Connecting Filipinos

It’s the start of the rainy season, and what better way to spend a cold and wet day than to indulge in a cry fest? Yeah, it’s probably due to all that drought we experienced just a month ago, but with the sudden (and very welcome) rain showers we’ve been experiencing, it’s like every Filipina woman’s idea of a good time is to stay home in their rattiest sweats and have a good cry over a nice movie and a cup of cocoa. Combine the rain with a few tears, and presto! Have we got the wettest season ever or what?

Movie watching on a rainy afternoon

What is it with Pinoys and dramatic movies or soap operas? Ever since the 70’s, the Filipino movie-goer and soap opera watcher has been barraged with tear jerkers on the big screen and on their TVs. Our soap operas are not complete if there isn’t a female character that is being maltreated or openly scorned due to her station in life/ her lack of looks/ the fact that she is adopted/ the fact that she has a fish tail instead of legs. Oh yes, there is always something to cry about in Philippine cinema or television.

Take for instance the 80’s and 90’s classic method of showcasing everything that has to do with family drama. Since Filipinos are known to be fiercely clannish, TV and movie producers explored all angles designed to bring copious tears to the eyes of the viewer. If the story had anything to do with kids, that was even better. This resulted to the inception of the overplayed adoption or switched-at-birth plots.

Nowadays, the trend is all about mistresses. This has been a recurring theme since 2012, and as of the present time there are at least two TV shows about women wrecking marriages but frankly, it’s becoming a bit tired and annoying. Can someone come up with a new storyline please? This is the reason why so many Filipinos, particularly women, turn to their trusty DVD player to watch their favorite movies.

When it comes to movies, the more romantic, the more tragic, the better it is for a rainy day’s viewing. And if it’s relatable, that’s even better. Here’s a list of the top four movies that are sure to touch hearts and are guaranteed to bring on the waterworks, every single time:

1. The Notebook    2004- New Line Cinema

Based on the Nicholas Sparks book, The Notebook is credited to bringing the great Ryan Gosling to our attention. Indeed, nothing makes a Pinay swoon more than the sight of Gosling’s character, Noah, who becomes instantly smitten with Allie, Rachel McAdams’ character, and they share an idyllic summer love affair. Throughout the course of the film they fought a lot, got separated by over-protective parents, and found each other again while Allie (McAdams’ character) was engaged to be married to another man. Of course they ended up together, and the story ends at the present time, which shows one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in the history of cinema: both of them older, living in a home for elderly people, spooning on a narrow hospital bed while Allie, in a rare fit of lucidity from her dementia, recognizes her husband and acknowledges his love for her.

Feel the heart-wrenching scenes in the Notebook

Why does this story appeal to a lot of Filipinas? We are a sucker for love stories and for never-ending love. It fulfills every aspect of the Filipino dream, which is to marry someone who is so devoted to you until the end of time. Because there’s no such thing as divorce in the Philippines, you can bet that marriage is a big deal in the country, because once the commitment has been made, there’s no turning back from it. Through better or worse, the couple has to make the marriage work. Bonus points if the marriage is a loving one from the start. The Notebook has the hallmarks of the perfect Filipino marriage, which calls for a person to be devoted to his or her one and only no matter what the odds are.

This film has gained a cult following, and is the 12th highest-grossing romantic drama film of all time.

2. Madrasta    1996- Star Cinema

Starring the darling of Philippine cinema, the “Megastar” Ms. Sharon Cuneta, this film is light years ahead of the other films that came out during the 90’s, due to its far-from-clichéd portrayal of the modern family. Cuneta’s character, Mariel, becomes a stepmother to three children, and she tries to win their acceptance and affection as she tries to define her role in the family. Her depiction of a wife who’s been undermined and unvalued by her husband and two of her stepchildren sheds a new light on how stepmothers are viewed.

Watch Madrasta

This resonates among a lot of Filipino women, not just stepmothers mind you, but mothers as well. Most women who take on a passive role in the home can relate, especially at times when Mariel is trying to mask her very obvious misery. The family drama was shown on Cinemax and garnered a Grand Slam Best Actress honor for the Megastar. She got best actress recognition from all major award-giving bodies in the Philippines, and though this film came out in 1996, this is considered as a classic in the Philippines.

3. Anak 2000- Star Cinema Films

Another local movie, this time it stars Ms. Vilma Santos, the country’s “Star for All Seasons” turned governor. She plays the part of Josie, an OFW based in Hong Kong. A lot of OFWs feel that Santos accurately portrayed the trials and tribulations of a mother who is forced to leave her home country to earn a living for her family. While she is working, her employer refuses to let her take a vacation, nor does he deliver her mail to her. She is unaware, therefore, that her husband has died. When she finally returns home to the Philippines she is met with hatred and resentment by her children.

The blatant cold-shouldered treatment of Josie’s children were a source of constant worry and frustration for her, and the kids’ open rebellion and failures make her question whether being an absentee mother is right. When Josie ruefully said that fathers have it easy—all they had to do to be recognized as good fathers is to bring home the bacon even though they can’t be around, but the same cannot be said of mothers who provide for their family but cannot be with them physically. That line struck a chord in the hearts of many Filipina OFWs who are going through the same things as the main character.

The film was submitted as a nominee to the 73rd Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film, and is a huge favorite in many OFW community movie screenings.

4. The Fault in Our Stars 2014- 20th Century Fox

Released in the US just a couple of weeks ago, The Fault in Our Stars is a romantic drama based on the novel by John Green. This film was much anticipated by Green’s fans, who collectively refer to themselves as Nerdfighters. In the Philippines, the book was a huge hit especially among the young adult set, and the film is garnering more viewers day after day. No one comes out of the theater dried eyed after watching this, and already a lot of Pinays are trying to get their hands on the DVD so they can watch it again and again, and perhaps do a bit of crying in the privacy of their own homes.

Go for a romantic drama – The fault in our stars

The movie tells the story of Hazel and Gus, two very unique teenagers who share a disdain for the mundane and conventional, and they fall in love and go on an unforgettable journey. What makes the relationship even more astounding is that they met at a cancer support group.

This film is already being touted as this generation’s answer to other gut wrenching films such as Love Story and Titanic. The film appeals to most Pinays because it tells of the possibility of finding love even in the most unusual and wretched circumstances. In a nutshell, it gives hope.

So there you have it, the top four dramatic movies that Filipinas can relate to. The next time the rain shows no signs of letting up, pop in one of the films here for a nice afternoon of movie watching. Just make sure to keep a box of tissues with you, and enjoy.

Author information

Max Martin

CEO at The Morbie Group

Max is a social entrepreneur by nature. He loves writing and sharing adventures during his travels around the world. Be sure to connect with him on Google+.

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The post The Top Four Dramatic Movies that Filipinas Can Relate To appeared first on Send Load to the Philippines | Morbie Load Philippines.

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably scratching your head right now and wondering what to give your dad. I mean, let’s be honest,  if your dad is anything like my dad, most likely he knows what he likes and he sticks with it. Meaning, if he’s a hardcore basketball fan, then he’ll want some courtside tickets, just like what you gave him last year (and the year before that). Then he’ll pat you on the back and mumble his thanks. At this point, you don’t even see any reason to break with tradition, so you’ll keep on giving him the tickets year after year, and you know that he’ll be happy, right? Right?

Surprise your dad on Father’s day1

When we think about fathers, we picture the strong, stoic figures of the household. Remember the time when you bumped your head, or skinned your knee? It was mom you ran to for hugs and comforting, and dad was the one who would take a perfunctory look at the affected area, pat you on the shoulder, and tell you to tough it out, before handing you a band aid or some ice. So dads won’t appreciate a Hallmark moment every now and then, yeah? Maybe. But beyond the usual gifts, have you really tried to show your dad that you appreciate him? More importantly, when was the last time you did that?

For me, it was back when I was 10 years old. As a child of separated parents (‘cause there’s no such thing as divorce in the Philippines), I found a way to get my dad regular updates on my life as a fifth grader, since I was staying with my mom back then. This was during the late 80’s, so there was no social media then, no way to post random pictures of what I ate or what I wore on any given morning. As an aspiring journalist, I taped pieces of butcher paper together, and handwrote The Kid Gazette.

The day I won an essay writing contest in school made the front page. My karaoke shenanigans at my cousin’s birthday party got on the Society Page. My attempt to play softball was on the Sports Page. And I wrote an impassioned piece on why every girl should have a dog for the editorial. Every page was painstakingly handwritten, accompanied with pictures, and all these I sent to my dad via courier service. I did this every month for about two years, and then I stopped doing that when I got my first period. I figured that it was too much information for my poor dad to handle, so I just stopped.

Years later, my dad would dig up all the editions of The Kid Gazette that I made for him, and he told me that those were the best things that anyone ever gave him. I never realized that my earnest and sometimes self-centered ramblings were so important to him. I was even astounded that he kept and framed my honors medal from Kindergarten. And so, as a tribute to my dad, and all the other dads out there who love their kids in their own way, here’s a list of what you can do, and things of what you can give your dad to show them that you love them.

1. Give him the complete DVD box set of whatever show he loves, then invite him for a viewing marathon.

Spend time with your dad watching DVD

Whether he’s a fan of 24 (Jack Bauer!), Game of Thrones, or Lost, your dad will surely appreciate a viewing marathon of his favorite show. Don’t let him do this alone though. Join him and share the fun! It’s even better if the whole family can join in. Schedule the marathon on a Friday night, so you can watch until Saturday afternoon. Get some snacks and chill some soda or beer in the fridge. Take a picture of the whole family before and after the marathon, and post the hilarious pictures online. With this gift, you get to spend lots of time with Dad, and he gets to watch what he really wants to watch. Hey, if he put up with your Gossip Girl obsession, then it’s time to return the favor.

2. Post a throwback photo of you and dad online. Then see if you can coax him to pose with you to recreate the picture.

Post some photos with your dad online!

This is one gift that is guaranteed to bring on the feels. Find the most heart-warming photo of you and your dad. Maybe a shot of you and your dad on an annual fishing trip. Or your dad trying to teach you how to tie your shoelaces. Then, if he’s up to it, ask him to if he wants to recreate the moment. You’ll be surprised at how some fathers get a kick out of this. Try to stay true to the original photo. If you were wearing a blue shirt in the original, wear a blue shirt for the new version. You get the idea. Have someone take the photo, and post the old and new photos side by side, and watch the Likes and comments flood in!

3. Go on a paintball or laser tag game with him.

Play paintball with your dad

This is the best way that your dad can get back at you while having fun for all those times you crashed his car, dated the scary guy (or girl) with the appalling manners, got home way beyond curfew too many times, bailed you out of prison, and all of those things that you did during your rebellious phase. This is an especially good gift for younger dads, as they enjoy a bit of cutting loose every now and then.

4. Spend a day with him at the mall.

Go shopping with your family

Dads need some new stuff too. Whether it’s new undies, a new tie, or another white shirt, most fathers won’t think about getting new stuff for themselves, so why not do it for them? I remember one particular day during my first few months as a career woman. I had some extra money and I thought that maybe I could take my dad to the mall and buy him stuff that he needs. I got him some suspenders, a few basic Hanes shirts, and three pairs of nice dress socks.

He loved them all, and admitted that he disliked shopping and could never bring himself to do it, even though his shirts were riddled with tiny holes and his big toes were sticking out of humungous holes in his socks. Be observant and think about what your dad needs. Maybe his slippers are looking a bit threadbare? Or his pajamas are starting to get all saggy? When it comes to gifts for dads, it’s not the brand that matters—it’s the thought that counts, and the fact that you noticed what he needs.

After shopping, take him to the coffee shop or a restaurant and treat him to a nice meal or a cup of coffee. Listen to his stories and laugh at his corny jokes. Whether your dad is a dignified man in his 70’s, or still hip at his 40’s, there’s some wisdom in his words. Enjoy the day with him, and let him know that you enjoy his company.

For Father’s Day, put some thought and effort for this year’s gift to dad. It doesn’t matter if he’s the strong and silent type or the sensitive type. In the end, all fathers appreciate what their children give them, no matter how small or inexpensive it is. They may not show their appreciation, they may not praise your gift to the high heavens, but it’s a guarantee that they will be touched beyond words. So know that an awkward pat on the shoulder and the mumbled “Thank you” is really dadspeak for “I love you too, kiddo”.

To all the dads out there, you deserve a round of applause, and a warm hug. Happy Father’s Day.

And to my dad, you know I love you. Your grandkids think you’re awesome. I do too. I always did.

The post How to Show Your Dad that You Appreciate Him appeared first on Send Load to the Philippines | Morbie Load Philippines.

Tourists who have made multiple trips to Southeast Asia know the drill: sunbathe and frolic in the beaches, sample the street food, mingle with the locals, and shop. Though people will swear by the great shopping in Europe or the US, when it comes to bargain finds, nothing beats Asia.

Bargain Shopping in Manila

In the Philippines, Manila is a place that every tourist should check out for amazing bargain finds. Here, you’ll find the latest fashionable clothes and accessories that will make girls (and sartorially-savvy guys) come back for more. There are a lot of malls, bazaars (or tiangge, as known in the country) and markets that are simply overflowing with the hottest trends of the season, and you can go and stock up on shoes and bags without causing massive damage to your wallet.

Here are a few things to remember when shopping in Manila:

Always carry cash with you in different denominations. Having smaller bills will help since most tiangge stall minders don’t have enough change for, say, a 1000 peso bill.

Bring some reusable bags or eco bags with you. Some parts of Metro Manila have banned the use of plastic bags, and purchased items are usually placed in flimsy paper bags.

Wear comfortable clothes and slip on shoes, especially if you’re gonna be trying on clothes. Most tiangges don’t have a dressing room, and to try on clothes you’ll be asked to duck behind an opaque curtain to change. The saleslady who’ll be waiting on you will make sure that the curtain doesn’t accidentally fall down or open, so rest assured that you won’t be accidentally flashing anyone. Just be prepared to change in a real tight space though.

Bargain like mad. There is such a thing as a “tourist price” in tiangges, so if you can bring along a Filipino friend, have that friend bargain for you. If you’re shopping alone, aim to pay at least 30 to 40 percent lower than the price that was mentioned.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets and snatchers could try to get your belongings. To be safe, don’t wear any jewelry, and carry your cash in a small sling bag. Wear the bag’s strap across your body, and keep the bag in front of your person at all times.

Bring an umbrella to shield you from the strong rays of the sun or to protect you from sudden downpours.

Here are the places to go to for shopping:

1. Greenhills Shopping Center

Located within the affluent parts of San Juan, Manila, Greenhills is a favorite of many tourists, fashionable teens and yuppies, cool moms and celebrities. Here, you’ll find all sorts of things, from clothes, shoes, bags and luggage, watches, and accessories, to flowering plants, mobile phones, tablets, and handicrafts. This place is pretty much a one-stop-shop for everything you need. There’s even a grocery nearby, as well as local and international food chains and restaurants.

Haggle at Greenhills

On a recent trip to Greenhills, I wanted to see how much stuff I could get for 5,000 pesos, or roughly about $113. My goal was to get a few clothing items, a pair of shoes, a bag, and maybe some accessories if I have anything left over. Knowing that I needed to buy the big ticket items first, I went to the lanes selling bags and shoes.

The bag lanes are just crazy! Here, you’ll find all sorts of brands, from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Gucci to Burberry, Michael Kors, Hermes, and Balenciaga, among others. Bags are classified as Class A, triple Class A, and Quadruple A. The grading system is based on how good a copy a bag is. The Class A ones will be the cheapest among the bunch. They are decent looking replicas, but the mark of a good copy of an item is all in the small details. The triple and quadruple A bags are the best bags, quality-wise, and if you’ll look at them closely, it is quite impossible to tell whether you’re looking at a fake or the real thing. The Quadruple A Hermes Birkin bag was priced at 25,000 pesos, which is definitely out of my budget. But upon checking out the other stalls, I saw a triple A Louis Vuitton Speedy bag at only 2,000 pesos. I haggled and managed to bring down the price to 1,700. Score!

Next on the list was a pair of pretty, locally-made flat shoes at a fixed price of 700. That left me with 2,600 more. I managed to get three blouses for 1,000, then a dress for 600 pesos. Finally, I got two shirts for 500 pesos, and a nice pair of “Ray Ban” triple A aviators for 500. All that for just a little above $100!

2. Divisoria

Compared to Greenhills, Divisoria is more chaotic, more crowded, and will prove to be a lot more confusing to those who aren’t used to the area.

Divisoria is composed of streets and alleyways filled with merchandise, malls, and airconditioned bazaars all together in the heart of Manila, near Chinatown. If you’re squeamish, unused to crowds, and can’t bear the idea of dodging small vehicles and horse-drawn carriages, then you probably won’t appreciate this place too much. But if you’re after a good bargain, then this is the place to be.

Go shopping in Divisoria

The quality of the merchandise here may not be the same as the things you’ll find in Greenhills, but the prices are definitely cheaper. Divisoria is also a great place to go to for buying things in bulk, since you can get a cheaper price for the whole lot than if you were to buy just one or two pieces. Say you’re looking for plain cotton shirts which you’ll use for party favors or corporate giveaways. For that, you need to go to Ongpin Street, where several stores are offering shirts of all colors for wholesale prices. Imagine getting one shirt for less than $2.00! Amazing, right?

For tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, pineapple, watermelon, and bananas, the streets to visit are Asuncion and El Cano streets. Fruits are cheap here compared to buying them at the grocery. In fact, a kilo of the world famous Philippine mangoes cost as low as 70 pesos per kilo. Prices depend on whether the fruits are in season or not. Some of the vendors will even let you taste the fruit before you buy.

For clothes and bags, head on over to 168 Mall, New Divisoria Mall, or Juan Luna Street for the cheapest and best stuff. All over Divisoria, there are street carts that sell clothing, but don’t even think about getting your clothes there if you’re looking for good quality. At 168 Mall, class A knock-offs of Polo, Ralph Lauren or Lacoste shirts can be had for about $8.00 a pop. Class A bags are as low as $15, depending on the size and brand.

If you’re looking for toys or party favors, the best place to find these things is at New Divisoria Mall. Some loot bag items go as low as $0.11, so it’s possible to get a lot at these low prices.

Whether you like the atmosphere at Greenhills, or whether you prefer to dive in the chaos of Divisoria, remember to haggle, be polite, and watch your belongings. Indeed, shopping is more fun in the Philippines!

The post A Guide to Bargain Shopping in Manila appeared first on Send Load to the Philippines | Morbie Load Philippines.

With a warm, tropical climate and easy-going, friendly people, the Philippines is one of the countries in South East Asia that has seen a steady increase of tourists with each passing year. Most visitors have been to the country several times, and a lot of them have considered relocating to the country on a permanent basis. Foreigners travel to the Philippines to experience a quality night life, enjoy the picturesque beaches and great food. But apart from these, there are many other reasons why they choose to stay for good.

Beautiful Philippines

If you have been thinking about moving to the Philippines, here are some things that you need to know:

Visas and Immigration

Prospective expats intending to work in the Philippines for less than six months will be required to apply for a special work permit. For periods exceeding six months, you will need to apply for a Philippines work permit from the embassy in your home country. All expats intending to work will need to have a sponsor in the Philippines and the offer of employment must be confirmed via a letter of request along with an affidavit of support which acts as a guarantee.

In addition, you should also have supporting documentation such as a valid passport and an Alien Employment Permit, which is an identification card which can be obtained by applying for one at the Department of Labor and Employments. If your family will be coming with you, you should also see to it that they have the necessary documentation before your flight.

Culture

The Filipino people are known for their hospitality, friendliness, and easy-going nature. They are also extremely tolerant of foreigners and of other cultures, so if you come to the country sporting a Mohawk or facial piercings, expect some double takes, but there won’t be any overt staring or any signs of hostility coming from the locals. People will also be eager to accommodate or assist you, and most of them will go out of their way to lead you to the right hotel, mall, or wherever your destination may be. The Philippines is also more attuned to the Western world than any other South East Asian countries, and you will find that it’s easy to get around and start a conversation with somebody because almost everyone can speak English. Even those who are not very fluent will find a way to communicate with you and will try to help you in the best way they can.

Filipinos are very closely-knit, with family being a top priority for many of them. A lot of Filipino families like to spend time together on a weekly basis, so on the weekends, the malls are filled with people bonding with their immediate and extended families in the arcade, food court, or restaurants. Because the concept of togetherness is very important for many Filipinos, most of them choose to stay with their parents even after they’re married—not because it’s more convenient, but because they genuinely love to stay together under one roof. Sending elderly parents to live in a home for senior citizens is unheard of, and is considered to be a cruel or heartless act. In the Philippines, the elderly are cared for by their children, and their opinions and advices are highly sought after by the young.

Filipino family singing at karaoke bar[/caption

They are a very musical people, and many of them enjoy singing at karaoke bars or at home, using their very own karaoke machine. No matter where you are in the Philippines, be it in a bustling metropolis or in a far-flung barrio, finding a working karaoke or videoke machine is a piece of cake.

Filipinos are usually very laid back, and this attitude can be both a delight and a source of frustration, as the same laid back approach can also be seen in offices or government organizations, so transactions usually go through at a glacial pace. Of course, this is not the case in all places, but if you happen to find yourself waiting for a particular service or product, it’s best not to get mad and accept that it may take a while, so have patience and keep your cool.

Language and Religion

There are two main languages that are spoken in the Philippines. The mother tongue is called  Tagalog, which has elements from  Malaysian, Chinese, and Spanish language. The other language that is widely spoken is English. Other dialects are spoken in other regions of the country, such as Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Cebuano, and Ilonggo, among many others.

[caption id="attachment_1194" align="aligncenter" width="448"] San Agustin Church, Manila

The Philippines is mostly a Catholic country, with more than 80 percent of the population being Roman Catholics, 4.5 percent Christian, 2.3 percent Iglesia ni Cristo, 5 percent Moslem, and the others are Evangelical and Aglipayan.

 Climate and Weather

The climate in the Philippines is mostly tropical, with high levels of humidity, and temperatures remain high through most of the year. The coolest months of the year are from December to February, while the warmest months are from March to May when temperatures can reach up to36 degrees. Expats from Europe may experience some discomfort upon arriving in the Philippines because of the constant humidity, and it will take some time to get adjusted to the heat.

Tropical weather in the Philippines

Due to the all year round warm weather, it is important to pack only lightweight clothing. There’sno need to bring your furs or heavy coats, but do bring a rain coat, a sturdy umbrella and some rain boots for the monsoon season. Depending on where you choose to live, you could experience strong typhoons and floods several times a year.

Health Care

The standard of healthcare in the Philippines varies according to region, but in major cities, the facilities in hospitals and clinics are usually very good. In Metro Manila, there are some medical centers that offer excellent healthcare facilities such as the Asian Hospital in Alabang, Saint Luke’s Hospital in Bonifacio Global City, Makati Medical Center in Makati, and Medical City in Ortigas.

The medical practitioners are very qualified and many are fluent in English. Some have even studied in the UK, USA, and in other parts of Europe. Healthcare services in the Philippines have greatly improved over the past decade, and most expats take out a health insurance from leading insurance companies.

 Education

The education system in the Philippines has undergone some major changes over the past two years. Since the late 1940’s, children usually start going to school at the age of four, and at age seven they enter elementary school for seven years. This is followed by a secondary education which lasts for four years. On their fourth year, students may take entrance examinations to the colleges or universities of their choice. This has always been the way it was for education, until government officials pointed out that the youth could be missing out on employment and learning opportunities because of this outdated learning structure.

Grade school pupils with their teacher

Since 2012, the K to 12 education plan in the Philippines has been implemented in stages after President Benigno Aquino III signed the K to 12 Law. So now, education in the country is more or less modeled after the US system, with English being the language of instruction from grades four to six in primary schools. Subjects will be taught in English throughout high school.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this article!

The post What You Need to Know Before Moving to the Philippines appeared first on Send Load to the Philippines | Morbie Load Philippines.

Mama, Mommy, Mother, Mamita, Mumsy, Inay, Nanay. These are the different ways we Filipinos refer to our moms, and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, what better way to show them that we love then than to recognize all the different types of Filipino moms? You probably thought there was just one type, didn’t you? There’s no denying that our moms love us to pieces.

Your mom’s special day

And though sometimes we don’t get them at all, in the end, we finally arrive at the conclusion that they only want the very best for us. Some of their mothering habits are often endearing, sometimes frustrating, and sometimes just plain baffling, but one thing’s for sure—we can’t help but love them more. Here are the types of moms that we’ve grown up with.

1. The One-Step-Ahead-of-You Mom

“Papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako!” Which loosely translates to “I know what you’re up to. Been there, done that. Got the t-shirt. Don’t even try it.” The One-Step-Ahead-of-You Mom seems to have ESP when it comes to her children. She will know when her darling daughter is scheming to get out of the house to meet the latest bad boy du jour of the hood. She has a sixth sense when it comes to junior, and seems to know when and how he’s going to get in trouble. Though her behavior can be a bit spooky, her foresight comes in handy, especially when one hopes to make it through a school year without being summoned to the principal’s office.

Give her movie tickets

Best way to deal: when she launches into her familiar been-there-done-that speech, cup your chin with your hand, gaze at her attentively, and say, “I’d love some tips, if you don’t mind.” She’ll probably give you the stare and shake her head. Best gift to give her for Mother’s Day? Tickets to the latest romantic comedy that’s playing in a nice cinema. Just so she can stop worrying about you for about two hours.

2. The Power Mom

The Power Mom is always nicely put together whenever she leaves the house, but she takes care not to cross into Stepford wife territory with the grooming. Think of the way Jessica Alba looks on the way to the coffeehouse with her kids in tow, and you’ll get an idea what I’m talking about. After work, she’ll go straight to her Power Yoga class, and on the way she’ll instruct the cook not to overcook the steak for dinner. She’ll have her kids enrolled in the hottest afterschool activity, and she’ll pick them up herself, toting yummy cupcakes from the most sought after bakery in the city. She always has the coolest apps on her tablet, and she’s always aware of the latest trends, but is very selective when it comes to following them. Though she’s cool and hip, other moms don’t hate her for it. Power Mom is very generous when it comes to sharing precious parenting and style info, such as where to get the best donuts, which preschool to avoid, and which salon has the best colorist. She’s like a walking Wikipedia of all things about modern mothering (Momipedia?) Best gift for the Power Mom is a membership to try out the latest fitness craze. Better yet, join her. She’ll be thrilled.

3. The Stage Mother

Dramatic and prone to saying lines that will make Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor and Sharon Cuneta proud, the stage mother will always make sure to thrust their kid into the spotlight. If her kid is a girl, that child will enter about 10.5 beauty pageants or talent searches in her lifetime, she’ll often be cajoled into performing whenever visitors drop by, and she’ll be forced to take up an instrument, preferably the piano, or she’ll be asked to take voice lessons. If the child is not a performer but an intellectual, then the child will get the best tutor, the latest books, and Kumon classes on the weekends.

Make her a personalize calendar

If the kid happens to be a jock, Stage Mother will be front and center at every game, cheering with gusto, to the embarrassment of her red-faced son or daughter. She’s the one equipped with the videocam or the iPad, jockeying for position on the aisle of your auditorium for the best angle to film her kid, just like the mom in Mean Girls. No matter how hard you shush her, there’s no containing her enthusiasm, especially when it comes to her precious child. How to deal: Savor this moment and cherish her while you can, because you’ll miss her once she’s gone. Best gift: A personalized calendar, filled with pictures of you from birth to the present day. It’s a guaranteed hit.

4. The Homemaker Mom

The Homemaker Mom prefers to raise her kids the old-fashioned way. She opts to stay at home and is one of the few women you know who can still sew, crochet, or knit. She’s old-school and is quick to remind you to behave when you commit a lapse in etiquette. She usually wears a duster and hair curlers and can be found in the kitchen, or in the yard sweeping leaves, or in the living room taking a breather on the sofa whenever she gets the chance to relax. Her kids prefer to eat at home than at any fast food joint because nothing compares to her cooking.

Treat her to a posh nail salon

She is also quite sentimental, and will keep every token given to her by her kids, frame any medal that was won, keep every scrap of paper with the words I love you mom on them. When in a bind, she would rather recall what her grandma did in the event of a crisis than go on Google to find the solution to a problem. Her favorite remedy for a scraped knee is a healthy dose of rubbing alcohol poured on the affected area, followed by a plate of the kid’s favorite food to make up for the sting. She is the poster woman of the traditional Filipino family because she’s in charge of the entire house. Best gift: A gift certificate to a spa for a nice massage. If she refuses to leave the house, call in a masseuse to do a home massage. Your mom won’t say no to it. She definitely deserves a little pampering after all she’s done for you.

5. The Techie Mom aka Secret Agent Mom

The CIA has nothing on her when it comes to stealth. She will secretly check your phone inbox while you’re in the bathroom or during the rare moment that you leave it lying around. She will figure out your password, no matter how many times you change it. Don’t even think about not adding her on Facebook, or you’ll certainly be on the receiving end of her tirade. And once you add her, she makes sure to add all your friends on Facebook to see what you guys are up to when you claim to be just hanging out. She likes all your Instagram posts, and follows you on Twitter. She will defend you if anyone tries to bully you online, and will always be the first to comment on the latest photo that you upload. To punish you, she’ll change the wifi password, and she won’t tell you what it is unless you really, truly are sorry. She has a large collection of gadgets, and will call you on your mobile phone to remind you to get down right this minute because it’s dinnertime. How to deal: Chill, she’s just concerned about you. Oh, and maybe keep your online posts clean and wholesome at all times. Best gift: A stylish case for her latest gadget. Or treat her to a manicure at a posh nail salon, so she can get a hand massage to relieve her carpal tunnel.

To all the wacky, loving, hyper, nurturing, dramatic, cool, and beautiful moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

The post The Different Types of Pinoy Moms appeared first on Send Load to the Philippines | Morbie Load Philippines.

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My team has been asked a lot about other ways on how to load Smart network numbers. So here's a short article on that. :)

Find out how to send load to Smart. Choose from the many options of sending load to Smart prepaid subscribers.

Sending load to friends and relatives either as a gift or as form of help has been popular these days.

People can send load through a number of means, including loading stations, online e-loading platforms, etc.

The way you choose to send load makes no difference as long as your recipient receives the prepaid credit at the soonest possible time.

There are various ways to send Smart load to others locally and internationally.

The most common approach is by heading to a loading station.

The sender will simply have to provide the mobile number of the recipient and load amount to the seller.

Another way is through E-PINs from an online e-loading platform.

Many websites like Morbie.com and Topupph offer this service.

The sender will simply need to provide the cell phone number of the recipient, choose a load amount, and pay using a credit or debit card, or PayPal.

Both approaches only take a few seconds before the recipient receives the load.

For E-PINs, the recipient will receive a text message containing a PIN number and a card number, which he or she will use to reload.

On the other hand, if load sent is from a local loading station, the recipient will receive a text message containing a certain load value that is ready to use.

You may also want to know how to send load to Smart through Pasaload and how the process works.

Pasaload allows a prepaid or postpaid subscriber to send load credits to a fellow Smart user out of his own balance.

Obviously, such a service is useful, especially during emergencies.

When sending load to someone via Pasaload, be reminded that the service is not free of charge.

You will be charged one peso per transaction, regardless of load value.

Additionally, the prepaid credits you transferred have a validity period, which vary by load amount.

You can Pasaload to any Smart subscriber by typing this format: [cell phone number] [space] [denomination].

Denominations available are 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 100, and 200 pesos.

Then, send it to 808, and wait for the confirmation.

There is more about Smart Pasaload.

You can also use the service to send load to a family or friend abroad.

Simply follow the same format with the cell phone number replaced with Smart roaming number.

Although call and text cards are not a popular way of sending load, you may also want to try this approach.

Buy a call and text card, scratch it to reveal the PIN number, and email it to your friend or relative.

On the other hand, sending money and allowing your loved one to buy the load locally isnít advisable, as this option can cost you more (due to money transfer fees) and takes longer.

Keeping in touch with family and friends has no limitations, especially when a number of ways to send and share load are obtainable.

There should be no reason that you do not know how to send load to Smart because the process is really as easy as a snap.