. It would then be police’s task to bring the young man to te Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Betty recalls, “Neva called me. You know, you need to bring him to the police station. I wouldn’t have done that. You can be charged with kidnapping pala!”

The good news is that the young man was eventually reunited with his family, and is now safely in his home.

Michelle says of Betty, “She’s really a blessing.”

It is at times like those when it’s great to have a Team Mom to behind you.

Betty says, “You have to have a support group. No man is an island. You can never do it alone. You really need other moms to come alongside you and encourage you and at the same time, to correct you when needed.”

“It really helps to have people who understand what you’re going through,” Neva adds. “They know what to say. Even though there are no answers, it’s a comfort to me that I know I can go to them as a sounding board or to brainstorm ideas.”

Michelle explains, “Through the good and the bad in our lives, as mothers, as sisters, as daughters, we need people around us to support us, to cheer us on, to catch us when we fall, to bolster us… This is what’s important, you have moms who get it because our concerns are quite similar even if our children are different in age. There’s a lot of freedom in having someone who can see you like that because you can say whatever you want. You won’t be judged. You don’t want to feel that if you put yourself out there, they might not understand you. It’s comforting, empowering. It’s good stuff all around.”

More than anything, Team Mom is about being there for each other, says Betty. She says, “Sometimes there aren’t big moments but you just want to be there in the little moments that come your way. It can be a lunch together, it can be a short taxi ride. Knowing that there is mutual love, mutual understanding, and a fondness for each other is what makes our friendship special.”

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https://youtu.be/ZySwouxRMTQ

Every mom has a #TeamMom cheering her on. Share your #TeamMom story on social media. Join Expo Mom #TeamMom at the Glorietta Activity Center from May 5 to 7, 2017. Bring your #TeamMom along and connect with other Team Moms.

Join the Mommy Mundo #TeamMom Grand Giveaway!

Go #TeamMom!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE PICTURE COMPANY

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We know you’re super excited for the run, mommas We know you’re super excited for the run, mommas — and we know you’ve got lots of questions, too! Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers ready for you. 💖🏃‍♀️

1. Can I bring my baby? 
Children below 2 years old are FREE of charge but they must be registered. And they must be on a stroller or carrier. 

2. What are the run distances?
 You may choose between a 1K, 3K or 5K route — all are safe for strollers, baby carriers, and leashed and vaccinated pets.

3. What’s included in the registration fee? 
Mommy Milkshake shirt
Run bib
Special drawstring lootbag with freebies
Access to breastfeeding, baby zones & dog park
Access to the market and festival which runs till 12:00 Noon
Raffles, games and more!
Tons of new memories :)

4. How much is the registration fee?
Adults and Teens: participants ages 13 and above – PHP 800 
Children ages 2 to 12 – PHP 600 
Children below 2 years old – FREE 

5. Are pets allowed?
Yes! Pets are welcome — they must be leashed, diaper-wearing, and vaccinated! 

For other questions, please check our FAQs page — link in bio! 🤗

#MommyMilkshakeRun2025
🗓️ August 3, 2025
⏰ 6am
 📍Parklinks, Quezon City

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMommyMilkshakeRun #mompowerment #breastfeedingmoms #funrun
You’re not a bad mother if… 💖 Let’s brea You’re not a bad mother if… 💖

Let’s break the mom guilt, one truth at a time. We all have moments when we question ourselves — but guess what, you’re doing amazing. ✨

Comment below and finish the sentence — your words might just be what another mom needs to hear today. 🫶🏻

#MommyMundo #mompowerment
It’s week 20 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t It’s week 20 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t forget to take time for a fun Connection Question convo with the fam this weekend! ❤️✨

We’re aiming to make 2025 a year of Connection through our weekly activity.
 
The best time to have these casual discussions would be when in relax mode with your children. Sit together, (set aside the gadgets!) remove possible distractions, and be present ✨❤️ Take turns asking each other this question for week 6! Just listen and simply acknowledge the sharing.:) 

Even if tempted to dish out advice or to react, this isnt the time for that. Allow for a safe space, and connections will flow and follow.🫶🏻🙏🏼 

Most importantly, enjoy this time together! 

…

Join us weekly for this activity and after 50 questions, we will end the year more connected and attuned with ourselves and each other. If you just heard about this now, check out our highlights to get started! ✨ 

20/50 #calltoconnect
#mommymundo 
#momconnect
#parenting #family #motherhood
Hi mommas! Today we’re introducing our new serie Hi mommas! Today we’re introducing our new series — #MomsGotThis! 💖💪🏻

We’re starting off with 3 simple tips to make back-to-school a breeze. 🎒✨ This series is here to support you through every stage of motherhood, featuring real moms and experts sharing helpful tips and advice. 🤗

Got a back-to-school hack? Drop it in the comments — you might just be the next mom we feature! 😉

Thank you for sharing your best back-to-school hacks @bahayturo and @sunnypathwaysph 

#MommyMundo #MomsGotThis #mompowerment #backtoschool
Nurturing new life can be exhausting, but taking s Nurturing new life can be exhausting, but taking small, intentional steps can help you recharge and stay resilient. 💖

Here are some tried-and-tested tips from fellow mommas:

✨ Practice healthy habits: Eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and choose quality vitamins to nourish your body

✨ Exercise Daily: Start with 30 mins of activity daily — walks, stretches, or light workouts to boost your energy. Remember to consult with your OB, too! 

✨ Sleep whenever you can: This will help your body reboot

✨ Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to call your family and friends — they want to support you

✨ Don’t forget about YOU: Keep a part of your identity, like journaling or a hobby, to maintain your sense of self beyond motherhood. 

Remember, caring for yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Mommy Mundo is here to guide and support you every step of the way. 🤗 

Read the full article on the blog ➡️ mommymundo.com/energy-boosters-new-moms 

#MommyMundo #newmoms #momcommunity #postpartummoms
This is not a drill, mommas! 🤩 The much-anticip This is not a drill, mommas! 🤩 The much-anticipated Mommy Milkshake Run is happening on August 3, Sunday, at Parklinks, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Quezon City!

First held in 2007 to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, this beloved family fun run is filled with memories and tradition of family bonding outdoors, movement, plus an advocacy for the gift of breastfeeding. 🤱🏻✨

It’s a joyful way to get out there and move together as a family, show our kids that a healthy body makes for a healthy mind and happy heart!

With 3 distances — 1K, 3K, and 5K — there’s something for everyone: moms (with babies in strollers too!), dads, kids, titas, lolos & lolas! 🤗 all running aficionados welcome! 

After the run, a festival ensues!  continue the fun with our Mama Market, interactive booths, yummy eats & drinks, live music, and cozy spaces for babies and breastfeeding moms. 💖

Register and purchase your kits now at mommymundo.com/mommymilkshake2025! Slots are limited — don’t miss it! Because when breastfeeding mom runs… milk shakes! 😆🤱🏻 

P.S Got questions about the Mommy Milkshake Run? Check out our FAQs — link in bio!

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMommyMilkshakeRun #MommyMilkshakeRun #mompowerment #momcommunity
We asked moms to share the most meaningful lessons We asked moms to share the most meaningful lessons they’ve learned from their kids — and the answers are as heartfelt as they are powerful. 💖

From learning patience (again and again), to letting go of worry and not sweating the small stuff… to being inspired to keep growing and learning — our children shape us just as much as we shape them. 🥹✨

These reflections come from the inspiring moms featured in MOMentous — Mommy Mundo’s Portraits and Profiles exhibit at Expo Mom, which celebrates stories of purpose, strength, and presence in the motherhood journey. ✨

What has your child taught you lately? 💭

#MommyMundo #MOMentous #momlife #momconnection #momconnect #mompowerment
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