Mommy Ginger

I have some newly married and mom friends asking about the Kasambahay Bill. As of the moment, based on what I have read, this bill hasn’t been signed yet to become a law. I wanted to share with you though my thoughts on this bill (house bill no. 1140).

Here are pertinent information that I got from reading the bill. I have also included some helpful information for you and your kasambahay:
1. Kasambahay means anyone who renders domestic / household services. So yes, even drivers and houseboys (and even valets for those Downton abbey households) are included.
2. It is now stated that they they have rights to social protection. They should apply for Social Security System Membership. The employers shall pay for the employer’s share of the SSS contributions without deducting it from the employee’s pay. Likewise, the employee should pay for the his/her share in SSS.

For those who are wondering how much should one pay, here is a table from SSS of the contributions that need to be made.

3. The Kasambahay should now become a member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

4. The minimum wage for the Kasambahay are the following:
Php 3000 / month for those working in NCR
Php 2000 / month for those employed in other chartered cities and first class municipalities
Php 1000 / month for those working in other municipalities

5. Pay also should be given at least twice a month and should not be made in tokens, chits, promissory notes, etc. It should be paid in cash.

6. Pay slips should be given to the employee.

7. The Kasambahay has the right to free board, lodging and medical attendance. A first aid kit must also be kept in the household.

8. The Kasambahay is entitled to educational opportunities. They have the right to access opportunities to upgrade their skill.

For those who want to upgrade the skills of their helpers, have them join the Ok Ka, Yaya Ko! Workshop. http://mommyginger.com/2013/01/ok-ka-yaya-ko-workshop.html It will include sessions and interactive activities on First Aid, Child Care, Self-Development and Etiquette.

9. Each Kasambahay will have to sign a contract of domestic service, which shall include the following:
a. Period of employment (which shall not exceed 2 years);
b. Monthly compensation and mode of payment;
c. Annual Salary Increase
d. Working hours and day-off schedule
e. living quarters and sleeping arrangement

10. All kasambahay applicants should have this:
a. Medical certificate attesting to the physical and mental illness of the domestic worker to be secured from a licensed physician
b. NBI clearance
c. Barangay Clearance
d. Duly authenticated Birth certificate from the National Statistics Office

11. Rest periods: should give Kasambahay 8 hours of rest daily and 1 day rest period after 6 days of work.

12. Kasambahays are entitled to a 13th month pay

13. Kasambahays are entitled to the SSS benefit (if they have been contributing) and the employer can advance the payment and be reimbursed by SSS.

14. Kasambahays are entitled to a 60 days leave for normal delivery, 78 days for c-section delivery or a 7 day paternity leave.

15. Vacation leave: entitled to 5 days with pay

16. Termination of contract: Notice of at least 5 days in advance.

Well, that’s it. These are the pertinent things that I got from the Kasambahay Bill.If you want to read through the entire Kasambahay bill, here is a copy:
Copy of the Kasambahay Bill

I personally think this will be both beneficial to the employers and the kasambahays. It’s good that there will be rules guiding all actions of both parties. This will prevent the kasambahays from demanding more than what is due them, and also this will prevent employers to abuse their power, too. In our household, I am already starting to adapt to the provisions indicated in the bill, even if it is not a law yet.

I am not asking one of our maids to get SSS already (the other one has). I just have a maid and a yaya, so it’s relatively easier to ask them both to comply. Also, I am sending them to the Ok Ka, Yaya Ko! Workshop on February 2, 2013. Manila Workshops is holding the workshop and I have seen the course outline. I am really excited for them to learn from the class. I am starting to fill their documents, too (pay slips, etc.).

How about you? What are your thoughts on the Kasambahay Bill? Love to hear them!

Mommy Ginger

In business or even in marketing, you cannot do away with the word “objective”. What is your objective? I have become immune to that sentence. I do know of some people who are allergic to that word though. Come to think of it, it really sounds intimidating. I don’t want to use that word in this post. I’ll simply use the word “Reason”. I think that’s a lighter and more practical word to use.

Setting goals or objectives can be too intimidating for some especially when asked even before starting a business. At least with reason, it’s a word that we cannot do without since we use this human capacity for making conscious decisions, analysis or justifying actions based on existing information. Like for example, I made this conscious decision to inhale this packet of peanut butter cookies even though I may have gained more than expected during the holidays.

What diet???

But seriously, before starting a business, you really need to state a reason for doing so. Objectives and goals can come after. What is your reason for planning to put up your own business? Is it for the financial gain that comes with it? Is it because you want to pursue your passion and life-long dream?

I read this article of Jeff Haden entitled, One Test Every Entrepreneur Must Take. If you answered “yes” to both questions I raised above, what Jeff says will be a disappointment for you. He says that “Sadly, these two options tend to be mutually exclusive–unless what you love to do is grow a business”.

He continues to explain that there will come a point in time when your business will have to expand and grow to give you the financial gains that you expect. If your business is something that you love doing “hands-ons”, then eventually, you will have to let go and watch it grow from a distance where you may not be able to do the things that you are passionate about.

I actually agree with him. I personally believe that at some point in time, I will have to learn how to delegate and be busy with strategy and direction for my business. Right now, I am enjoying doing everything for Manila Workshops — meeting new people, developing plans for partners, making each learning experience worthwhile and building relationships with suppliers, attendees, and partners.

How about you? Have you thought of your reasons for starting or coming up with your own business? If you want to choose both, you can pretty much do so by determining where line intersects between the income that you will be content with and with the satisfaction that you get from doing things in our business that you love. As a momtrepreneur, this is key. If you and your husband plan to make this business of yours the primary source of income in the future, then you may have to choose financial gain in the long run. If you think that this is just so as to augment or to help in adding to the household budget, then maybe, your reason is to do the things that you are passionate about.

What’s your reason?

Mommy Ginger

An Interview with Momtrepreneur Angel Cristobal, the owner of Keishables.

Angel is a full-time mom & wife and part-time online seller/momtrepreneur. She’s the mother of one adorable little girl named Keisha (26 months) and wife to a loving and supportive husband named Kirby. She is a self confessed lover of arts and crafts. She loves scrapbooking, photography, designing and event organizing (just for her family and friends).

Momtrepreneur Angel with her family

Momtrepreneur Angel with Keisha!

Here is my interview with Mommy Angel.

Ginger: Hi Angel! Can you tell me more about Keishables?

Angel: My business, Keishables, is named after my daughter. What I do is I sell raw materials for making hair bows. It was only in the latter part of 2012 when we decided to join bazaars to sell hair bows ourselves. I founded Keishables in June 8, 2011. I’m proud to say that we are at 1 ½ old now.

Ribbons from Keishables

Other designs from Keishables

Ginger: That’s pretty interesting. You are the first mom who I have encountered to have that type of business. So, who do you think your market is?

Angel: My market is mostly moms who also want to have their own business by selling hair bows online. I also have some clients who are crafters and moms who just want to make bows for their daughters and who do not intend to sell.

Ginger: I’m sure a lot of people would like to know how you came up with this idea, since it’s pretty unique. What made you decide to start this kind of business?

Angel: When my Keisha was born in 2010, I was really having fun making her fancy flower headbands and hairbows. Many people asked me “Where did you buy it?” and of course, proudly, I would answer: “I made it!”. That was when I thought of having my stuff available online. I went to Divisoria to buy hairbow-making materials, but unfortunately, I did not find any store selling polyester grosgrain ribbons (which is usually used for making hairbow). I found one store who sells nylon grosgrain ribbons and tried it out, but it didn’t work well because it wasn’t as nice and fluffy once you make it a hair bow.

During that time, my husband went to China and I asked him if I can order some ribbons there. I made my research and I found one manufacturer who happens to be in the same province where he was going. I ordered online and didn’t notice or even imagine that I ordered a lot! (I was thinking that the ribbons I ordered were just in small spools). When my supplier delivered it to my husband, it was 3 balikbayan boxes! He wasn’t able to bring it home due to its weight and we opted to just ship it here in the Philippines. Since I had all of these ribbons, I decided to sell some ribbons online. I was surprised with the how many people wanted to buy. Many crafters and moms were looking for it for a long time already so I started importing from then on.

Other ribbon designs

Ribbons from Keishables

Ginger: That’s a great story, Mommy Angel. With all of these successes, were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming a momtrepreneur? What are these?

Angel: Working at home is a bit challenging if you have a toddler. My daughter wants to have “Mom and me time” for almost all of the day so when I’m working, she gets my attention by pulling my ribbons from the rack or playing with my resins or centerpieces.

Another challenge is having a permanent time for work. If you work in an office you often go to work from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but in my case it’s usually between Keisha’s nap or sleeping time. I don’t have a helper, so that’s the only time I have for myself and work.

Ginger: What are three traits that you think a momtrepreneur should have when starting their own business?

Angel: I think every business starts with passion. Without it, you will not be successful in any type of business. Time management is also crucial for a momtrepreneur, because managing a household and business at the same time is really tough work. You also need the courage to be innovative when it comes to your service or products. Do not be afraid to introduce something new to your market and don’t be afraid of your competitors, as well. Competitors are there to bring out the best in you.

Ginger: What advice can you give to other Momtrepreneurs?

Angel: I think the best advice I can give is our word of life: Isaiah 43:5 “Do not be afraid for I am with you”. If there comes a point that you feel you have failed in your business or in any aspect of your business, always get the support of your family, most especially your husband. Pray to the Lord and claim that you will regain abundance and find solutions to your problems.

Ginger: Those are great words, Mommy Angel. Thank you for our time and I hope that momtrepreneurs out there get to be inspired with the story of how Keishables came to be.

Keishables Contact Information:

a. Email address: keishables@gmail.com
b. Mobile Number: 0917-5895570
c. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/keishables
d. Twitter account: @keishables
e. Pinterest: keishables

It’s my 31st week of pregnancy today. I have 9 more weeks to do. We just had another peek at my Zeeka yesterday morning as we visited Asian Hospital’s Women’s Health department. Last week (week 30), we had our first 4D Ultrasound, but Zeeka that time was sound asleep. To add to that she, placed her umbilical cord infront of her face so we couldn’t take a good picture of it. She showed herself for 2 minutes and really looked at the ‘cameras’ and then hid. My daughter is already trained for the paparazzi as early as now.

Anyway, yesterday, I went with my family to check out Zeeka. The tip of the Dra. who did my ultrasound the last time was to eat and drink a lot before having the 4D Ultrasound. So that is what I did. I ate a half cup of brown rice, longanisa and taho for breakfast. I also drink A LOT of water! Because of this, when we got to Asian Hospital, I rushed to the rest room to pee! I think I overdid ‘drinking’. Anyway, true enough, Zeeka was now more enthusiastic and awake!

Here a video of her getting inis (irritated) with all the scan and picture taking! 🙂 LOL!

She was gracious enough to look at us the whole time! Good job, baby!

Zeeka’s 4D Ultrasound picture

Does she look like me or my husband, EJ? 🙂 hehe!

The 4D Ultrasound at Asian Hospital costs Php 4500. You have to make an appointment. The best time to have a 4D Ultrasound is between 28 – 31 weeks. In Asian Hospital, they have obstetricians who really take time out and wait for your baby to show itself in order to take a good picture. Aside from that, they of course, have to go through the entire process of checking on the bones, body parts, and weight of the baby. The fee comes with a CD of videos and pictures of your baby. They will also give you two printed colored pictures and several black and white ones.

The doctor gave us one free scan since during the first visit, we didn’t really get to see a lot of Zeeka. So again, tips before you have a 4D Ultrasound is to take in a lot of water and food! Really! This will help, indeed.

Just wanted to share!

Mommy Ginger

One of the things that I realized this year is that if you want something done by your maid, especially if she is new, you really have to teach her and train her using step by step instructions. I never had a maid before (since my mom was the one who trained our maids), so I’m new to all of these. But this January, I made it a point to learn all there is to know about house cleaning, cleaning your refrigerator, cleaning the oven, laundry, ironing and yes, a little bit about cooking (I know my friends will gasp at this thought of me cooking).

One of the concerns that I researched about first was cleaning the refrigerator. During the times of my grandmother, they use to have refs that needed to be defrosted. In these times, refrigerators don’t really need to be defrosted anymore, since refrigerators have self-defrosting or auto-defrosting capabilities. So what do you do to clean the refrigerator? Here is my step by step guide to cleaning your refrigerator:

Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator.

Step 2: Empty out your refrigerator of all the food inside.
Check on the expiry dates. For those already in food containers, check for those which are spoiled already and throw it out. What I do is I prepare a garbage bag already prior to sorting so that you can easily toss out spoiled food.

Empty out your refrigerator

Step 3: Vacuum the refrigerator coils.
If your refrigerator is an area where you cannot see the coils, move it so that you can see the coils. Vacuum the coils to remove dirt and dust. For dirt and dust that cannot be vacuumed, try to brush it out then vacuum the remaining dirt and dust.

Step 4: Clean all the refrigerator doors (outside).
Check also that door seals are cleaned and no food is caught.

Step 5: Wash and clean all of the shelves and drawers.
Take out all the shelves and drawers of the refrigerator. Clean the shelves and drawers using water and dish washing liquid. Be sure that the soap is completely rinsed out.

Step 6: Wipe the insides and walls of the refrigerator.
Using a damp clean cloth, wipe the walls of the refrigerator. See to it that stains are removed and everything is completely spotless.

Step 7: Return all the drawers and shelves.

Step 8: Return all the food into refrigerator.
Clean the outer portion of the food containers before putting them back in. Use a clean towel for wiping. Rinse fresh fruit before keeping them inside the fridge.

For our next cleaning schedule, I will try using this formula for a cleaning solution from Martha Stewart’s site (Marta Stewart Cleaning Products 101): Mix a paste of 3 parts warm water to 1 part baking soda to scrub kitchen stains or clean the oven.

Step 9: Keep your refrigerator odor free.
Baking soda is not only a cleaning solution, but also an odor remover. Yo can actually keep an open box of baking soda open or use this HomeLife Active Carbon Absorber and Gel Neutralizer. We bought this from the grocery. Just be sure to keep this away from your children since this is not edible.

The Refrigerator Deodorizer that we use

So that’s it for cleaning the refrigerator. I hope that my step by step guide helped you in cleaning your refrigerator. Do you have any more tips that you want to share? Read more tips in this link: http://calgarycleaninginc.ca/dos-donts-cleaning-fridge/

P.S. If you want to know how to clean Upholstery, check out this article: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/homemade-upholstery-cleaner/?msID=c87d9ef8-fe6a-4a50-b081-f9579977ea12

Love lots,

Mommy Ginger

Mommy Ginger

Thoughts on the Kasambahay Bill

What’s your “Business” Reason, Momtrepreneur?

Momtrepreneur Angelica (Angel) Cristobal from Keishables

4D Ultrasound Experience at Asian Hospital

Cleaning your Refrigerator

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