We Can Learn from Other People's Mistakes

I noticed that since Janine Tugonon, Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-Up, broadcasted her break-up with his boyfriend Jaypee Santos on national TV, names used as  adjectives became a trend here in the Philippines. "Na-Janine Tugonon ako!" would mean that your partner was so proud to announce about your break up because he/she fell out of love and found another lover.

Courtesy: au.ibtimes.com

"Na-Jed Salang ako!" (Jed Salang was the estranged husband of Philippine Comedy Concert Queen, Ai-Ai delas Alas, who allegedly found by the latter his real intentions of marrying her) would mean that your partner inflicted physical harm on you and left you because he/she couldn't get something from you. 

Courtesy: www.tempo.com.ph

When you flaunt your shopping spree, expensive possessions like signatured bags, clothes, shoes, etc., only to find out that you purchased all of them using other people's hard earned money, you are being called "Napolic" (from the name Janet and Jeanne Napoles, the controversially involved personalities in Philippine Pork Barrel Scam).

Courtesy: www.pinoyexchange.com

It is normal for us to talk about these personalities and have our own sentiments or comments. While doing so, (let's admit that they made the country stop) I think it's time for us to reflect on what these persons teach us--- simple lessons in life that we often miss.

1 We have to think first before we act. In all the things that we do, there are CONSEQUENCES. Everything that is happening to us is connected to the GOLDEN RULE by Confucius, "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself."

2 We are responsible in all our actions. God gave us FREE WILL but we have to choose in doing what's right in the eyes of God and men. For others, it is hard to do what's morally right, but it's worth it! I believe that we would lose everything that we acquired including the trust of our loved-ones when we're getting something through wrong means. It is also best to talk less to commit less mistakes. Words and actions come hand in hand.

3 We have to accept our faults and do our best to change for the better. Nobody's perfect! If we are eager to improve our ways, it starts from within! If we are true with our intentions, others would notice. We don't have to explain.

We are humans and sometimes we like to spend time meddling with other people's businesses. Somehow there are moments in our lives that we tend to become like them. Face the fact that we have weaknesses too. We also commit mistakes. Why don't we try delving into our own lives first? Let us see their issues in all angles, in such a way that we could learn something.

SANDRINE BURKE'S HOMEMADE GROUT CLEANER Really Works!

I was browsing my Facebook wall when the post of my good friend, Dr. Trinidad Borromeo, caught my attention.

This is Sandrine Burke's photo about her Homemade Grout Cleaner. I'm so glad I came across with this post. This makes cleaning very easy in no time!

I immediately grabbed my journal and recorded the ingredients of Sandrine Burke's Homemade Grout Cleaner!

Keeping our bathroom and walls grout free seems to be a difficult task for me. I tried it the following the day and it made wonders! 

According to Sandrine Burke

Super easy!!! 

What you need to do is to...

Prepare 7 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup vinegar - throw in a spray bottle and spray your floor, let it sit for a minute or two... then scrub.

My Version

I used 1/3 cup kalamansi juice as substitute for lemon juice because the former costs lesser and abundant here in the Philippines compared to the latter.

 

WALL CLEANING

1 I prepared two basins---one with clean water and the other one with the grout cleaner.

2 I dipped microfiber cloth in grout cleaner and wrung the excess solution.

3 I wiped the walls in circular motion to mechanically remove deep-seated dirt.

4 When the cloth is dirty, I washed it with clean water before dipping it again into grout cleaner.

5 For very dirty walls, do the procedure two to three times for best results.

 

I admit, I always forget to clean our walls when I do house cleaning. See the difference after doing the above-mentioned procedure three times. Sandrine Burke's Homemade Grout Cleaner is simply amazing! From now on I'll do the maintenance cleaning once a month.

 

BATHROOM CLEANING

I just followed the procedure Sandrine Burke did. I did it two consecutive days for best results and did the maintenance cleaning two to three times a week.

Please excuse me for showing the Before photo. It's so dirty but it happens to our bathroom wall within three days after cleaning because it is not exposed to sunlight. Good thing that Sandrine Burke's Homemade Grout Cleaner really works! 

I Go Bigger and Go Better with Globe

Your Globe Prepaid just got better and bigger with more prepaid offers! Isn't it exciting?!

  

Only Globe Prepaid gives me Bigger and Better unli offers.

 Go Bigger

  – GoCALL100 gives me more call minutes (500 mins) VS Competitors offer (200 mins). No need to use prefix to enjoy unlicalls.

– With GoUNLI30, I get real unlimited service with unli allnetwork texts, unli calls to Globe TM, plus the real UNLI-chat experience with the best apps available. It’s the real deal compared to competitor’s UNLI offer.

Go Better

 
- GoUNLITXT49 gives me the same UNLI texts to Globe/TM at a BETTER prices VS Competitors offer.

– With GoUNLI25, I get real unlimited service w/ unli Globe/TM calls and texts, plus unli Viber chat to the rest of my friends. It’s the real deal compared to competitor’s UNLI offer.

Go Bigger suits my lifestyle because for only  
Php 30.00 that is valid for one day, I can text my friends and loved-ones regardless of the networks they are using (Unli Text), can call them if they are Globe/TM subscribers for longer periods (Unli Call), or  chat with them through Viber, FB Messenger, Kakao Talk, WeChat, Line and G message (Unli Chat)! Awesome! It's real value for money!

Keeping in touch with my friends and loved-ones is very easy and affordable now that Globe is offering great prepaid offers! My friends and loved-ones also love these because they are also budget conscious, always on the go, and sentimental like me!

You may also go to the links below to see Globe's other offers!

http://www.globe.com.ph/gocall100

 

http://www.globe.com.ph/gounli49

 

http://www.globe.com.ph/gounli30

 

http://www.globe.com.ph/gounli25  

Globe never fails to find creative ways to make telecommunications very easy, hassle-free, affordable, and accessible.  With Globe, we become closer to the people we love and important to us. Thanks, Globe!

*********************
Thanks, Globe and Nuffnang, for the Runner Runner movie passes ! I'm so glad I GO BIGGER & BETTER with GLOBE!  

Kuya's Grooming Kit Essentials

Letting your child bring his own grooming kit in school is highly encouraged due to unforeseen incidents that might happen like spillage, excessive sweating after playing, etc. 

Moms should know the basic items to be found in their child's grooming kit. All these could be placed in a shoe box or clear plastic box (if teachers want their pupils to leave them in their classroom) or expandable plastic envelope (if it is obliged to be brought home daily).

1 extra set of uniform

2 white shirt

3 undergarments

4 socks

5 handkerchief

6 face towel

7 tissue paper

8 wipes

9 alcohol/hand sanitizer

10 liquid soap

11 cologne

12 baby powder

13 mosquito repellent lotion/patch

14 comb

15 toothbrush

16 toothpaste

17 washable plastic bag for soiled clothes

How I Keep Them Organized

1 I place them in three separate zip lock plastic bags or small clear pouches per category before putting them inside the shoe box, clear plastic box, or expandable plastic envelope.

Category A (Clothing) extra set of uniform, white shirt, undergarments, socks, handkerchief, plastic bag for soiled clothes

Category B (for Washing) face towel, tissue paper, wipes, liquid soap

Category C (for Grooming) alcohol/hand sanitizer, cologne, baby powder, mosquito repellent lotion, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste

2 Choose travel size items for them not to consume too much space in your child's locker, cubbyhole, or school bag. Just remind your child to inform you when items are needed to be replenished.

3 Label all items with your child's name, grade, section, and school.

4 Tell your child to take care of his grooming kit by storing it properly and keeping items in their right pouches after each use.

5 Remind your child to bring home his soiled clothing if there's any. Don't forget to replace it the day after.

Optional Items

cologne, baby powder, mosquito repellent lotion/patch 

I don't recommend cologne and baby powder for kids who have allergies or asthma. Mosquito repellent lotions/patches are for older children who are very attractive to mosquitoes like my son. Make sure that your child is responsible and old enough to know how to use them properly. Just to be safe, you may apply the lotion or place the patch on your child's clothing before he leaves.

Recommended Products

I recommend these products because they were "tried and tested" by yours truly and I found them very effective. 

They are made from natural products that's why they are safe for kids. You may purchase them in leading department stores, outlets or dealers near you, and online too. Click product name to see its details and/or claims.

1 Alcohol/Hand Sanitizer- TINY BUDS KIDS' HAND SANITIZER

2 Liquid Soap- HUMAN HEART NATURE NATURAL HAND SOAP

Photo Credits: http://humanheartnature.com

3 Cologne- BENCH JELLY BEAN

Photo Credits:
philamfood.com

4 Wipes- TINY BUDS STICKY HAND WIPES

5 Baby Powder- TINY BUDS RICE BABY POWDER

6 Mosquito Repellent Lotion-

BGONE LOTION (Neem, Andiroba Extract and Atis) 
or BGONE SPRAY 

7 Mosquito Repellent Patch-  
HOMELIFE SHOO! BUGS CITRONELLA PATCH

Your child will not have the hassle of bringing the entire box to school. Six patches are packed in one resealable sachet.

This weekend, prepare your child's grooming kit if he has none yet. This helps him form a habit of proper hygiene and good grooming.

Help Make a Child Have a Better Future, Be a World Vision Sponsor or Volunteer

We are very much aware that children in depressed areas have no choice but to work and have no time to go to school to help their parents sustain their basic needs. They set aside their eagerness to study. And much worse, they are unaware that education is the key to end their poverty.

Truth hurts that the government alone can't solve this problem. We are very fortunate that there are institutions who can help these people in need. One of them is World Vision.

World Vision is  a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide towards eliminating poverty and its causes. It strives to build thriving communities where peace and justice prevail and all can enjoy security, opportunity and happiness.

World Vision partners with children and the communities among the poorest areas to help improve lives and combat poverty through: 

• Sustainable Development. It works alongside the disadvantaged communities enabling them to use their own capacities and potentials so that they can own the development process.

• Emergency Response and Disaster Relief. It responds to life-threatening situations where its involvement is needed and appropriate. I seeks to protect vulnerable people amid difficult circumstances by providing emergency relief such as food, water, shelter, medicine, clothing, and disaster preparedness trainings.

• Raising Public Awareness and Advocating for Justice. By increasing understanding of poverty and injustice, it seeks to promote public involvement and government policies that alleviate poverty.

World Vision helps improve the lives of more than 120,000 children and 16 million Filipinos in 33 provinces and 44 cities nationwide. 

It was founded by American Dr. Bob Pierce in 1950 following his life-changing trips to China and Korea. Dr. Pierce was awfully moved by the impact of the war on children. He set up orphanages to care for those who were abandoned or whose parents had died. By the 1960s this work had expanded to meet the needs of refugees in Indochina and the survivors of disasters in Bangladesh and Africa. Eventually, Child Sponsorship was started to provide long-term funding assistance to help poor children worldwide.

Over the decades it’s approach has shifted from welfare provision to collaboration, partnering with communities and individuals to seek solutions to tackle poverty. 

Before we go further, let us pause for a while and reflect. Aside from buying our basic needs,
 where can our Php 600.00 go?

- Eating one meal in a fancy restaurant
- Drinking coffee four times in a fancy coffee shop
- Buying one signatured shirt
- Buying one to eight bottles of alcoholic beverages
- Purchasing 10 packs of cigarette

- Dining 12 times in a fast food chain

- Grabbing one to four lipsticks or one make-up palette 
- Watching a 3D Movie with popcorn and drinks

- Playing in an arcade consuming 120 tokens
- CAN SEND A CHILD TO SCHOOL
 

Friends, if you have spare Php 600.00 to spend a month, it can help a child believe that he/she has a better future. You can do this by sponsoring a child through WORLD VISION.

In reality, Php 600.oo monthly is very costly and giving it to someone readily during tough times is difficult. But come to think of it, using it as means to sponsor a child brings lifetime changes. 

If you have a very tight budget but you really want to sponsor a child, you may ask your friends, colleagues, classmates, or loved-ones to contribute altogether as a group. Be inspired with this story of high school students who sponsor a child as a class: Children Helping Children

If you are a Filipino entrepreneur or blogger, you can help spread the word by adding a WORLD VISION PHILIPPINES FREE/CHARITY AD BANNER to your website like I did. Visitors on your website might be interested in sponsoring a child. By clicking the ad banner, they could be easily directed to Child Sponsorship.  You may contact 

Cherry Anne G. Valencia Online Marketing Officer | Public Awareness and Experience World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. 389 Quezon Avenue corner West 6th St. West Triangle, Quezon City 1104 Philippines Phone: (2) 3747618 to 28 | Fax: (2) 3747661 Email: cherryanne_valencia@wvi.org| web: www.worldvision.org.ph Skype: cag.valencia

She could send you different free/charity ad banners and include you in World Vision Philippine's List of Volunteers. For more information about becoming a volunteer you may also go to these links: 

A Chance to Become a Better Person by Chien-Li Nizza
and

Other Ways You Can Help

Like World Vision Philippines' Official Facebook Page, add World Vision to your Google+ Circle, and follow it on Twitter for more updates and share them to your friends and followers.

Choosing and doing any of the ways above can make a lot of difference in the lives of less fortunate children who are deprived of their right to good education. As Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Isn't it wonderful if all the children in our country and even all over the world become well-educated? That is possible through our efforts.

Help every child in poverty live life to the fullest!

For more information visit 
 
  
For my non-Filipino readers, you may help World Vision too by contacting the branch in your country.

Reference and Photo Credits: World Vision Philippines

Unleashing Mom's Practical Kikay Side - WORKING MOM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE

Let me borrow the lines of Miss Ai-Ai delas Alas..."Nabuhay ang katawang lupa ko when I received my copy of Working Mom Magazine September 2013 Issue (Courtesy of ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.)!" This "style special" is very applicable and timely for us moms who are very domesticated at the same time working so hard to earn for a living. This teaches us a lot of practical tips to make our motherhood journey a smooth-sailing one and in style!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy reading about what's in store for us this month...

 

"Secrets---do everything better" (p.15) discusses about new trends that fit our shape, budget, and chaotic morning routine. It includes three new make-up looks, three easy hair trends, five fun nail hues, and finding the right accessories that match our clothes. It also speaks about cosmetic choices and tool alternatives that fit our skin tone, needs, and budget (p.26).

 

Learning the right brassiere fit depending on our shape and that would solve our pet peeves more than just knowing our cup size (pp. 44-45) is as important as knowing the perfect clothes, accessories, make-up, hair styles, and nail trends for us.

Got an hour or less to look great? No need to panic! All we need to do is to de-stress and reinvigorate our body (p.14) and learn from Pam Picazo Garcia of L'Oreal on how to do "Quick Fixes" (p.42).

Looking good must also come from within. "The 'No Diet' Diet" (p.46) tells us that we can loose weight and still eat what we want, balance it with a four-minute exercise, and apply what experts say (p.47).

 

Remember mommies, we are the reflection of our kids. If we give ourselves time and effort to be pretty, let us not forget to take care of our husbands and kids. Be inspired on how Senator Sonny Angara and wife Tootsy maintained a rock-steady marriage, raising happy, independent kids and living normal lives (p.52).

Building a close friendship between a mother and child is possible like Dra. Vicky Belo and Crystal Henares (p.61).

 

"Multiple Bonds" (p.77) and "Mommy Qualitips" (p.103) give us ideas on how to divide time with our kids and make them feel special.

We can bond with our kids by cooking breakfast together. "Muffins for Breakfast" is a must-try and easy to prepare (p.104). For our crafty kids, we can create pretty little "Clips for Keeps" (p.74) or visit 10 Alabama Handmade Arts and Crafters Fair (p.91) together to appreciate and support our homegrown talented crafters by purchasing their creations. Dapitan Arcade and Kamuning Public Market is a must-visit to see great finds with friendly prices (p.88) if we plan to do a mother and child home make-over.

An out-of-town family trip is a nice way of family bonding too. Cebu is a highly recommended destination. Enjoy sight-seeing with its historical landmarks and food trips with its delectable treats (p.96). But if the budget is tight, the whole family can also experience special Filipino Pasalubong in the comforts of home without the need of going out-of-town (p.49).

For moms who find it difficult to reach out to their teen children, Dr. Allan Dionisio and wife Maribel speak about how parents can talk to teens about sticky issues like dating and behavioral matters without pushing them away (p. 82). 

 

Adolescent Wellness Specialists can also help parents spot hidden emotional and physical issues through new tests by submitting their teens to an annual check-up (p.76).

 

Sometimes teens are so shy to show affection to their parents. They tend to act like adults hurriedly. Why not initiate and show them that they are still your babies by surprising them with cool stuff they can use (p. 72)? You can also show that you love them by being supportive in their interests or what they want to be in the future, a rakista (p.78) or a self-made millionare (p.80) perhaps? It also comes with finding the right institution to nurture and help them reach their goals.

Giving all the best for herself and her family is every mom's dream  granted that she has the resources to spend. "Finding Funding" (p. 68) gives tips on where to get the right type of funding if she wants to start her own business and "Build Your Financial Safety Net" (p.83) helps her find solutions on how to save funds for the future if her present are not enough.

I agree with the Working Mom's number one rule: "Take care of yourself first so you can be available for your family." Working Mom Magazine September 2013 Issue is definitely for us moms who desire to look and feel good without compromising our time and budget for our family. 

Unleash your practical kikay side, mommies! Grab a copy of Working Mom Magazine September 2013 Issue! It's a page-turner!

You may also watch this cool TVC to know more about it!