DZMM brought joy, new knowledge, and public service to almost 700 women in the recently concluded “HaPINAY Day: DZMM Buntis Congress” at Robinsons Place Las Piñas Activity Center. Originally focused on expectant mothers, the “Buntis Congress” this year was expanded to serve more women, including elderly and single women.
DZMM station manager Marah Faner-Capuyan said it is important for women to take care of themselves and their health, especially mothers and pregnant women who often put off their well-being to attend to their family’s needs first.
“We know that women are always very busy because of the different roles they have to fulfill. We are here to reach out and help all women, together with our DZMM anchors, and give practical and important tips that they can use in their day-to-day lives,” she adds.
Other than the “Buntis Tips” from Dra. Bles Salvador of the program “Dra. Bles @ Ur Serbis,” “Ganda Tips” were also given by “Ma-Beauty po naman” anchor Cory Quirino and Dr. Luisa Ticzon-Puyat to help the “HaPINAYS” maintain their beauty and wellness. Meanwhile, Dr. Lulu Marquez of “Private Nights” gave marital advice, while Atty. Claire Castro of “Usapang Campanilla” and Vic Garcia of “Tulong Mo, Pasa Ko” gave “Wais Tips” on legal problems and financial or budgeting techniques, respectively.
The program, which was hosted by Ahwel Paz and Niña Corpuz-Rodriguez, also included a discussion on “Pinggang Pinoy” with nutritionist Jovina Sandoval, a fashion talk with blogger Katrina Ruth Ramos, and a lecture on caring for children with special needs by Joey Ambalada of the Winged Wonder Institute of Education. Niña also shared parenting tips from her book “How to Raise a Superstar.”
Carmina Cornejo, a 23- year old mother from Brgy. Aldana, Las Piñas, said she enjoyed being able to participate and learn new information in “Buntis Congress,” now on its 16th year.
“I’m overjoyed. It’s our first time to attend but we learned a lot. Thank you to DZMM for bringing together women and mothers to share common experiences and learn from each other,” Carmina said.
Various organizations partnered with DZMM for this project, including the Department of Health (DOH) and Midwives Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.
One of the latter’s members, Beth Dumaran, said she has been happily taking part in the ”Buntis Congress” since its inception and has seen the steady growth of the program through the years.
“Everyone in the organization is happy to serve and assist DZMM as a partner. Mothers are satisfied with the outcome and there is always a follow through after the event. We always tell them to share what they’ve learned when they get home. Participants should always pass on the knowledge and share the experience with their community,” she shared after giving a lecture on caring for newborns.
Apart from new knowledge, attendees also enjoyed the prizes and entertainment DZMM prepared for them, including a serenade from Joshua Marquina, Markki Stroem, and the prince of R & B Jay-R.
Meanwhile, Rosalyn Ladera from Sitio Pugad Lawin, who is four months pregnant, won a “Baby Showcase,” which consists of a crib, stroller, feeding bottles, baby clothes, baby mattress, and baby cleaning materials.
“I’m very glad to win because I don’t have the means to buy these things myself,” Rosalyn shared. Alice Tanada also won as “Gandang Pinay” while Janet Zaldriaga won the “Gandang Buntis” title.