A fun and blessed birthday!

Yesterday was my 28th birthday! I still had to go to work, I wasn't able to request for a birthday leave since we were scheduled to have a monitoring visit to projects at UP Los Baños. We arrived there around 10a.m. This was my first time to monitor a project - something that I will be used to because of the nature of my new assignment. We were informed by our other office mates who were monitoring at the other department that the projects they have visited prepared a packed lunch for us. I silently uttered a thank you prayer, because earlier, I was worried that I have to bring them to lunch (there were 6 of us) and my budget would not be sufficient, hahaha!

Incidentally, our former Executive Director, Dr. Ebora who is the current Director of the office we were monitoring, instructed his staff to inform us that we would drop by his office after the monitoring. It was another blessing in disguise because he offered to bring us to lunch, we were not even expecting that he is in the office yesterday. We dropped by Mer-Nels to claim the cake I had requested Claire (our former officemate who works near the area) to order for me. I was surprised because she already paid half of the price of the cake. She refused to be paid, she said it's her birthday treat for me...Wow! another thank you for another angel.

                     (The 10" chocolate cake with yema filling)

I was so overwhelmed by the graces I'm receiving at that very moment, I couldn't contain my gratefulness. We had a feast at the Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, a floating bahay-kubo restaurant located along Bay, Laguna a few minutes away from UP Los Baños. After the delicious and sumptuous meal, he even volunteered to tour us around.

    (fun-filled unexpected birthday celebration at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan with office mates - Laarni, Cyndi, Darwin & Merai and our former Exec. Director)

I had a wonderful birthday blast - with a lunch sponsored by Dr. Ebora, a cake partially paid by Claire, a packed lunch and a box of Buko pie from generous project leaders.

I just bought an additional bilao of Palabok and 2 whole lechon manok, and there we were, dinner celebration with the whole family. The kids enjoyed much as I do, they cheered watching me blow the candle hahaha!

I am blessed, His graces came just in time. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful life you've given me. What more could I ask for? My Dream List is all coming on the way!!!

Feast New Talk Series - Wish

The South Feast or now called Feast Alabang will be having a new talk series entitled "WISH - How to fulfill your heart's desire" starting September 19, 2010. We will now be having 3 sessions - 11:00am, 1:30p.m. and 4p.m. This is truly a clear manifestation of God's overflowing blessings to everyone.

T3: The First T - TIME

The First T in the T3 Series of the Talks in the South Feast is all about TIME. As mentioned by the South Feast Builder and Main Preacher Bro. Arun Gogna, we continue to learn about giving our all to God. This is the only way we can have big returns in life.

According to Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Outliers: The Story of Success, "The key to success in any field is, to a large extent, a matter of practicing a specific task for a total of around 10,000 hours". Gladwell claims that greatness requires enormous time, using the source of The Beatles' musical talents and Gates' computer savvy as examples. The Beatles performed live in Hamburg, Germany over 1,200 times from 1960 to 1964, amassing more than 10,000 hours of playing time, therefore meeting the 10,000-Hour Rule. Gladwell asserts that all of the time The Beatles spent performing shaped their talent, "so by the time they returned to England from Hamburg, Germany, 'they sounded like no one else. It was the making of them".

Gates met the 10,000-Hour Rule when he gained access to a high school computer in 1968 at the age of 13, and spent 10,000 hours programming on it. Gladwell explains that reaching the 10,000-Hour Rule, which he considers the key to success in any field, is simply a matter of practicing a specific task that can be accomplished with 20 hours of work a week for 10 years.

The 10,000-Hour Rule applies virtually anywhere. It also applies in relationships. If you want your relationship to be successful, spend 10,000 hours with your loved ones - play with your kids, date your husband/wife/parents/siblings. Marriage doesn't just happen, YOU make it happen. Give your 10,000 hours to God - 10minutes a day in prayer and reading the scripture, attend the mass and the Feast every Sunday and serve in your community. If you want to excel in something and unlock your greatness, spend 10,000 hours in that particular interest.

Here are some quotes published in the Feast bulletin to help us ponder on this valuable subject.

"TIME is the greatest EQUALIZER"

"Don't count every hour in the day, make every hour of the day count."

"Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time." Jim Rohn

"Ordinary people think merely of spending time. Great people think of using it."

"Never let yesterday use up today." Karen Lamb

"Those who make the worse use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness." Jean De La Bruyere

Supermom adventure - Kids' touching stories

Yesterday was another busy Sunday for me. After attending the 8:45 mass at Lower Bicutan, we proceeded to Festival mall to attend the South Feast with the celebration of its transfer to its new home at the 2nd level, X-site entrance. It's quite unusual, since I've been used to the setup at the cinema 10. Despite adjusting to quite narrow seatings, and far stage, still the feast spirit is always there energizing me for another days or weeks to come. I thank the Lord for His goodness, showing that He really answers prayers.

After the Feast, I didn't join the kids and my sisters to eat lunch anymore. I have to go to Brentville with Aileen, my officemate, to bring home some of the stuffs that a Korean acquaintance has sold us. I have bought a kiddie bike for my two precious angels, a BMX bike for me (my goal is to learn biking this year, hahaha!) and a number of books and toys - all second hand but I didn't show my kids yet, I planned to make it their reward for any good deed or excellence in school.

I brought along 2 boxes of assorted stuffs to show my officemates. As I unload the boxes with its contents, Angel and Asher gladly jumped with joy with the belief that it's all for them. I explained to them that everything is for sale. I just brought it to the house since I'm nearer to the office compared to Aileen. They asked me not to sell the toys and just give to them. I explained that I couldn't buy all of those things because we have other important needs to prioritize. They immediately showed me their coin purse, counted and handed over their savings for the week as payment for their choice of books and toys. I was touched and nearly in tears, my children didn't pressure me to buy things for them. They requested that I would tell the owner of the items to let them pay until Christmas time, by that time they would have saved enough for all those items. My kids have grown, not only in size and age, but also in wisdom. I really couldn't thank the Lord enough for giving me these precious gifts.

One morning, while walking along the DOST Compound, Asher asked me if I know what's the meaning of genius. I answered back yes, he immediately replied that he knew it too, he described it as "sobrang talino at sobrang galing". I congratulated him for knowing the meaning of genius. He added, "Di ba Mommy, genius ako?" I stood in awe. "Yes you are my dear" I told him. Then he runs so fast to the Day Care, shouting "Yessss!!! Genius ako!!!" (Truly, God has given me smart kids, may they grow in wisdom and guidance of the Almighty. If my children are self-proclaimed genius, I'm a self-proclaimed supermom too! This life is my adventure...)

Life's changes - God wants me to take charge

I have been trying to write for the past two weeks, however, I've never succeeded to finish anything. Perhaps my mind couldn't find something to focus on (just like anybody here in the office or should I say, most of us). We are having mixed feelings, mostly negative - as what I described in my previous post. We shall be bidding goodbye to our Executive Director for 5 years, unless all our angels will whisper to DOST Secretary's ears to retain him. We will be changing our agency name (PCASTRD will always be in our lips and in our heart even if we are told that we must forget our old identity). Sad as it may seem, yet we have to face these changes.

I am the first to be reassigned. After a few sleepless nights, I've conquered all my fears. I've told them what I am worried about and what I've planned to do. My angel worked for me, everything turns out so well. So here I am, after 2 years of working as support staff for two different divisions, 4 years of being an IT staff, I'm in the new world again(only 1 division has been left for me to conquer with, hahaha!). I'm a bouncing baby as Lanie has described, but I hope this would be my home to stay with. Even if it means working differently from my career ladder, it dawned to me that it means a more secure future. If it will lead to the achievement of my dream, then I'm willing to learn new things again.

I'm inspired with the talk last Sunday from the South Feast, "Protection" - the 5th from the Series "Awaken the Healer in you". Bro. Arun Gogna's opening words are "Your eyes can only see the problem, what we cannot see is behind the scene, God is at work already, preparing your victory, working  towards the attainment of your dream". All the talks of the series are revolving into one message - God wants you to take charge of your health!

There are 3 practical prescriptions:
1. Clean Living

• Quarantine contagious diseases
• Toilet training
• Take a bath / clean yourself
• Sexual purity - God's law on sex is also God's law on health.

2. Natural Eating

• If man made it, do not eat it.

3. Hollistic Healing

• A study from the National Institute of Health shows that 35-40% of all hospital patients are there because of wrong medical care.

In summary, God wants us to take charge of our health and our life. There are only two seats in a vehicle - the driver and the rider. Are you the driver or the rider? Here is a powerful statement:  "The amount of blessings you receive is directly proportional to the amount of responsibility you are willing to take". We should stop complaining, we should take charge.  When we hold the steering wheel of our life and take responsibility, God will be the fuel of our vehicle, the roadmap, the destination and guide us all the way.

Nourishment - You Are What You Eat

Yesterday, Daddy went with us to the mass, thank God for making him realize the importance of his presence with the kids. However, he needs some sleep because of his graveyard duty so he went home alone after the mass.  The kids has enjoyed the children's ministry at the South Feast; they are looking forward to attending it every Sunday.

Gold and Twin (my cousin's daughter) met us at the Bicutan interchange. Gold is regularly attending the feast now and I'm praying for a miraculous healing from her mysterious lung problem.

Here are some interesting facts I've learned from the fourth talk "Nourishment" of the Series "Awaken". (I've copied some of the notes from the Feast bulletin.) There are three (3) important prescriptions for a healthier body:

1. EAT PLANTS
Genesis 1:29 

I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat.

Both from the Bible and Science, your body are created to eat fruits and vegetables. Your teeth are the teeth of a herbivores or plant-eating animals. Your intestines are long, necessary to digest vegetables. If you want to be healthy, increase the intake of fruits and raw vegetables and minimize your meat. Here's what  happens when you do this:

• you increase your fiber intake, which is necessary to cleanse your digestive system, making you avoid  colon cancer and other diseases.
• you increase vital nutrients and vitamins your body needs (fact: vitamins is only a supplement, not a replacement)
• if you eat fruits and vegetables raw everyday, you eat enzymes necessary for absorbing the nutrients.
• Bacteria love an acidic environment. By eating vegetables and fruits - without mixing the with other food one hour before and after - you make your body alkaline, and thus resistant to many diseases. 

2. EAT CLEAN / AVOID UNCLEAN FOOD
Leviticus 11:1-3
The Lord gave Moses and Aaron the following regulations for the people of Israel. You may eat any land animal that has divided hoofs and that also chews the cud.

• Science is now discovering that animals labeled as "unclean" by the Bible carry more toxins. For example, pigs eat anything and thus have more toxins in their meat.

Leviticus 11:9-10
You may eat any kind of fish that has fins and scales, but anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales must not be eaten.

• What sea creatures are without scales or fins? Oysters, mussels, clams, crab, lobsters, shrimps, and squid are the scavengers of the sea. They store a concentration of toxins in their tissues. It will be wise to avoid eating too much of these scavengers. Somehow, the Bible knew this already a long time ago.

Leviticus 7:23-24
For the people of Israel. No fat of cattle, sheep or goats shall be eaten.

• A high fat diet has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some forms of cancer. But some 3,000 years ago, the Bible already warning us of its health dangers.

3. EAT OTHER FOOD

• Oxygen
• This may surprise you, but many persons don't breathe well. They breathe in a shallow way, also called lazy breathing. Their body is starved of oxygen. Most diseases are linked to the lack of oxygen in the our cells. A lot of persons will get healed by simply breathing slow, deep breaths many times during each day. If you do this many times a day, you'll awaken the healer in you.

• Movement /Exercise
• Taking walks is one of the best exercises you can do. It's simple, requires no fancy equipment, exposes you to fresh air(Note: Avoid air polluted areas when you walk.), gives an emotional lift because you're outdoors, provides you with sunlight and  cleanses your lymphatic system. Moderate exercise will strengthen you inner healer. 

• Sunlight
• Filipina mothers expose their newborn infants to the sunlight. They have the right idea! But adults aren't exempt. You still need sunlight at least 30mins a day, preferably in the morning. Sunlight heals! God created lots of it for your use. Because of sunlight, you body produces Vitamin D, which is crucial for your health and healing. Health experts believe Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer and even affects diabetes and obesity.

• Sleep
• Get enough sleep every night. If people get enough sleep every night, many sicknesses will be cured. Many persons are so sleep-deprived; their entire system has gone berserk. Vegetarians need less sleep than those who eat meat, because of the large amounts of energy needed to digest meat. So it is recommended that you listen to your body. Your body will tell you how much sleep you need. 
• One last message. Real restful sleep cannot come from sleeping pills. Nor from an expensive mattress. Real restful sleep can only come when you trust God fully.

If you want a healthy body, here's what I've learned: Let food be your medicine. If we eat right, we don't need the medicines we take in today. By eating right, we open ourselves to God's healing power.

Supermom is waiting for the good things to come...

The agony of waiting is over...the rationalization plan has been approved yet I feel sad and confused. Perhaps I expected too much. I have been waiting for this in 5 long years. Here it is now...but where should I go. I am confused, I thought I am ready when this time will arrived. Some people will go, and many more will come.

More than 6 years of being a contractual employee, I still am hoping for some good things to happen. Even if it means doing other work assignments. I pray that I'll be enlightened to choose wisely where to apply (and my big hope to be accepted to the position). Or else...I might end up looking outside, worst being unemployed.

I have this mixed feelings now- sad, confused, frightened ...yet hopeful. May God showers His unending blessings to me and PCASTRD!

Shocking truth - 85% of our diseases are rooted in our emotions

It was a blessed Sunday for me, Joy and her sister went with us to the Feast after going to mass at Lower Bicutan. The kids were excited to play in the children's ministry. I was so amused and surprised that the thanksgiving prayer I wrote last Sunday in my Love Offering envelope was published in the feast bulletin. At least my gratitude has gone that far, hehehe. I really thank God for all the small and big blessings I received everyday.

The title of the talk is EMOTIONS. It was the 2nd talk of the Awaken Series. Bro. Arun stated the fact that 85% of all diseases are rooted in our emotions. Diseases are messages from the soul. When we are sick, our soul tells us something. Often times, we do not listen to our soul, we turn to medicine/pill as our savior from our sickness. That's why we are not naturally healing. What you feel, you can heal - that's the important lesson in Emotions.

There are 2 ways Emotions make you sick:

1. Too much negative emotions

•  Stress - most heart attacks / strokes happen during Mondays. Most people are so stressed during Mondays since it's the start of the work week, 1st day of school, etc. Since we cannot get rid of Mondays in our week, we must have a positive attitude towards Monday... :) I pray I could change my mind about Mondays too.
• Anger - angry people die early. Hmmm... It is advised that do not pretend to be always ok, that nothing is happening to you. Don't escape negative emotions. Go out to God and pour out your heart to him.

2. Too little positive emotions

• Proverbs 17:22 - Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.
• Laugh often with people you love.

Lastly, Bro. Arun reminded everyone to take the pill of Gratitude (to have more) and Trust (less worries). And always be cheerful.

I pray that more people will be blessed in the feast, more family and friends come with me and be blessed as I am.

Life lessons from the South Feast

As the last talk on the series "A life of No Regrets..." has been delivered by Bro. Arun (with the celebration of his birthday) the other Sunday at the South Feast, I have realized many things. Sometimes, like Esau, we are offered a soup bowl in exchange for a big part of ourselves. That is the test of life. According to him, our answers to the test in life will determine our destiny. Will we exchange our family, our career, our faith, our dignity for a soup bowl?
He also shared things we will never regret in life...

10 Things You'll Never Regret
1. Serving others
2. Developing your core gift
3. Asking forgiveness
4. Forgiving a person who hurt you
5. Helping others grow
6. Spending time with love ones
7. Refraining from gossip when others around you delight it
8. Refusing to do something wrong
9. Going out of your comfort zone
10. Sacrificing your life for your life mission.


In summary, we have to LIVE DELIBERATELY!

Happy birthday Bro. Arun!

--------

Last Sunday, Gold went with me to the South Feast, together with the kids. The two of them attended the children's ministry, although at first Asher doesn't want to attend, Ate Angela persuaded him telling him that they will ride the racing car after.

It was the beginning of a new Series (6 talks), the AWAKEN Series. It's about health and healing. Session 1 is HEALER. God has given us the power to heal ourselves. We just have to awaken the healer in us. As most of us expects that we'll we sickly and weak when we grow up, so our body will follow what our mind tells. According to Bro. Arun, that is called the Power of Expectation.

"Don't expect that you'll be sickly when you grow old. Expect that you'll be healthy!" And since we expect that are healthy, we can still play with our great grandchildren and at the same time we'll not be a burden to our children and our family. Starting today, I won't think that all old people will get sick and are weak...I'll be stronger and will live longer without getting sick... :)

South Feast - June 6, 2010

I attended the 3pm South Feast at Festival Mall, Alabang, yesterday. It is one of the happiest place on earth. Bro. Arun Gogna is in a mission trip in Japan so Bro. Jon Escoto took over. The sharing of Sam, a 19 year old smart girl, who survived a lupus disease is so touching. She shared how her illness became a blessing instead of a burden. She miraculously was diagnosed last yr that she is negative of lupus after struggling for 4 years of the different complications of her illness and after all worldly materials was taken away from them to finance her medications. Now she's totally cured, which she says the greatest miracle in her life. She is now facing life with a great mission, that she's living more than herself.

I was so inspired to listen to such wonderful stories of life. And I also noted some great points of the talk - "NO SMALL LIVING" of the Series "A Life of No Regrets - The Joy of Intentional Living"

1. Everything that God made is a solution to a problem. - hmmm...i will reflect on this more. If I live this teaching, I'll be more appreciative of all God's creation.

2. When you divide joy, IT MULTIPLIES.

Next Sunday, it will be that last talk of the series. I pray that I could bring along any relative or friend with me.

Supermom adventure in Northern Mindanao - 2nd Part - Iligan City (Tinago Falls)

(This is the 2nd part of the travel adventure...you can read the 1st part here > http://supermomadventuremanila.blogspot.com/2010/05/supermom-travels-in-northern-mindanao.html )


From CDO, it takes around 1 1/2 hrs - 2 hrs going to Iligan City. Past 7 in the evening, we were fetched by Fram's friend Ann Maris and her husband Roy from the bus terminal. Ann was Fram's pen pal - way back 20+ years ago - we couldn't believe that it's their first time to see each other. A rare story, I thought it's only in the movies and novels, but theirs is true, up close and personal; established through letters and founded by trust ( I wish I'm a writer, I'll write a book about their friendship).

A sumptuous dinner has been prepared for us - a simple reflection of how hospitable this family is. We were gladly accepted in a beautiful home of an amazing family. The night was full of stories (most of them I couldn't relate to - hahaha!) but I had a wonderful time listening to them. The next morning, we attended the mass at the Redemptorist Chapel, a few blocks away from the Trinidad residence. Then we prepared ourselves for the trip to Tinago and Maria Cristina Falls. Roy was our driver, tour guide and camera man. 

After another long and winding rough road in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, we arrived at a "forest-like" place and trekked approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase. And there it is, another nature's beauty...wow - my jaw literally dropped upon the sight of the Tinago falls. My first time to see a real falls.

        Janet, Tita Miles, me, Fram and Ann --still looking fresh - just starting to go down

                                               and down...

                                              and there we are...

                         A marvelous scenery in the background...

Tinago falls is literally hidden in a deep ravine, the falls cascading beautifully into a basin-like pool (appears like a blue colored lagoon), clean, and icy cold. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters. Just being there seemed to calm my soul and to be thankful for such wonderful creation.

Ann found a friend there at the foot of the falls, and couldn't say no when we were invited for lunch. The food was great, we were all full and had fun eating with their baon. Janet, Tita Miles and I, swam or rather took a bath in the clear, cold and running waters, it was so much fun swimming with the current. Despite the limited time, we still were very fulfilled having experienced the waters of Tinago Falls.  

Going up was a true challenge, the air passage in my nose seemed to be narrower for all the oxygen and carbon dioxide to go through, thus I have to breath through my mouth, my heart seemed to pump the hardest. The first time ever to engage in such a super physical activity, I feared that I might faint or fall. We have to stop from time to time, I couldn't distinguish my wet clothes if it was still from the water or it was already my perspiration. With my best effort, I'm proud to say I made it to the top. Hahaha! Now I realize, I lacked exercise.

With a little rest, we proceeded to another falls - the Maria Cristina Falls. I have seen its pictures in my daughter's textbook, but it's more beautiful seeing it and just being there.

                            The beautiful Maria Cristina Falls...

                                         with the equally beautiful visitors...:)
Well-known for its natural beauty and grandeur, Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant which is the primary source of electric power for the city and 70% of Mindanao's electricity. A little picture taking, then we went home to clean up, take a snack and off we go the market to buy pasalubongs. Then I made a night trip to Cagayan de Oro, left the three at Iligan, to be with my Tita and her family. The next day was our trip back to Manila.

It was such a memorable weekend for me, I'll be back to all these places soon!

(Special credit for Ate Fram and Roy for the beautiful shots, thanks.)

Supermom adventure in Northern Mindanao - 1st Part - Monastery of Transfiguration Church in Malaybalay Bukidnon

Just got back last monday night from a 3-day trip to Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay and Iligan. It was such a very short yet memorable vacation. I, together with Fram, Janet and Tita Miles(all from RIUD), attended Liza's wedding in Malaybalay. Mama joined us in the flight to and from Cagayan de Oro. She visited Auntie Flora (her sister) and her family who had stayed there since she was 16.

After arriving at the CDO airport, we rode a taxi to the Agora Terminal. Then a two-and-a- half hour bus (Rural Transit) ride to Malaybalay. The weather in Malaybalay is quite cold and quiet compared to Manila, we stayed at the Villa Alemania Inn just across the Gaisano Mall along the stretch of Fortrich St.

We woke up early the next day, Saturday, since Janet has to go to Pine Hills Hotel for her makeup as she is one of the secondary sponsors. We had a quick breakfast in Jollibee then we hired a multi-cab to take us to the Monastery of the Transfiguration Church. Apparently, Manong Driver, haven't been to that place. Or should I say didn't know the tourist spots as we keep on asking him where to go best in Malaybalay, he can't give any suggestions. 

After following a relatively narrow and winding road, we came upon a place that appears to calm you just by being. "Peace to all who enter." This sign greets you at the entrance to the Monastery of the Transfiguration run by Benedictine monks and designed by the National Artist Leandro Locsin. We were amazed with the breath taking view at the top of the hills and can't stop myself singing "the hills are alive..."

                      The Monastery of the Transfiguration Church - photo taken by Fram

Liza's wedding  is as serene as the place itself. The priest shared in his homily some of the highlights of the book of Robert Fulghum, "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" as somehow very essential to marriage. 

                     Posing with the newly-weds (looking at the other photographer, hahaha!)
After the ceremony, we came to our favorite part - the picture taking. While the bride and groom are busy posing with the guests, we are busy too, taking pictures of the different angles of the pyramid-shaped chapel. We can't resist making the trademark jumps, hahaha, Tita Miles jumped too. . 

                              A beautiful passage - nice to pose at too... :)

                                                My high  jump!!! hahaha!

After the picture taking, we went to the souvenir shop a few meters away from the chapel. We bought the famous Monk's Blend coffee and some sweets - piniato, pastillas, polvoron and left overs of hostia ( I didn't know that the left-overs can be eaten just like chips, I even asked the store assistant, "Is it ok to eat this?" hahaha).

               Dwarfed with this 'i-dunno-what-to-call' plant, maybe a giant pineapple

We were late at the reception at Loiza's Pavillion, the program already started when we arrived but luckily, we are the first in the buffet table. Just a  few seconds after we sat down, we are just beginning to 'retouch' when the emcee called our table number for the picture taking with the newly weds then instructed us to proceed to the buffet table. Around 1pm, we went back to our hotel to pack our things and get ready for the Iligan adventure...(thanks so much Ate Fram for bringing a beautiful camera and taking those pictures too!)

             Travel buddies - Me, Tita Miles and Fram (Janet is taking the picture)

Mini-reunion with High School friends

Laids, me and Em

Last night, I met with Lady May (Laids) and Melissa Mae (Em), my high school buddies. It was short yet a worthwhile moment, packed with a sumptuous meal (treat by Laids), abundant laughter and unending stories. Em is now a Pediatrician in PGH, while Laids is a newly pledged Attorney and me, a self-proclaimed supermom, hahaha!...wow-wow-wow! I am blessed with wonderful friends. Looking forward to see all of my high school friends.

Practical Health Tips - my new blog

I've compiled some of the best emails forwarded from friends in my new blog entitled "Practical Health Tips". These are some practical notes on how to keep fit for simple people. Read and learn, as they say, prevention is better than cure... :)

My little businesses

Last night I met with my godsister Rosie, she's my ninang's daughter, to attend the Business Opportunity Meeting at King Dnarmsa International, Inc.  Honestly, I had some reservations about Multi-level Network Marketing since I have read and heard of some companies that do not succeed. And I'm afraid of the risks to enter such kind of business. However, she has been constantly requesting me to give her a chance to show me the business plans of the company and so I gave in. I met her at Robinson's Ortigas and proceeded to Burgundy Empire Tower.

Just like the other multi-level network marketing companies I have heard off, I also have attended the presentations of Herbalife, AIM and some others, truly some people have earned a lot with this system. My sis is telling me to 'wake up' and try. But honestly, as I write this post, I haven't been convinced to do this kind of business. I got some thinking to do. I am not so sure that I could still manage a business like this one because I also have my other sidelines. Besides, I need quite some capital to start this one. But as promised I'll look into it too...

Here are some of my little/part-time businesses which I've been doing for some years now. I enjoy doing these as if it's been part of my life, even if I am just earning a little with each one.

1. AVON (www.avon.com.ph) - I've been selling Avon products for 7 years now, perhaps because many people still are faithfully patronizing our products. And because I'm the only dealer in our office.

2. NATASHA (www.natasha.ph)- I transferred the full management of this one to Joy, my cousin, to give her additional income aside from taking care of my kids. However, I'm still the registered dealer.

3. e-Loading (Smart, Globe, Sun)


4. Human Heart Nature(www.humanheartnature.com) - I love their organic products, aside from helping the environment, I believe I am helping the livelihood of those Gawad Kalinga awardees too.

5. I sell some fashion accessories occasionally too, but I have little production now since I am quite busy with other things...I'll try to do more in the next days...

6. I have subscribed to some paid-to-click (PTC) and paid-to-read (PTR) programs too. My earnings are not so high yet, but at least I know some of them are paying. I have some dollars in my paypal account now.

7. I am trying to learn the secrets of online business (internet marketing and others). So this will add in the list, but hopefully this one will not be in my little businesses but a big one.

After 2 years...

After two years, I missed writing here, or should I say, I realized I should have written more...As I have mentioned before, I wasn't born a writer...but I'm comfortable sharing what's happening in my life with anyone I know, or even for those who may just accidentally saw this blog somewhere.

yeah, after 2 years of starting this blog, so many things have happened:

1. My daughter Angela is turning 7 this May and she'll be in Grade two next school year. She's a fourth honor in her Grade 1 class.

2. My son, Asher has just turned 5 last February and he'll be in kinder this June. He got an academic distinction and ranked 1st in his nursery class. Thank God for my kids.

3. I have read quite a number of books and articles on "How to be rich" and even attended one of Bro. Bo Sanchez seminar on "How to be truly rich". And it is become one of my goal, one of my greatest dream, TO BECOME RICH!

4. I have been a member in the trulyrichclub, hosted and facilitated by Bro. Bo, for a few months now where I got motivated and inspired to look for ways to have a financial freedom. (Actually in one of his recommendation, I became a member of Jomar Hilario's Online Internet Marketing Club, that's what makes me busy these days, learning new things online.) I promised to write about these in the next days to come... :)

5. Some things haven't changed, I'm still in the same office for 6 years now, still a contractual employee...hoping to find a permanent position somewhere here... :) but of course, I gained a lot of knowledge and trainings in the past few years...

6. I am quite interested in the stock market, I'll read more about this and promise to buy my first shares this year.

So til next post, got to do more research for now...