Pio's Scout Investiture

My only son Pio had his investiture last Friday in school. He is now officially a kab scout. Posted below are pics taken on the affair.


getting ready for the parade


parade of colors


with the scout masters


with his fellow scouts


Pio with his ninang for the investiture, putting Pio's neckerchief

The Philippine Blog Awards Night

Last Sunday, September 21, we attended the most anticipated blog event, The Philippine Blog Awards. It was held at One Esplanade, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. It was such a successful event, attended by quite a number of bloggers (professionals and newbie as well). It was even made more special with the attendance of Presidentiable, Senator Mar Roxas as guest speaker. Kudos to the organizer and its President Noemi Dado for a job well done. Cheers!

the stage design/ set up


mommies havin' fun at the Clique booth


mommy-bloggers with my former boss, Senator Mar Roxas


Chats, Dine, Feng, Cookie, Cess, Julie, Rachel and Noemi

Thanks to Chats for all the pics....

Lucky by Colbie Caillat & Jason Mraz

Hubby is dedicating this song for me, ha ha ha. According to him, he's so lucky he's in love with his bestfriend. Isn't he sweet? Am sharing the song I got from YouTube....

Photo Hunt: Road

To join other hunters, please click here.



the road going to Ilocos Norte

Charice and Celine Dion Duet

Charice made it again. Another dream came true for her. This time, it's a duet with Celine Dion.

In the concert, the Canadian international star first told the life story of Charice. "This young girl's name is Charice. I'm so excited. She's 16 years old and she's from the Philippines. Let me tell you she has a voice that can literally blow the roof off Madison Square. But the real story is, Charice and her mom escaped a terrifying experience and had to leave Charice's violent father. You know, to start a life on their own, Charice vowed to save her mom from life's desperation. Through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually got noticed. By such a fortunate chance people saw the show on Oprah and Oprah wanted to take her under her wing and David Foster joined them.

"I had a chance to see Charice perform one of my songs in Oprah last week. I have a little difficulty to talk right now because I met Charice and I'm so emotional and so I'm searching and looking for my words trying to control my emotion. I invited here to come her tonight to sing with me...,” said Celine Dion.

We're so proud of you Charice.

My Choice of Washer & Dryer

We opened another branch of our laundry shop last September 1 at the New Intramuros Village/ North Susana Executive Village. The place is near The Grand Terrace and Puregold, about two blocks away to Tandang Sora.

Having another branch meant additional machines. We bought ours at Excellence Trading, the distributor of Whirlpool units/products here in Manila. If I need heavy-duty units, I go straight to Whirlpool. I've tried other brands before but it's only for our personal needs. The Whirlpool washing machine and dryer can handle 10 kgs of clothes in one load. It works so fast also. Our units can wash 150 kgs of clothes (comforters, linens, curtains, stuffed toys as well) for a day. I really trust this brand, it's so reliable.

A Day at Dampa

Last Sunday, my family went to Dampa at Macapagal Avenue. It's been awhile since the last time we all ate there. Since me and my kids are seafood lovers, we were so happy when hubby decided to treat us there. You can just see the smile on Pio's face. First, we bought the seafoods on the market and have them cooked at Mom and Dad resto. The resto's staff suggested the dish they can do with our chosen seafood.

The resto is so clean (same with the bathroom), staff are friendly, service is good and they really cook well. Here, take a peek of what we had at Mom and Dad resto.

Pio opening his dalandan soda


Bea sipping her buko juice


crab claws cooked in butter and garlic


sinigang na sugpo


salmon sashimi


prawn tempura

Doctor, Doctor We Are Sick...

A week ago, me and my kids are all sick. Blame it on the weather, too much heat in the morning 'til afternoon, then, it rains by night time. My kids had asthma attacks, the youngest got dehydrated, and I had a bad cold which triggers my migraine too. We went to see a doctor, had our laboratory tests (CBC, urinalysis, X-ray) and bought medicines at the Mercury Drugstore. I also surfed the net for "2nd opinion".

I took Sinutab for my colds, Norgesic for my migraine and Vitamin C & E. While my kids had Neozep Syrup (for colds), Biogesic syrup (for fever), Ambroxol (for cough), Pedialyte (for dehydration) and Asmalin (Salbutamol) nebule for their nebulization. Kids are also taking Ceelin and Appebon with Iron as their vitamins. We all drank gallons of fruit juice, ate veggies and slept almost the whole day for one week. I didn't send my kids to school so they can rest.

Thank God, we're all ok now.

The Philippine Blog Awards 2

This post is my vote for the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards.

I am supporting Heart of Rachel. The blog which brings so much cheer to me and my fellow mommy-bloggers. Rachel's site shares so many new things from parenting, child-rearing, cooking tips and recipes, gardening, travels, education, new good finds, a little on sports and a journal of her family activities. The said site is a recipient of countless awards from fellow-bloggers. Rachel has posted 541 posts for the current year and has generated so much traffic in her site.

A very thoughtful, caring, sweet, soft-spoken lady, Rachel is a devoted wife and a very loving mom to her only child.

Please support her and vote for her blog, Heart of Rachel for the Bloggers' Choice Award. For the mechanics, please check it out here.

Thanks much to the following sponsors:

Level Up! Games

Nokia

Blog Bank

Smart Communications

Josiah’s Catering

Rsun Technology Store

Yahoo

XFM 92.3

Buddy Gancencia Reality TV

Ultravision Photo and Video

Click Booth

Aloha Board Sports

Sheero Media Solutions

YourPinoyBroker.com

Belo Medical Group

Inquirer.Net

Toshiba

ROAM Magazine

PLDT

Red Box

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

2go


Havaianas


PLDT


California Pizza Kitchen

Remedies for Bad Colds

For one week now, I'm having a bad cold. I've been takings meds, drinking lots of juice and taking vitamin C as well. I've consumed tons of tissue paper. My cheekbones hurt already each time I blow my nose. This cold is making my head aches too. What more should I do? Instead of going to the doctor, I surfed the net, here's what I've found....

Cold remedies: What works

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for about a week. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help:

• Water and other fluids. You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.

• Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

• Saline nasal sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.

• Chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. So which is better, homemade or canned? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch.

• Over-the-counter cold medications. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that parents avoid such cold medicines for children younger than age 2. And they are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.

  Keep in mind that acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses. It's common for people to take it in addition to flu medications that also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to drug overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing.

• Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.

Green Bucks Weekly Questions

Teacher Julie of GreenBucks has been posting her weekly questions and I haven't participated since. Now, finally I found the time to answer all her questions in one sitting. Here goes my answers.

Weekly Questions:

1. If you are married would you know if your husband is reading your blog? If you are in a relationship, would you know if your partner is reading your blog?

I know each time hubby reads my blog, he gets annoyed and tells me not to put his pic or my kids' pics on my blog for security reasons. Sometimes, he would ask me why do I have to tell the world where I've been or what I've been doing, or how am I feeling. Sadly, hubby doesn't approve of my blogging.

2. Let’s say it IS possible to have that one chance to be another person for a day. Who would you choose to be and why?

I would like to be Princess Diana, and see how she has touched the lives of millions of people in the world. Or U.S. President John F. Kennedy for the same reason.

3. What were your favorite books as a child, specifically in your elementary school years?

As far as I can remember, I always read Nancy Drew way back in grade school. And the thick Bible (with illustrations just like in comics) which Dad gave me and my sisters.

4. What valuable lessons have you learned from your father?

My Dad would always tell us that education is only the best treasure we can rely on in life. He also taught us that we should always do good to people no matter who they are, what they have (or have not) or what they can (or can't) do to us in return.

5. What lies ahead for me and my family? Do we know where we are heading?

I can foresee a bright future for me and my family with God's help and guidance.

6. Can you describe yourself as a friend? Or how do your friends describe you as a friend?

As a friend, I can say I'm loyal, generous and reliable. I can listen to my friends' problems for hours and give comfort, will fight for my friend even if the world is against her, will give whatever I have if she's in need.

7. If we set aside an extra hour each day to do what we would rather do and not what we should be doing, what would you choose to do?

I would be reading the books on my night stand (which had gathered dusts) simply because I don't have extra time to do so.

8. How would you like to spend your special day, your birthday?

I would like to spend it in a beach resort with hubby, my kids, my parents, my siblings and few close friends.

9. What are the five simple pleasures that give you, well, simple pleasures?

seeing my kids play and laugh their hearts' out....

when my kids massage my legs and arms even when I didn't ask for it....

eating sweet corn while chatting with my kids....

a day at the nearby salon for facials and foot spa....

eating coffee crumble ice cream while watching my fave soaps....

10. I want to know your thoughts about the little girl in this photo.

I really feel disgusted every time I see kids especially girls roaming the streets in undershirts. The parents should have not allowed her to go out in that clothes. With the number of gruesome crimes happening everyday to little children, kids should be home studying or playing with their siblings and should not be exposed to dangers in the streets.

11. Should people heed the call of the Catholic Church to not use artificial means of contraception/reproductive health products and services OR should they go ahead, talk to their doctors and plan for how they want to practice family planning.?

Even when I'm Catholic, I believe people or couples should practice family planning the way they wanted it to be, not because of what the Church tells them to do. Will the Church help them raise 10 kids (for lots of couple with meager income) or support every needs of the family? I don't think the Church can do that even with their huge funding from the community or from Rome.

12. If you were an Olympian, what sport would you be participating in?

I would probably be participating in swimming or taekwondo because I wanted to do a lot of kicking....Seriously, I have always been fascinated with these sports. Swimming is a great sport especially for those with health problems while taekwondo can do wonders with the body's reflexes.

13. If you were to decide what advocacy would you like to campaign for as an advocate or being involved in a foundation, what sector of the society would you like to serve?

I would join a foundation which helps the abandoned or abused children. I would like to help them heal all the physical and emotionals hurts they had. Show them or let them feel loved and wanted. I will offer my time and resources for them and help them fulfill their dreams in life.

14. What are your facial or beauty regimens that you do before you go to sleep?

Since I don't wear any make up, I just wash my face with Pond's facial wash or Clinique's. If I'm not too lazy, after the facial wash, I use an astringent (from my derma) to clean my face again then put on a moisturizer before I go to bed. For extra beauty regimens, I also take a hot bath twice a day, go for facial treatments twice a week, visit the derma every 6 months, eats lots of fruits, takes 10 glasses of water everyday, takes vitamins C and E, drinks Reliv shakes.

During the day, when I go out, I make sure I put a moisturizer with SPF to protect my skin from the sun. Another secret, I whisper "Let the beauty of the Lord my God shine thru me"....

15. If you are to start a new blog focusing mainly on a particular topic or niche, what would your niche blogging be all about?

I would be blogging on the prevention of corruption in our society, mainly in our government. I would share everything I've seen in my ten years of work in the government. How to detect fraudulent projects, ghost projects/ghost purchases, overpriced materials/ supplies (like the fertilizer scam, swine scam, computer scam), sub-standard materials (for infra projects, expired medicines/vaccines for health centers, expensive books made of newsprints, etc.) negotiated bidding or rigged bidding, the flow of money from the bribe-giver to the funder (govt. official) and how to make sure the people's (taxpayers) hard-earned money goes to the right projects/beneficiaries.

Thanks Julie for your Weekly Questions. Your questions made me think real hard on some issues I've been wanting to blog about. I would be working on it right after I did this post.

My Fave: Sylvannas

Easy Sylvannas

Our simplified version of a much-loved dessert, so easy to prepare you can do it anytime. No need to bake the meringue base. With this recipe, sylvannas will no longer be just an occasional treat!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes plus 1 hour to refrigerate sylvannas
Cooking Time:
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

1 250ml NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream, chilled
1 cup butter, slightly softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 cup chopped cashew nuts, roasted
24 pieces otap (local flaky cookie)

Procedure

1. In a bowl, whip cream with half of the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Fold the whipped cream into the creamed butter.
3. Spread cream mixture on a piece of otap, sprinkle with chopped nuts and top with another piece of otap. Cover the entire surface of the otap with more butter-cream mixture. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll on the chopped cashew nuts and chill until ready to serve.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT:

Calories:412
Carbohydrates (g):27
Protein (g):4
Fats (g):32

Kiddie Snacks On A Hot Day

Choco Koko Krunch Craze

A truly inviting and healthful beverage concoction for all chocolate fanatics

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
Servings: 2

Ingredients

2 cups KOKO KRUNCH
20 pieces mini cream filled chocolate cookies
10 pieces chocolate wafer sticks, crushed
shaved ice

NESTLE Fresh Milk

Procedure

Arrange KOKO KRUNCH, cookies and wafer sticks in glasses. Add shaved ice. Drizzle with NESTLE Fresh Milk before serving. Serve immediately.

How To Save On Fuel...

Rising fuel prices affect us all. And since fuel costs eat up a large percentage of our household budgets, here's few practical tips to help you make the most out of your fuel.

Watch your tires
Overused or poorly inflated tires can slow down the car and increase fuel consumption. For the right inflation instructions, check the car’s manual or the label at the inside edge of the driver’s door. Remember, tire pressure depends on the type of vehicle you drive. Motorcycles will have a lower tire pressure than sedans.

Check the Engine
Engine Oil darkens as you use your vehicle. Dark and thick engine oil will result to less efficient fuel consumption. It is advisable to change the engine oil every 10,000 kilometers of travel. Dirty air filters could also affect your fuel consumption as it blocks the needed supply of air for the engine to perform well. Make sure you have your vehicle checked for maintenance at least once a year.

Remove those extra cargos
Unnecessary cargo adds weight to the vehicle. The more weight the vehicle has, the more fuel it will need to accelerate. Reduce clutter in your car’s interior and trunk by removing hardly used items such as bags, shoes, coolers, clothes, etc. Fuel also increases the car’s weight. For city driving, it is best to load only half of your vehicle’s fuel capacity.

Shift to higher gears
Driving on low gear eats up fuel fast. Always shift to a higher gear to reduce fuel consumption.

Avoid Idling
It is better to turn off your engine when waiting. Avoid the rush hour by scheduling your travel time or taking alternative routes.

Plan your trips
Avoid going in circles. Take note all of the places you need to go to and arrange them according to their proximity. You will not only save fuel but also save time and effort.

How’s Your Driving?
Do you drive with a heavy foot? Don’t put the pedal to the metal – this eats up more fuel. When accelerating, step on the gas pedal lightly until you reach the desired speed. On highways, it is best to limit your speed from 60 to 80 kph.

Whether you take a motorcycle or a truck, these tips will make sure that you maximize every liter of fuel that you put in your vehicle. (And lessen your carbon footprint too!)

Source: www.nestleclub.com.ph