Love is like doing the laundry

Whether I like to admit it or not, I am a member of the group called L.A.B.A. or Lalaking Ayaw sa Bigwas ng Asawa.

Okay, I just made up that group name but I hope I was able to let you know what type of husband I am.

Meeting Leah is the best thing that ever happened in my life. Marrying her gave a new meaning to my journey. She changed normal to bigger and better. She saw sense in me when I had nothing. She added more to everything.

We have been married for more than ten years and I can’t remember any major misunderstanding between the two of us. Unless someone can explain to me if it’s really a big deal to ruin a woman’s make-up kit when I goofed up her things a few years ago. Then, I’ll be able to accept that it was indeed a spat when I was forced to sleep outside our bedroom that night.

When I tied the knot, I learned the ropes to some soft skills (like how to soften my voice when she’s upset) and house chores. It was just Leah and I at home during the early years of our marriage and only had house help when our son Charles came into the picture. That’s why we need cook, wash and iron clothes and do other home stuff for ourselves. We determined on who’s gonna do what through the most diplomatic and logical means ever--- Jack en Poy.

Among all the spouse duties, I love doing the laundry most. It’s not the easiest chore but every time I do it, I can feel the sense love. I know it’s silly but I do believe that love is like doing the laundry.

My wife once asked me, "Kaya mo ba akong ipaglaban?"

I said, "Ipaglalaban at ipaglalaba pa kita!"

I want to share the reasons behind this belief and our secrets in keeping a long lasting relationship with your loved one.

Paghiwalayin mo ang puti sa de kolor

There are times that we are burned out at work. It can happen to anyone of us. But you know what, I was able to learn how to manage office-related stress effectively. It’s simple: Don’t bring it home. One, I need to give my mind a time out away from work. Two, bringing work stress at home can affect how you behave or interact with your loved ones. Issues at work should be resolved in the office and the same goes with domestic problems, don’t bring it in your workplace.

There was this guy who always brings home his unfinished work load. Her wife left him. She could not stand his dedication as a mortician.

Huwag mong punuin ang batya

There is an old saying that you really won’t know the real person unless you live with her under one roof. It is very true in its essence. We should learn what makes our loved one upset or unhappy. If you know these things, try to avoid committing them. Being insensitive even with petty things can build up to something big if you do them for a number of times. Remember that a happy wife means a happy life. Give what her heart desires. No arguments, no problem.

Beside, arguing with your wife is a lot like trying to read the Terms of Use on the internet. In the end you just give up and go “I Agree”.

Iwasang mawala na parang bula

You know what most spouses hate? When their better halves leave the house without telling them where they are going. It’s the same thing when you go out with friends after work and you did not inform them. It’s not because they don’t trust you but because informing your partner where you are going is the right thing to do. Husbands and wives should not keep secrets from one another, unless you are buying her a diamond or you are planning a surprise for her.

Always bear in mind this realization I learned: Women are very understanding. They will forgive you even when you’re not guilty.

Ano mang mantsa, kayang tanggalin

Two heads are better than one, right? Having someone in your life who is willing to be with you through thick and thin is such a blessing. As a couple, we have gone through a lot of trials in life: death in the family, career problems, financial matters, etc. We never lose hope because we believe that things happen for a reason and that someone up there always looks over us. And after the rain, we can smile again.

Just one tip. If your wife asked you to talk to her dirty, it’s a no-no to say “dishes, underwear, your toe nails…”

Lagi ka dapat mabango

In a recent health study, experts reported that when it comes to smell, your body odor can influence how attractive you are to someone. Stay beautiful for your spouse but make sure that you smell good as your looks. More cuddling means more loving loving. You actually don’t need perfume to smell good all day. I would like to recommend Del Forever Joy and Love Fabric Conditioner because it has 15x longer lasting bangooooo to keep you and your clothes smelling good all day vs a regular detergent brand based on consumer test in Metro Manila.

Well, aside from learning some basketball tips from my lodi Doug Kramer, I learned from him the petmalu laundry advantages that Del brings #TeamKramer. Werpa from Del Fabric Conditioner’s Facebook page: facebook.com/delfabcon. 

I must say that we have kept the romance alive in our marriage because we come to appreciate the beauty even in the silliest things that we do like believing that love is like doing the laundry. And who would have thought that with all our differences and the silly things we do, we would eventually exchange “I do’s.”

To sum up, the best secret that works for me is that I DEL --- Do Everything for Love!

Kita kita na-in love sa isang birthday party sa Max's

Last August 5 at Max's Restaurant in Scout Tuazon, Quezon City-- the very first branch of the popular Pinoy food chain established in 1945--- I attended Chickie Boy's birthday party.

Chickie Boy, in case you don't know, is the playful mascot of Max's who has been spreading fun and his loving feathers to kids of all ages who celebrate their special day in "the house that fried chicken built."

I shared a table with two families who were able to bring their kids in the event. I was supposed to tag along my 8-year old son but he would like his mom to come too. Unfortunately, my wife is not available. I went to the event because I already confirmed my attendance and how can you say no to a birthday party, right?

Just like in any party, I grabbed a drink. Iced tea with a slice of lemon in the bottom of the glass to be precise. I moved to one play booths to another. I found myself staying for a few minutes at the Princess Palace (one of the four party themes in Max's. The others are Carnival, Other Space, and Super Racer).

I was watching kids taking their turns in having a photowith a pretty lady in pink when I noticed a young man who look a bit sad.

I asked him, "You also don't have a kid with you today?"

He smiled back, "I'm still single. NGSB."

That's No Girlfriend Since Birth for you.

Since I thought we are the only "unattached" men in the event, I decided to stick with him until the party is over for some company.

We had a quite a talk and he even opened up some personal stuff especially his love life which I thought is worthy for TV or movie adaptation.

The kuya in me stepped out and gave him some unsolicited advice. I just have to help this guy who has spent almost half of his life loving somebody. The girl has been in a number of failed relationships and it is always him who is there to give him a shoulder to cry on. The problem is, he's been friendzoned and can't seems find a way to make the girl fall in love with her.

I told him to try to sweep her off her feet with sweet nothings. Simple gestures can sometime mean a lot specially if done sincerely. 

1. Make him miss you but at the same time maintain a feeling that you are just there anytime she needed you

2. Tell her she's the only one that can complete you, not just through words but also by deed.

3. Give him the Princess treatment that she deserves.

4. Ask her the real score between you because she might not be aware of your three intentions.

5.Be like Max's. Sarap to the bone dapat kung mag-mahal.

And finally, just in case that he will be able to make her fall for him, they might want to throw a party. At Max's Restaurant, of course.  Max's, can give you both fun and meaningful celebration with the following amenities:

• Three (3) hours use of venue

• Mascot appearance

• Use of party banner

• Party room decor

• Party host

• Party kit

• Giveaways

• Game prizes

• Birthday themed cake

Kita kita na na-inlove sa Max's

Transformers: The book that comes to life

One of the best feelings every father can experience is when he is able to transform a childhood memory into a present bonding moment with his child.

I grew up in the 80s as a boy who is so amazed with giant talking robots that can turn themselves into zooming cars going against enemy droids changing into terror planes. I am pretty sure that you know what I am talking about. Yes, it’s the never-ending saga of the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons in the Transformers franchise that evolve from a popular TV program to a blockbuster movie series and tons of merchandises which includes books.

My 8-year old son, who is a fan of the Transformer films (the fifth installment to be released in theaters this month), was just so happy to get his hands with the Scholastic book Transformers Robots in Disguise: Where Crown City Comes to Life. 

   

This 32-page hardbound book for Transformer fans of all ages has a 5-star rating from goodreads.com. Well, if you ask my son he’ll probably give six because of the new and exciting reading experience he got. Aside from the full-color all-action world of Crown City that he discovered, he was able to bring to life his favorite Autobots Optimus Prime and Bumblebee going head-to-head against the evileforces of the Decepticons through incredible 3D augmented-reality animations by using our smartphones and tablets.

If there is a Transformers book for the boys and there is also a My Little Pony AR book for girls from Scholastics.

In single-user mode, anyone can bring to life Grimlock, Steeljaw and the rest of the crew in the palm of his hand then switch to life-size mode, watch his favorite Transformer grow to real size, and just sit in awe watching them move. Another great feature is you can take photos of the moment and share them with your friends and family!

In dual-user mode, just connect your device to a friend’s unit, and battle Underbite against an Autobot of your choice. Plus, you can also customize your very own Transformer by choosing  the color, look and strength of your robot to make it the ultimate Transformer.

There is an easy-to-follow guide in the book that will give you all the things you need to know including how to download the free app for both iOS and Android devices that will be used to get all the fun elements of the book.

Here's a video guide on how to fully enjoy this one-of-a-kind reading experience:

Make brushing more fun

Do you know that tooth brushing is one of the most overlooked must-do daily activities of man?

Here are a couple of random trivia I got online to prove this point: (a) One in four adults admit they don’t brush twice a day, including a third of men and (b) One in ten admit they regularly forget to brush their teeth.

I just hope people are aware that brushing only once a day means your 33% more likely to develop tooth decay. Worse if you fail to brush your teeth the whole day.

Now here are some tips on how can you make brushing more fun for the family especially for your kids. If you want a fun toothbrushin' experience, just think of COLGATE.

Create a good example. You can't make your kids follow your instructions to brush their teeth every after meal if you yourself don't practice this. Remember the old saying "Kung ano ang puno, sya rin ang bunga" in simple layman's term just brush teeth regularly so they'll do the same.

Organize a game. Be creative in encouraging the young ones to create a habit of brushing their teeth regularly and at the same time it will be a bonding moment of the family. As they say, "the family that brush their teeth together, plays together" or something to that effect.

Let your kids practice on stuffed toys. Sometimes, kids tend to be a little tentative in doing things on their own so why not ask them to let their favorite teddy bear or doll try brushing first. Just make sure the doll is not battery operated otherwise this might be an electrifying experience.

Give rewards to your children for brushing their teeth properly and on time. A good job deserves a pat on the back and something extra special like simple stuff like stickers or a burger or an ice cream treat. Make sure to brush your teeth after that sweet treat, of course.

Add music and dance while brushing. It's fun to see your kids do a little jiggy and wiggle while brushing. Once the fun element is included in this activity, expect this as an every day moment they'll be looking forward to. I just don't know with my cousin who sings "I cant smile without you" by Barry Manilow every time he brushes his teeth before putting his dentures inside a glass.

Tell them to help you brush your teeth. It will also help kids build confidence that they can do things like brushing on their own if you let them do this for you because you trust them. Of course, when they brush your teeth, let them use yours. Just make sure they don't hit your wisdom tooth.

Encourage kids to use a brush with their favorite cartoon character. It also helps for kids to get excited while brushing when they see their favorite characters on their toothbrush. The good news is that Colgate, a trusted international brand in oral healthcare, has come out with cartoon-inspired toothbrush and toothpaste products.