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VIVA EUROPA 2010

2010
05.21

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the recent EUROPE Day celebration at the Mandarin Hotel, Makati City, last May 18, Tuesday. The said event was one of the highlights commemorating  the founding of the European Union and its partnership and frienship with the Philippines. This was in honor of  the Head of the delegation of the European Union Ambassador Alistair MacDonald and Mrs. Brigitte Revol MacDonald. It was Ms. Michiko Quinto from RELEX- Manila who sent the invitation via e-mail.

The event was attended by various organizations involved in business, economics and even social services. I was able to meet new friends such as Jessica and  Nympha who are connected with a foundation, and Mrs. Bernabe, whose family business clients are Europeans. I saw Ms. Cecile Guidote of NCAA. My husband saw some old friends. It was a successful gathering of  the Europeans  and the Filipinos building bridges to accomplish one purpose – better economic and social relationship.

I came across Viva Europa 2010 event during the launching of the various activities and projects conceptualized by each European member country for the said celebration. Spain for instance, used the jeepney to post poetry verses writen by prolific Filipino and European writers. While the Netherlands brought their home-made bike to the Philippines to conduct a bikathon to encourage the participants  to go “green”.

Other events for the month of May are as follow:

May 18-22 - 2nd Lakbayin Natin and EU at Museo Pambata, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. a weeklong children’s on film, story telling, games, music and fun.

May 25 – Europe ko to (Art Assemblage Contest) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

May 25 – Spanish Poets in Mexico at Instituto Cervantes de Manila. A lecture by Dr Juan Carlos Pascual showing the literature produced by Spanish writers exiled in Mexico.

May 24-30 – Rap inTondo. A joint social project of alliance Francaise de Manila and the Goethe-Institut Manila.

May 26-28- 2nd European Choral Competition at Far Eastern University.

Category Viva Europa 2010 |

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First Automated election 2010

2010
05.11

Today, Monday, May 10, 2010 is considered a historical day for all Filipinos because of its first Automated Election in the country. Filipino voters were all excited to go to their polling precinct  to try the “high tech” way of casting their vote.

I am one of those thrilled Filipinos who went to the polling precinct earlier than my perceived time when heavy influx of voters will be coming in. My husband and I arrived in the school where our precinct was located at 7:15 am. We asked help from poll watchers or aide to direct us were to find our precinct. We were told to get first a number from one room, which is the holding or waiting area,  before we can proceed to the next room to cast our vote.

It took us one round around the campus to find the exact place. This was because the assigned poll watchers, were also at a lost with regard to room assignment. At last, we found the room filled with relax voters waiting to receive the numbers. Relax at first, but when people started pouring in at 9 am, newcomers became so adamant to follow the teacher’s request to fall in line. Some arguments between the teacher and voters were heard. We received our “precious” number after two (2) perspiring hours, to prepare for another queue to finally cast our vote.

The next queue led us to wait for our names to be called, signed the voters comelec list(?) or VCL, received and accomplished the ballot  by shading the  “egg-shaped” figure placed before the name of the candidates. For me, it took 4 minutes to accomplish my ballot, as I selected, 1 president, 1 vice-president, 12 senators,  1 party list, 1 mayor, 1 vice-mayor, 1 congressman and 6 local councilors. I placed my ballot in the PCOS machine, and it was successful. The indelible ink was dropped on my pointing finger,  placed by thumb mark in the vcl and lo, I’m done.

My husband and I were glad that we were able to perform our task as Filipino citizen – to participate in the electoral process to select the next leaders of our land.

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Category election experience |

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Here comes the Rainbow . . . Brush Contest!

2010
05.06

If you are not an artist, yet you love to draw. If you don’t know how to apply colors and mix-match colors in your drawing, although you tried once,  yet, it’s a mess. If you want to express your creativity by the stroke of your pen, then, there is an answer to that.

Here comes the RAINBOW BRUSH marker! An ordinary marker with an extra ordinary features. First,  it comes  in five different colors yet, you can create various color combination. Second, it is easy to handle and easy to use. Kids and even kids at heart and art buff will find it amazing. Third, it is water-based pen, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, thus, you can wash you hands with water in case there are smudges. Wall sketches too can be easily removed using water. Fourth, it comes with a booklet or manual to guide the  users to create more designs  in an easy step by step process. A video on how to create various designs is included in the complete set of the product.

Wait, there’s more to that. If you will register on-line, and you buy any Zhazhiki ( the official distributor) products worth P100, you are entitled to join the drawing contest held every Saturday of May,  1, 8, 15, 22, 29,  from 2-5 PM at TOY KINGDOM, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Just show the receipt, present your creation, and be a winner! For walk-in clients, you have to buy worth P300 of  Zhazhiki products such as,  the convertible Zip bin, Crayola,   Yoropen,  Geddes Crayons,  Mic-o-mic, and Rainbow brush.

Winner from each age category will be selected base on Creativity – 50% and color combination – 50%. The following are the themes of each category:

Category 1: Ages 5 to 7 years old  -  theme:  Mothers Day Greeting Card
Category 2: Ages 8 to 10 years old – theme:  Beach Experience
Category 3: Ages 11 to 13 years old – theme:  Anything Wildfire

Prizes at stake will be the amazing Rainbow brush products. Come and join the fun!

Category art |

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Summer vacation is over

2009
06.04

April and May mean summer vacation to all Filipinos. Most students look forward to be involved in some summer activities such as swimming (particularly in Boracay), visiting relatives in far flung  provinces, experiencing “fiesta” atmosphere in various places, joining the Santacruzan, and visiting other countries for those who have enough money.

Yet, happy days were over. Those schools which over trimester curriculum started classes earlier than others. The trimester schools started classes last 3rd week of May. While Public schools started last June 1. The rest of the adacemic institutions, particularly in the tertiary level will start Monday, June 8, or June 15.

We can feel now the rainy season, as low pressure area is experienced in the country. Thus, summer is out and rainy season is in. Students should prepare for this month in order to avoid sicknesses and diseases brought by this season.

Let us all be ready to start the school year right by being physically and mentally healthy!

Category vacation |

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The day I delivered my first born who is now 12 yrs. old

2009
05.26

It was May 16, 1997, at about 5 am, my date with the stork, when I noticed that blood was oozing from my private part. I was reminded by the instruction  of my doctor that if I experience blood or water discharge, I have to go immediately to the hospital because  these are the signs that  the baby is ready for delivery.

When I reached the hospital, I was  “prepared” and sent to the labor room. While at the labor room, I was perturbed by the moaning of  my “co-deliverer” because of  the labor pains they felt. Yet, I did not feel any. So, what I did was to move around, walk back and forth so as not to hear them. But I was wondering why I did not feel any labor pains ( probably because my husband told my baby not to give me a hard time, while inside my womb) .  In fact, I was reprimanded by a certain doctor to stay in my bed,  and call the assigned nurses if I need to be assisted. Why? Because I went to the comfort room alone holding with me my bottled dextrose.

Time passed by and it’s almost 6 pm. I asked the doctor about my case. I was told to wait for  my obstetrician. I found out that after a series of pelvic x-rays, and other tests, I cannot deliver my baby the normal way but I have to undergo  Caesarian Operation (CS).  I insisted on normal delivery, (due to financial reason) but it’s really impossible.

I was on the table at exactly 6 pm.  An anesthesia was injected on my backbone ( I was told to curve my body in shrimp position, a difficult position because of my big tummy). Again, I did not feel any pain at all. Praise God for that! A minute after that, I felt groggy. However, I  was aware of what  was going on. I heard the exchanges of instructions and stories of the doctors who attended  me.

After awhile, I heard the cry of my baby. I was told that my baby is a boy. In fact, he was brought near me by a nurse. I even asked the doctor why my baby is bluish in color. The doctor told me that my baby is not bluish in color, but it was the reflection of the blue covering placed near my breast to cover my sight over my tummy ( sorry, I don’t know the medical term for that). My baby is healthy!

At 7 pm, I was placed in the recovery room. I was shivering  to the max. I felt very cold that I cannot control my shaking. Still, I cannot move any part of my body.  Just to find out later that it was the effect of the anesthesia. I overheard a conversation wherein one person asked, when will I be brought to my room. The other person answered, when I can move already my feet.

So, deep inside my mind, I directed my feet to move. I was struggling to move my body every time someone is inside the room just to prove that I am qualified to  be brought to my room at the ninth floor. Luckily, I was brought to my room the following morning.  It was the day also when my baby was placed beside me. I was encouraged by my doctor to breast feed the baby ( breast feeding is an advocacy of the government and so with the  hospitals) . But my breast milk was not enough for my baby. He cried a lot when my milk cannot suffice his needs. So,  I have to supplement it with infant powered milk prescribed by my baby’s doctor.

Now, that baby is already 12 years old, strong, smart and a computer game addict. Yet, he maintains also a blog. He will be in his first year high school this coming school year, 2009-2010.  I always pray to God for his future. Anyway, he is a gift to us, that is why we named him ELHAV which means gift of GOD.

Category My 1st born |

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I’m grateful to God that I became a mother

2009
05.21

May 10 has been a special day to all moms around the word. This was to pay tribute to all mothers, maybe it be biologically,  emotionally or socially granted. What I mean is, women may take a role as a mother according to varied situations.

Biologically, because you bore your child inside your womb for nine months. Emotional attachment to a child who is not yours but you feel and treat him as yours is another manifestation of being a mother. Being a mother is socially granted when it is your duty to take care  of  a child such as those who  are working as “yaya” or nanny  and  if you work in an institution for kids.

For me, I am really grateful that I became a mother, even at the age of 37 ( for my first child) and 39 (for my second child). Why? We know for a fact that most  women want to experience the process of being a mother.

It starts with conception. We enjoyed to be treated as   “princess” particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.  We can have what we crave for, especially the foods that we want to eat. We are not allowed to do arduous tasks at home, nor make us emotionally sad or mad. So, during the nine months of pregnancy, people around as were extra sweet, concern, and loving to the max!

For two months after the baby has been delivered, we were still given extra care because we have to breastfeed the baby (mother is savored with nutritious and delicious food to regain strength) and take care of the baby’s needs.

It took for me 4 years and 5 months to be a mother after marriage. As a woman, my biological clock is  getting “slower.”  There was a time that I thought I’m not capable to carry a baby in my womb because of the strenuous tasks I did when I was still young. I used to carry pail of water, 2 blocks away from our place (as there was a scarcity of water)  for a year.  I listened to the oldies belief of   “mababang matress” or unhealthy and useless uterus because of overworking.

After 2 years, I consulted a doctor and found out that I have a retroverted uterus. I was advised to take  fertility drugs for a year, yet I did not take one because its so expensive.  Although I was told that I am still capable of having a baby, yet, negative thougths creep in. I surveyed some couple on the reasons why they don’t have babies after 3, 5, 7, and 10  years of  being together.

My last resort is to hold on to my faith with  God. As I read the bible, I analyze the life of every woman in the bible who were granted children after a certain period of time, starting with Sarah.  I learned that it does not depend on what we do ( such as taking fertility drugs, dancing in honor of a certain god, etc) but what God has planned for us. It is not on what we thought,  but what God wants us to have, to experience, base on our faith, our belief on His capacity as our Jehovah.

Category Grateful for being a mother |

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It’s 24th of April again!

2009
04.27

Birthdays are important dates remembered by us and by our loved ones. And to celebrate my birthday with my  loved ones around is just enough. But wait, there is more to that!

April24 was my nth birthday (sorry, its confidential). Yet, one-week before the said date, my kids had already written their greetings in their blogs. My eldest, Elhav, was so sweet in posting ” i love you very much, mama”. My youngest, Elgene, did not only write “thank you for being a good mom”, but also give me  a birthday card , which she personally made, with P100 inside.  My kids are so thougthful and loving.

I was also reminded when one night they massage my head and feet when I told them that I was tired. I was not expecting them to do that because I was already half sleepy at that time.

Another birthday gift I received came from my hubby – a cash money worth ? (secret). He told me to “spend the money the way you want to”. I grab the cash, of course. On that day, I had my foot spa, pedicure and manicure. I had my hair trimmed. Then, I bought an evening dress to be used  the following day for a debut party of my god child. I saved the remaining amount for my next project.

I received greetings also from my mother, sisters, and friends. So, I would say that my loved ones especially my hubby, my kids, and their greetings and loving actuations,  made my birthday a happy, happy one!

Category my natal day |

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Walking with a purpose

2009
04.13

The Lenten season celebration last week brought my soul and body to rest for awhile.  For my soul, I renewed my faith  and trust to our Lord Jesus Christ. For my body,  I gained  extra pounds.  Why? I stayed home for five consecutive  days bonding with my kids (which they really looked for) and my husband ( of course!) playing, updating post ( my two kids also have blogs), planning what business will be in-demand this summer  and to top it all, eating.

Unknowingly, I earned extra pounds which made me uneasy because I felt tired easily. I even told my husband to wake me up early the following day for a morning exercise. Yet, the following day came and  I was sleeping like a hog.

Monday came and I have to attend to my class in the morning. I went home to have lunch with my kids.  At 2pm, left home again for en errand reminded by my husband.

Then, I proceeded to scout for a cold drink dispenser or slurpee type dispenser. My purpose is to canvass this equipment in case I will enter this type of business  this summer. I definitely don’t know where to find this product, I just rely on my and “instinct” and “public relations”. I tried to associate this product with small appliances.  So, I ended up  walking and hopping from one store to another until I finally reach one store  where one crew told me where to find it.

I started walking looking for that product at 4 pm, and ended at 5:30pm. It was a long walk (about 3-4k) as I ended up in another district of the town. However, I didnt find it tiring, I enjoyed my canvassing for other equipment for possible business and at the same time, I shed extra fatty acids from by body.

Do you know  what I finally brought home from that business equipment hunting and exercising? – one dozen white hand towel to wipe my perspiration  and one glass of cold chocolate drink to quench my thirst!

Category Semana Santa |

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Semana Santa

2009
04.10

Catholic countries observed the Lenten season or Holy Week or Semana Santa this week. It started on Monday until Sunday. The very “holy” among the days are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. As Christians. Good Friday is commemorated with staging the sacrifices of Jesus Christ,  the Way of the Cross. During Black Saturday, Christians remember the death on the Cross. While  Easter Sunday,  bring us good news of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. That is why we are thankful that  Jesus  redeemed us from sin and from the curse of the law.

As devoted  Christians, we don’t need to inflict pain on our body nor to practice hanging on the cross. Instead, we need to increase our faith to God and follow His teaching. The smallest act of kindness to anyone, not to selected individual because of inner motive, should be our way of life.

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Tags: Category Semana Santa |

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Time Management

2009
04.10

March and April are the months  that  mean staging of culminating activities here and there in school.

I had a very hectic day last Saturday, April 4. First on the list is  a Choric Interpretation contest where my class participated in. Yet, I have to plead my chairman to leave the contest early because of another events in my mother school – the Baccalaurete mass for the graduating students and the Recognition program for the students who excel in their extra curricular activities and community service.

The Recognition program ended at 12noon. I took my lunch. Then, at 1-3 pm, attended a meeting. At 5:30 pm, my classmate in college and I attended our batch reunion. What a day!

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Tags: Category Time Management |