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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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It’s week 18 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t It’s week 18 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! ✨ 

18/50 #calltoconnect
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Be part of our ever-growing mom community ⬇️

📸 Tag us in your posts for a chance to be featured 

And don’t forget to join our Mommy Mundo Moms Community — exclusive treats and surprises are coming your way this June! Link in bio! 👋🏻 

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At Mommy Mundo, we create spaces where moms can breathe, connect, and feel seen. Whether that’s on ground or online, we’re here to be with you in every stage of motherhood. 🤗

Join our mom community. 👋🏻
Sign up for our mailing list and stay updated on upcoming events. 💌

You can also join our Mommy Mundo Moms Facebook group—we’ve got some exciting things coming up, exclusive to our members! 

Check our bio for the links! See you there! 🤗 

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Here are six mommy must-haves to get you started:

✨Baby Clothes – Soft, comfy outfits for newborn snuggles and everyday wear.

✨Sleep Space – A safe, cozy crib or bassinet for baby’s restful sleep.

✨Sanitizing Supplies – Clean bottles, pacifiers, and surfaces with gentle, baby-safe products.

✨Baby Bag – Pack the essentials for hospital day and your first trips out.

✨Baby Gear – Stroller, car seat, and carrier to keep baby secure on the go.

✨Postpartum Essentials – Comfort items for mama’s recovery and well-being.

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Join us this July for our next Pregnant Pause — stay tuned for the exact date and venue! 💖

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Here are a few gentle tips to make them a little easier:
🌙 Keep the lights low to stay in rest mode.
🤱🏼 Try side-lying for comfort and extra rest.
💧 Stay hydrated—you need care too, mama.

You may feel unsure, exhausted, or overwhelmed—but you are not alone! You’re doing the most important work there is, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 💖

ALPHA Mom by Mommy Mundo is a year-long support program for new moms. 

Get expert guidance, real-life advice, and a safe space to learn and grow alongside fellow moms. 🤗

Our next session is a breastfeeding class with certified lactation counselor Abbie Yabot—perfect for those navigating their early feeding journey. 🤱🏻

Send us a dm to join ALPHA Mom or visit mommymundo.com/alphamom ✨

Video from Mommy @coffeeger_

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This is how you’re going to have a good week, Ma This is how you’re going to have a good week, Mama.

Motherhood is full of moving pieces—your to-dos, your child’s needs, and everything in between. But here’s the truth: when you care for yourself, you care better for everyone else. 🥰

Swipe left for 4 simple, practical ways to set your week up for more peace, more joy, and more you. ⬅️

✨ At Mommy Mundo, we believe that an empowered mom is a supported mom. ✨

Join our Facebook group or sign up for our mailing list—and be part of a community that grows with you. 💕  Visit our link in bio. 💌

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At Expo Mom: The MOMentous Fair, Young Living Phil At Expo Mom: The MOMentous Fair, Young Living Philippines brought a breath of fresh air—literally—to the Mommy Corner! ✨ Moms discovered the everyday benefits of essential oils and even learned how to create their own blends during hands-on aromatherapy sessions on Day 1 and Day 2. 🤗

It was a beautiful moment of self-care and connection—something every mom deserves. 💖

Want to learn more? Visit @younglivingphilippines on Instagram or head to www.youngliving.com/en_PH to start your wellness journey today!

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