This is Me, AIMEE


Aimee Hizon-Sarmiento


JOINING ME in this journey is,...

AIMEE HIZON-SARMIENTO
- is an Advertising Executive who loves good food, slightly bitter but definitely aromatic coffee, a wife and mom to two of the most wonderful, loving people in the world.  Being a working mother demands both her physical and mental efficiency but at the end of the day, she feels more rewarded going home and spending precious time with family.

She's the eldest of three children by Arturo Hizon and Aida Acierto, born and raised in Sagad, City of Pasig, an alumna of University of Santo Tomas with a degree in BS Advertising. She's blissfully married to AJ Sarmiento for more than seventeen years now and a proud mother to 16-year old CJ and 13-year old Basti.


Aimee at home with her family
Aimee at home with her family
AJ and Aimee during their Bohol trip
AJ and Aimee during their Bohol trip

Aimee loves to cook and bake. At first, she used recipe as guide but now, she can create delectable dishes not by the book but by using her own judgment. Seafood Paella, hot and sour soup, braised ribs, clam chowder, cheese-stuffed pan fried chicken and clams in oyster sauce with mushrooms are amongst her specialty dishes. She's usually in-charge of the kitchen whenever our clan holds reunion parties. 


Acierto Clan Christmas Party 2013
Acierto Clan Christmas Party 2013

BANDING TIME is what she calls when the whole family enjoys a moment of music. They always grace our parties with their versions of Linkin Park's and The Script's songs.


Parokya ni AJ (on drums: Basti, on keyboard: AJ,  on guitar: CJ and on vocals: Aimee)
Parokya ni AJ (on drums: Basti, on keyboard: AJ,
on guitar: CJ and on vocals: Aimee)


AIMEE being a wife and a mother
There are moments that she thought of giving up her work over family because she can hardly find a good balance between having a career and being a mom. But opportunities come her way and she has goals to achieve yet, so she's left with no other options for now.

She's a committed wife to a loving husband who supports her in every endeavor. She's a helping companion in raising their children and providing for their needs.

Fortunately, she has her parents around her to back her up in daily chores especially during week days. Their humble assistance makes everything easier at home.

Aimee maintains a blog site that serves as her outlet in relieving stress, voicing out her silent sentiments and this particular post terribly hit me straight to the heart as well, entitled.. " I am Always Working".

“There was one weekend when I had to spend the entire two days working on a presentation that I have the following Monday. I was using a new program for my presentation and, aside from being slow because I was still trying to learn the ropes, it really fascinated me and made me want to finish my presentation quickly so I can view it. 
Every now and then I would stop to take care of some household stuff: check my son's bag and notebooks for any project or assignment, prepare the uniforms of my kids for the entire week (I do this all the time because I get home late from work and I don't want to worry for some missing socks or hanky needed the next day), prepare food for my husband and kids, ask my daughter if she needs anything for school. And then I would go back again to my computer to work on the presentation. 
Come Sunday night, I was already in bed but  still busy typing on my laptop. My son and my daughter were in our bed watching TV. There was this commercial where kids describe their moms when my daughter blurted out "my mom is always working, if she's not working she's cleaning". 
That made me stop from whatever I was doing. I actually felt lumps of solid something creeping up my throat that I know will turn into a sob had I not controlled myself. 
I told my daughter that I am so sorry that I was working the whole weekend and we barely had time to do anything together, promised her that I will not do that again especially on a weekend. Asked her what she wants to do for the following week, "we can just lie in bed, eat ice cream and watch TV" she said. 
All my kids want is me, my time, my time with them. And I am making sure that I will spend those time with them. 
If I have a choice, I would like to be at home, not working. I would prepare my kids baon (food) for school.  I would wait for them to come home. We will study together, prepare projects together. 
We can just lie in bed, eat ice cream and just be together.”  

CJ and Basti with mom, Aimee
CJ and Basti with mom, Aimee

AIMEE being a Teamleader
Being in the corporate world, advertising industry in particular, Aimee is a team leader. She believes that jobs aren't about companies or paychecks...

".. they're about people that you see everyday, spend more of your waking moments with than your loved ones, so it's vitally important that you play for the right team. People who've got your back, who won't waste your time with petty politics or passive-aggressiveness, and who you feel comfortable being your fullest self with because that's how you can be successful at your job. And when you are with a team that allows you to be successful, you will find yourself learning, smiling, getting paid and generally kicking ass! -- (lifehacker)"


tAimee with colleagues and friends
Aimee with colleagues and friends

Four decades are behind her now and she's proud to have reached this milestone in her life. She's grateful for the experiences of the past that brought a lot of good things.. thankful for all the challenges that she'd encountered but survived that made her stronger and better person.

This, she has to say to herself when she turned 40 last 2012...

"And I am looking forward to, hopefully, 40 more. 
 I have so many things to still accomplish.  For me, for my kids, for my family. Those are my immediate and primary concerns. But with these primary things I have to fulfill and accomplish, I am also hoping that along the way of accomplishing these, I will also be of help to my community and my country. 
 I want to still learn and better my craft. To share my talents and knowledge to the young ones in the industry.  To impart the values I believe in when it comes to my work and profession. 
 Above all, I want my kids to grow up as responsible, loving and God-fearing individuals. Who values honesty, integrity and equality. 
 At 40, may I be the person that I have always dreamt of -- cool, calm, collected; experienced and mature; just and fair; loving and understanding.  Someone who accepts her mistakes and uses it to better herself; someone who accepts criticism with an open mind. Someone who not just hears but listens; someone who not just gives but shares willingly; someone who not just likes but loves."
 
For all that has come my way, I am thankful by Aimee



60 comments:

  1. I think one of the biggest issues facing both workers and employers is this issue of finding a balance between the demands from home and work. From new college grads who feel entitled to work-life balance to the baby boomers, many of whom are struggling with multiple family issues, there is no question that this topic is at the surface of many workplace discussions.

    No matter where you are in life, everyone seeks a personal life outside of work. And as employees feel more and more demands to work harder and longer hours, this issue simmers and grows in importance.

    Of course, only you can decide how to best balance work and family obligations. If you are dealing with a mortgage, college tuition payments, and financially assisting elderly family members, you will have much less flexibility than if you are more financially secure.

    Still, achieving some sort of balance between work and family is critical to your mental and physical health.

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    1. If there's a will, there's a way. Knowing Aimee, I believe she has the ability to juggle her full-time job with family. She can be efficient in both worlds.

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  2. Good thing that they always have the "Banding Time" and I happen to love music too! But dedicating a post to someone special is the best thing a blogger can do.

    I agree to her that at 40, there are still things that we can do and accomplish. But I admire her because aside from being a mother, she faced so many challenges that she accomplished.. :)

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    1. Aside from bloggers, I also featured some friends and relatives like Aimee with inspiring stories to tell. I want my readers to feel delighted in reading the posts and can somehow relate with their life stories.

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  3. Balancing is the key but everyone can fall short but I'm sure your kids appreciate you more than you know. :)

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    1. Aimee is one of my closest cousins and I know how she handles her daily ordeal in a more compassionate manner.

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  4. The stories that people tell are different that is why each one is interesting in their own way.

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    1. I agree Sir Wanderer Juan. We have our own ways of facing our fears, overcoming challenges and resolving our problems. My weakness may be your strength and for mothers like me and Aimee... parenting is a rewarding role. She has her story and I have mine as a stay-at-home-mom.

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  5. Wow a family that plays music together! I was surprise they can play Linkin Park songs. Great life Ms. Aimee!

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    1. I like Linkin Park's IN THE END but their music seems to interest Aimee's family because of how the guitar and drums are played, very challenging and exciting!

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  6. That 'Banding Time' must be an awesome thing to spend. All in all, you are a hardworking partner, a mom and wife always on the move.

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    1. She's a multi-tasker herself and she manages to keep the family intact and super close. Despite her busy schedule at work, she makes sure that she spends quality time with them.

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  7. Life begins at 40 as they say. Well I believe it was. Just accept wholeheartedly what life has to offer you. God still have lots in store for you. :)

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    1. You're right Ms Tet... life begins at 40 and Aimee is just starting to embrace success both in career and family. She's optimistic and proactive.

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  8. So inspiring, the balance that she have both career and family. I salute you ma'am for having that kind of dedication and I pray that you will be blessed with more accomplishment.

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    1. She is a superwoman like you Ms Pal. Every mother in the world is... in our own right. Aimee will definitely read these comments with a smile on her face.

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  9. Aimee looks like a really cool mom. I'm sure all her kids love her.

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    1. She is a cool mom especially when you see her perform with her family. She has her "kodigo" with the lyrics of the song and never cared to look at the audience until the song ended. LOL!!!

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  10. I love it when a family gets to spend quality time together bonding while doing their hobbies. For this one, it's playing music! Nice. :)

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    1. Her daughter loves Taylor Swift while her son is a Bruno Mars enthusiast. Aimee's family really ROCKS!!

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  11. It is really hard to have a full time job and take care of the family at the same time. It is good to know that she has her parents to help her in the house.

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    1. My mom and hers are sisters so we are first cousins. We're very lucky to be of their guidance even if we have our own families already. They never fail to offer assistance in any form.

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  12. She seems like a superwoman. I just wonder how she balances her time and duties and on top of that she also blogs! I wish I have her stamina and strength.

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    1. Time management, I think is her key to make things easier... more organized but I'm sure, there are times that she feels exhausted and drained.

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  13. wow, I admire how she manages her time between family and her career. Superwoman indeed! Thanks for featuring her. I will be 40 soon and I want to have an attitude like her's.. there is still so much to learn and accomplish!

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    1. I think you'll be fine Ms Raya. As we all know, age is just a number. We have to stay young at heart.

      Every woman is uniquely created. You can be as admirable as well.

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  14. Kudos for maintaining a sane family and a career. I'm a full time career woman too and I try my best to leave out weekends and after work hours only for my family.

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    1. We all work hard for our family. It's our responsibility to provide and protect them but we also have to let them feel secured with our love by spending precious moments with them.

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  15. It's hard to find the perfect balance between family and career. But for me, family is and will always be my #1 priority.

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    1. Yeah! Family first... It's important to weigh our priorities in order to achieve our goal accordingly.

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  16. it's nice to learn something about the author of this blog, this way i would know the reasons behind and what inspired you to create the blog. thanks for sharing.

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    1. The author is yours truly who wish to impart different life lessons through life experiences coming straight from the heart of my featured personalities like Aimee.

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  17. i like the banding time :) life begins at 40 as they say, so Aimee you were just starting :)

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    1. She's just starting to pursue more dreams and achieve more goals for herself, family and community.

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  18. I like how you describe , accepts criticism with open mind-for me it it is very important to have an open mind especially life is like a roller coaster, we never know what's our future.

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    1. Like a roller-coaster... LIFE has its UPs and DOWNs... twists and turns. We may experience pain, sorrow and failure but if we keep our faith in GOD, everything will fall into its proper place.

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  19. There's a delicate balance in handling a career in the corporate world and being a Mom and wife. She's for sure one of those that seem able to handle it quite well - with a lot of help from family which is a real good thing.

    She's a Thomasian just like me :-)

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    1. With a support group, either at home and work... every hard thing gets easier and every heavy load gets lighter.

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  20. Aimee's smile is so inspiring :) I too wish I could spend more time with my family. I have a hard time balancing family and work sometimes. It takes super woman powers to do that. Reading Aimee's thoughts motivated me today, to be a better person :)

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    1. I'm glad to know that Aimee's story somehow touched your life today. You may not find a perfect way to balance your family and work, I'm sure you will always find time to excel in one task at a time.

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  21. Aimee is such a supermom! I can't imagine having the time and energy to do all of these things: working, (and being a team leader at that!) being a mom, having a blog, and having time for "banding".

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    1. Her blog site is an exclusive journal and I guess, she has yet to expose her posts as of the moment that's why, I don't share her link. But, I will try to encourage her to make it public to inspire more readers.

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  22. it's nice to meet another inspiring person who is able to balance work and family and make the family top of priority. I love how they bond as family, "banding" :)

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    1. I want to share life stories as many as possible. We have our own daily encounters that may teach us lessons, new acquaintances who may play a significant part and make a difference in our lives. Aimee is just one of those and I believe that you, Ms Betchai is an inspiring woman as well.

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  23. I love how Aimee is so inspiring to other mothers out there. It's really hard to do almost everything once you become a mother. I like the banding time thing as I also enjoy music and I'm in a band before :)

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    1. Banding time is their most favorite time because not only they become closer, they share the same passion for music like you, Ms. Genzel.

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  24. i love the banding time! sounds so much fun to me.

    i must say that Aimee is every inch an epitome of a modern woman. i admire her!

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    1. "... epitome of a modern woman" - flattering words like these will certainly make her a prouder mom and leader.

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  25. Striking a balance between home and career is one of the biggest challenges that faces women today. But reading your post it seems like you are not doing bad at all in that department. It's really not about the length of time you spend with the family but the quality time spent with them that counts. :)

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    1. Moments with family are precious... being with them is always a special day to remember and cherish. Aimee's quality time for her family tops her to-do-list.

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  26. She sound like a versatile, compassionate, and dedicated Mom, Wife, and worker. Such an inspiration.

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    1. I'm sure she'll be flattered to read these kind words coming from yet another woman worth featuring as well.

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  27. She's entering the middle-age life but her past put her into a level of satisfaction. Still life challenges will come until old age, so balancing in life endeavor should be kept constant.

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    1. Life will always bring either rainy or sunny seasons but it's up to us to weather the storms and take advantage of the bright sky.

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  28. What a beautiful Mom and businesswoman Aimee is :-) I am glad that she balance the two important part of being a woman. I love that last picture of her. She looks beautiful and at the same very happy :-)

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    1. Actually, these two solo photos of hers are my favorites. These reflect her beauty inside-out.

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  29. It is an honor to be featured in simplymarrimye. Thank you to my Ate Marrie whose able to make sense of my seemingly senseless musings; written so well, crafted so interestingly. It made me seem like an interesting person :) But truly, in reality, I am just a normal, simple mom who aspires to be a good provider to my family, which I'm sure, is just like many others. Thank you for all the comments and kind words. To be dubbed as an inspiration is beyond me. For all the comments, I am thankful and humbled :)

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  30. Such an inspiring woman indeed no wonder her family is wonderful as well.

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  31. Wow! A certified successful career-woman and mom she truly is! What a pleasure to know her! She definitely deserves to be known by women like me! :)

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  32. Awww this is a nice write up! Thank you for showing the different sides of you. I must say, you are a super woman for being the "best" person for the people surrounding you, esp your family.

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