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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, meet our mommas from Cebu who found a common passion for yoga.
A few months after giving birth to her first child Alex five years ago, Trixie Ortiz-Renggli found herself looking for an exercise routine which she could do at home as she was breastfeeding, which wouldn’t require any complicated equipment as she probably wouldn’t know how to use it, and which would be kind to a mom who just had a C-Section.
“By pure chance or maybe divine intervention, Jen invited me to do yoga in a small yoga studio called Shanti Shala,” Trixie recalls.
Jen is Jenifer Martinez, a good friend from college. Jen says, “We are part of a big, boisterous, supportive barkada called the Woos and if I had to describe us in one phrase it would be sisters at heart.”
After Trixie’s first yoga session with Jen, she says, “Now this is the part where people expect me to say that I instantly fell in with yoga but that’s just not true. Haha. I liked it but my mind and body apparently did not agree on the benefits of yoga because I came out that class sore and frustrated.”
“But like motherhood, my heart was full and in love. So I went back for another class and another, and then I noticed my body getting stronger and my mind getting more peaceful. I realized how powerful yoga was to a new mommy!”
Another bonus: Yoga gave Trixie and Jen the opportunity to reconnect with each other, letting them form their very own #TeamMom.
Jen says, “Having a support group is pivotal to the well-being of a mom. Having that shoulder to lean on and that sympathetic ear to listen to you can make a huge difference to the overall well-being and happiness of a mom. Being a mom can be overwhelming but with the help of family and friends, moms can have it all and do it all.”
In particular, Trixie says, “Jen has always encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. I’m often more comfortable being out of the spotlight and behind the scenes.”
For her part, Trixie has always encouraged Jen to open her own yoga studio; Jen would eventually open up Yogahub.
Jen says of Trixie: “She has always been supportive of me and will always be there for me when I need something. She’s one of the most generous, thoughtful, funny, and compassionate persons that I know. She is always there for me and never judges me. She has guided me in all the right directions whether it be work related, family related or just personal. I think in the end, we’re each others’ yin and yang.”
Trixie adds that she is particularly grateful that she and Jen found a common ground in yoga. She says, “Yoga is a journey. It teaches us to be kind to ourselves, to listen to our bodies and to respect its limitations. It teaches us to be patient. No one can master an asana straight away. It makes us strong by showing us that it’s okay to fall so long as you get back up. But above all, and just like motherhood, it shows us that while the destination may be important, what really matters is the journey.”
Every mom has a #TeamMom cheering her on. Share your #TeamMom story on social media. Join Expo Mom #TeamMom as it goes on a nationwide roadshow starting off at Ayala Center Cebu on June 17, 2017, and then moving on the week after to The District North Point in Negros on June 24, 2017. Bring your #TeamMom along and connect with other Team Moms.
Join the Mommy Mundo #Team Mom Grand Giveaway!
Go #TeamMom!
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