What started as a What’s App chat room turned out to be the best support group any mom could ask for. I think I was on my third trimester when we created our little group, and since that time we’ve discussed pretty much everything a new mom goes through: how to prevent stretch marks, how to naturally induce labor, gentle birthing, going through caesarean section, breastfeeding, getting the best yayas, what to do when your baby is sick, traveling with baby, and the list goes on. Being a mom is hard (seriously, they should teach childcare in high school) and these past six months have been a testament to that, with each day offering new challenges and difficulties. Don’t get me wrong though, these have also been the most wonderful moments of my life. I know I sound like I am contradicting myself, but yes, raising a child is both beautiful and hard and amazing and life changing. Needless to say, these are the times in your life when you need friends who understand what you’re going through and who could give you great advice when you feel like everything is falling apart (it does feel like it on some days).

And so #BabyBarangay was formed.

Looking back, I had no clue this happy, crazy bunch would end up going on long trips together, complete with husbands, babies and yayas! We are definitely one BIG group, with five couples, seven babies and six yayas. If you can imagine how chaotic we were in the airport, try imagining us in one flight (to be fair to our babies, they each took turns crying so it wasn’t so bad). Our trips prove that chaos can be fun, with all of us packing our entire houses (if you can believe it, some of us brought our own bathtubs, nebulizers, coolers and sterilizers) and still wondering if we left anything else at home.

Our first trip ever was to Cebu. Movenpick Hotel in Mactan Island accommodated our huge group, allotting a room for each family and even the yayas. I still can’t wrap my head around how we were able to pull this off, but wow, we did it without a hitch. Our flights were on time, everyone was well-fed and happy, and we mommies were able to find the time to relax and unwind. It must’ve been our lucky weekend, or the company itself because we had the absolute best time (thank you, Meg of Movenpick for taking care of us).

So this was us at the airport. A big barangay full of babies and luggage (and of course, our photographer crops out Nicole’s family).

While waiting for our flight, we managed to grab a bite to eat.

Juano and Theo.

We needed two vans to fit everyone, including our unbelievable number of luggage.

For this view, packing was all worth it. Mactan Island is such a gem.

We all got our R&R at Movenpick. Spell J-A-C-U-Z-Z-I.

Fruits, refreshments and alcohol. Cant go wrong with that.

Yes, we each mom had a glass in her hand as soon as we arrived.

Alonzo and Liana wanting to taking a dip in the jacuzzi.

Yummy snacks before our lunch. Yes to dried mango all day when in Cebu!

We definitely love Movenpick!

In case you didn’t know, Movenpick is also known for its amazing ice-cream. This is flown in straight from Switzerland!

The kiddos couldn’t wait to explore the hotel.

The yayas are happy as well.

Juano fast asleep. This little cherub is so cute!

This is Movenpick Hotel’s lobby. I love the colors and architecture–it looks so happy!

These tanning beds look so inviting.

Our hotel room! This was our home for the weekend.

Tristan getting mesmerized by the furniture in our living room haha. Seriously, he was happy to be there!
Our gorgeous view from the room.

And our bathroom!

It was a bright and sunny day so we all changed to our swimsuits and headed for the beach.

So happy to be with these ladies. Yes, we were able to pull off this trip!

Me and my Tristan.

Baby congregation.

Tristan loving his Babiators!

The bigger kiddos made sandcastles.
Family photo!

Right across from the beach was the Ibiza Beach Club.

Besties Juano and Tristan.
Liana was unstoppable. She loves the beach, just like her mama.
So we tried to get all the babies together for a photo and this is what happened.
Gorgeous couple Cat and Carl. This gwapito Luisito with his blue Babiators.

Nicole and her family.

One thing we definitely enjoyed in Cebu was the FOOD! The Sails Restaurant at Movenpick offered a great variety of dishes for everyone.
Their pizzas were so yummy!

This was my favorite that evening: baked fish!

And of course, seafood paella.

We loved their excellent desserts.
Another day, another family adventure!
Our babies matched Movenpick’s color scheme.

Nara and her dad Carl.
Snug in their strollers. Tristan’s Quinny stroller is our favorite, you can purchase this at www.cudsly.com.
The Pats.

Alonzo doing his favorite Ninja Turtle moves.

We were blessed with another beautiful day.

So of course, we headed to the beach again.

Movenpick has powdery white sand, which the kids all enjoyed.

It was Tristan’s first time to feel sand on his toes.

We had such a happy time at the beach!

And just like that, it was nighttime! We checked out Ibiza Beach Club from our room and boy did it look pretty.
All the lights and music–you have to see this place if you haven’t yet.
Baby Barangay ready for our unbelievable 14-course churrasco dinner.

I think we were only on our fourth course when rib eye was served. Yum.

I couldn’t stop eating. I had to have my fill of the churrasco dinner. And yes, I finished the entire 14-course (thank God I’m still breast-feeding).

Last day to catch the sun! We obviously love the beach.
This happy chaotic crew is love!
This muffin was such a joy to be around. He is such a chill, happy baby.

And he loves the water!

We had such a ball with the kids.

Hoping for more trips to come!             My aunt and uncle who recently retired in Cebu visited us. So happy we were able to catch up.

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Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel in the Philippines located on a lush and tropical island, about 6 kilometers from the Mactan International Airport. The 245-room property offers a myriad of choices from accommodation, dining, wellness, leisure activities and venues for meetings and events. Aside from comfort and ambiance, this hip and happening hotel is likewise known as a destination for gourmands in search of a unique and memorable dining experience. Each of the four food and beverage outlets delight diners with its own selection of savoury and classic dishes, inspired by flavours from the East and West. A stunning architecture with spectacular ocean views, the Ibiza Beach Club is the hotel’s signature dining and entertainment space which offers authentic Balearic style Churrasco and Mediterranean tapas. Guests can wine and dine under the stars while watching exciting live performances of Latin, Brazilian, Broadway, Movie Musical, Pop and Retro themed dance numbers.

For enquiries or reservations, please call +63 32 799 1111, +63 32 492 777

or visit the website at www.movenpick.com/cebu.