Customer Service and Sales

Real estate business has been booming especially in Metro Manila.  Construction sites are like mushrooms spurting out from each corner of the metro.  An individual's dream list would always include owning a house from a prestigious subdivision where his family is safe.  As you enter a mall, you will see agents and brokers giving out flyers to everyone they meet, wishing that that could be their next buyer.  But did you know what can a person cost him when buying a house?  One of which is paying the house all his life through bank financing.  Working up to his neck first for the government (taxes) and second for the bank (financing).  I thought this will be the start of fulfilling that dream under bank financing or PAGIBIG loan.  A friend referred to us Montville Place developed by Harvard Realty in Don Antonio Subdvision in Quezon City. A big mistake! I should have read the book RICH DAD POOR DAD by Robert Kiyosaki before I entered into this deal.  I thought it was an asset, but it turned out to be a liability.  I should have spent my money into something that would bring income into my pocket. It is not only financial considerations that a buyer has to be concerned about, it's the way they are treated as clients.   Please read on to know our story.  

We reserved the lot last January at a price of 3.035M.  I and my husband gave them the 12 checks for the down payment.  At first I wanted to pay the full down payment of 30%, but  my friend halted me.  She suggested that we need to have the bank loan pre-approved by affiliated banks because Multiland does not encourage PAGIBIG loans.
We were also informed that the Model House of Phase 1 is only available for a 12 month installment because that is only their model house.  Then why are they selling it? We complied with the requirements.  During this time, I was already self employed so my husband was the principal applicant.  The developer is affiliated with BDO, PSBank, Metrobank and Union Bank.  We were informed that feedback will be given to us by the bank within two weeks.  We initially forwarded our application loan to BDO and PSBank.  BDO was quite fast in processing the loan application. After a week investigation has started but they informed us beforehand that they are not processing loans if the applicant is less than 1 year old in his company.  My husband just transferred to his new company August of 2010.  We were not informed about it by Multiland employees.  Was this done on purpose? 

We still had another bank PSBank.   We were wondering why there is no feedback for almost a month already.  Our payments are running.  When I call the developer's office and I ask for Jean (she was the one who received our documents) she keeps on telling us that there is no feedback yet.  A month passed by and the same spiel, "no feedback and we are going to give you a call."  For the nth time,  I asked Jean to give me the number of PSBANK.  She gave me the number and the contact person is Judith.  I asked them about the loan application and found out loan has NOT been ENCODED yet which means there is no loan being processed.   Why is it that Jean of Multiland keeps on telling me that there is no feedback.  Does that mean there were no follow up calls made to PSBank for our application?  Reason why it is not encoded yet was  Phase 2 of Montville Place in Commonwealth, QC is not yet accredited.  It was so disgusting because the location of the townhouse was Phase 1 and it was their Model House.  Judith of PSBank told us that there is also no land title attached to our application.  So I called their office again, and initiated telling them of the development.  And it was only this time that they fixed the problem.  Was this done on purpose AGAIN? If I did not call them up, we could have waited for a year for the accreditation of Phase 2.  To cut the story short, we were also disapproved, but PSBank is know to be lenient in processing loans.  Will we still apply for a loan in Metrobank and Union Bank? That is the developer's suggestion.  We are going to wait again while we lose our money? 

After 2 months of paying the down payment, we decided to back out.  We submitted a letter of request to their company on April 16, 2011.  We asked for the remaining checks but refused to give us because Jean of Multiland said our request has to be forwarded to their legal department.  My husband wanted to call our lawyer but I told him to be more patient.  He felt like we are being forced to continue the purchase and I realized he was right.  Three weeks later I followed up and Jean told me that there is "NO FEEDBACK" from their legal department and she is no longer handing our concern.  His name is Iver Angeles.  She told me that she would ask Iver to call me about it but no call.  I called again but Iver is always not in the office.  Last June 10, I was in the vicinity of their office and I opted to give their office a visit.  I patiently waited for more than 20 minutes for Iver, Jean did not come out.  Finally when Iver came out, he told me, "Ma'am there is no REFUND." I freaked out, I worked hard for this money and this man will just tell me sarcastically that there is no refund.  "You signed in the contract that's why there is no refund! Did you not read it?"  How can I read it, I do not even have a copy.  I asked for a copy of the contract but he refused.  He was seeking approval from his colleague Irene Figueroa but my plea was not fruitful.  There was no sign that it was even forwarded to their legal team.  I believe it is my right to have a copy of that contract because he kept on telling me it's in the contract.  So I wanted proof.  Did I not read the contract? I did with full trust in them that there are no delaying tactics from their part when it comes to processing of our papers.  I asked for my checks and still no checks returned.  When Iver was seeking assistance I even over hear this Irene saying "kasalanan na nila yun!" Yes, it was partly my fault of trusting them but this is hard earned money.  I did not only earn it for a day, that I can just let it go just like that.  

I know that the reservation fee is really not refunded at all times.  We could have backed out earlier if we were informed right away that our credentials do not fit the bank's requirements.  But we were given false hopes.  Is this their business practice so they can lure buyers, they prolong the process until the buyer does not have the option to back out anymore because if he does, his money goes to nothing.  

Sales agents are working their asses off to sell, but the employees of the company doesn't care about their clients.  I was in the Customer Service world 1/3 of my life,  I make sure that I do my best to take care of the customer, because one way of the other these people are the sources of my income.  I represent the company not myself.  Customer's may not be always right but the respect should be given to every customer they meet.  Was I treated that way because I was not like their rich clients?  Or because I backed out?  We had a meeting with the agent and while approaching him, we noticed that one of the homeowners was following up something from him to be fixed, "Paki follow up mo na yun a, ang tagal na nun e!" (Please follow it up, it's been so long).  So it's not only me who's complaining.  August is nearing and my husband will be one year in the new company, I was given the option by the agent to continue paying and re-apply for the loan, why will we do that if I know that the people we will be dealing with will not treat us well.   Will I live in a place where I will always remember the way I was treated but still work for the bank loan for the next 20 years or so? 

I am not angry, I just wanted to express my feeling towards this big lesson I learned.  Everytime I see Multiland, Harvard, Montville or Don Antonio, I will always remember this experience. Just passing by Commonwealth avenue, (the killer highway) will always remind me of this lesson killing a portion of my money, going down the drain.
For those looking for houses, do not only consider the amount, consider the place, consider the company and the people you are dealing with. I hope not Multiland Realty Development Corporation.

10 Tips when Renting an apartment

I lived is an apartment for so many years.  Living in an apartment is  like living with other people you do not know who are just next door.  You may gain friends and enemies.  There are many considerations before choosing to live in one. I had my own experiences, lessons and observations so I would like to share them with you.
1. Consider the sense of smell of your neighbors.  Choose carefully the animals that you want to keep.  It is definitely an OFF when you are taking care of animals that can cause bad smell such as HAMSTERS.   When you want to take care of animals live in the farm.
2.  Noise?  Be considerate not only when having parties, also when talking to other people.  Noise is unbearable during the night especially if you have kids.  Videoke parties are fine as long as singing voice is great but not everyday please.
3. When there are misunderstandings, make sure that these are settled in the most proper way.  Not through facebook or any other multimedia sites.  Always learn how to negotiate with problematic neighbors.

4.  Never brag on things that would make you look stupid.  Like saying "Sky is the limit" when buying a second hard car.  Or bragging about building a new house but never moving out.

5.  Consider the environment for your safety and security.  In the apartment we lived in, there are warehouses and factories all around, I did not know that the squatters area was just nearby. It is where I lost my bag of jewelries.  We were trick or treating in the office, the burglar was trick or treating my precious stuff.  My neighbors also experienced theft.  One just left to have a Valentine dinner but when they came back, the electric guitar and laptop was gone.  Actually I saw the burglar when I passed by, I never suspected it because he was tapping the door acting as if he was a visitor, not knowing that he was trying to open the door forcibly. The other neighbor on the third door seldomly stays at their apartment, it was noticed one day that the locks were destroyed.  The neighbor at the last door lost his bike one early morning.  Come to think of it one of the tenants opened the gate for him.  She claims she has seen that man having drinking sessions with her father.
6.  When you befriend a neighbor choose wisely.  What characters they have, what is their source of income and others.  You never know these are drug dealers, prostitutes and the like.
7.  Never listen to chitchats of other people, stay away from gossips, this is where the problem starts most of the time.
8.  When there is a fight in the household, contain it.  It leads to shame.
9. Never asked fellow tenants to move out, because the units were never yours.
10.  Problems with neighbors are inevitable, when you can no longer handle it, move out.  Consider the lessons you have learned and move on with your life.
For landlords or landladies, learn to protect the rights of your tenants.  When you hear a complaint from one of your tenants find a way to correct it not just let the tenants handle it themselves.  Keep promises like maintaining the apartment facilities in good condition.  There were some stuff to be fixed inside our apartment but the landlady just had it checked but never fixed.  This is also for the protection of your housing investment, how can the tenants take care of the apartment if they see that you do not take care of it yourself.

When mother takes charge

I have been out of work for almost 7 months now, which means I am semi-exclusively taking care of the four kids.  I have 2 nannies.
What do I get from this? I have everything I want.  I may not be earning right now, but they have needs that I can provide that nobody else can. I am going to tell you our story tonight.
Before going to sleep, I read the 2 boys a book.  Tonight I read them the Bible Story. My eldest son loves it. My Halo has been doing something else while I was reading.  After reading, Uel requested for a hug and Halo a back scratch, our usual routine.  I extend my arms where I can hug Uel while scratching Halo until we fall asleep. I call it multitasking.  I do that until both of them fall asleep.  That was about 930pm and by this time,  the twins are already asleep at the living room.  Why at the living room? I can't put them to sleep while the older brothers are awake, it's a rumble.
It was already 220am while writing this, I took a 20 minute break, my Twinkle cried in the other room so I had to ran to her. I transfered her into our room and had some milk.  I just need to assure her that mommy's here.  An hour ago, I was awakened by Star's cry.  Daddy got her milk, she doesn't like it.  She was given water, she doesn't like it either.  I was so sleepy so Daddy stopped what he was doing and carried her but it did not help. I know what she wants, a hug from Mommy.  She tried to play with her Dad but when she looks at me, she realizes what she really wants.  She wanted me to carry her until she falls asleep again.  I was so sleepy but I have no choice.  I need to do it or all of us will have to stay awake even her brothers.  While carrying her, her older brother Halo woke up crying.  "Mommy, I want to sleep beside you!"  Ooooppps! Now, there's two of them.  While putting Star to sleep, Halo wanted me to scratch his back, take note, Only mommy!  This has been a usual scenario.  Here is what we do, I start scratching his back and Dad will continue.  But Halo is too smart to notice that.  He will again blurt out, "Mommy, please scratch my back!"  He knows the difference.  Good thing, on Twinkle's turn, she just asked for milk and no carrying around needed this time.  Plain milk and she was back to sleep.
I just noticed though.  When babies wake up during the night, the father would initially think that the baby needs milk.  Daddy would prepare milk for them.  But when it comes to the mother, a kiss and a hug is the priority.  The mother's touch is the best touch ever.
Daddy is the provider, mommy does everything else.  Mothers out there would agree with me I know.
My reward? Happiness. Fulfillment as a mom.
Lessons: Always be there when your children needs you.  They are your responsibility.

Computer lessons anyone?

When I was young, the mouse was an animal and windows were the rectangle shaped openings of our house.  Now, the Webster's dictionary has added lots of words in it.  The computer at that time was the one I use when I play video games like Mario brothers.  Tin tin tin tin nin tin! It's was called Nintendo then.  The first time I touched the computer was when I was on first year college, I think about  20 years ago? I still remember when we had to make our Econometric model and rent at a computer shop and we used Lotus 123 and WordStar.  Say goodbye to your work when you hear a demonic laugh! Wala! A virus has bit your floppy disk.  I learned a lot about computers when I was working.  I have no choice because I will be left behind if I won't.

Nowadays, my 3 year old son knows how to use the computer.  He knows the different parts of the computer.  Sometimes I am amazed when he tells me, "Mom, look at that, that's youtube! Scary isn't it?  He can play online games in Y8, Y3, Gazo.com and others. My 6 year old son can now chat with his aunt in the US.  He was so excited when he first did it.  Of course, he doesn't his password.  We created an account for him, but I did not give him his password, I told him my fingers memorized it.  So I need to use my fingers to enter it.  I don't know until when would he realize that I intended not to give it to him.  Someday he will understand. Yes! I allow them to use the computer, but with controlled time and proper guidance.  The computer is not their nanny.  We make sure somebody is with them when surfing the net.  Sometimes there is a mini-civil war in front of the computer.  Fighting over who's going to use the computer at a certain period of time.  What I did? They have 15 minutes interval each.  It is written on paper.  My eldest knows how to read and follows instructions well so nobody cheats.  I can't either.  I will be given the worst accusation of not following my schedule if I won't.  And that's bad influence and they can always think that it is OK not to follow instructions.  

They can't use the computer from 1230pm to 5:00 pm because it is nap time.  7:00pm to 8:00pm is forbidden because it's dinner time.  They can't also use the computer unless they took a bath, I make sure that their eyes are not tired when they take a bath.  So when can they use the computer.  9am to 12nn, 5pm to 7pm and 8pm to 9pm.  That's enough for them.  They can't go over 9:00pm because that is their sleeping time.  Sometimes I ask them to take a break so I can check the stock market.  My 3 year old son knows the website, and he is excited to show me that he knows the site that I am going to check.  So when do I usually use the internet?  When they are asleep.  There was a time when my son asked me to buy him his own laptop with internet so he can use it anytime.  What a request from a turning 6 year old.  For others they can easily give in, but for me, it's too early.  

It is us parents who can teach our children what to do, who can control them on the things they can, and guide them on their capabilities.  How do you guide yours?

I call it exposure

I am the youngest of 12 children.  Yes! 12! We were all born in Tarlac and we grew up there.  6 of my siblings now live there, one died in 1997 (He was struck by lightning).  One is a teacher in China.  4 of us are stays in Manila.  I was born when our eldest was 27 years old, he has his own family by then.  My late father was a great farmer and my mother assisted him while taking care of us.  They did their best so we could attend to good schools, especially the last 6.  Since my parents are farmers and we grew up in the barrios, we were able to grow with farm animals, different crops and trees. We can name plants and trees in no time.  Our rich classmates can see all green around them while we can name each plant from afar. That is an advantage, whether they like it or not.  We have rice, eggplants, tomatoes, bitter gourd, tobacco, and more.  Just roam around the house and you'll have something to cook for breakfast, lunch and dinner.   We all know how to plant these.  Aside from the plants, we also have chicken, ducks and pigs.  The happier part is harvest time.  We get the a portion of the sales when we help in harvesting and eventually selling in the market.  A person will just know at our door (no gates in the provinces) and buys the vegetables they want.  1 peso is enough to buy a kilo of eggplants.  We also have guavas around the house.  The sales support our daily school allowance and tuition fees.  This is how I started to be an entrepreneur.  I love earning through sales.  Unfortunately, my mother did not want us selling. I won't forget when I tried selling bookmarks to my classmates (I love practical arts).  My classmates also pay me to design their projects.  When she learned about it, she was so angry that I did not want her to know that I am selling anything anymore.  She thinks selling is just a waste of time and would hamper our way to looking for a good job in the future.  No one gets rich being an employee.  Being an employee for 15 years can attest to that.
Back in college, I sold Avon products.  The sales added to my allowance.  Thank you to my college friend who maybe now is a successful businesswoman.
Now I have four kids.  I want them to become entrepreneurs of the future.  It's music to my ears when I hear my eldest son saying, "let's sell."  I encourage them to sell or have their own business someday.  I expose them to my selling activities so they would know.  We had another week long vacation in Tarlac, I was so happy when my sons asks permission from me that they would go to the farm with their cousins.  One morning when I woke up, my eldest excitedly said that he is going to sell string beans with his uncle in the barrio on a tricycle.  Funny thing was, when he cannot sell, he says, "Why aren't the people buying? Don't they have the money?"
He has his own ideas on selling.  When I told him that we are going to buy some "balut", he told me "Yes, and let's sell them to our neighbors!"  I know someday my son will become a good businessman, because at an early age he comes up with his own ideas on selling.
I expose them to the world where I've been through.  I also let them explore.  If it was something unknown to me, as long as it is safe, it's fine.  Of course, the dad knows as well.  During their stay in Tarlac, they wanted to go to the farm, I allowed them.  They took a ride on the "kuliglig", (it is a vehicle used to transport goods and people in the farm).  They love it.  They even rode with a pig on it.  They love it.   It was them who offers the idea of going to the farm, feed the pigs, chicken and other farming activities.  In the city, all we have is a pot of soil.  Some would not like the idea, but I call it exposure.
Have a wonderful life!

Faith or stupidity?

The Philippines is full of traditions and practices.  In the family, Holy week is a time of family get together in the ancestral house.  We spend sleepless nights enjoying the Bisita Iglesia (church visits).  We can walk 10 long kilometers without being tired.  We stop at each church and sing the Passion of Christ.  We fearfully watch people who practice penitence, carrying of the cross, the Nazarene, people scourging themselves.

   And when we know that somebody has done that he may be treated with respect because they are sinful people who are sorry for what they did and they want their sins washed so they share the passion of Christ.
It was so unfortunate that youngsters nowadays are doing just it to show their macho image.  They do not "know" what they are doing.  They want to prove to the audience that they can do it as well and they are brave.  Before when a penitent is passing by, we keep quiet.  We were made to believe that if we talk about the person, his sins will be transferred to us.  Very Filipino! Now, people make a fool out of them, because we know they just make fools out of themselves.  No respect at all!  Except for a chosen few whom we know who still have faith and are doing it for a reason.  Why no respect?  Simple stupidity!  After they pass by carrying the cross or hurt themselves through scourging, we find them drinking alcohol and making trouble.  We even saw some kids who were walking along the street with their costumes on and smoking, shouting and laughing.   They never thought (or never knew) that Jesus was not like this in his time.  He did not do it to show off!

It is seldom that we see people carrying the cross, because I believe it is harder than scourging.  Scourging is done when the back is numb, while walking all they feel is the heat.  They cannot make their body numb when they are carrying a cross.  Do I have point?  I believe I have!
This is one of the reasons why the Philippines is still a developing country.  When will people realize that it is up to them if they will succeed in life?
Have a marvelous life!

The homemaker of the century

Yes! I am a housewife! A homemaker! I've always wanted to be one.  I often told myself once I am out of the office, I am going to be free, free to do the things I wanna do! Have my own business, travel here and there, go shopping, etc. etc.
But...........I think I forgot something................I need to set my priorities.  I wanted to have my own business at once. AT ONCE.  I joined a Christmas bazaar with friends.  It was only near the house, but I barely had time for my family.  I have a four kids.  During this time, my husband had his gall bladder removed to avoid further complications.  I was attending to the store at the same to my family.  It pretended it was OK, but I know somewhere out there it wasn't.  I had to feel OK, because my friends are and I am enjoying what I am doing.

I told myself I am not going to look for a job, I will have my own business.  

After Christmas, the big questions were, WHAT NOW? What are your plans my dear? Where is your business.  It's somewhere along the way! LOL!

I am busy all the time.  Busy with what?  With my family.  I bathe them, I play with them, I pray with them, I eat with them, I send them to school and I attend to all their needs.  I am a busy mom!  From the time I left my job, I was not able to travel, the farthest place I've been to was Tarlac.  Shopping? Yes, I go to the malls all the time, but not to shop for myself, it's for my family.  I do the groceries.  I do not have a boss!  I have BOSSES! My kids!  I am more fulfilled, I am with them, they have me.  I cannot look for a job, because my eldest would tell me, "Mom, I am happy you are with us! Don't go to the office anymore, we are going to miss you!"  You should always be with us!" He did not want me to join the bazaar anymore because he said he didn't want me going home very late at night (it was a midnight bazaar).  

I have to come up with ways on how to earn money while at home.  To start with, I need to have good goods to sell in the internet, I need to have a network and a market, and I need to have a supplier of stuffs to sell.

It is hard to be at home ONLY.  I am busier now than when I was working.  Before I know it, the day has ended with a smile on my face, I know I was able to show my love to my family another day of my life. I can say there are the busiest days of my life.  Sometimes, I cannot even open the computer to write my blogs or read books, my four kids are all around me, and I love it.  I can write right now because all of them are all asleep. 

I am still planning my next steps and I know I am going to succeed with my kids as my inspiration.  

HUGS!!!

The Heat is on!!!

Holy week has just passed.  Every vacationer is back to reality like us.  I went home to my hometown in Tarlac, Philippines (Central Luzon) to take a simple vacation during the Holy week.  My kids were so excited to be back to the provinces because they wanted to play with soil, as simple as that.  But what I really want is for them to see what really happens in Tarlac during this time.  I want them to see our tradition which they won't see in Manila. Now that we are back in Manila, they are all sick because of the heat yesterday.  Manila is said to have the hottest temperature yesterday so far.  I heard it was 37 degrees.  We left Tarlac at 1230pm, we arrived Manila at about 4pm.  I was really hot.  At 9pm, my Twinkle started vomiting, followed by Halo.  Star and Uel had loose bowel movement starting this morning.  Today all of them were vomiting and making poop except for Uel, he never got sick.  The same thing happened to my nephew Ben, he was vomiting and had loose bowel movement starting 3am, my brother in law feels the same until now.  My Halo did not want to drink his milk anymore because he is afraid that he might get sick again.  Uel told me he goes to the toilet every time he eats.  Poor kids.

At times like this, I asked the sick person to take water with lots of sugar.  For the kids, I have pedialyte ready.  I advise them to take lots of liquids but not so muck milk because it can trigger vomiting.  Poor kids, and poor mom.  I don't want to panic.  When my husband arrived from office last night, Halo started to vomit, he was asking me.  "What did I feed my children?"  He has nobody else to ask except me.  It wasn't the food.  The food I ate was also the food that the affected people ate, also the drinks. 

I am blaming it on the heat.  Yes! The heat!  But the thing is, all those affected slept in rooms with aircon on.  All my kids were sick because right after the travel, they slept with the aircon on, practically all night.  My nephew and brother in law were at the hotel with the aircon on the whole night as well.  It was hot then sudden cold, it makes people sick, I know that now.  All we want is comfort for our kids, we didn't want them to be sick.  If only I knew!  

I am happy my Halo ate well during dinner tonight.  He, Twinkle and my nephew Ben were the most affected.

I pray that they're gonna be alright tomorrow.  

Breastfeeding Rules

Hi! Some people think that breastfeeding is just plain breastfeeding.  I will bluntly say it's not.  Breastfeeding is not a joke.  It is passion, a mother's desire.  It a big decision that a mother has to make before bearing a child.  It has it's own rules.  Some may think these rules are old fashioned, maybe they are but they are effective.
Here are the rules:
1.  Believe in what old people says, it matters.  They know better because they've been through it.  There was no formula milk in the past.

2.  Drink lots of liquids.  No cold drinks please.  Hot water, hot soup, name it. It stimulates milk production. Believe in the power of "malunggay" or ben oil tree.
3.  Allow the child to feed anytime he/she wants.  More will be produced if you do so, because it is  replenished.
4.  Bath with hot (bearable) water.
5.  Always wash your nipples before feeding, or wipe it with hot well towel.
6.  No eating of sour fruits like mangoes and guavas.  It will lessen your milk, take it from me, I experienced it.  It causes mastitis too.
7. A back massage helps in the production of milk.
8.  A mother should be proud that she breast feeds her baby.  It has its own benefits and advantages (more on that in my next posts).
Complaining is not the solution to successful breastfeeding.  It is sacrifice.  You may have sore nipples, wounded nipples, painful breasts and others.  But these are only a few compared to the future benefits the  mother and the child gets after.
I'll give one example.  I believe in this one.  The child is more intelligent if he/she was breastfed.  My kids are.
Have a good life.

BREASTFEEDING 101

Motherhood is the best thing that ever happened to me.  I have four kids.  2 boys and 2 girls (twins).  The eldest (Uel) is turning 6 in July, the second (Halo) is turning 3 in May, and the twins (Twinkle and Star) are turning one year old in June.  Yes, it is May, June and July.  My husband's birthday is July and I was born in August.
I can proudly say that I was able to breastfeed these 4 little ones while working.  How did I do it? I told myself "I CAN"!  Some thought I can't but I went the other way.  I chose to do it because I wanted to prove others that I can and I will.  Well, it was basically a challenge for me.  When I was pregnant with Uel, I prayed hard so I would produce milk after giving birth, I have the fear of having none, because most of my officemates never breastfeed.  Lucky for me, my mother guided me right after I gave birth.  When he was roomed - in, I had the first drop of milk.  My mother would literally climb up my bed to assist me and my son.  My husband was so frustrated because he thinks that my son was tortured.  In-laws never really match, believe me.  I can barely move that time because after 16 hours of labor I gave birth via Ceasarian Section. I was never hospitalized so just imagine what I have gone through in this experience.  When I did not have enough milk yet, he was given formula at the hospital. When we got home, I decided that I should exclusively breastfeed my son, (I am the mother so I will decide) so I asked my husband to throw away the formula left over.  I was successful.  I never left my son's side so I am available when he needs me.
When I went back to work after 3 months on leave (maternity and extra vacation leaves),  I brought with me my feeding bottles, breast pump, and cooler with ice.  Everybody was so amazed at what I was doing every 3 hours....expressing my milk.  Some were laughing at me, and I ignored them.  I am not doing it for anybody else but my loved ones.  My son has available stored milk all the time.  My father in law had to buy his own refrigerator because there is no space left for his beers inside the ref.  When he was nine months old, I went out of town on a conference, some would think how can I store the milk for 3 long days.  That was easy.  I made use of the coolers and freezers of the hotel.  The hotel crew was supportive. 2 weeks later, I went to a team building activity in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental (southern part of the Philippines).  I already got the support of my officemates so I am excused every time I need to express milk, or whenever I need to took for ice while on tour.  Again, the resort's kitchen was so useful.  I made use of their freezers.  Good thing it wasn't mistaken for cow's milk or ice drop.

When I gave birth to Halo (my second), perhaps I knew better.  I had more milk.  During that time, I was tempted to buy a freezer exclusively for breast milk, because our refrigerator had no more space.  I left the milk I expressed in the office freezer and I bring them home on Fridays.  I was able to travel to Palawan 3x (once in Coron and 2x in Puerto Princesa), I also went to Baguio when he was 2 months old. Wait till I tell you this.  I was able to travel to Hongkong for 4 days and he was fed on pure breast milk.  Actually I can leave the house for more than 2 weeks, without buying any formula.

Feeding my twins on pure breast milk has been a big challenge for me.  When I was still on maternity leave, they were exclusively feeding from me.  But when I got back to work, it was hard.  I had to produce for two.  I was always told by elders that it is impossible for me not to buy formula.  I believed them.  They are 10 months old now, I gave up working and unfortunately I cannot exclusively breastfeed them.  Maybe because I believed what others have said, "I cannot do it!"  They were successful, my mindset was different this time.  I cannot even leave the house for 12 hours straight, I worry.  I came to realize it is how the mother thinks.
Breastfeeding is rewarding and at the same time, I had learned so many lessons.  I am fulfilled because I know my children are healthy, and I am happy because I inspired others to do the same.  Believe me when I gave birth to my first son, it was only me who was breastfeeding in our office, but when I gave birth to my second, there were seven of us who did.  Some even made it longer than I did.  My longest was 1 year and a half, others did it for 2 years.
Wait for next post.....I will be telling more about breastfeeding.  How I did it, what helped me.  The advantages and benefits of breastfeeding, my rewards and experiences as a mom and  more.......... 
Stay fulfilled and be happy.