Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I’m from the sunny Philippines! I reside in the capital, Manila, with my husband and son. I was born here and I’m Filipino, though I spent my childhood abroad, as we were expatriated in 1985. I actually met my would-be-husband while in school in Singapore, during the mid-1990s.
What language(s) do you speak?
Despite growing up in Hong Kong and Singapore until I was in my mid-teens, I don’t know how to speak Chinese! (Then again, I went to British schools.) English is my first language. I learned to speak Filipino (Tagalog) when we moved back here; I was 15 then.
When did you first become a mother?
I gave birth to my son, Vito, in 2009. Friends, however, said I was “mommy material” because I liked kids so much (I used to teach in a progressive school), and because I loved to keep house.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I’m a work-at-home mom. I do freelance writing, mostly for marketing, PR and blogs. I also am a managing editor for a local magazine.
Why do you blog/write?
I began my blog shortly after returning to work from being on maternity leave. It actually became instrumental for me in making the transition from “working mom” to “work-at-home mom,” which is what my blog is about. I like to write because, well, I’ve been writing since I was 15! I also feel like I’m a better writer than a speaker; I am not great in front of an audience. Blogging has also been a great connector for me, to people, opportunities, work, and in making new friends.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
I live in one of the most dynamic, busy, albeit misunderstood, countries in the world. So that’s one. The Philippines is slowly catching up to its ASEAN brethren who are — in many ways — advanced and forward-thinking. I am proud of the fact that I come from a country that is represented worldwide by over 11 million expatriated or overseas working Filipinos.
Next, both my husband and I work from home. In our culture, this is still something novel and not widely accepted, but we’re loving it. I like that we can make a living while making our work revolve around our lives instead of work dictating how we should spend time as a family.
I’m also big on breastfeeding and being a hands-on mom. I still breastfeed my 2 and a half year old. Added to this, we also practice (as best as we can!) a “locavore” lifestyle, in that we support local initiatives (farms, food producers, local brands and homebased businesses).
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
I’d say one of the biggest challenges parents face these days is trying to keep up with all the information out there about parenting but trying not to be dictated by these trends. So many parenting sites on the Web, for example, claim to be authoritative and expert but really, there’s only so much you can apply in your own family’s situation. Parents today want to be more intentional about their parenting, but it can be confusing to settle on what’s best for one’s family.
Also, mothers today have the choice to work while they raise their families. Some do because of financial reasons; others, because they want to have their own income. It’s challenging to “have your cake and eat it too,” trying to be a good mom while being a co-breadwinner. I deal with this challenge every day!
How did you find World Moms Blog?
I want to thank Ruth Wong for inviting me to join WMB, and Jen Burden for welcoming me into this community of passionate mothers. I feel like I’m back in international school, and you all are my classmates! Thanks for having me here, and for the opportunity to write about mothering in Manila.
This is an original, first-time post to World Moms Blog from our new writer and mother of one in the Philippines, Martine de Luna. When she’s not busy wordsmithing for clients, Martine can be found writing at her personal blog, Dainty Mom.
Photo credit to the author.
So nice to meet you, Martine! Welcome to World Moms Blog! I’m looking forward to reading more about life in the Phillippines.
Lovely to meet you, Martine!
Congrats Ms.Martine! 🙂 More fun in the Philippines! 😉
Welcome, Martine! I really enjoyed getting to know you through your interview!
I love what you wrote here, ” I like that we can make a living while making our work revolve around our lives instead of work dictating how we should spend time as a family.” This is a fantastic point!
I’m so glad that you are writing with us!
Jen 🙂
Hi, Martine! I totally agree with you when you said “…one of the biggest challenges parents face these days is trying to keep up with all the information out there about parenting but trying not to be dictated by these trends.” As a first time mom, I am overwhelmed with all the references about parenting. In fact, I immediately thought about that when you gave my assignment about parenting 🙂
Anyway, I know you will represent Filipino Moms well. Being a mom is not all about the style of parenting that we use and believe in. Its about the unconditional love we give to our children.
Thank you, Jennifer, for welcoming into WMB! So glad to be writing here. I’m excited for my first article.
Thanks to everyone for leaving a comment and for the warm welcome!
Congratulations Martine! So proud of what you have accomplished from your blogging, and your representing our beloved Philippines here on WMB.
Good to see you here, Martine. I remember meeting you through the motherhood renewal project, and being so impressed with your writing.
Much luck to you, and it’s good to meet up again.
Thank you for sharing your story, Martine, and welcome to the family. Your post was so inspiring. Aspects of the Philippines you describe sound so much like life here in Northern California (San Francisco), USA – many moms her breastfeed well past 1 and 2 years old. And practicing a “locavore” lifestyle is very trending right now. The word “local” is a new marketing tool especially in places like the high end grocery store (Whole Foods).
Like Jen, I too love what you wrote here, ” I like that we can make a living while making our work revolve around our lives instead of work dictating how we should spend time as a family.” This is my dream in life!!!
Welcome to WMB Martine!
Hi Martine! Happy that you’ve joined this family of world mom bloggers! I’m looking forward to your first article! 🙂
Congratulations Martine. Looking forward to read your first article.
Welcome to WMB Martine! I can’t wait to hear more about life in the Philipines.
Lovely meeting you, Martine! And what a fabulous thing you and your hubby are doing – working and yet being able to be there for the kids! It’s my dream to achieve an arrangement like that! One day…hopefully soon. 🙂
Thank you to everyone who replied here. I’m really blessed by all your comments. Working on my first post already, and I’m excited to share with you about what it’s like in my side of the Philippines. 🙂