By mothers, for mothers

With their own personal experiences as their sources of inspiration, “it” girls turned “it” moms Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Bianca Araneta-Elizalde endeavored to make the road smoother for mothers and mothers-to-be with a book titled Project Mom.

Project Mom is a valuable tome that offers a wealth of helpful advice taken from the authors’ everyday lives, as well as a pool of dedicated experts. The book contains an extensive directory with lots of local sources. Each page is also peppered with beautiful full-color photographs of Amanda’s and Bianca’s precious moments with their kids.

Project Mom was presented via a two-day special event at Aria Cucina Italiana hosted by top model Joey Mead-King and at Top Shelf, Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, led by Marc Nelson and Lexi Berenguer-Testa. Friends, supporters and mommies from all over turned up to get firsthand information on the unique hands-on approaches to mothering, which were all detailed in the book.

Half of the book’s sales was donated to the typhoon Yolanda survivors. There was also a special raffle held for the benefit of the Malapascua residents who were also affected by the typhoon.

Celebrity moms Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Audrey Tan-Zubiri and Jackie Antonio were present to share their positive thoughts on the book. Philanthropist and former model-actress  Maritess Araneta, commercial model Nicole Hernandez-Delos Angeles, Baby magazine editor Juana Manahan-Yupangco, fashion maven Anna Rufino-Palabyab, and pretty cousins Nicole Schulze-Lopez and Georgia del Rosario were also able to view the special behind-the-scenes video on the making of Project Mom.

Maria Dolonius of the Rebuild Malapascua initiative, Jo Dy Juanco of SM Kids’ Fashion, talented designer Rosanna Ocampo and Fully Booked owners and publishers of Project Mom Jaime and Chris Daez attended the evening event.

Anna Dy, Pilar Tuason, Marta Araneta, and TV host and commercial model Patty Laurel-Filart were also spotted in the crowd.

Guests walked away with their very own copies of the book, some fantastic prizes and a renewed realization that motherhood is not so scary after all, with a friendly hand to hold along the way.  Mothers can feel healthy, happy and fulfilled living their lives for those who matter most to them: their children.

(Project Mom is available at all Fully Booked branches nationwide.)

Of wine & men

Robert Mondavi wines originated from Napa Valley, Oakville, California in 1966. The brand has established a reputation for being one of the finest producers of Cabernet Sauvignon selections in the world. Its wines are a product of fine innovation, complexity and elegance with the use of California vineyard grapes.

Future Trade International Inc. (FTI) celebrated Robert Mondavi in the Philippines with a three-day event at the Greenbelt 5 gallery. A winery-inspired booth in the venue was set up to let the people experience signature and quality wines of Robert Mondavi through free sampling.  While enjoying the wines, guests were entertained by videos of the wine-making process from vineyard to bottle. There were also training sessions headed by Robert Mondavi brand ambassador Samuel Oliver Jeveons, a personal friend of mine.

During the opening night, VIP guests were invited to enjoy cocktails and wines. Sampled at the party were Robert Mondavi Woodbridge: Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Robert Mondavi Private Selection: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The members of the Capo band were there to serenade the guests with their jazz music.

Guests at the event raved about how good the wines were. Many of them were overwhelmed and happy with the launch. It proved to be a success as many guests looked forward to more Robert Mondavi events in Manila.