Monday, August 13, 2012

Our gift for Vito is a secure future

Happy birthday, Vito!

Today is my firstborn's birthday. Two years ago, my life was profoundly changed by a little boy that I always thought would never be for me. But life has a funny way of surprising us and it sure gave me a big surprise—a wonderful, magical surprise named Vito.

You know what's funny, too? Even though I always insisted I was never going to have children, my actions said otherwise (and I didn't even realize it!). When I was 26 years old—that's 10 years ago!—I bought myself a life insurance plan from Sun Life. Part of my policy is maternal benefits. Yes, I get money for each child I bear! And when I die, I also listed "future children" as my beneficiaries.

I know it's such a morbid thought but I've always had a great attitude towards death. It comes from being a Born Again Christian, methinks. Once you've prepared for the end (and the eternal life that comes after!), you get to enjoy life better. There is no fear, no uncertainty, no darkness that clouds your daily life if the future is secure.

That's why even before our sons were born, Vince and I prepared for their future by making them the beneficiaries of our insurance policies. We're also talking about investing in mutual funds for Vito and IƱigo with our agent and financial planner, Sun Life's Kendrick Chua (if you want his number, leave a comment and I'll DM it!). We just enjoy securing our sons' future—once that's done, makakatulog na kami nang mahimbing and we can truly enjoy life to the fullest!

Now, when Sun Life asked me to write about their new campaign, "Experience Sun Shorts," of course I said yes!!! Vince and I are very happy Sun Life policy holders so it's no problem to share with my readers our experience. But first, let me tell you about the campaign.

Sun Life asked five renowned film directors to interpret the insurance company's motto, "Life's brighter under the Sun." This is my current favorite:

You know, yesterday morning, I was watching Toy Story 3 and I cried during the opening montage that showed Andy growing up—playing with his toys, teasing his sister, celebrating birthdays... Oh, birthdays! As a mommy, I know all too well that life is so frighteningly fast and brief. When I watched this Sun Short, "A Life in a Day," I was again reminded of that. Especially that part where the couple is walking and parang every few steps, lumaki na anak nila, nag-aral, nag-graduate, nag-asawa... I know Vito's only 2 years old now but it was only yesterday when I gave birth to him!!! It's just too fast, how time flies.

But we're enjoying every single day. And we're preparing the boys' future—kahit ano pang gustuhin nila! Good schools, travel, medical needs, a life without their parents. Because isn't that what good parents do—we prepare our kids for that bittersweet day when they'll no longer need us.

That's why I firmly believe in financial security and preparedness. It's not so hard. It's just setting aside a thousand pesos a month, investing a little, discipline, control and a resolute eye on a bright future. I think "A Life in a Day" showed that we all have bright shiny dreams for the future but that nothing's certain except death. And that's not supposed to be a bad thing, you know. Let me quote one of my favorite authors:
"Man's mortality remains a gift which goes to the very heart of his being and points his will in the right direction... From a Christian perspective, the 'ultimate blessing' of the gift of death was not the extinction of life but, paradoxically, the fullness of life... Life, like death, demands the surrender of all."J.R.R. Tolkien

The gift of death is the fullness of life. My life is full. So very full, my puny heart can't contain it! Our future is so bright and amazing because we've prepared for it. We're ready for it. And I hope you think about preparing for your future, too! I strongly urge you to just have a chat with a Sun Life agent (call Kendrick!!!) so that you can talk about your dreams and fears and how to have a secure tomorrow.

You can also visit Sun Life's website, www.experiencethesun.com.ph, to know how you can make life brighter.

Oh, and do watch the other films. They're on the website, too (click the link above!). If you watch the films, you just might get the chance to win a trip to San Francisco! Nothing to lose, everything to gain!

Now excuse me while I prepare for Vito's weeklong birthday celebration!


For more mommy moments, check out my parenting blog, Topaz Mommy!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Knocking on your hearts again!

I'm doing this for a friend's friend. I don't know who Girrard is but he's 16 years old and he has leukemia. That's all I need to know. I have sons. Seeing sick children, especially our own--nothing breaks a mommy's heart more!

To help Girrard's fight against the monster in his body, his family and friends have started fundraisers. Today at 5:00 PM at Power Plant Mall, a special screening of The Bourne Legacy will be held for Girrard. A seat is P500. You get to watch the action movie shot here in Manila a few months ago, you get a special giveaway from the sponsors, and you get to help a young man live.

It's a win-win for all!



Speaking of winning, let me offer you a chance to win these tickets!

To support Girrard's chemo, I bought 2 tickets to The Bourne Legacy screening later. But since I'm a breastfeeding mommy, I can't watch movies yet. So I'm giving them away!!!

Just email me at frances@topazhorizon.com. Subject of email is: "My legacy is to help Girrard!" Email me your full name and phone number. That's it! Your phone number is important so I can contact you right away. Remember: the screening is tonight!

I'll text/call the winner at 3 PM! Yes, so you have until 2:55pm today to email me!!!

Or you can just show up at Power Plant with your girlfriend, boyfriend, parents, friends, etc etc, buy tickets and watch the movie! Help Girrard in his fight! To know more, click here.

UPDATE: I changed the deadline kasi raw to announce at 3pm doesn't give the winner and his/her date enough time to prepare to go out. Oo nga naman! So I'll text the winner at 12 noon! Thanks to all those who joined!

Thursday, August 09, 2012

I'm now blogging from CNN

Well, not really. But I posted a photo on Facebook last night and my Wine Night friend, Nicole NB, suggested I submit it to CNN iReport. So I did!

Click here for the story

Funny how a photo, once it has CNN attached to it, suddenly becomes awesome!

What's more awesome? The sun is finally out! The sun is up, the sky is blue. It's beautiful, and so are you, Manila. So are you.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Transition

My blogs are now as simple and as clean as possible.

I'm having a major weirded-out feeling when I look at them. So far, the new look, which I applied on all three blogs, is working for Beauty For A Living, but for this blog and Topaz Mommy... I'm still adjusting to the starkness.

I'm planning a redesign next year. Something simple but pretty. Clean. Grown up.

Talking to a really talented artist right now. Just waiting for her price quotation. Crossing my fingers I can afford her!

So please bear with the super simple look. It's kinda nice, I think. The photos stand out like crazy!

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

What soundtrack goes with this great photo?

The Philippine Red Cross has already deployed the amphibian rescue vehicles! And they are kickass! I feel hope and pride looking at this photo. Kailangan niya ng soundtrack!

Here are some suggestions from my friends on Facebook and Twitter:

From Vince: Voltes V


From Pyro Wanoy: Indiana Jones


From @touringkitty: Darth Vader Imperial March


From Vince again: A-Team


Stay warm and dry and safe, dear Manila! Help is on its way. Praying for us all.