What's up this March?

The Medela House is busy on March 3, 2012 with Breastfeeding 303 in the morning Yaya 101 in the afternoon.  See below for the Medela Moms' detailed posts on the 2 activities:

Join a breastfeeding class that tackles the ins and outs of breastfeeding a toddler, weaning, attachment parenting, first foods, special cases (cupfeeding and relactation) and playgroups, among many other interesting topics for couples planning on long-term breastfeeding. Speaker is PGH-certified lactation counselor Abbie Yabot. Register now! Venue will be the Medela House, 9am, on March 3, 2012. Email medelamoms@gmail.com to register or text your name to 0917-5614366. Kindly indicate if you will be accompanied for the snacks : )

Responsible Milk Sharing

Sometime ago, I shared a program of UP-PGH Milk Bank - Operation Foster Milk and a human milk sharing page on Facebook known as Human Milk for Human Babies - The Philippines.  Advocates have been divided and have mixed reactions to this informal milk sharing.

Donor moms are receptive to the idea of having donee-moms get the milk directly from them while moms who are looking for breastmilk usually find it difficult to get pasteurized milk from human milk banks and find the informal milk sharing network more accessible.

I was a donor to both milk banks and individual moms at the height of my milk-making career.  I donated to PCMC (a representative from the bank picked it up) and UP-PGH (I had to drop off the milk) and to individual moms who pick-up the milk from my place.  Honestly, I preferred to donate milk to individual moms as they do so at my own convenience e.g. they bring their own coolers and pick-up from my place.  Whereas donating to UP-PGH was so cumbersome since I had to pack up the milk in the cooler, look for parking, pay for parking and bring the milk up - with their elevators usually jampacked.  Although now,  PGH has volunteers to pick-up the milk upon schedule. Plus, the thank you that you receive from individual moms is much more satisfying.

What a Busy Weekend!!

The LATCH class which was supposed to have been held last March 12, 2011 has been moved to this Saturday, 26 March 2011! This is a free class on a first come, first serve basis. Classes will be at the 4th Floor, Conference Room 1, The new Medical City - entrance is beside Starbucks. Topics include Breastfeeding Benefits, What to expect in the first week, Position and Latching through breakout groups, Back to Work and Busting Breastfeeding Myths. For inquiries, you can call TMC at 635-6789 local 6444. Click here to know what to expect for the LATCH class. This class is perfect for pregnant moms and dads (and yayas and grandparents!)

Meanwhile, if you are already a nursing mom with specific questions and concerns, you may want to attend the La Leche League Meeting (The Breastfeeding Club) at Mothercare Greenbelt 5, Saturday, 26 March 2011 at 11am. Class will be led by La Leche League Leader Abbie Yabot. Attendance is free but please pre-register by texting 0922-8292268 your name and partner's name, other companions if any, baby's age or edd. Topic for Saturday will be nutrition and solids. There is no fixed structure for the meetings and moms are free to ask their questions/issues on the topic. If there's time after, moms can raise other breastfeeding issues and questions. Setting is quite relaxed and this is a great opportunity to meet other breastfeeding moms and share tips, support and concerns. Read about my experience at La Leche League meetings here.

More March activities

*Update - LATCH March 12 Class is moved to March 26, 2011!

Best Friends in Breastfeeding will also be holding its monthly support group meeting this Saturday, 12 March 2011 at 1030am at the Baby Company, 2/f Podium Mall, Ortigas Center. Topic will be on breastfeeding difficulties to be led by Jane Cacacho, Xavier School, High School Principal. Click here to read a recap of my experience at a similar meeting.

Anyway, what makes this meeting different from the LATCH seminar is just that - this one is a meeting and the other is a seminar. The LATCH activity is specifically targeted towards pregnant moms and is purely a class with opportunity to ask questions. It is essentially a breastfeeding lecture and is pretty structured. Meanwhile, the support group meeting is for moms who are already breastfeeding - new moms or moms with older babies or toddlers. Some pregnant moms benefit from attending because they learn or hear about the experiences of the other moms. But if you are looking for a class with a lecture on breastfeeding basics, pumping at work, milk storage, etc. this is not the meeting for you. During the support group meeting, a topic is put out - then moms share their experiences or ask questions about that topic. If there's time, you can ask your questions which are not about the set topic. LATCH seminar lasts 3 hours while the BFB (LLLI) meeting is about 1.5 hours.

Aside from breastfeeding seminars/meetings, there is another activity over at The Medela House. Read Maricel's email below:

This March 12, we will be having another MedelaSupports event at the Medela House. A free talk by The Learning Library on How to Choose Books for Your Children to get them to love reading as well as how to read to your children will be held from 9am-12noon. It will be a back-to-back English-Filipino talk. If your child is 3 years old and older, they will also conduct a free reading assessment so you know at what level your child’s at. In addition, you get a recommended reading list which is a helpful guide when you visit bookstores. Finally, the Scholastic bookfair will also grace the event and provide immediate selections for purchase depending on your child’s reading ability! So you can go home and practice all that you’ve learned that same day :)

This event, due to popular request, will also be opened to non-MedelaMoms’ customers for an entrance fee of P100 per person. Everything is free for MedelaMoms’ Pump customers :) Please register thru Medela Moms or via 0917-5614366 with your name, your child’s name and age, and whoever else might be accompanying you to this event.

Finally, check out this parenting/breastfeeding class for a series of 3 weekends, beginning 19 March 2011. Brought to you by MotherCo and Bosom Buddy. See the flier below for more details (click poster to read).

Classes/Events for February 2011

This post is late - considering that it's already mid-February! If you're looking for weekend breastfeeding classes/meetings, here are upcoming ones:

1. La Leche League Makati is moving to its new home!! Meetings will now be held at Mothercare Greenbelt 5 branch from 11am to 1230pm. February meeting will be on 26 February 2011. Please pre-registered by emailing Abbie Yabot or texting your name, edd or baby's age, email add and contact number to 09228292268.

2. The Breastfeeding Club will be holding a breastfeeding class at the Medela House on Saturday, 19 February 2011 from 9am to 11am. Topic will be sustaining breastfeeding with a review of Breastfeeding 101. Fee is P500 (which entitles you to 2 other classes in the series). Interested participants may register at 0917-5614366 or email Medela House.

3. Yaya trainings are also conducted at the Medela House. For February 19, 2011 (1-4pm) topic will be all about newborn care and the support that a yaya should give to a breastfeeding mom. Other topics are included in the yaya seminar modules. For details and fees, email Medela House.

4. If you're in Davao City, check out MommySense's seminar on Breastfeeding 101 for Yaya. I can't over-emphasize how important caregiver's support is in a successful breastfeeding relationship especially for working moms! Class will be on 22 February 2011 at The Pod. See poster for more details.

*LATCH has no classes for February. Next class will be on 12 March 2011 at The Medical City. See you there!

Classes and Meetings for January 2011

Pregnant? New mom? Start the year right and join a breastfeeding class or meeting! There are several scheduled for this month!

La Leche League's Ortigas Meeting was held last Saturday, 8 January 2011 at the Podium Mall. Missed posting before that because it was Anya's 1st birthday that day and it was a hectic week! But don't fret! There will be another La Leche League meeting in Makati through Abbie's Breastfeeding Club either on January 22 or 29. Will update this post once I get the final date/venue.

This weekend, L.A.T.C.H. will be holding its first breastfeeding class for the year! It will be from 9am-12nn at the 4/F of the Center for Patient Partnership Building, The Medical City, Meralco Ave., Pasig City. I will be there to talk on "Back to Work" (what else?!) with other fellow L.A.T.C.H.ers. Other topics will be breastfeeding benefits, myths and what to expect during the first 2 weeks. A must-join is our break-out group - this is unique to LATCH classes. Counselors split up the class into smaller groups to discuss the specifics of latching and positioning. We also have Dr. Christina Bernardo (a pediatrician who is studying to be an IBCLC) to answer questions. Classes are free.

If you are QC-based you might want to attend the Breastfeeding 101 Class of The Breastfeeding Club over at The Medela House. Abbie Yabot, certified Philippine Lactation Counselor holds a series of monthly classes starting this month. The Breastfeeding 101 Class will be from 8am-10am and will cover the basics, advantages tips and early troubleshooting. To register, email MedelaMoms or text 0917-5614366. There is a fee of P500 for the 3 classes.

On January 22, 2011, Cher Anonas of Plume will be hosting her own breastfeeding class in Renaissance 1000. The class will be from 1:30pm to 5:30pm and is free. Participants are asked to bring food for the group. For details and to register, text 0917-898-2437 or email Cher.

Spread the word and join the classes!

Update: 21 January 2011

La Leche League Makati (that used to meet in Rustan's) will be holding its first meeting of the year this Saturday, 22 January 2011 (10am-1130am) at the Starbucks, Bonifacio Global City. It will be at the Starbucks with the drive through in front of MC Home Depot (see map below). At this meeting, you can meet with several breastfeeding mothers AND a Philippine certified breastfeeding counselor who can help you with your breastfeeding issues/questions. Open to pregnant and nursing moms! Do text Abbie at 09228292268 to confirm your attendance. See you there!

View Larger Map

September Events

If you thought August was busy, September is not far behind. On the first 2 days of September, there was already a Scholastic and Grolier Warehouse sale in C. Raymundo Ave., Pasig City which I was disappointed I missed.

Beginning this weekend, there is at least 1 Saturday activity worth checking out!

This afternoon, September 4 is the Trunk Show Launch Party of Eden. According to Buding, the Infinitude has been selling fast and only limited colors are left due to pre-orders. Shopping is only from 3pm-7pm and they will be accepting cash or checks. I hope Naima will be better by then so I can go to the Trunk Show with Charmaine and Jen.

On September 11, there will be 4 events!

L.A.T.C.H. will be having its bi-monthly breastfeeding seminar for pregnant moms. This will be at The Medical City from 9-12nn. This is a free class on a first come, first serve basis. Classes will be at the 4th Floor, Conference Room 1 - take the entrance beside Starbucks. Topics include Breastfeeding Benefits, What to Expect in the First Week, Positioning and Latching, Back to Work and Busting Breastfeeding Myths. For inquiries, you can call TMC at 635-6789, loc. 6444.

Meanwhile, if you are already a breastfeeding mom and have some questions to raise, you can choose to attend the La Leche League Meeting at 11am at the Podium Mall. Last time, the meeting was held in the Atrium at the 2nd floor. I'm not sure if this time, it will be inside Baby & Company at the 3rd level. Topic is also not yet confirmed but the meeting is quite informal and this is the chance for breastfeeding moms to raise their questions and concerns.

For moms with young babies, you can check out Mommy Mundo's Moms on the Floor. Activities include yoga, KinderMusik, Breathworks and Infant Massage. The activity will be held from 1-4pm at the Top Shelf, Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street. This means you still have time to switch venues and catch talks and a fashion show at the St. Luke's Global City.

From 2pm-7pm on September 11, Tintin Bersola-Babao's Parentin.TV will be holding its 3rd talk series. There will be a variety of topics, including a talk on breastfeeding to be given by Ms. Nona Andaya-Castillo, IBCLC. Plus there will be a fashion show of maternity and nursing wear launched by several brands! Participating brands include Mama.Baby.Love, Mamaway, Mama Au Lait and Mothers En Vogue by Au Lait Maternity and Nursing. These mompreneurs will also be setting up booths outside the auditorium from 10am-7pm. More shopping! Will be blogging separately about this event next week.

There will also be 4 interesting events on September 18. Mommy Mundo will be holding its first Clearance Clearout Sale with items to be sold at a minimum of 30% off! Brands include Dwell Studio, Mamaway, Mommy Matters plus more! This is a perfect start to completing your Christmas 2010 list.

If exchanging used items is your thing, then check out The Stork Exchange organized by Amanda Griffin-Jacob over at the M Cafe in Greenbelt 3. There is an entrance fee of P299 pesos which comes with a drink but yaya and kids are free! Check out details in their Facebook page.

If books are your thing, don't forget to head to SMX Convention Center for the 31st Manila International Book Fair. This event will be from September 15-19, 2010 from 10am-8pm, allowing you to visit this event after you have checked out the other Saturday happenings.

There will also be a La Leche League Meeting on September 18, Saturday for the Makati Group - Rustan's Makati at 1030am. Don't forget to register by emailing La Leche League Leader Abbie Yabot. I love attending these meetings and talking to like-minded moms. Babies, dads, grandparents and yayas are welcome!

Finally, on September 25, 2010, there will be a Breastfeeding 101 class by Abbie's The Breastfeeding Club. Topic is "Beginning Breastfeeding" so if you miss the LATCH seminar on September 11, this will be the perfect alternative. The class will be held at The Medela House. Call for details and to register.

If you have more September activities, I'd be happy to add them to this list. Just leave a comment or email me.

Brownouts and Breastmilk

I received several texts and emails from friends and acquaintances as a result of the power outages brought about by the recent storm Basyang. I decided to compile information and tips on brownouts and breastmilk in this post.

According to La Leche League International, the accepted practice is not to refreeze thawed milk:

Previously frozen milk that has been thawed can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. While there is limited evidence to date that milk thawed for a few hours may be refrozen, this results in further breakdown of milk components and loss of antimicrobial activity. At this time, the accepted practice is not to refreeze thawed milk. While some mothers and caregivers reheat expressed milk that was leftover and refrigerated after a previous feeding, there is no research on the safety of this practice. There is also no research about whether freshly expressed milk left unfinished at room temperature should be discarded, or can be saved for a short time (perhaps up to one hour as reported by some mothers and caregivers) to finish the feeding if the baby wakens from having fallen asleep or still appears hungry.

Breastmilk is food and the general rule is that once it is defrosted, you don't freeze it again, unless you cook it. In the Philippines however, it is common practice for households to defrost huge slabs of meat, then if they don't use it all up, freeze it again. Even in supermarkets - frozen meat is placed outside then back in the freezer at the end of the day. In my opinion, the statement that thawed milk can't be refrozen follows that same principle - primarily to prevent bacteria contamination. In the first place, once breastmilk is frozen, it already loses some of its immunological properties - which is why the hierarchy of feeding is direct, room temp, cold (refrigerated milk) then last is frozen.

Another comparison would be that of reusing previously unfinished milk. The general rule is once the breastmilk is warmed and fed to baby, any leftover milk should be thrown away. I don't *strictly* follow this rule because (1) I don't want to waste my precious breastmilk; and (2) other studies have shown that it is okay to save milk leftover from a feeding for reuse immediate at the next feeding. So what I do is, when I've thawed or warmed milk then Naima doesn't use it all up this feeding, I put it back in the refrigerator and use it again for the next feeding. If she still doesn't finish it, that's when I throw it out. I go by the taste/smell test -- I ask Naima's nanny to taste or smell the milk before giving to baby before giving it to her or deciding to throw it out.

Anyway, back to brownouts and breastmilk. I'd like to share this article which I got from fellow N@Wie Mimi. This article cites a 2006 Breastfeeding Medicine Article entitled "Effect of Environmental Conditions on Unpasteurized Donor Human Milk" and states that even if the milk thaws, it is good to use provided it was not at room temperature for more than 8 hours:

The even better news is that, according to new findings in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine, checking breastmilk is actually a fine option. The researchers took frozen breastmilk and thawed it, refroze it, refrigerated it and left it out at room temperature. Essentially, they beat it up. What did they find? Breastmilk is fairly robust and does not grow bacteria easily nor lose vitamins A and C or free fatty acids (FFA) to any degree that would harm a full term baby. Breastmilk fresh from the breast or thawed in a clean container can be left at room temperature for less than 8 hours.

The author was actually writing about traveling with expressed breastmilk. Here is another portion of her article which I find to be highly applicable for breastmilk during brownouts.

What do you do with frozen milk you pumped on your trip? Don't mess with ice. Ice is warmer than frozen milk and will actually hasten to thaw your milk —who knew? This is because water freezes at 32° F and milk freezes at around 0° F. Use frozen gel packs to keep your frozen milk frozen longer in your insulated cooler in your checked luggage. Crumple paper all around the milk and gel packs to further insulate it. The study in Breastfeeding Medicine found that even if the milk thaws, it is good to use provided it was not at room temperature for more than eight hours. If it is cool when you unpack it—it is good to go. It is also safe to be refrozen. This is important because moms think they have to use it right away if thawed and may feed it to the baby instead of actually breastfeeding as soon as they get home. Better to get baby on the breast as soon as you return home, and refreeze or refrigerate the pumped milk for the next mother-baby separation.

To find out whether your milk indeed thawed during the power outage, here is a tip from Dot:

I read also to put an icecube in a plate inside your freezer. In case of brownout, check the ice. If the shape changed (which means that the ice cube melted then froze again). The same thing happened to your milk.

Note however - according to the Mothering Article, water has a higher freezing point than milk. Makes me wonder though if it defrosts faster than breastmilk? The ice cube tip still helps as it makes you aware if the cold level in your freezer changed.

Meanwhile, if you don't want to use the thawed milk, don't throw it away. Here is a tip from Mi'Ann:

Instead of throwing it away, you can donate it to the hospital where you gave birth. Just call the nursery nurse before going so you can check if you still need to be screened or if they ll just accept it when you give your pedia's name. For ex. cardinal santos said that theyll accept my thawed out milk.

Aside from your birth hospital, there are also several institutions which accept donated milk. Check out my previous post on milk banks for the contact details of these institutions. It's still the 2nd storm of typhoon season and I'm sure that more power outages will come. Breastfeeding mamas certainly need to make extra preparations to prevent wastage of that precious milk.

Check out this related post - Preventing Freezer Burn on Breastmilk


Update: 28 September 2011
Here's a quick note that Babymama Mi'Ann posted on her Facebook page during the height of Typhoon Pedring:

If you want to read the full text of the study - "Effect of Environmental Conditions on Unpasteurized Donor Human Milk", you can do so by clicking HERE.

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

This Saturday, 10 July 2010, L.A.T.C.H. will be conducting a breastfeeding workshop information at The Medical City from 9-12nn. This is a free class on a first come, first serve basis. Classes will be at the 4th Floor, Conference Room 1, take the entrance beside Starbucks. Topics include Breastfeeding Benefits, What to Expect in the First Week, Positioning and Latching, Back to Work and Busting Breastfeeding Myths. For inquiries, you can call TMC at 635-6789, loc. 6444.

Meanwhile, Best Friends in Breastfeeding will be conducting a support group meeting also this Saturday, July 10 at Mary the Queen (across Xavier school). Best Friends in Breastfeeding is run by La Leche League leaders. Meeting will be from 9am-11am. Babies, partners, yayas and other support persons are welcome. Topic will be pumping and going back to work.

If you can't attend the LLLI meeting this Saturday, there will be another one next Saturday - July 17 at Rustan's Makati, 3/F Play Area. Meeting starts at 1030am and topic is also about pumping, storage and going back to work. Attendance is free but you need to pre-register by texting 09228292268 with your name, partner's name, other companions' name (if any), baby's age or EDD.

See you at the class/meetings!

La Leche League Makati Meeting in Saturday

Want to join a La Leche League Meeting in Makati? There's one this Saturday (June 19, 2010) for expectant and nursing moms and daddies. It will be at 1030am-1230pm at the 3/f Playroom of Rustan's Makati. Topic for this Saturday is breastfeeding support.

Interested? Make sure you register by emailing La Leche League Leader Abbie Yabot the following details: mom's name/dad's name, baby's age/name or EDD and cellphone number. Attendance is free! Just bring yourself, your baby, husband/partner or yaya. Grandparents are also welcome!

Hope to see you there!

1st La Leche League Meeting in Makati

Finally!! A La Leche League meeting in Makati City! This is great news for Southern Manila moms like me who didn't want to waste Saturday weekend mornings in traffic going to Greenhills.  :D  Previously, there was only 1 La Leche League monthly meeting for the whole of Manila and it was held in Mary the Queen in Greenhills.  I think I attended just one or two meetings and gave up because going to Greenhills was just too far.  Happily, La Leche League Leader Abbie Yabot was able to organize a meeting in Makati City.  The 1st Makati La Leche League meeting will be held this Saturday, May 22 at 10am at the 3rd Floor of Rustan's Makati (Play Area).  Attendance is free and expectant and breastfeeding moms are welcome!  RSVP to Abbie.  See you there!

Breastfeeding Classes on January 2010

If you're looking for breastfeeding classes this weekend, here are a couple of classes you can check out on:

1. Start the year with the strength of having a breastfeeding support group, raise concerns, get information or counseling that you may need from experienced moms and/or from breastfeeding counselors. La Leche League Philippines will be having its first meeting for the year this Saturday (January 9), 9am at the Parish Hall of Mary the Queen in Greenhills, across Xavier. To confirm your attendace, text Jane (09176260585) or Cris (09178941099).

2. Free Breastfeeding Class at Shaw Blvd.

This class is conducted by Cher Anonas (of Plume Nursing Wear) and Zeny Feliciano. Topics to be discussed include: Benefits of Breastfeeding, Different Positions and Correct Latch, Getting Breastfeeding Off to a Great Start, Overcoming Common Challenges, Lactation and Relaxation Massage, etc.! Registration starts at 1:30 pm. Class starts promptly at 2:00 pm. Class is on January 16, 2010.

Admission is free but pre-registration is a must. Please text BREASTFEEDING CLASS PARTICIPANT, your full name/s and number of participants (dads, nannies, and other support people are very welcome!) to 0917 898 24 37 or email Cher. Please bring: your baby or a doll, food and drinks to share with 4-6 people.

Location: Organics Asia, Inc., Unit 401 Emerald Place, 604 Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City

• Directions to Location: Coming from Edsa Central side :
• Take Shaw Blvd going to Capitolyo-C5
• At the 2nd stoplight, you will pass by Tropical Hut - 10q store (this is at corner Pioneer St.)
• You will see Caltex and then Pan de Manila
• 604 Emerald Place Bldg is right after Pan de Manila
• There is a Ganzklar Signage at the ground floor
  Please proceed to elevator for unit 401 Organics Asia Inc. Parking is very limited - most of the time there are no available slots.

3. L.A.T.C.H. class on January 23, 2010. This will be at The Medical City and will start at 9am.

Last Meeting of the Year for La Leche League Manila

La Leche League Manila will be having its last meeting of the year on 12 December 2009, 9-11a.m. at Mary the Queen Parish Hall, Greenhills. LLLI meetings are informal and not really breastfeeding classes. Each month, a LLLI leader usually takes charge and discuses a certain topic. However, attendees can ask any question or concern they may have about breastfeeding. There are usually experienced moms, pregnant moms and new moms in attendance. It's a great mix of moms with a variety of experience (from none to advance! :D). You can read about my experiences here.

This Saturday's meeting is special as it will be the last meeting of the year and LLLI will be having a potluck. If you would like to attend and meet other nursing moms, do get in touch with LLLI Leader Cris Rosenthal via email or 09178941099. Having the support of like-minded moms is one of the things that helped me successfully breastfeed and La Leche League meetings are great venues to meet other nursing moms in a casual setting.

My experiences at LLLI meetings

Last Saturday I attended a meeting which was headed by Abbie Yabot. Abbie was my lactation counselor during the early days (when I had problems with latching, etc.) and she breastfed her 2 younger children (JM for about 4 years and Kyle who will be turning 3 and is still breastfeeding). It was actually my 2^nd LLLI meeting but my 1^st meeting in Manila.

My first meeting was in Tysons-Pimmit Library, when I was 8 months pregnant with Naima. During that meeting, there was a mom with a toddler running about and another mom who had a 3.5 year old toddler who attended the meeting because she wanted to ask about weaning tips. What was interesting was that this mom re-lactated. Her baby was adopted and she breastfed him for 3.5 years already! During this meeting, I listened mostly to other mom’s stories and asked some basic questions. Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect about breastfeeding during this time.

My 2^nd meeting was with Abbie and came more than 18 months after that 1^st meeting. At this time, Naima was already 18 months old and still breastfed. (In hindsight, I think it was that relactating mom with a 3.5 year old toddler that inspired me to really push through with breastfeeding Naima despite my difficulties.)

For this meeting, there were about 7-8 moms (2 were pregnant), a couple of husbands and several babies and toddlers. It was held at a church hall with couches and tables. Even if the hall was quite big, I thought the meeting was cozy. We were gathered around in a circle and mothers were freely asking Abbie about their concerns and talking about their own breastfeeding experiences especially about pumping and working. I think this was especially helpful to new and pregnant mommies since they could hear the challenges of breastfeeding in the early days and how to resolve these problems.

For a new or pregnant mom, attending the La Leche League meeting is a good way to prepare for breastfeeding. Since the meeting was in a casual set-up, moms feel comfortable sharing their questions and chatting with other moms. My only beef is that meetings are held so far away. There is currently only 1 La Leche Group meeting for Metro Manila (the other one is in Cavite). Abbie mentioned that they are looking for more leaders. Hopefully, more people join, attend the meetings and step up to become leaders - so more meetings in other areas in MM can be organized.