BC Magazine Philippines April2013 Cheska and Doug Kramer by BC Magazine Philippines

Lookback on Stargate actress Alaina Huffman and her brood

the best choices for your family

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hollywood Exclusive:

PHI LI PPI NE S

Delicious recipes for your staycation How to handle your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s separation anxiety How career moms can make guilt-free choices

Pastry chef and model Michelle Teves opens up about single parenting

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P120 Apr 2013

CHESKA &

DOUG KRAMER

Meet Gavin, the latest addition to the beautiful Garcia-Kramers! Hang out with Cheska, Doug, Kendra, and Scarlett in their new home

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INSIDE BC contents 10 living a happy life, seven days a week Learn tips on obtaining a more positive outlook in life 14 here comes the sun Welcome summer and let your kids have fun in the water with these essentials 18 healthy travel tips for the entire family Travel light and right this summer season with the whole brood 28 how career moms can make guilt-free choices How to make better decisions as busy working mothers 31 summer treats Beat the heat with these healthy recipes for the family

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On the Cover: DOUG AND CHESKA KRAMER WITH THEIR CHILDREN, KENDRA, SCARLETT, AND GAVIN

22 10 31

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INSIDE BC contents 36 kramer â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kramer Exclusive peek into the lives and new home of Cheska and Doug, along with their darling ladies, Kendra and Scarlett, and only boy, Gavin 56 sweet talk Model and cake entrepreneur Michelle Teves (with her adorable kids) welcome us into her kitchen 64 house of blooms Floral fashion picks for your precious ones

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52 28 64 88 alaina huffman adores her family The actress shares her love story and how she manages her tight-knit family

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editor’s note

Moving Forward

It is with absolute sadness that as of February 25, my darling boy, Bruce, our beloved Lab has left us. He was 12 years old, and 4 years short of the “agreed” life span that he should at least have on Earth with us. For those who follow me on social networks, forgive the sometimes-saddening photos and posts, because to know my family is to know one of its foundations— in the form of a four-legged sweetheart who always crosses his front paws while he’s lying down. To say he will be missed is an understatement, because a mere memory of his antics is enough to flood my face with tears as I still ache for his beautiful face. Family comes in many forms and ways as I’ve come to know, and one does not have to be related by blood, because our Brucey was more kindred to us than most. I must say though, that Bruce led a wonderful life, even more exciting than the one I had while growing up. He was with us since year 2000, and has traveled to the U.S. and back (his plane fares alone should be proof of how much we couldn’t be apart from him), and was part of our many adventures. When we didn’t have kids yet (that was for a good 3 years), we would bring him everywhere in our car. We’d be watching a movie in the mall and he’d be fast asleep with the AC on the whole time, legs and belly up in the air. He slept on our bed, and would even push us out of the way because his space was too small. He didn’t know he was close to 100 lbs. We would do a sign of the cross on his head when we would pray as a family, and naturally, every birthday of his is full of cake and food that he really couldn’t partake in because it might be toxic—but regardless, he knows he is loved. I am comforted by the thought that he is with God, as all of our pets are, and will be waiting for us with his gorgeous smile and in his best form when it’s our time to enter heaven’s doors. However, hopefully that won’t be too soon because we have 4 kids to bring

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our darling bruce; alaina huffman being made up; myself and cheska kramer

up (one being another furry creature), but with Bruce’s utmost loyalty, he wouldn’t mind the wait. He is now in paradise where only good things happen—and he can eat all the chocolate he wants: our boy had a huge appetite and major sweet tooth. He also liked to steal food from the fridge—yes, it would seem like he had opposable thumbs. Sometimes I feel like he is a person in a dog’s body because he understood us in ways that we feel pets shouldn’t. Anyway, in the spirit of family and moving forward, this issue is once again full and made of love and togetherness. Our cover family, the Kramers, moved in to their new home in December and welcomed their third and last baby, and it is our honor to bring you an exclusive on their gorgeous family. I’ve known Cheska for a while, and she is one of those “what you see is what you get,” types of people—which I genuinely appreciate because I don’t really care for much BS. One of our Most Beautiful Moms, Michelle Teves, is a single mom and model who’s providing for her children in one of the most enjoyable (and literally, sweetest) professions: a cake maker. We had a ton of fun watching the foursome bake a giant cupcake and treats, which our team much too willingly indulged in. So summer of 2013, here’s to you. We raise our glasses (rather, milk tea cups) as we put to bed another issue— made ever so lovingly for those of you reading our pages. Rest in peace and God bless you, sweet Bruce...

editor@bcmedia.ph facebook.com/karizfavisofficial twitter.com/karizfavis bcmag.ph

BC MAGAZINE

BCMEDIA INC.

Kariz Tanya Favis Editor-in-Chief

Kariz Tanya Favis Chairman & President

Martin Favis Creative Director

Martin Favis Vice President & Publisher

Valerie Anne del Castillo Senior Editor & Assistant to the Publisher

Mark Cabalang Production Manager & Senior Graphics Artist

Aiya Mai Rodjel Editorial Assistant

Ahlee Del Rosario Graphics Artist

Job Ambrosio Director

Dennis Castillo Online Director

Charina Mitra Finance Manager

Maricel Bancolita Account Manager

Contributors Akemi Kay, Heidi Alletzhauser, Dr. Wayne Andersen, Xie Antonio, W. Granville Brown, Martine de Luna, Azer Dimalanta, Apple Faraon, Amy Highfill, Jovan King, Raymond Ko, Klexius Kolby, Elizabeth Lombardo, PHD, MS, PT, Todd Patkin, Meeno Peluce, Ethan Ralston, Dr. Howard J. Rankin, Rosario Santiago, Stephen Seidel

BC Magazine Philippines is published by BCMedia Inc., 2/F One Legacy Place, Don Jesus Boulevard corner Kentucky Drive, Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. Visit us online at bcmag.ph. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. For advertising, subscriptions, back orders or other inquiries, please call 0939.130.0997, 0916.507.3227, 478.4172 or e-mail info@ bcmag.ph. Opinions expressed in this publication are that of the writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and are not necessarily endorsed by BCMedia Inc. BC Magazine Philippines is not responsible for unsolicited samples, products, work, and materials, and submissions are non-returnable. If you wish to submit written work, photographs, artwork, products, samples, other services, etc., please accompany with a self-addressed envelope, postage paid, or a prepaid return label.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;...happiness is not something that is found, but rather a skill that needs to be worked on and correctly applied before an individual may reach that fulfillment.â&#x20AC;?

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PH O T O GRAPH BY M E E N O P E L U C E W O RDS BY E L I Z A B E T H L O M B A R D O , P H D , M S , P T

living a happy life, seven days a week

No matter what day of the week, create a way to find your own happiness and balance in life with Dr. L's Happy Habits: A Tip a Day to Kick Your Habit Away

+ fun summer essentials for the kids...travel light and right this summer...

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LIFE PLANNING

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Sunday, Day 1:

Monday, Day 2:

Wednesday, Day 4:

View Your Failures as something good!

Relax and Reflect

Plan Your Week

Emotion Comes into Play

On this day, identify what is GOOD about your habit and then figure out ways to get those benefits without the habit. For example: if smoking, eating unhealthy, or drinking excessively helps you relax, learn and apply other ways to relax without returning to your crutch.

Write out the reasons WHY you want to kick this habit.

Read over the list you made daily on why you want to kick the habit of yours. Moreover, do it with EMOTION.

· psychological benefits · physical benefits · social benefits (how it will help your relationships) · work benefits · spiritual benefits

Thursday, Day 5:

Simply Forgive Yourself

Stop the all-or-nothing thinking: if you do mess up, it does not mean, “I will never be able to quit.” Purely forgive yourself, figure out what went wrong and move on.

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Saturday, Day 7:

Weekend Temptation Cloud Rolls In

The Day Your Relapse May Return

Your body is your temple. If your walls begin to shake, address your stress. Increased stress makes relapse much more likely.

Set short-term and long-term goals with rewards for each. The weekend is the best time to start as you are bound to give in to temptation and become weak. You are strong and deserve rewards always.

Being a mother can bring stress into a woman’s life, which in turn may cause unhappiness or discontentment. With these helpful tips, Dr. L aims to help those women who are struggling with their happiness.

Past attempts are not failure but rather data. Look at what happened in the past when you tried to break the habit and were not successful. · What were the ingredients that lead you to a slip up? · How can you take steps to prevent them in the future?

Friday, Day 6:

Dr. L elaborates on the idea that happiness is not something that is found, but rather a skill that needs to be worked on and correctly applied before an individual may reach that fulfillment. Although this idea is applied to all aspects of being happy, Dr. L focuses on helping specific individuals find happiness in a way that is accustomed to their personal lives.

Tuesday, Day 3:

· Consider trying something you have never done before on this day · Yoga · Read a New Book · Cycling · Cooking

About the author:

The top 3 tips to being a happy mom are:

1 Jump on the bed, dance around the house, race your kids to the car. Any type of exercise will boost your happiness. 2 Be assertive: don’t wait for your children or partner to ask how they can help. Delve out the responsibilities. 3 Be grateful for all that you do and all the positives in your life. Research shows that gratitude is the quickest and longest lasting way to achieve happiness. bc

Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT is a clinical psychologist and physical therapist who helps people overcome stress and reach happiness, regardless what is going on in their lives. Working with individuals around the globe, she is a highly sought-after consultant, media personnel and professional speaker. Dr. L has been quoted by some of today’s top media outlets including CNN, Newsweek, MSNBC, National Public Radio, Glamour, Redbook, Elle, Self, Woman’s Day and Real Simple Magazine. bcmag.ph

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here comes the sun

It’s all sea and sand this season, but to make the most out of it (and truly enjoy without any fuss), make sure you’ve got these essentials on hand for you and your little ones. After all, Shakespeare once said, “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date” P h o t o g r a p h s b y K ariz T anya F avis

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1 Diapers by DRYPERS 2 Baby cooling bath by JOHNSON’S, P78 3 Bagno shampoo by CHICCO, P299.75 4 The World of Eric Carle adhesive bandages by OUCHIES Jr. 5 Healing balm by HONEST, honest.com

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1 Inflatable Garden Sunshine Playnest by MOTHERCARE, P2,949 2 Moisturizing Nipple Cream by AVENT 3 Pacifier pocket by SKIPHOP, Mothercare stores 4 Cocoa Butter Formula face butter by PALMER’S 5 Baby daily sun protection lotion by JOHNSON’S 6 Stelatopia cleansing cream by MUSTELA 7 Cooling baby powder by JOHNSON’S

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bcmag.ph

O N TH E G O

ING

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healthy travel tips for the entire family This season of increased travel (and family gatherings, parties, and backyard barbecues), make sure you and your family keep your health in check with these recommendations W o r d s b y D r . W ayne A ndersen PH O T O GRAPHS BY H E I D I A L L E T Z H A U S E R

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bcmag.ph

bc report

ING

O N TH E G O

ith summer in full swing, it is now the time for increased travel. With the increase in relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun, our health tends to take a backseat. Whether you’re headed to fish on the lake or sit on a sandy beach, Dr. Wayne Andersen, Medical Director for Take Shape for Life (tsfl.com) and author of the bestselling book Dr. A’s Habits of Health, wants to keep you on track with some of his healthy travel tips.

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Healthy travel tips

About the Author

Before you pack, be sure to ask the hotel if they have a gym or pool and bring appropriate clothes to get some exercise. (No excuses!)

Remember that alcohol will let down your defenses and is full of empty calories and carbs! It is best to choose club soda or a diet drink with your meals.

Bring healthy snacks for the road / plane. Items like fruit and nut granola bars are great options because they’re satisfying, portable and contain less sodium and calories than airplane snacks or fast food options.

Make healthy choices. Some days you may have to have both lunch and dinner out, so make the best of it and choose wisely.

Order a salad and appetizer for you main meal. It will most likely be the proper portion.

Drink lots of water. Any sort of traveling is taxing on the body and you’ll want to keep hydrated.

Remember to bring your journal to jot down both memories from the trip as well as what you ate to help you keep track of calories.

Dr. Wayne Andersen is the Medical Director for Take Shape for Life Wellness program. He is board certified in internal medicine and specializes in weight management. Dr. Andersen graduated from University of Florida. Involved with Johns Hopkins in collaborating studies to show the efficacy of meal replacements, Dr. Andersen’s goal is to provide simple, convenient means for people to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As the chief architect of Take Shape for Life, Dr. Andersen has built an integrated support system that helps people make the necessary changes in their lifestyles to create optimal health.

When traveling with your kids via vehicles, make sure you keep them safe in the back seat by investing in car seats that are durable, effective, and keeps your little ones comfortable no matter how long the ride. Check out Aprica’s Euro Harness, which features a 5-point harness structure that facilitates the same installation as the infant safety seat and bed, is a booster car seat that adapts to our children’s growth, making it a great investment for parents. The Euro Harness is suitable for children from 9 kg to 36 kg, and features a freely adjustable headrest width mechanism that accommodates growth. It also protects the lower back of your child, preventing discomfort due to sideway swaying.

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FAMILY

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handling your child’s separation anxiety For many children, the prospect of leaving home for a day, a week, or more can be more distressing than it is exciting. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to know the basics of alleviating separation anxiety—and how to tell if your child’s fears are downright unhealthy W o r d s b y T odd P atkin and D r . H oward J . R anki N P h o t oGRAPH s b y H eidi A lletzhauser

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chool’s out, temperatures are rising, and the outdoors are beckoning—and that means that across the country, kids and their parents are gearing up for day camps and sleep-away camps. The problem is, not all soon-to-be campers are excited about their summer schedules. Some children are unsure about spending so much time away from their homes and parents, and some are downright terrified by the prospect. Yes, most children experience some degree of separation anxiety, and many eventually learn to deal with the absence of their parents without experiencing undue stress. However, assuming that your homesick child will “get over it” might be a false— and even dangerous—assumption to make. “I know from firsthand experience, as well as subsequent study, that separation anxiety can be more than just a harmless childhood phase,” says Todd Patkin, author of the book Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—Finally—Let the Sunshine In. “As parents, we need to be careful that we aren’t unwittingly harming our children by trying to make them stronger, or by expecting them to do what we did or what all of the neighbors’ children are doing.” Patkin speaks from experience. He dealt with bcmag.ph

separation anxiety throughout his childhood and remembers one instance in particular that was nearly disastrous. “When I was 10 years old, my parents decided to send me to a sleep-away sports camp in a different state. They figured I’d enjoy it because my brother did, and because I loved sports. Boy, were my mom and dad wrong despite their best intentions! “The first night away from home I barely slept, and the next day I felt panicked and sick. Soon, I was experiencing full-blown anxiety attacks (though I didn’t recognize them as such). My heart was pounding so hard I thought I was going to die. After seventy-two hours away, I was willing to do anything to get home…so I tried to drink some of the paint in the art shop to force my ticket home. Luckily a counselor caught me before I could really harm myself, and my parents were called to bring me home early.” Patkin’s story illustrates in vivid detail just how real the anxiety that stems from severe separation anxiety is for children, and it also shows that homesickness won’t necessarily go away on its own. Stressful separations can have longer-lasting consequences, too. “I have been haunted by memories of that terrible experience at camp from time to time ever since,” Patkin shares. “I found it difficult to sleep away from home throughout

Separation Anxiety Disorder: The Basics About one in 25 children suffers from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which goes beyond “normal” homesickness and can have long-lasting negative effects on your child’s development. And as a parent, it’s important for you to be familiar with the symptoms of SAD so that you can identify it and take action if necessary. Children who suffer from SAD can honestly believe that they will never see their parents again. Their fears may last for weeks or months rather than days, and may interfere with normal activities. Specifically, kids whose separation anxiety is severe may: • Worry that something might happen to you or other loved ones while you are separated • Suffer from nightmares • Manifest physical symptoms, such as a stomachache or a panic attack • Cling to you, especially in an “age-inappropriate” way • Refuse to go to a particular destination, such as school or camp “I can tell you from personal experience that forcing separation on a child who suffers from Separation Anxiety Disorder can be disastrous,” confirms Patkin. “Even if you have the best of intentions by enrolling your son or daughter in camp, you may be doing much more harm than good. As I’ve said, my own traumatic camping experience drove me to the brink of inflicting harm on myself at the age of ten. If you suspect that your child might have SAD, please seek the aid of a medical professional! It’s crucial to understand that this advice is meant for parents of children who are experiencing non-severe separation anxiety.” { APRIL 2013 } b c PHILIPPINES

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my teens, needed to attend a college close to my parents’ home, and even today, at age forty-six, I often have to push myself through a brief period of anxiety when I’m leaving home on an extended business trip.” Patkin is adamant that it’s crucial for parents to gauge their kids’ levels of anxiety before making any firm summer plans. “There are many different degrees of homesickness, and it’s important to deal with them in appropriate ways,” licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Howard J. Rankin adds. “It’s especially crucial to note that about one in 25 children suffers from Separation Anxiety Disorder. If you think your child might be one of them, you need to seek the help of a medical professional.” “It truly is critical to make sure your children are ready to go to camp before sending them, because if you don’t, you might find yourself stuck

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between a rock and a hard place,” confirms Patkin. “Leaving a too-anxious child at camp can cause real emotional harm…and conversely, what your child sees as the ‘failure’ to stick it out if you let her come home early can haunt her for years to come. If you do realize after you’ve already dropped your child off and driven away that she’s not doing well, work with camp officials to determine whether staying or coming home early would cause less overall emotional damage.” Patkin especially wants to emphasize that children, and especially their emotional growth, are not one-size-fits-all. And if you’re in doubt as to whether or not to send in your child’s registration, he suggests waiting until she is begging you to go to camp, and not the other way around. Before sending your children away from home this summer, learn how to spot separation anxiety and how you may be able to alleviate it if it appears, provided it isn’t severe.

How to Alleviate Non-Severe Separation Anxiety

Before signing up for any camp or an awayfrom-home activity, talk to your child about it. Ask him how he’s feeling and what he thinks about these plans. Above all, be sure to acknowledge your child’s feelings as legitimate. Even if you don’t believe there’s any real reason for him to be upset, remember that his feelings and fears are very real in his own mind.

Talk it over with your child.

“It’s important not to be over-indulgent, but it’s also crucial that you not completely dismiss your child’s fears,” Patkin says. “In my case, adults were correct that there was no actual danger for me to worry about—but that didn’t banish my fears or prevent me from acting on them. It’s a good idea to let your child have some say in decision making—if he flat-out doesn’t want to go to camp, don’t force him. You might also consider giving him a bcmag.ph

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“As parents, we need to be careful that we aren’t unwittingly harming our children by trying to make them stronger, or by expecting them to do what we did or what all of the neighbors’ children are doing.” choice—day camp as opposed to sleepaway, for example.” Realize that some amount of separation anxiety is normal. Yes, listen to

your child and give her wishes some weight. Also realize, though, that at some point you’re likely to hear some variation on the “Mom, Dad, don’t leave me—I’ll miss you!” theme from any youngster. The timing and duration vary, but every child experiences some level of stress when facing a separation from his or her loved ones—so there might be no need to panic. The fact is, no matter how independent or self-possessed your child is, chances are she’ll probably be reluctant to leave you. That’s normal. “If you hear words of doubt coming from your camper’s mouth—especially as drop-off day approaches— don’t automatically pull the plug on the whole venture,” advises Dr. Rankin. “Especially for overnight campers, spells of apprehension and homesickness often occur, which isn’t surprising, since your child loves you and isn’t used to being so far away from you. Yes, it’s always uncomfortable for parents when their kids are unhappy, but remember that you know your child best, so simply trust your instincts if you suspect that she’s more than just a temporarily unhappy camper.”

While almost every child does experience some degree of separation anxiety, these feelings don’t always originate within the child. They can also be caused or exacerbated by outside circumstances. If your child is feeling distressed for another reason,

Look for causes.

for other things that might be causing these feelings,” Dr. Rankin instructs. “For example, a divorce, a recent or upcoming move, or even your stress that your child might be observing can trigger separation anxiety. If you suspect that something other than summer camp might be influencing your child’s feelings, don’t ignore the issue.” Practice shorter separations. If your child is apprehensive about being away from you and from home, it makes sense to work your way up to longer separations. (Think about it this way—if you’re not an experienced runner, you wouldn’t jump straight into running a marathon, would you?) Depending on your child’s age and level of homesickness, practice short separations— maybe just an hour or two to start— and increase their duration, taking into account your child’s reactions.

he’ll be in need of extra comfort and security…which can easily lead to a stronger-than-usual desire to be with his parents in familiar surroundings. “Especially if separation anxiety, or its current severity, is abnormal, look

“One of the many factors that played into my summer camp meltdown, I think, is that I really hadn’t spent too many nights away from home beforehand,” Patkin recalls. “I didn’t even like it when my parents left me overnight in our own home with a babysitter or relative, so of course I hadn’t sought out sleepovers. If I’d had more ‘practice’ before being left in another state for what was supposed to be four weeks, perhaps my reaction wouldn’t

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Todd Patkin graduated from Tufts University, joined the family business, and spent the next 18 years helping to grow it to new heights. After it was purchased by Advance Auto Parts in 2005, he was free to focus on his main passions: philanthropy and giving back to the community, spending time with family and friends, and helping more people learn how to be happy. Dr. Howard J. Rankin is the creator of scienceofyou.com and founder and president of the American Brain Association. He is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private psychotherapy practice, the Rankin Center for Neuroscience and Integrative Health, on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He has written 5 books and coauthored two more, including the bestselling Inspired to Lose. bcmag.ph

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of how much fun she’ll have and what she’ll learn. And don’t make a big deal of drop-off—if you get emotional, your child is more likely to lose control too. Lastly, if you do receive an upset phone call, email, or letter, don’t make a fuss that your child can feed off of. Instead, try to talk to a counselor or camp administrator about your child’s homesickness before making a decision regarding how to proceed.”

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Sometimes homesickness can be sparked by boredom and unhappiness—so don’t assume that just because you enjoyed science camp in your youth, for example, your child will too. It’s always a good idea to make sure that any camp you’re considering for your child is a good fit for him. After all, if he’s happy and engaged, his attention is more likely to be focused on what’s right in front of him, and not on what he’s missing.

Feed your child’s interests.

“Granted, I was unsuited for sleep-away camp for many reasons, but I think the only reason that I lasted as long as I did, even though it was just three days, is because I was at a sports camp—and I loved sports,” recounts Patkin. “When I was on the ball field, I do remember actually having fun. Remember that camp is supposed to enrich your child and help him grow—if his daily activities aren’t capturing his attention, of course he’ll be more likely to long for you! I know that even today, when I’m on a business trip that’s not going well, I’m much more likely to want to come home sooner rather than later.” have been so severe…or my family and I would have known that camp wasn’t a good idea to begin with.” Stay calm and positive. You’ve probably noticed that negativity, pessimism, and worry tend to breed more of the same—and it should come as no surprise that this trend holds true when it comes to your children. If your prospective camper voices worries, ac-

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knowledge them, but don’t feed into them by adding your own apprehensions to the pile. (And certainly don’t bring up worrisome what-ifs yourself— for example, “I just don’t know how I’m going to make it a whole week without you here, Junior!”) “During the days leading up to camp, it’s best to focus on its positive aspects,” shares Dr. Rankin. “Remind your child

Let your child take “home” with him.

Your child may be traveling miles away, but there’s no reason why she needs to leave home behind altogether. Send familiar objects with her, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a small picture of you, and phone numbers. She’ll feel less cut off from everything that’s familiar, and will therefore be less likely to experience severe homesickness. It’s even better if she can go to camp with bcmag.ph

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a friend from home. “Sending small objects with meaning can indeed remind your child that you love her and are thinking of her,” confirms Dr. Rankin, “but don’t go overboard. You don’t want her to be so focused on things she’s brought from home that she doesn’t get engaged in camp activities. For this reason, it can also be smart to wait a few days to send letters. For many children, contact from home is less likely to trigger homesickness if they have already established friends and interests in their new environment.” Don’t be too quick to provide an out.

When dealing with separation anxiety, this is often the hardest line of all for

parents to walk. If your child is upset and emotional and begs to be with you, you’d need to have a heart of stone not to be affected. Many parents soon give in to their child’s pleading rather than endure their own resulting anguish! “As a father myself, I completely understand why many people simply can’t stand seeing their children suffer from separation anxiety,” says Dr. Rankin. “After all, you’re hardwired to see to your child’s well-being and chances are, you’re going through some degree of separation anxiety yourself. It’s very important for your brain to remind your heart that if you give in too easily, you might prevent your child’s emotional growth. Ultimately, though, you know what’s best for your child—so if

you truly feel that he’s in a bad situation, err on the side of caution. Again, this is why it’s so important to make the right decision regarding camp upfront—so that you can avoid causing your child to experience unnecessary anxiety.” “I believe that there are very few children who won’t at least feel a twinge of homesickness when overnight camp— or any significant separation—rolls around,” concludes Patkin. “But if you approach the situation positively and rationally and encourage your child to do the same, you’ll both be better prepared for the separation—and you will be better equipped to determine if your child’s anxiety levels aren’t normal or healthy.” bc

“It’s important not to be over-indulgent, but it’s also crucial that you not completely dismiss your child’s fears” bcmag.ph

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how career moms can make guilt-free choices Being a parent opens up another dimension in us as people. Even our decision-making skills and abilities are affected once one becomes a mother or father. Find out how we can make better choices through insightful advice from a bestselling, self-published author

W O RDS BY W . G R A N V I L L E B R O W N PH O T O GRAPHS BY K A R I Z T A N Y A F A V I S

s a professional life coach, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m privileged to have some very successful career women as clients. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve discovered that many of them face challenges quite different than those encountered by men. For example, consider the deep feelings of guilt many working mothers experience. They feel as if they are being split in half and would gladly sacrifice a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes for more hours in the day. When we are dealing with a female who is voluntarily willing to give up her high-end shoes, you know we have a serious issue. Just as serious is the confusion between making a decision and making a choice. Many of these educated women suffer from the consequences of their choices and struggle with making better choices they can live with and feel good about.

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DEcisION-MAKING Humbly speaking, I believe a process and a skill set are associated with decision and choice making. In order to recognize the difference—as well as the need to learn or improve upon the skill set—a person must be open to personal growth. Each new client has discovered that something is “off” in that individual’s life, and he/she wants to turn it back on. Often the issues are related to the choices made, which, in turn, have led the client to seek my assistance. Oftentimes the two words (decision and choice) are used interchangeably, when, in fact, they have complete and separate meanings. Let’s start with decision, which means “to reach a conclusion or pass judgment on an issue.” A choice is defined as “a selection from a number of options.” To simplify: you make a decision to have dessert after dinner, and then you choose between ice cream, cake, or pie—keeping in mind that a moment on the lips is like

an inch to the hips. Oh please, I’m a man who loves hips; go with the cake. I do digress. My helpful guide, 5 Simple Steps to

Choosing Your Path, illustrates five simple, but powerfully impactive, steps to making wiser choices. Once applied to our daily lives, these steps have proven quite effective in their simplicity.

5 Simple Steps to Choosing Your Path Think it out:

That should be a logical process, but a lot of times in life, we merely react based on experience, the past, emotions, or a myriad of other reasons, without giving much prior thought to making a choice.

Willingness to deal with the consequences through ownership: Yes, we

have to own our choices. We can’t point fingers of blame at others when things don’t work out and only take credit for the good. We must own all of our choices.

Accept responsibility:

Be accountable:

When you hold Whether you like yourself accountit or not, choices able, the message mean responsibil- is, “This is on me.” ity. Now you’re And that truly getting into deeper takes strength of waters. When we character. step up and claim responsibility, we are indeed stepping up.

Be honest:

Art of Honesty:

This is admittedly the hardest step for a lot of people. Some of us simply find it too difficult to look into the reflected image of truth, which can hurt. The tendency to develop safety mechanisms, in an attempt to protect one’s heart, can be too great.

Unfortunately, not being honest with yourself in your daily choices can only delay the inevitable, as well as make matters worse. Here’s the good news: by practicing the art of honesty, telling the truth becomes easier.

It’s never too late in life to do better, be better, and become better. Take a walk to the water’s edge, and look out. For as far as the eyes can see and beyond, endless possibilities exist, and they all start with your choices. Choices are a birthright that each of us possesses without purchase; they’re absolutely free. bc

About W. Granville Brown

After serving in the U.S. Army and earning his degree in business administration, W. Granville Brown embarked on a successful career in the insurance industry spanning two decades. He later became committed to improving the lives of others by encouraging inward reflection, and became a bestselling, self-published author. As a certified life coach, Brown has helped many clients transform their lives for the better by using real-world methods. bcmag.ph

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AMILY

the best

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A IN

summer treats Looking to freshen up your family’s daily menu this season of the sun? Here’s some great recipes you and your family can make for lunch or dinner, made only with the healthiest ingredients in mind for your loved ones W O RDS AND PH O T O GRAPHS BY M A R T I N E D E L U N A

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Shepherd’s Pie

Method Ingredients

750 grams ground sirloin (free range, organic beef) 1 1/2 to 2 lbs potatoes (3 big ones) ¼ cup whole milk 1 tablespoon butter 1 medium-sized onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup) 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup diced carrot ½ cup corn kernels ¼ cup celery, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup tomato sauce ½ cup beef broth (you won’t use all) 1 teaspoon sugar Dash of dried oregano Salt & pepper, to taste

1. Preheat

the oven to 400 Fahrenheit. Peel and quarter potatoes, boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes).

2. Meanwhile,

heat the olive oil in large frying pan. Sauté onions and garlic until tender over medium heat (10 mins). Add ground beef and sauté until no longer pink.

3. Add

the corn, celery and carrot, after the meat has browned.

4. Add salt and pepper, dried oregano, and then the Worcesterchire sauce. Add half a cup of tomato sauce, the sugar, and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding beef broth as necessary to keep moist.

5. Mash potatoes in bowl with the milk and butter, season to taste. 6. Place

beef mixture in a baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes on top, making sure the potato layer is about an inch thick.

7. Cook in 400 degree oven until bubbling and brown (about 30 minutes). Yield: Serves four. This humble dish originated in England, and is normally made with ground lamb. It works well with a flavorful free-range ground sirloin, too. It’s an easy-to-prepare one-dish meal—it’s got protein, vegetables, and a creamy, crusty topping of potatoes. Served with a mixed green salad and a glass or red wine (preferably a nice Chianti, an Italian wine), it makes for a truly comforting dinner.

Research has shown that organic beef has higher nutritional value as it has more Omega 3, Vitamin E, and CLA content than conventional beef. In fact, presence of these nutrients in organic milk is one of the most important reasons for increased demand of organic milk. These cattle were grass fed, not given antibiotics nor growth hormones. Check out the first certified organic beef in the country, The Farm Organics, at thefarm.ph

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H E A L TH y s u mme r M E A L S

The dark spots that appear on a banana peel are a sign that the fruit inside is ripening. The more dark patches, the more effective the banana is.

Vitamin C Smoothie Ingredients

50 g spinach 100 g lettuce ½ cup strawberries Half a kiwi fruit ¼ cup fresh pineapple 1 whole banana (as thickener) ½ cup fresh orange juice, ideally Florida Natural with No Pulp 6 ice cubes Method

1. Freeze

the strawberries, banana, and pineapple the night before. They should be icy when used for the smoothie.

2. Combine

all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. For extra fiber, add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed meal. Serve chilled.

Summer fruits are a delight, especially since they are the most colorful, and fortunately, the most vitamin-rich fruits of the season! This fruit and veggie smoothie is packed with antioxidant power and loads of Vitamin C, making it a great refreshing drink for both young and young at heart.

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H E A L TH y s u mme r M E A L S

bc delicious fu

Salmon, as well as other “oily” or “fatty” fish such as tuna, mackerel, trout, sardines and herring, are loaded with polyunsaturated fats known as Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon also contains calcium, magnesium, protein and B vitamins, making it one of the best protein foods you can eat.

Spiced Salmon with Veggie Brown Rice Method

INGREDIENTS

3. Set

1. Cook

the rice. Saute the garlic in oil; add the carrots, zucchini and French beans. Stir fry until the veggies are slightly cooked (about two minutes), then toss in the cooked rice and scallions. Sprinkle the oregano, season with salt and pepper.

2. Place

the cooked rice in separate dishes—about one cup in each.

the oven to broil. Season the salmon loin with a bit of salt and fresh ground pepper. Sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme and paprika on top. Drizzle with olive oil.

Place the salmon on a broiling tray in the oven and broil for about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the loin. Once the oil starts to sizzle and the garlic begins to brown, remove the salmon loin from the heat and place it on top of the rice. 4.

This simple dish is a great way to make use of leftover brown rice and any vegetables you have on hand. (It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat some veggies and Omega 3s!) Broiling the salmon loin in the oven for just minutes keeps the loin soft and creamy on the inside, crisp and slightly browned on the outside. Topped on a bed of colorful veggies and rice, it’s as pretty as it is yummy.

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Salmon

400 grams salmon loin 2 cloves garlic, minced Olive oil 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) Sea salt, ground pepper Dash of paprika Rice

2 cups cooked brown rice 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced zucchini ½ cup French beans, chopped 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped ½ teaspoon oregano Sea salt, to taste

Yield: Serves two. bcmag.ph

Beef Tastes Better.

Premium Quality Meats Landmark Supermarket Makati . Trinoma

hen you first see Doug and Cheska Kramer side-byside, you can’t help but notice the obvious—one, they’re both gorgeous, and two, he towers over her completely. And those observations pretty much sum up how they are as a couple—alike, yet different. We paid a visit to the Kramers at their elegant, impeccably-designed new digs, where they moved just three days shy of Christmas last year. We sat down, first with the tall and dashing Doug, while his lovely wife was being styled and photographed.

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Kramer ‘S Kramer

PH O T O GRAPHS BY M A R T I N A N D K A R I Z TA N YA FA V I S INTERVIE W BY K A R I Z T A N Y A F A V I S STYLING BY X I E A N T O N I O W O RDS BY R O S A R I O S A N T I A G O HAIR AND MAKEUP BY R A Y M O N D K O FOR BENEFITS STYLE SALON PH O T O GRAPHY ASSISTANT MARK CABALANG STYLING ASSISTANT E T H A N R A L S T O N

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w HE SAID

“We were supposed to move in here the 15th of December, but we really pressured our contractor to finish exactly at five months, but we went over by one week, which wasn’t so bad,” Doug tells us, as we sit around the living room on the first floor of their 3-storey abode. “There was even a house that was demolished in the process. Simultaneously, while that was going down, the other parts of this house started going up. Everything that you see in this house, every detail—the height, the tiles, the finishing, how big—I know everything. That’s how involved I was.” We ask Doug to lead us on a trip down memory lane, and tell us a little about where he’s from, his early schooling, and how he started playing hoops. “I grew up in Baguio City,” he says. “It’s a small, Christian, Bible-based school formerly called Risen Lord Academy and now Christian Legacy Academy. Our high school was basically a hundred people, and for me to get a bit of attention and reach Manila—my parents got proud of that. I started playing basketball in high school, at age 13, but didn’t get around to organized basketball until around 16. I had no plans of playing. I actually wanted to join the Navy Seals off of high

school—that was my initial plan, but come my last 2 years in high school, a few universities from Manila started to recruit me—FEU, La Salle, and then Ateneo. So I tried out, saw how their campus was, then I eventually chose Ateneo. 2002 was my rookie year. I played 5 years for them. I did not have any plans of playing in the PBA. Everything just kinda fell into place. I started playing well in the UAAP in my last 2 years, played amateur ball for a year in the PBL right after 2006, and 2007, I joined the PBA draft. After playing well my last 2 years in college, people started to notice me, and they said that I could be a late second rounder, to late first rounder, to a mid, until come draft day, I was picked number 5 overall. So I’ve been in the PBA now for 6 years, where I’m actually a local. I’m not considered a Fil-American. I plan on playing in the PBA for as long as I can, as long as my body permits, hopefully 15 years.” Something Doug says really catches our attention, so we go back to it and prod him for details about the dream of becoming a Navy Seal. “I’m a very physical guy,” explains the 29-year old power forward from Barako Bull. “I like to stay in shape. I love challenges. My brother joined the navy, but he was strictly navy, not a Seal. So that’s what I wanted to do, but again, a lot of opportunities opened up for me here in Manila. I had no connections here; knew no one. My parents owned a condo unit in Makati, so that’s where I stayed throughout my college. Basically I started from scratch here, and now I have 3 kids and married for 5 years. Life goes on.” “Any highlights of your career?” We ask him. “It’s been recent,” he tells us. “The past 2 years have been my best playing years in the PBA. Currently, I’m the number 2 Kendra: Lilac tank, P249, Floral shorts, P399 both by LITTLE MISS On background: Silver sequined flats by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA . Pink hat by SM ACCESSORIES, P249

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Doug: Purple shirt by menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club, P399.75 . Gray shorts by penshoppe, P899 bcmag.ph

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Kendra: Animal printed green dress by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,499 . Orange sandal by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,199 Scarlett: Yellow tank top by LITTLE MISS P249 . Floral orange shorts by LITTLE MISS, P399 . Capelet by right bank babies Gavin: Onesie by DKNY

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“It’s not just all about me now. It’s about my wife and my kids.” - Doug Kramer on how fatherhood changed him

best rebounder in the league—statistically in averages. Last year, I had the most number of rebounds in a season. I led the league in the All-Filipino Conference double-doubles. Two straight years I’ve been nominated for Most Improved Player, although another person got it. As a player you always wanna improve, and these past two years, I’ve been nominated for that. I was part of the All-Defensive Team, which is one of my dream goals in the PBA. As a guy who takes pride in defense and rebounding, I was given an award for being [among] the Top Five Best Defenders in the league. I’m very proud of what I did there.”

now (to even more laughter), although I’m very flexible, but…no,” he says with conviction to another round of spirited ribbing and giggling. When the giggles finally subside, we leave the thrilling subject of Doug’s mind-boggling former skill, and move on to the even more exciting topic of his and Cheska’s love story.

We ask him what else he’d like to achieve in his career. “A lot!” Doug exclaims excitedly. “I still wanna win a championship— I have yet to win one in the PBA. I wanna make sure that I’ll be part of the core team that can contribute to win a championship. I don’t wanna just win a championship and be the fifteenth guy sitting on the bench. I’m a type of guy that wants to contribute. I know I can contribute. Winning a championship, maybe win a few more individual awards… Another one I wanna get is the Defensive Player of the Year, different from Defensive Team, be part of maybe the Mythical Second or First Team, and we’ll see from there.”

“So it was a courtship?” We ask him.

“Any quirky talents most people don’t know about you?” Our editor-in-chief asks.

“How did you win her over?” We ask him. “How did she win you over? Maybe that’s the story,” our editor-in-chief teases him, sending everyone into fits of laughter anew.

“I used to do a split,” Doug says straight-faced, as our eyes nearly fall out of their sockets. “Yup, but that was in high school (he quickly adds, eliciting guffaws from all). I won’t even try it

“Well,” Doug starts off smiling, “She actually took notice of me first (sending us into another round of snickers). You can ask her that. We met in Boracay in 2003—exactly 10 years

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ago. We went to a party and we met through common friends. She had a boyfriend at that time, which she was on the rocks [with], so I didn’t get her number after talking to her during the night. I’m respectful that way, when there’s a boyfriend. The following day I couldn’t stop thinking about her, though. We had common friends— Anne Curtis, and when I left Boracay, I contacted a friend who knew Anne, I didn’t have her number that time. I asked Anne if she could ask Cheks if I could get her number, you know, friends, whatever. And she gave it! Anne actually gave it. She texted Cheska, and Cheks, we started to hang out here in Manila. When they were on the rocks with her current boyfriend that time, after a few months, I courted her.”

“Yeah,” Doug agrees. “Actually, when we got back to Manila, we met up a few times, and then she said, ‘I think I’d rather just set aside current time to focus first on my priorities.’ So for a few months we didn’t talk. I thought that was pretty much over. Then a few months later, the UAAP started and she saw me, and she texted me out of the blue after how many months of not texting, she said, ‘I miss you.’ So that’s where everything started again. I met up with her, we hit it off again, and we became an item October 8 of 2003. Five years later, that was also our wedding date. Oh sorry, October 9, 2008. This October 9th will be our 10th year together –5 years married.” “How did you propose?” We ask him. “I went to China for a trip with my team and I told her that I’d be back a APRIL 2013 philippines

certain day, like I think, Wednesday,” Doug recalls for us. “But I’d be back already in the Philippines by Monday. So she did not expect that I’d be here in the country. I spoke to one of her friends to set a girls’ dinner. That was at Le Souffle at The Fort. So she went with her friend, and eventually, I popped in the picture. She got surprised that I was there, ‘cause we were even talking that morning. I said I was in China doing stuff with my team. She got caught off guard. And she got really surprised when I proposed to her. She smiled and she said, ‘I hate you!’ She didn’t even cry. She [was] just caught so off guard. That’s how I proposed, and we’re happily married now.” “What’s the secret to your successful marriage?” We ask him further. “What makes our relationship work? My rule is, whenever we have any type of fights, I wanna make sure that before the night ends, everything is fixed,” Doug says candidly. For 10 years it’s been like that. We never had any cooloffs, never broke up, and we’re Born Again Christians who believe that if you center your relationship on Christ, it will be a big help. So far we’ve been doing that. We have Bible studies every Thursdays here, and we keep our relationship grounded and healthy. We set dates—just the two of us—even if we have three kids. We communicate. We don’t keep anything from each other— no secrets; everything out in the open no matter what. We’ve remained faithful.” “Is it hard?” We prod him. “It’s not hard,” Doug says with conviction. “I’m saying that as a basketball player, you’re being stereotyped as a womanizer. I never got that perception because I wouldn’t be shy about it to my teammates. I’d even say, ‘I don’t do that, I stick to my wife, just my wife,’ and they respect that. That’s very important.” Doug approaches fatherhood to 3 ½-year old Kendra, 1-year old Scarlett, and 1-month old Gavin in much the

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Doug: White printed polo shirt by MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLUB P399.75 . Green shorts by PENSHOPPE P899 . White striped sweater, P1,175, Brown belt, P565, both by FOREVER 21 Cheska: Spaghetti mint green dress by FOREVER 21, P1,435 . Nude shoes by GIBI, P2,199.75 . Feeding bottle by PHILIPS AVENT bcmag.ph

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same way he does his career, his relationship with his wife, and even the management of their household. He is devoted, committed, hands-on, and able to divide his time to make sure everyone and everything is taken care of. “I practice 8 to 12, and sometimes I go over ‘til 1 or 2pm, but there’s a lot of time in the afternoon,” Doug says. “[When] my body’s very tired at times, I tend to rest a couple of hours, but if not, I spend time with Kendra, Scarlett, sometimes both of them. I make sure I spend ample time with each one. I don’t want anyone to feel like the other is more important. I try and manage my time the best I can and I think I’ve been doing a good job.” Doug says his toughest customer in the Kramer house is their eldest, Kendra, who is the spitting image of her mom. “Sometimes it’ll just be me and Kendra [or] me and Scarlett,” Doug tells us. Gavin—not yet, but I’ll do that routine

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too. It’s important for me to spend time with them one-on-one. That’s why Kendra’s very daddy’s girl, even Scarlett. But Kendra is able to express herself, and she says, like when I go to the mall, for 2 straight days, she picks me up in basketball practice after school. I’d say, ‘Ken we’re gonna go run some errands. We’re going to the mall.’ Then I tell her, ‘But tomorrow, it’s gonna be Scarlett’s turn. She’s gonna come with Papa.’ But she says, ‘No, I don’t like. 2 babies, or me only.’ I can bring her sister along together with her, but never without her. She gets mad at me when I leave her. Like, just to spend time with Scarlett, sometimes I’ll leave, and when I come back, she’s waiting at the door. She’ll tell me, ‘Papa, why did you leave me?’” We ask him to describe his parenting style. “I’m the type of father that if my kids fall—especially my girls, I don’t like them to be picked up right away,” Doug

admits. “I like them to pick themselves up. I like them to learn, and sometimes feel pain, so that they’ll avoid it. They’re both my princesses, but at the same time, they’re very tough and I trained them to be that way.” We ask if he’s had any funny diaperchanging experiences. “Several times, I was carrying my daughters, then their poop leaked out of their diapers, and I saw it on my hands,” Doug says as I simultaneously grimace and crack up at the thought. “The other day, I was holding Scarlett and it happened. I called Kendra, who was playing, and made her smell. ‘What’s that? Is that poop?’ Later on, when it was Kendra’s turn to poop, she said, ‘Papa, you touch my poop and you let Scarlett smell it too.’ It demands most of my time, and I don’t mind it. My priorities are very different. I’m constantly thinking of how to improve our future and how to make it secure. It’s not just all about me now. bcmag.ph

It’s about my wife and my kids. That’s how fatherhood has changed me.” SHE SAID

“Doug was telling us earlier that you were here two to three days before Christmas,” we confirm with Cheska shortly after all shots for the layouts are completed. “Yeah, we moved in on the 22nd of December, and it was a mess,” she tells us. “l didn’t wanna stay here. I wanted to stay in a hotel because I just couldn’t stand the fact that it was so messy. We had so many things from our old house, and still a lot of things coming in.” “But you fixed it up really fast,” we remark. “Yeah, we did,” she admits. “We were able to spend Christmas, and have Noche Buena on the 24th with everything fixed here.” bcmag.ph

As with Doug, we then ask Cheska to revisit her childhood with us, and tell us a little bit of her life with brothers, Pichon and Patrick. “It was a lot of fun, not the usual home where you grow up with girls,” she tells us. “My Barbies were still around, but they played along with GI Joes, HeMan, and everything. It was fun. I was able to have the best of both worlds, having my girlfriends, and then growing up with brothers. And it taught me how to be really tough, like a tomboy.” “Is it true that you and Patrick used to team up against your older brother?” “Yeah, because my older brother’s 5 years older than me, and 6 years older than Patrick—so growing up, it was really Patrick and I, because I was just a year older than him,” she confesses. “A lot of things would irk Pichon and get him pissed off. We were not allowed to touch his toys, not allowed to go inside his room…So that really made us gang

up on him and try to get him angry.” We ask her how old they were, when they first got into the industry, and what it was like for them. “12,” Cheska tells us. “I really saw my job as just a job. I was never the competitive type that would fight or go behind my co-actors so I could get the lead role. I was more easygoing and carefree. I would honestly be happy for my co-actors if they got the role. I just knew myself, and I knew what I wanted, and I was happy.” “Did you always want to be an actress?” we inquire. “Nah, no, no, no,” she says emphatically. “Not really. I was just going with the flow, since we were offered to audition for Ang TV, and we just took on the challenge, not thinking if they were gonna get us or what. And then when they got us, it was like play. Patrick was around 10 or 11. With Pichon, APRIL 2013 philippines

“I wish for them to enjoy life, enjoy childhood, but when it’s time to grow up, for them to grow up...be really be God-fearing, and value or treasure family time. ” - Cheska Garcia-Kramer on her dreams for her kids

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he would just make guest appearances. He wasn’t really a mainstay.” “What are you doing now? What keeps you busy?” “I just gave birth a month ago, so I am not really accepting much work, especially work that would take me away from [him],” Cheska confides. “I’ll do like 4, 5 hours of work—that’s it. I told them I’d be back—just give me 3 months so that I’m able to adjust. We’re already talking about possible shows that I can do after. Acting—we’ll see, ‘cause Scarlett is still a baby, and more so with Gavin. I don’t wanna be away from my kids.” We ask her what it was like juggling her schedule as wife, mother, and co-host of the show Us Girls, before she had to go on leave for her recent pregnancy. “I was very honest with the people at work,” Cheska says. “Good thing it’s a show I‘ve been doing for 7 years, so I was able to tell them. I was still going out with Doug. He became my fiancé, and then we got married, and I had Kendra, and Scarlett, so I was able to tell them if I can’t stay up too late, or if we can work around this schedule. But it’s a lifestyle show so it really doesn’t demand staying up late and finishing at four in the morning, or like 12 noon the next day.” Speaking of Doug, we get around to asking her if it was true that she was the one who noticed him first. “Yeah, how can you not, he’s so tall,” she says candidly. “At the same time, he’s a very handsome guy, so I obviously saw him in the crowd.” Doug: Striped mint green long sleeve shirt by OXYGEN, P649 . Brown belt by FOREVER 21, P565 Cheska: Plum dress by NORMAN NORIEGA . Orange pumps by GIBI, P2,199 Kendra: Blue dress by LITTLE MISS, P499 . Red and gold sandals by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,199 Scarlett: Striped orange and green dress by LITTLE miss, P399.75 On background: Red mary janes, gold sequined flats, both by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA

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“So what’s your story like?” “I saw him,” Cheska begins. “He was with two of his other tall friends, and then I noticed him and told my friend that I found him cute. And my friend goes, ‘You want me to introduce you to him?’ And I said, ‘Sure, sure.’” “In Boracay?” We ask her. APRIL 2013 philippines

Doug: Grey polo shirt by MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLUB P349.75 . Blue shorts by FOREVER 21, P1,025 Cheska: Coral blazer, P1,695, Yellow top, P815, Green shorts, P1,025, all by FOREVER 21 . Thong sandals by SM PARISIAN Kendra: Striped rainbow skirt by LITTLE MISS, P299.75 . Blue bikini top by SANDBOX, P299.75

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“Yeah, in Boracay,” she confirms. “But you were going out with someone else?” we check with her. She clarifies, “We were sort of broken up, but still talking, communicating. Then I met Doug, and from there, we started hanging out, but as friends. Doug wasn’t the aggressive type. He wasn’t the type to hold your hands, or make the first move. So we really did enjoy hanging out, because it was more of like, ‘I wonder what he’s thinking.’ You’d always come home and think about the day that you guys spent together, and try to guess what’s going on, where’s this leading to. Unlike nowadays, you go ahead with your emotions, you get infatuated so fast. With this one, we really took our time, and so it was really exciting for the both of us.” “It was a courtship,” we remark. “Yeah, it was really a courtship, like old school style,” Cheska agrees. We ask her what their favorite hobbies are as a couple. “Doug and I like spending time [together].” Cheska reveals. “We’re home bodies. We enjoy talking to each other, so when I’m no longer breast feeding, I can probably have wine again with him, ‘cause we enjoy doing that. In our old place, we’d have our wine nights, or we’d go out on dates. We both dress up and look nice for each other. That’s how we spend our quality time. We enjoy staying here and hanging out with the kids. We stay in the theater—we like watching movies here [Author’s note: and with a rockin’ home theater like theirs, with Blu-Ray movies clearer than the cinemas, who could blame them?], or we stay in the family room, or the play room. There are a lot of places to hang out here, and we always have a lot of visitors. I was actually thinking when we were living in our old place, ‘Ah you know a lot of our friends would come over. bcmag.ph

Maybe when we move here to this other place, people might find it far, or a bit out of the way.’ It’s the opposite. We have more visitors here now, and in big numbers! It’s like they all go as a group. And Doug, he likes entertaining a lot of friends, too. He likes to cook for our friends, and he likes to host.” We ask what their most precious moments are together. “All the time,” she says with a smile. “Every day is a precious time for me. I mean, you can never tell nowadays, so every day for me is special. I always tell Doug, before we go to sleep, that

a day with him is not enough. When we’re about to sleep, I feel sad. When I wake up in the morning and he has practice and he’s not beside me, I feel sad. I always ask him, ‘What time are you coming home?’ If he says, ‘I’ll be late, maybe around 6 pm,’ I always tell him, ‘How sad,’ because I really enjoy my time with my husband. I’m very simple. The times I enjoy most with him are when we’re in the bedroom and just talking. We laugh a lot. We always like to tease each other. And then him, when he makes tampo with me, I know it already. When I get out of my dresser, he’d have his back turned to me. That means he’s tampo. Then APRIL 2013 philippines

“I always tell Doug, before we go to sleep, that a day with him is not enough.” - Cheska Garcia-Kramer on life with her husband, Doug he’ll text me the next day, ‘You didn’t mind me.’ I’d say, ‘I was waiting for you to mind me, why did you sleep on me?’ We have moments of emoting like that. You could say we’re the type of couple who loves conversation. I’m blessed to have a husband who loves to talk, ‘cause every woman wants a guy who will talk to her, right? Some people spend a lot of time out with their friends and hardly spend time with their wife or their husband. They tell more things to their friends, more than their partners. With Doug and I, it’s the two of us.”

when it comes to that. Thank God, here in the Philippines, we have our very reliable and good helpers to help us. If we were in the States, it’d be a different story. You won’t have time for your family or your husband. But here,

“I just wish for them to grow up God-fearing,” she says. “Kids are different nowadays. I just want them to be able to enjoy their childhood, take things slowly. There’s no need to rush in growing up, because when you’re grown up, you wish that you were younger. When I look at my kids, I see them [with] no worries, and that’s the best feeling ever— free to savor every moment of your childhood. And for them to grow up responsible and ready to face the world, because I also know a lot of people who are stuck in that, I don’t know, that era…”

“You’re best friends,” we tell her. “Yeah, we confide to each other,” she nods in agreement. “We tell each other what we feel. Hanging out and being together is more important.” As with Doug, we ask Cheska to describe her parenting style, and how they strike a balance between work, and family. “Doug and I are really opposites when it comes to raising our kids,” she admits. “Although, even if we’re opposites, we both agree. Doug is the type that when Kendra or Scarlet trips or falls, he doesn’t panic. I, on the other hand, panic. ‘Oh what happened? Stand up,’ things like that. Meanwhile, he’s the type who says, ‘Pick yourself up. Don’t cry.’ Doug is more relaxed. I on the other hand, am a typical mom. ‘Wash your hands—it’s dirty. Brush your teeth.’ We’re opposites

put them to bed and put them to sleep. While they’re sleeping, Doug and I tell each other stories while the maids are not yet upstairs. It’s easy. Anyone can find time if they want to, and Doug and I, we find time.” We ask Cheska what she wishes for their kids.

“Like they didn’t progress,” we volunteer.

we have our nannies, so what happens is I breastfeed Gavin, then when he’s asleep, his nanny watches over him and I move on to Scarlett. I read her a book. With Kendra, I read her a book. And then there are times, when the helpers are eating, the kids are with us so we stay in the play room, then we

“Didn’t progress,” she concurs. “They didn’t get out of that time of their life. So, I wish for them to enjoy life, enjoy childhood, but at the same time, when it’s time to grow up, for them to grow up, know who they are, be really be God-fearing, and value or treasure family time. I hope that when they’re all grown up and they can hang out with their friends, they’ll still choose to come home to the family, and be with their mom and dad.” bc

Doug: Checkered blue button down shirt by PENSHOPPE, P1,122 . Printed white t-shirt by OXYGEN, P549 . Brown belt by FOREVER 21 P565 Kendra: Orange printed press by LITTLE MISS P399.75 . Studded sandals by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,199 . Gold handbag by SM ACCESSORIES Cheska: Printed spaghetti dress by MUSE, P5,975, SM Department Store . Orange peep toed shoes by GIBI, P2,199 . Earrings by ANGELA REYES . Cuff by ROMA SO Gavin: Onesie by COTTON ON, stylist’s own . Shoes by MOTHERCARE

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PH O T O GRAPHS BY MARK CABALANG W O RDS BY

ainment f o

bc reviews

AMILY

the best

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A I YA M A I R O D J E L

personalized childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gifts

+ Interactive apps... bedtime stories.. soulful music...

custom books, dinosaurs in 3d, an indiana jones cat, and more for summer...

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u ni q u ely y o u r s

Aside from storybooks, Look It’s About Me also offers custom coloring books, placemats, art prints and wrapping paper. Personalized books are priced at Php 1,200.

Look It’s About Me

ooks have the magical ability to transport us to places we’ve never been, adventures beyond our wildest imaginations.

We’ve all grown up enchanted by children’s stories. Reading expands our imagination and vocabulary, and at the same time, teaches us great life lessons. As kids, we’ve all daydreamed about starring in our own epic story, imagining that we are our favorite character. Look It’s About Me makes that fantasy into a reality—and while on

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that exciting path, they’ve gone on a spectacular mission that has succeded in entertaining, educating, and making our children feel special by taking reading material to a far more exciting level through making unique, personalized stories wherein your little one is the star of his or her own saga. One could be a space explorer. One could have his or her very own Christmas tale. Or they could simply immortalize their own “super duper birthday party” in a storybook. Imagine the thrill of your kids as they see their own names (and their family and friends’) inscribed on the pages, while they pore through the wonderfully-written and illustrated hard-

cover books. This is truly a gift that remains timeless and cherished—and we couldn’t be more excited that it is available in Manila. The company is the brainchild of mothers, Tatiana Pena Montenegro and Kathleen Assad Lamata, who once created stories for their daughters, making them the main characters of their own bedtime tales. The tales were a great way for them to bond with their children. Yearning to share the same experience with other families, Look It’s About me was born. Maybe some titles for mommy and daddy could be in the works, as we know we’d love to star in our own storybook legends as well, regardless of age. lookitsaboutme.com bc

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men

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Jurassic Park 3D

Originally released in 1993, the Steven Spielberg masterpiece will be released in 3D this year. Based on a novel of the same name, the film is about the chaos brought about by a power breakdown of a theme park full of cloned dinosaurs. Moviegoers will experience this three-time Academy Award winning blockbuster like never before. All those searching for a rush of adventure will surely enjoy this. Other Movies

The Big Wedding

The Brass Teapot

Oblivion

Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl, and Amanda Seyfried among others, this romantic comedy is about the Griffins, a charmingly modern family trying to survive a weekend wedding celebration that has the potential to become a full blown family fiasco. This story will surely make you laugh your hearts out.

Young, broke but very much in love, married couple John (Michael Angarano) and Alice (Juno Temple) strive to make both ends meet. But an accident leads them to a roadside antique shop, where Alice is spontaneously drawn to a mysterious brass teapot. The couple soon discovers that this teapot holds the answer to their financial woes. This story reminds us that we should be careful of what we wish for.

A sci-fi movie set in the future, this movie is about one manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confrontation with the past that will lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind. Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is one of the last drone repairmen stationed on earth and the arrival of a beautiful stranger soon makes him question everything he knew and puts the fate of humanity in his hands.

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AUDIO BOX Nostalgic tunes you can enjoy with the kids to beat the summer heat

iPAD APPS Nothing to do this summer season? These simple yet addictive game apps will surely beat your summer blues. Candy Crush Saga (Free)

Everyone’s favorite Facebook game is now available for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch! Enjoy this deliciously addictive puzzle adventure alone or with friends to find out who can get the highest score. 4 Pics 1 Word (Free)

Four pictures with one thing in common. Sounds easy? Guess again. This fun game will tickle one’s brain. It’s perfect for those who just want to kill time. “Everything has Changed” by Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran

This country crooner always had this amazing way of pulling on our heartstrings. This lovely song with the equally loveable Ed Sheeran will surely warm your heart. “Rebel Beat” by the Goo Goo Dolls

The Goo Goo Dolls are back! This upbeat, pop-infused track is an inspirational tune about dancing in the streets and facing life’s challenges. “Overjoyed” by Matchbox 20

Matchbox 20 tells us what true love is all about with this feel good, midtempo track. This song is a shoe in in your love song playlist. "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" by Carly Rae Jepsen

The Call Me Maybe singer comes out with another dance pop tune that's sure to be a staple in your summer playlist (and list of songs to workout to). "One Way or Another" by One Direction

Britain's hottest boy band puts a spin on the classic hit while fundraising for and promoting the NGO, Comic Relief, the organization behind Red Nose Day. "Say You're Just a Friend" by Austin Mahone feat. Flo Rida

The next Justin Bieber perhaps? Only time can tell. Enjoy this funky track that will serve as a perfect backdrop for your kids' summer break. bcmag.ph

94 Seconds (Free)

1 category, 1 letter, 94 seconds. In the span of 94 seconds, you’re tasked to reach the give as many answers as you can in order to reach the highest score. This game will surely give you a rush.

Youtube Fun Files Have a good laugh with the little ones with these animal videos that will surely tickle your funny bone Indiana Jones Cat

Short but entertaining, follow the adventure of this cute kitty as it makes its way to the top…literally. This silly cat surely gives Indiana Jones a run for his money. Pug vs. Spider (Huffington Post)

It is a well-known fact that dogs are man’s best friend and we have more in common with them than we thought. Watch this epic battle between a pug and a spider that shows that when it comes to creepy crawlies, even the bravest yield. You came to the wrong neighborhood, human

These animals are cute and harmless…or so we thought! When ferocious wild animals and humans meet, things can get pretty ugly but when non-threatening animals attack, it’s actually pretty. { APRIL 2013 } b c PHILIPPINES

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ne of BC’s Most Beautiful Moms, model-turned-cake entrepreneur (and currently single parent) Michelle Teves talks about the sweet life she’s living with her flourishing baking business, and her darling children, Lucas, Andres, and Natalia as she welcomes us into her homey kitchen in Alabang

talk Sweet

STYLING BY K A R I Z T A N Y A F A V I S

PH O T O GRAPHS BY M A R K C A B A L A N G INTERVIEw BY V A L E R I E A N N E D E L C A S T I L L O MAKEUP BY A P P L E F A R A O N O F M A C C O S M E T I C S HAIR b y A Z E R D I M A L A N T A O F J I N G M O N I S S A L O N

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Heny Sison. Favorite things to bake? Easiest and hardest?

I love baking cookies. I’m a sucker for cookie dough. Sometimes I would make cookies just so I can eat the dough. The easiest things to bake are muffins because you just mix all the ingredients together. The hardest would be anything that needs a candy thermometer. You mentioned in your Most Beautiful Moms interview that your children are your biggest fans and are involved in the design process. How involved are they, and how do they help you in creating your delicious and amazingly designed cakes?

All three of my kids love to bake with me. They would always ask what theme the cakes are and they would always have the coolest and funniest ideas. For example, for my eldest son’s 9th birthday, he wanted me to make him a Lego cake. Instead of just making a 3D Lego block cake, he gave me the idea to use his mini-figures, so it turned out to be really cool. He suggested making the mini-figures look like they were covering the cake on their own. Why the name Coco cakes?

I wanted my kids’ name to be on my brand…but since it’s not appealing to have all three, I just chose the name that my boys and I chose for the baby I miscarried before Natalia.

Natalia: Floral purple dress, P1,499, Maong sandals, P1,099, both by BABY FASHIONISTAS When and how did you start modeling?

I started doing commercials when I was 17. Most memorable projects as a model?

The most memorable projects I made were for Avon and Pepsi because I got to travel and shoot in New York (for Avon) and India (for Pepsi). Why did you get into baking?

As a kid, I would always watch my mom in her kitchen baking all sorts of goodies. I was the official taste tes-

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ter, wooden-spoon-licker, egg-cracker, and dishwasher. But I really only got into it on my own when I had my own kids. I wanted to make their birthday cakes. How did you learn to bake?

My mom was my first teacher. We used to bake everything from cookies to mango cream pie to sans rival to birthday cakes. And then after college, I took up short courses on basic cakes, cake decorating, gum paste flower making, and chocolate artistry from

Tips on baking (or cooking) with children?

1. Read through the recipe beforehand. If you want to try a new recipe, maybe you can do it on your own first. This is to avoid disappointments. Like for example, your cookie recipe might need the dough to be chilled overnight. 2. Assign tasks according to their ability. You can’t expect most kids to last the whole process of baking/cooking. 3. Relax and let the little mistakes slide. Let them have fun.

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“It was just me and my kids and I was determined to build a happy home with them, in spite of

everything. I kept a positive outlook and started to build a life for myself and my children.”

Michelle: Dress by H&M . Bangles and earrings by FOREVER 21, all model’s own Andres: Plaid shirt and blue shorts by ELLE . Gray shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA, P2,099 Lucas: Plaid shirt by AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS . Black jeans by DIESEL . Brown shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA, P2,199.75 Natalia: Dress by MATILDA & COMPANY . Boots by HUNTER,’ bcmag.ph

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(Top) Lucas’ 3D Lego block cake (Bottom) Andres’ acrylic painting Easiest recipe to bake with your kids?

Coconut Macaroons. My 9 year old son, Andres, can bake this without help. 3 cups desiccated coconut 1 can condensed milk 5 eggs, unbeaten 1 tsp. vanilla 2 T. butter, softened 1. Preheat the oven to 200 °F. 2. Place the desiccated coconut in a bowl and make a well in the middle. 3. Put the condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla in the well. Mix well. 4. Scoop into mini-cupcake tins lined with paper cups. 5. Bake for 23 minutes. How do you get your kids to eat healthy, despite all the sweets in the house?

I discovered vegetable and fruit pu-

reeing from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. She incorporates vegetable or fruit puree in her kids’ favorite recipes. My kids’ favorites are the Macaroni and Cheese, Tofu Nuggets, Grilled Cheese and Burger. Aside from baking and spending time in the kitchen, what activities do you enjoy doing with your kids?

We love going to the bookstore and museums, playing soccer in the park, running/walking around the village, playing board games, watching movies, reading books, painting, playing computer and LEGO. Your boys are athletic. Do they have other talents in relation to the arts that they inherited from you?

My boys are good in painting. My uncle taught them how to paint last summer using acrylic.

How is it different parenting boys and a girl?

I would like to think that there is not much difference, because all of them require my love, attention, patience, and my efforts. They all need me in the same way. It just varies in degrees and circumstances. How does one bounce back after a separation with a significant other?

For some reason, I found that my life became more simple. It was just me and my kids and I was determined to build a happy home with them, in spite of everything. I kept a positive outlook and started to build a life for myself and my children. Hardest part about being a single parent?

The hardest part about being a single parent would probably be finding a

Natalia: Black and pink dress, P1,399, Beige flats, P899, both by BABY FASHIONISTAS Lucas: Cardishirtigan in navy by LA MINIATURA . Black jeans by DIESEL, both stylist’s own Andres: Red and gray long sleeved shirt by LA MINIATURA . Jeans by DIESEL, both stylist’s own . Rubber shoes by HOT WHEELS

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Michelle: Navy blue dress by HYPNOSIS, model’s own . Black heels by STELLA LUNA, stylist’s own . Bracelet by SM ACCESSORIES, model’s own

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“As a kid, I would always watch my mom in her kitchen

baking all sorts of goodies. I was the official taste tester, wooden-spoon-licker, egg-cracker, and dishwasher.”

Michelle: Green and black dress by MANGO . Cuff and gold necklace by SM ACCESSORIES . Heels by FOREVER 21, all model’s own Natalia: Floral top by LOLA ET MOI . Peach shorts by DIESEL . Gold boots by POM D’API, all stylist’s own Lucas: Orange and gray shirt by LA MINIATURA . Light blue jeans by DIESEL, both stylist’s own Andres: Army green shirt by AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS . Black jeans by DIESEL, both stylist’s own

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balance and juggling all the hats I wear every day. I am mom, dad, friend, teacher, nanny, baker/cook, provider, coach, playmate, driver, good cop/bad cop, disciplinarian, storyteller, etc. Who do you turn to when big decisions need to be made?

My parents. They have stood by me and helped in every possible way before, during, and after the marriage. I wouldn’t be able to do this without their support and encouragement. How do you stay in shape despite being around sweets all the time?

I try not to eat what I bake, but that’s kind of impossible. I also carve out time from my busy schedule to work out, even if it means waking up early or baking at night. What is the benefit of being a work at home mom?

I can be with them when they’re home. My hours are flexible. Working at home makes me more accessible to my kids. I am able to watch them play while I’m baking. They sometimes bake with me and that would be our time together. They already learn to appreciate the value of hard work and sacrifice and finding joy and fulfillment in completing a cake. I want to teach them the value of work and money. Name one thing about motherhood that you have found to be true.

Motherhood is the hardest job, yet the most fulfilling. It’s a privilege and a blessing to be a mother. I thank God everyday for my three kids. The past doesn’t really matter anymore because I have entrusted our lives and our future to my God, who will never leave us nor forsake us. bc

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This page: Novelty trooper hat by Sir Hayes, poshboutique.com . Nicole dress in Fern by Edenstar, edenstar. com Opposite page: On Aiden: Blue striped polo by KENNETH COLE REACTION . White pants by WONDERBOY

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What better way to welcome the hot, pulchritude of summer than with an assortment of floral fancy? STYLING BY K A R I Z T A N Y A F A V I S

PH O T O GRAPHS BY H eidi A lletzhauser a d d i t i o n a l PH O T O GRAPHS b y mark cabalang STYLING a s s i s t a n t s V alerie A nne del C astillo and A iya M ai R odjel p h o t o g r a p h y a s s i s t a n t A hlee D el R osario

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(On baby) Double hem bodysuit by Purebaby, purebaby.com.au (Girl, bottom photo) Subrgine and petal pink dress with embroidered flowers by Dinnigan, westvillagekids.com . White patent flat by Capelli Kids New York, capellinewyork. com

(Boy) Floral shirt by Knuckleheads, knuckleheadsclothing.com . White denim jeans by Wonderboy Clothing, wonderboyclothing.com . Superball Velcro sneakers in graphite by Stride Rite, striderite.com

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On Elian: Red and white striped shirt by RALPH LAUREN . Blue jeans by LITTLE MARC JACOBS . Black shoes by HOT WHEELS Girl on the middle: Linen floral dress by Fleurisse, springflowerschildren.com . Raeden sandals by See Kai Run, seekairun.com

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(This page) Floral dress with matching headband by Baby Nay, babynay. com . Mom and daughter pink rabbit necklace set (mom jewelry worn) from Spunky Sprout, spunkysprout.com . Yellow patent peep-toe wedge-heeled shoes by SmartFit from Payless, Payless stores, or payless.com bcmag.ph

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(Baby) Combicourt Menthe Fraiche romper by Marese, westvillagekids.com

On Aiden: Gray Metallica top by FIG . Black stretchable pants by DIESEL . Red shoes by CREATIVE RECREATION

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On Elian: White long sleeved shirt by ALTERNATIVE . Salmon pants by PETIT BATEAU . Blue shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA, P1,999 bcmag.ph

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(Girl, left) Sleeveless organdy party dress with multicolor embroidery by Room Seven, room7usa. com (Girl, top) Tulip-print shirt by Kushies, kushies. com . Striped leggings by Pumpkin Patch, pumpkinpatchusa.com

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(Girl 2, right) Coat (on chair) by Zutano, zutano.com . Floral dress by Submarine, submarinekids.com.br . Green ankle socks by Jefferies Socks, jefferiessocks. com . Gold sequined rubber shoes with Velcro closures by Agatha Ruiz dela Prada, agatharuizdelaprada.com

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On Zaira: Purple tutu dress by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,699

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Green dress by Dino E Lucia, westvillagekids.com . Floral clip (used as a brooch) by No Slippy Hair Clippy, hairclippy.com . Stella mary jane in hot pink and bermuda by Stride Rite, striderite.com

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(Girl, upper left) Primary stripe hat in apple and white, fuchsia fleece jacket, flower time legging, all by Zutano, zutano. com . Turquoise Big Bird tee by eight3one, eight3one.com . Pink shoes with tassels by Livie and Luca, livieandluca. com On Elian: Gray shirt by PETIT BATEAU . Striped shorts by OOXOO . Green shoes by CHICCO

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On Kiara: White sweater by DKNY . Light floral dress by RIGHT BANK BABIES . Blue shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA, P1,599.75 On Lucia: Purple long sleeved shirt by JUICY COUTURE . Purple skirt by BIT’Z KIDS . Yellow leggings by RIGHT BANK BABIES . Violet shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA, P400

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(On baby) White dress with white floral embroidery and matching bloomers by Pink Chicken New York, pinkchicken.com . Infant Teeny Toes Caroline espadrille by Teeny Toes, payless.com (Girl 2) Hat by Dakine, dakine. com . Flowers and hearts shirt by Kids Ink, tuttibella.com . Yellow Prota skirt by Diesel Kids, dieselkid.com . Sugar blossom long-sleeved floral dress by Zutano, loulouscorner.com . Ice cream cone clip by No Slippy Hair Clippy, hairclippy.com . Red wool jacket with heart pockets by Isabella G. by Geiger of Austria, geiger-fashion.com Girl on right: White tank top by Petit Bateau, petit-bateau.com . Tutu, bouquet, and flower hair wreath by Tutu Couture, tutucouture.com

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On Kiara: Blue and orange dress by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,299 . Red polka dot shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS USA, P1,499.75

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Girl, left: Sugar blossom long-sleeved floral dress by Zutano, loulouscorner.com . Ice cream cone clip by No Slippy Hair Clippy, hairclippy.com . Red wool jacket with heart pockets by Isabella G. by Geiger of Austria, geiger-fashion.com

On Aiden: White shirt by MOPPIT . Brown pants by OILILY, all stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own bcmag.ph

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(Girl 1) Handmade baby doll top (worn as a dress) by Posh Boutique, poshbaby. com (Girl 2) Woven dress in ladybug and flower print by Purebaby, purebaby.com. au . Cords by Litâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Earnie from Earnest Sewn, earnestsewn.com . Cupcake clip by No Slippy Hair Clippy, hairclippy.com (Opposite page) On Lucia: Brown floral dress by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,399 . Brown boots by PEDIPED, Mothercare stores

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bc events e

S P E C I A L O CC A S I O N S

Se Be

grand holidays for moms

We take a closer look at events that celebrate the beauty of motherhood and women empowerment 1

Baby Company Grand Baby Fair 2013 Last February 1 to 3, BC joined Baby Company at their much-anticipated and well-attended Grand Baby Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 2 and 3. The 3-day event featured up to 70% off on a wide array of baby and mom items from participating brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Philips Avent, Pigeon, Cetaphil, Physiogel, Mustela, Chicco, Vtech, Bright Starts, Fisher Price, Maclaren, Maxicosi, Dr. Edwards, Cordlife, and more. Mom Card holders also enjoyed a Swag Bag worth P1,000 for every P3,000 purchase from the candythemed fair.

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For more information on Baby Company and the yearly Grand Baby Fair, log on to babycompany. com.ph. 1 Grand Baby Fair entrance 2 Safety 1st booth 3 Johnson’s Baby booth 4 Host and celebrity mom, Delamar Arias 5 BC’s Valerie Anne del Castillo with the Philips Avent mascot

Fearless and Beautiful Olay recently launched its latest tribute to women with the exclusive premiere of “Olay Conversations,” hosted by the one of the country’s top veteran hosts, Boy Abunda. Olay Conversations is a series of web episodes (webisodes) with Abunda hosting no-holds-barred interviews with some of the country’s most beautiful women. In the candid interviews, courageous and stunning ladies such as Denise Laurel, Crickette Tantoco, Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada, Mons Romulo, and Bea Alonzo shared inspiring stories on how they have gone through exceptional experiences, which a lot of women can relate to, and showed how they overcame all the challenges thrown at them with extraordinary strength, beauty. and courage. Held at the glamorous White Space, the event was graced by equally beautiful personalities like former PMAP president Annette Coronel, TV host Phoemela Barranda, and P&G Beauty Ambassador (and BC’s Most Beautiful Mom) Daphne Oseña-Paez.

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Olay Conversations trailers and full-length interviews are viewable at youtube.com/OlayPH.

1 P&G Country Marketing Manager Chad Sotelo, Olay Brand Manager Justin Lladoc, and P&G Media Manager Francis Tan 2 P&G Country Purchasing Manager Shawie Sulit 3 Gel Litton, P&G Country Marketing Communication Manager Clint Navales 4 Jean Saburit 5 P&G Brand Communications Leader Anna Legarda, and Campaigns PR’s Romina Nañagas 6 Mons Romulo, Bea Alonzo, Denise Laurel, Crickette Tantoco and host Boy Abunda 7 P&G Beauty Brand Ambassador Daphne Oseña-Paez 8 Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada 9 Event host Menchu Antigua 10 Pepper Teehankee, model Annette Coronel, and TV host Phoemela Barranda

APRIL 2013 philippines

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bc directory FASHION

BC’s cover mom, Daphne Oseña-Paez and her daughter, Lily

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BC U.S.’s Cover Mom, Kourtney Kardashian with her son, Mason

CHICCO, JOHNSON’S Leading groceries and supermarkets Stores, South Star Drug; myglutamax.com LIFESTYLE ACE HARDWARE acehardware.ph; SM North EDSA, 9284926; SM Megamall; SM Makati APRICA Baby Company Outlets nationwide; LJS Corporate Center, 550 Magistrado Abad Santos St., Bacood, Sta. Mesa, Manila BABY COMPANY Mall boutiques: SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, Rockwell Mall, The Podium, babycompany.com.ph for other locations inside SM Department Stores BORN PHILIPPINES bornphilippines.com; facebook.com/bornbabystuff DRYPERS All leading drugstores and supermarkets THE FARM thefarm.ph; 403-9130; Landmark Supermarket Makati and Trinoma, Rustan’s Supermarket Makati, Rockwell, San Antonio Forbes Park, Edsa Shangri-La, Shopwise Libis GYMBOREE gymboree.com.ph; Eastwood, Serendra, Shangri-La, Alabang, Rockwell, Greenbelt 5, Manila Polo Club, Trinoma, Cebu, Sofitel HAVAIANAS ph-en.havaianas. com; facebook.com/havaianasphilippines; All Flip Flops Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, SM Mega Atrium, Manila Polo Club, Urban Athletics Greenbelt 3, Shangri-La Plaza Mall PFIZER Leading drugstores PHILIPS AVENT 667-9000; Rustan’s and Baby Company stores; avent.com SAFETY 1ST 990-5437; facebook.com/safety1stphilippines; safety1st.com; Distributed by Richwell Phils. Inc. RICHWELL PHILS. INC. The Richwell Center, 102 Timog Ave., Quezon City; 441-1717 TANG TangGalingClub.com; facebook.com/TangGalingMoKid; Leading groceries and supermarkets TENDERLEAN The Landmark Supermarket Makati and TriNoma, 809-7442

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BC Classifieds

bc moment OK

Alaina Huffman ADORES her family.

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Alaina: Daylor Vestito gray dress by Diesel, diesel.com . Bitten Apple necklace by Fuddy Duddy, fuddyduddy123.multiply.com . Other jewelryHanna: Shirt and pants (swing set) by Baby Nay, babynay.com Elijah: Electric blue Kangaroo Tee by Pumpkin Patch, pumpkinpatchusa.com . Paxy cutoff shorts by Diesel Kids, dieselkid.com . Aruba Heavy Load sandals (Birko-Flor) by Birkiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, birki.us bcmag.ph

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bc moment O LO

BC: You have an obviously happy and close brood. What are your secrets to one? Alaina: The foundation of our family is our spiritual-

ity, our respect, and complete support of each other’s dreams.

BC: How did you meet your husband? A: We met in Dallas, Texas. My father was transferred

there for work, and I moved there after modeling in Munich, Germany. I went to an event with my sister, and John was there, judging a talent contest. He introduced himself to me, and my older sister immediately pulled me away. He didn’t give up though. Later that evening, he gave me his business card and caught my attention by telling me that I will not regret having met him. He was right. BC: You mentioned that you eloped… A: We would have loved to have a big

wedding, but it just didn’t work out that way for us. At the end of the day, we both wanted to move to Los Angeles to pursue our dreams, and didn’t have much family support for a big wedding. Now that we look back on it, we realize that it actually worked out for the better. No stress for any family members, and we didn’t start our marriage out by entering into any debt.

BC: You are a young mom. How early did you start? A: I had my Elijah at 24, and that really grounded

and completed me. I get to pursue my career as an actress, have and raise my children, and build a digital entertainment and mobile marketing business called Real Content Group [realcontentgroup.com] with my husband. Having kids helps us achieve it all.

BC: You’ve been cast for Sci-Fi roles (Smallville, CSI, Stargate)—you must be the coolest mom to your son. A: Elijah brings up that, “Mommy plays a superhe-

ro,” as often as he can. At the check-out line at the grocery, he’ll say things like, “Mom, remember when you jumped off that really high building and beat up that bad guy?” He is very proud of me! It’s really cute.

(This page) Elijah: Orange shirt by Da Lil Guys, dalilguys. com . Striped washed wool pants by Right Bank Babies, rightbankbabies.com . Action shoes in chocolate leather by Umi, umishoes.com (Opposite page) Hanna: Floral dress and leggings by Anita G., anitag.com . Knit hooded scarf by Simone Layne, simonelayne.com . Rain boots by Aigle, aigleboots.com Elijah: Metallic silver Peace sign distressed hat by Pink Axle, pinkaxle.com . Long-sleeved thermal Tee by Alternative Apparel, poshbaby.com . Washed wool pants by Right Bank Babies, rightbankbabies.com . Haiti sandals in whale blue (Birko-Flor) by Birki’s, birki.us

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A laina H u ffman & family

BC: Has anyone ever told you that you look like the actress Charlize Theron? And sometimes, Jessica Alba? A: Yes, I get Charlize on a daily basis…

I really don’t mind (smiles). I don’t get Jessica Alba much, but I have heard it. It all depends on my hair. When I have long brown hair, I get Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd. Again, I really don’t mind (Smiles). I admire all of those women. BC: Who takes after which parent?

Hanna looks like me, and Eli looks like John. Hanna has more of my attitude—my husband calls me “Bambi the Bully.” Hanna definitely has a lot of bully [in her], but I think she needs to finesse the “Bambi” part—it’s an art! My son’s attitude is more like his dad. He’s all love and brains. They are both too good-looking geeks.

Thank you! We have clear expectations from them on their behavior, and they lose privileges when they disregard us, or the rules. But of course when they are tired or out of schedule, things tend to get a little grey—but we are so happy to hear they are wellmannered when we are not around. I guess something worked!

BC: The kids are very well-mannered. How were you able to teach them this early?

BC: Who designed their room and playroom? A: We both did. We like to shop to-

Alaina: Printed dress by Childish Clothing, childishclothing.com . Jewelry and scarf Hanna: Shirt and pants set by Baby Nay, babynay. com . Striped socks by Jefferies Socks, jefferiessocks.com bcmag.ph

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A laina H u ffman & family

bc moment LO

Mom, remember when you jumped off that really high building and beat up that bad guy?

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Alaina: Dample Vestito red dress by Diesel, diesel.com . Frescobaldi shoes by Christian Louboutin, Barneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York stores . Jewelry Hanna: Floral dress by Zutano, zutano. com . Striped socks by Jefferies Socks, jefferiessocks.com . Pink mary janes by Smartfit from Payless, payless. com Elijah: Raleigh track jacket by Ben Sherman, bensherman.com . Floral shirt by Little Marc Jacobs, marcjacobs. com . Cuffed pants by Knuckleheads, knuckleheadsclothing. com . Action shoes in chocolate leather by Umi, umishoes.com

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bc moment LO

Alaina: Tank top with flowers by Baby Lulu by Erin Murphy, babylulu.com . White belt, and Cherock jeans by Diesel, diesel.com (On the floor) Grincless Giacca blazer by Diesel, diesel. com Hanna: Dress by The Big Citizen, thebigcitizen. com . Contrast ripple in white and turquoise by Jefferies Socks, jefferiessocks.com . Baby Olivia in white/purple by Stride Rite, striderite.com

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A laina H u ffman & family

Elijah: Orange button down shirt by Knuckleheads, knuckleheadsclothing.com . Terbok shirt by Diesel Kids, dieselkids.com . Knee-length pants by Knuckleheads, knuckleheadsclothing.com . Riley in amber print canvas by Umi, umishoes.com Alaina: Bandeau sheath dress with draped bodice by Ports 1961, ports1961.com . Drop pendant necklace by Fuddy Duddy, fuddyduddy123.multiply.com . Kava silver shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Barney’s New York stores . Necklace with baby feet in flower charm pendant by Baby Feet, babyfeetjewelry.com

gether, and we decided that they would share a room for a couple years because they are close in age, so we wanted something that was cute, but non-gender. That gave us the opportunity to do a playroom for them as well. It was fun, and the kids love having one—plus there are no toys in the rest of the house! BC: What are your splurges for the kids? A: We are not really big “splurgers,” in

general. We like to keep our money in the bank! We do like to treat our kids to a vacation. We love Mexico, and my parents have a house in Puerto Vallarta, so we try to get there a couple of times a year. Disneyland is great fun, but other than that, our desire is to provide them with a lov-

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ing home, great education, incredible value system, and exposure to places and people all over the world. BC: Do they already have their own style? A: Hanna absolutely loves to play dress-

up. As tough-natured as she may be, she is so all about it. Sparkly things are her favorite. We just let her dress herself and follow her heart, even though she may mix and match it up the wrong way sometimes. Elijah is a style dog in his own way. He is simple—he likes jeans and T’s. He’s more into puzzles, computers, maps, and right now, he is really into numbers—and President Obama! BC: How do you stay so youthful? And how did you lose the baby weight?

I like to stay active, keep things interesting, and do things that include the kids. They love to go to the gym and play while I take a spinning class, or do some cardio. We all belong to a great yoga studio in town, so I try to sneak off to an early morning or late evening class while John is home, and the kids take yoga twice a week. Ha ha, that’s so L.A., huh?

BC: How do you guys keep the fire burning when it comes to your marriage? A: We listen to each other. There’s

something extra sexy about a man who actually wants to hear how you feel and supports you unconditionally. I do the same for him, and at the end of the day, that keeps the fire raging in our marriage. bc

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bc moment LO

P h o t oGRAPH s b y M artin & K ariz T A N Y A F avis I n t e r v i e w a n d s t y l i n g b y K ariz T A N Y A F avis M a k e - u p b y K lexius K olby and A kemi for karleeartist . com H a i r b y J ovan K ing P h o t oGRAPHY A s s i s t a n t S tephen S eidel S t y l i n g A s s i s t a n t A my H ighfill

Hanna: Sun hat by Hula Star, gossipgirlswim.com . Snoopy print shirt by Mini Fine, mightyfineinc.com . Skinny cuffed jean by Baby Nay, babynay.com . Natasha black patent mary janes by Pediped, pediped.com Alaina: Maxi slip dress in Aztec by Erge Designs, ergedesigns. com (On chair) Cable knit shawl by Simone Layne, simonelayne.com Elijah: Corkyx long-sleeved shirt by Diesel Kids, dieselkids.com . Washed ink cotton Check-Me-Out shorts by Little Marc Jacobs, marcjacobs.com

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