Monday, December 30, 2013

Michael Schumacher in coma


I was having a nice cup if coffee in front of the TV watching an inspiring feature on Malcolm Gladwell over BBC when I saw this news in the crawler in the bottom portion of the screen: Michael Schumacher is in critical condition after a ski accident. 

Schumacher is a 7-time F1 world champion.

I immediately drank up my coffee and Googled the accident and found this update from www.skysports.com:

Although initial reports stated that Schumacher's injuries were not life threatening, the Grenoble hospital treating Schumacher reported at 10pm on Sunday night that the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's condition had worsened and is now regarded as 'critical'.

A statement from the University Hospital of Grenoble, distributed by Schumacher's management company on Sunday night, confirmed the 44-year-old German national was in a coma.

"Mr Schumacher was admitted to the University Hospital of Grenoble at 12:40pm, following a skiing accident which occurred in the French Alps in Meribel in the late morning," the statement said.

"He suffered a severe head injury with coma on arrival, which required immediate neurosurgical intervention. He remains in a critical situation."

Hope he survives this one. Hate to see another man who lives in the fast lane leave the world too soon.

Image credit: www.fanpop.com.



Saturday, December 28, 2013

I Cheated on my Wife: My Year-end Confession


When my wife and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary recently, I received a lot of kind words and greetings from our family, relatives, friends, colleagues and even from people we just met and interacted online. It really made us realized that seven years of maintaining a strong relationship was quite a milestone.

Some, especially those who have been part of our relationship for years now, asked us how we were able to keep our marriage this long without a "major major" misunderstanding. Well, I have to give much of the credit to my wife who has been very understanding and trusting. These two things have been keys to our hassle-free day to day family life. 

But today, a few days before the year ends, I have a confession to make: I have cheated on my wife, not once, but many times. 

Why am I doing this? I just felt guilty that while my wife has been the ideal spouse a man can ever wish for, I have been been untruthful to her in many ways. I admit of cheating my wife...

a. Every time we play Rock, Paper and Scissors to determine who will clean the dishes (especially now that our kasambahay is on vacation).

b. When she asked if her favorite show is already being aired on TV, I'd say no without checking the channel because my favorite basketball team has an ongoing game.

c. During study time with our son, I will pick the easy stuff and leave to her the home works that would require more time and patience to finish. That way, I can spend more time for online stuff. 

d. When I go home late at night or go out on weekends to attend events and other personal things. I could have spent those times with her instead to make up of lost time since we both work 8 hours and sleep 8 hours every day and only have a few hours for us to sit down for a decent talk.

e. Every time I forgot to say "I love you" to her and hold her hands before we part ways every morning. I just feel that she deserves all the love that I can give, either in big or small ways, because marrying her is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.

To my wife Leah... thank you for coming to my life! Sorry for the petty cheating. Will do the laundry next time to make up with you.

To my readers who felt "cheated" with this post... Happy NiƱos Inocentes! 

Friday, December 27, 2013

Disney on Ice: One cool show for fans of all ages


I've always been a Mickey Mouse fan. Actually, the whole family adores this cute character and face of the wonderful world if Disney.

It was a dream come true this year that I was able to bring my wife Leah and son Charles to Hong Kong Disneyland last May. It's actually a birthday gift of sort to them after just spending their special days in simple family dinner treats.

When we heard about the news about Mickey bringing in his gang to the Araneta Coliseum this December via the show Disney on Ice: Treasure Throve, we were more than excited to see this amazing event.


And we did saw the ice spectacle a few days ago and the experience is very memorable that we encourage friends to see the show as well. Aside from the remarkable performance of the artists who did marvelous stunts on skates, audiences of all ages will sure to be in awe with the magical special effects that only Disney shows can bring. I was one of those who felt like a kid again while watching my favorite characters entertain the big crowd at the big dome.

You still have until January 5, 2014 to catch the show at the Araneta Coliseum. Buy your tickets online through www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Unisex gifts for Christmas, anyone?

Image source: www.qualityimagesearch.com
Hey, it's a few days to go before Christmas and you haven't bought gifts for your love ones and friends.

Uh-oh! Good luck in facing the dreaded Christmas rush. The only thing I can help you with guys is to suggest some unisex items that you can buy in bulk so you don't have to make a list or end up buying again a boxer for your cousin Stella.

Here are my 25 suggestions. Why 25? Go figure.
1. Tattoo shop gift certificates
2. Jacket with a letter L for Lady or Lalaki
3. Headphone
4. USB flash drive
5. Powerbank
6. Mug (make sure it has text like "Loperamide" or "Compliments of Mayor Binay")
7. That big calendar with images of Saints, Anime and LeBrom James where you can personalize by placing the surname of your recipient. Place "Happy Family" instead.
8. A bottle of Vitamin B Complex
9. Stabillo
10. Complete set of DVD of The Walking Dead (original if possible or if if you can find)
11. Movie tickets (Valid at least for a month)
12. Poster of Paul Walker
13. Casio G-Shock or Technomarine if you have money
14. Snakes and Ladders and other game board
15. Handkerchief (safe color)
16. Towel (again safe)
17. Hand soap or shower gel
18. Conditioner (I have yet to see a conditioner for men)
19. Umbrella
20. Wall clock
21. Canned goods
22. Spoon and fork
23. Kikay kit (yes, even men have that nowadays)
24. Toothbrush and toothpaste
25. or this book below (available at all National Bookstore outlets nationwide)



Saturday, December 14, 2013

Ready, Set... Act!




Ready, set... act!

When I was a kid, I used to act in front of the mirror when I am alone doing my impersonation of Steve, my favorite character in the classic anime Voltes V or sing ala-Beatles. But when I can sense that an “intruder” is about to enter my room, I would immediately sit on the floor with no trace of any sort of activities happened.

That’s how shy I was before even though within me is a dynamo that can energize a boring afternoon in the house. If only there was a school of action then where I can learn not just the art of acting but to overcome my shyness as well.

Last Dece,ber 14, Sacred Heart School Makati (SHSM) held their rehearsal-workshop for their Christmas play The Secret Christmas Eve, which was divided into two parts: ‘Escape of the Cookie Clowns’ and ‘What has Rudolph Done?’

It was quite an amazing scene where preschool students memorize and deliver their lines convincingly under the guidance of Teacher Monique Excueta Bunuan of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Philippines. The event was witnessed by parents and guest to have a peek of the staging of the said Christmas presentation for a cause on December 16 (Monday).

Sacred Heart School Makati maintained and managed by Ms. Weng Palma and is a franchise of Ms. Ma.Rowena J. Matti, CEO of the Galileo Enrichment Learning Program.  The first Sacred Heart School located in Malabon offered Nursery and Pre-School program was ounded in 1968 by Mrs. Rosario Tambunting-Juan,   It expanded to new branches in Sun Valley Paranaque, Binondo Manila, Valenzuela, Caloocan and other locations. The school is located at the Ground Floor of Republic Glass Building, 196 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. One good thing about Sacred Heart School Makati is that it offers the Galileo Enrichment Learning Program, Individual Tutorial, Taekwondo, Music Lessons and Chinese Mandarin.

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy on the other hand is a developmental drama program present in more than 25 countries all over the world, catering to children ages 5 to 17.

To those who are interested to watch the play on Monday (10:00 am), the paky will be staged at the 7th Floor of the CAP Building, corner Amorsolo and Rufino Sts. in Makati.  Tickets are sold at P300 each and proceeds of the sale will go to the relief and rehabilitation efforts of Philippine Red Cross in the Central Visayas region.  You may contact 810-8506 for ticket reservations and other queries.

I would love to go and bring my son Charles who I see is way more active in school programs compared to me when I was a toddler. But my little boy has classes and I have work. Well, I’m sure this will not be the first and last play by SHSM and hopefully we can watch. I encourage my fellow parents to see this play with your kids in case you are available on December 16.

Image used in this post is courtesy of Mr. Rain De Ocampo.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Why I want a Cyberya Minigosyo

Most Filipinos get offended when they are branded as tamad or lazy.

You hear the word almost every day from annoyed wives to their complacent spouses...  upset parents to their easy-go-lucky children... angry bosses to their unproductive employees... and even from unsatisfied citizens to ineffective government officials.

We get offended by the word but still, we don’t do anything to improve the situation (kasi nga tamad eh.).

That’s why tamad is often associated to the tambays (bums) and people who finds joy spending the the whole day staring at the wall. I also came out with my own meaning for TAMAD as in Taga-abang ng Awa ng Magulang At Diyos.

The unemployment rate in Philippines, a country with a 92-million population, was last reported at 6.5 percent in October this year.  I am not saying that all of those belonging to the statistic are lazy individuals because there are a lot of factors that led to people to being unemployed.

Some blame it to the lack of opportunities in our country but I beg to disagree.

I too was a tambay at some point of my life but I did not let the tag "unemployed" make me unproductive. Almost everyday, I go online in a computer rental shop near our home. I surfed for part-time jobs and any opportunity to earn while waiting for the results of my job applications in different companies. Persistence did pave way for me to get a part-time writing gig for a monthly kiddie magazine and some bonus prizes (cash and in kind) from various writing contest I found in the internet. I discovered that there is a place for my writing style in the cyber space thus I researhed and learned  how to blog through online references and forums.

It is also for this reason why I want a Cyberya Minigosyo. I know some people who, sadly to say, are underachiever--- a college degree holder who seems contended doing household chores after getting married; a smart high school graduate who ended up selling kakanin because his parents can't send him to college; and a witty FX terminal barker who knows a lot of trivia and make sense when he talks about current issues.

Each one of them have a great potential to excel if only given an opportunity and proper guidance to something they have yet to explore, like say, the world of blogging. If get one of them to be a blogger and eventually become successful in it, that's one priceless "profit" I'll be very proud of.
 

If only I have Cyberya units, I can make them "scholars" and introduce them on how easy to set-up a blog and how they can earn from it. I am willing to share my contacts, networks and tips and tricks with them in one condition: that once they learn the trade of the online writing, they should also mentor at least one individual who they think deserves a chance to learn.

With Cyberya, earning and helping others can co-exist harmoniously. As low a P1, people can discover new learning; reconnect with long lost friends; and even find a job and other opportunities. I also see this impressive and innovative product from PLDT as a good opportunity for a start-up business for small entrepreneurs.


It is also a good investment for working people like me to have another source of income and the best thing about this venture is that it is easy to set up and maintain. If you are interested to avail of the Cyberya packages, please visit PLDTHome.com or "like" https://www.facebook.com/PLDTKaAsenso for updates.

Now, there's definitely no reason to be unproductive. With Cyberya, your piso can be your key to a life-long dream to asenso.         

Monday, December 9, 2013

Shine Team Sinag... Shine!


The Philippine Men's Basketball Team will formally open its campaign to depend the crown in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar tonight.

Team Sinag II will face Singapore tonight and hope to capture a win to open up its bid in a high note. 
The team, which hopes to duplicate the first Sinag group that dominated the games in Indonesia two years ago, is composed of naturalized player Marcus Douthit, skipper Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual, Matt Ganuelas, Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Jericho Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Mark Belo, and Roi Sumang.



Below is the complete schedule of Team Sinag II. Games will be aired lived via Studio 23.

December 9, Monday
7:00 - 9:00 PM SINGAPORE VS PHILIPPINES

December 10, Tuesday
7:00 - 9:00 PM PHILIPPINES VS CAMBODIA

December 12, Thursday
7:00 - 9:00 PM MYANMAR VS PHILIPPINES

December 13, Friday
7:00 - 9:00 PM PHILIPPINES VS THAILAND

December 14, Saturday
7:00 - 9:00 PM INDONESIA VS PHILIPPINES

December 15, Sunday
8:00 - 10:00 PM PHILIPPINES VS MALAYSIA

Let's support Team Sinag just like how we cheered Smart Gilas during the FIBA Asia staging here in Manila months ago. Shine Team Sinag... Shine!

Friday, December 6, 2013

Be the Best at what you do with Timex Hero



When I was a child, I actually believed that I am special.

I can climb trees effortlessly ala Tarzan, run around our village tirelessly like The Flash and carry three fully-loaded school bags everyday because I feel I’m a muscle man like the Incredible Hulk.

More than two decades later, I still feel I’m a stud but this time with fear of heights, slower feet and an ab (singular form for abs). But hey, I still have the hero dream and continue to do even the simple things that makes me look like a hero to some people--- sacrificing an important basketball game so my son can watch his favorite show over Baby TV; taking over the kitchen on weekends so my wife gets a well deserve rest; or covering some tasks for an officemate who filed an emergency leave in the middle of busy week.   

This Christmas, I feel like rewarding myself something special. Hmm… another wrist watch, perhaps? Just like what my wife would tell me. I think she already got a clue after I posted that I want to receive a watch winder from my “daddy” or “mommy” in our upcoming family exchange gift on the 24th.

Well, heroes should always be on time and in style whenever a call for help arises. Incidentally, Timex, one of the well-known brands in the world of time pieces, just launched their line of Hero watches.  Timex made available Ironman Run Trainer, Ironman Sleek, Expedition Field Chrono, Originals Vintage Inspired 1978, and the one I'm eyeing for: the Adventure Series™ Linear Indicator Chronograph with Intelligent Quartz™ Technology.



This wristwatch has a very unique and cool design that fits my extra-ordinary ways. The Adventure Series spells TIMEX with the quality features it has which definitely suits my need, my want and my personality.

T-ough. It has a black ion-plated finish stainless steel case.
I-nnovative. With a 4-hour chronograph movement with linear indicator for minute subdial.
M-arvelous. An impressive black dial with neon color accents.
E-legant. Looks amazing with its black silicone strap.
X-treme.  It is water-resistant to 100 M (330 feet).

Wearing this will not necessary make me an instant hero but it will definitely make me feel extra special. And I always believe that if you feel good, you do great things to others. And that I think is the essence is being a modern day hero.

Watch the Timex Hero Story TVC on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2MZxNd_Bag

Monday, December 2, 2013

Seven things I learned from my wife


December 2 is a special day.

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned emperor of France in Paris. Twelve years later, the first savings bank in the US opens (Philadelphia Savings Fund Society).  British author Charles Dickens gives his first public reading in the United States at the New York City Theatre in 1867. If you want something from the Pinoy history book, well, The Battle of Tirad Pass or the Philippine-American war was happened in 1899.

Some useless trivia? December 2 is the date when a human birth was first shown on TV (1952); Ringo Starr's tonsils were removed (1964); Barbara Striesand's "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" hits #1 (1978) and the first time there were a dozen people in space.

Personally, it’s one of the most important dates in my life. Not only because it’s Britney Spears birthday but it’s the day when Leah and I tied the knot on 2006. Yup, it’s quite a journey and we can proudly say that we have survived what many consider as the seven–year itch.

I don’t intend to cover  in this post the years that Leah and I have gone through together because I can’t. I’ll need a lifetime to retell all the wonderful things and even the trials that we have shared through the years. What I can write now are a few things that I find more memorable since I learned them from my wife.

1.    You don’t peel ampalaya or bitter melon. On our first week as a married couple, I tried to prove to Leah that I also eat ampalaya. I told her that I cook the best bitter melon with scrambled eggs dish ever. She did like it alright. She like it that she could not stop laughing at the sight of peeled ampalaya for breakfast.

2.    You don’t use a knife while getting stuff the freezer. On our first month, I told my wife that I want to maximize the use of our fridge. Instead of buying 5-peso ice cubes from our next door store, I’ll make use of ice bags to save some coins. It just happened that one ice bag was a little sticky that I need to use a knife to take it off. I heard her said not to use a pointed object but it’s too late, I hit the Freon tube in my first try and the next day we got billed P3,500 for service and Freon refill.

3.    Britney Spears, Cristina Aguillera and Mandy Moore rocks! Before I met Leah, I thought music was all about The Beatles, Eraserheads, Robbie Williams, The Wuds, or any guy who can rock the stage. We had only a portable CD player in our house before and we share most of the time. She use it from morning to evening and I get to hold it a few minutes before I fall as sleep. The result: I was converted into a Britney’s slave after just three weeks of listening to her songs at home.

4.    Wearing pink will not make you a lesser man. When I was still single, my cabinet used to contain only two things: black shirts and others. I am very comfortable wearing dark colored tops because they’re basically wash and wear. People will not notice if you’re armpits are heavily perspiring in it. When my wife and I found out that our first baby was a girl, her first decision was to paint our room pink. Do you expect me to argue with my pregnant wife? In the same year, she bought me a pink polo shirt. From then on, I was embracing this fashion called “The Pink and Black Attack.”

5.    I can be strong on a dark day. My first experience as a father only lasted for almost 12 hours. Our baby Monique was not able to survive after my wife underwent an emergency procedure. I was there for my daughter from the very moment she was put in an incubator up to the moments of her last breath. I was emotionally and physically tired since I never expected that after two weeks in the hospital, my wife will have an unfortunate delivery. I postponed the pouring of my tears because if there is someone who’s hurting the most, it’s my wife. I wore a brave face every time I talked to her and would whisper to her “Everything will be okay” with a heavy heart. After two years, we got our prayers answer with our second child bringing new a life to our relationship.

6.    Anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad. I am so glad I have Leah as my wife to raise a wonderful blessing we call Charles. We agreed that we will impose a “no spanking” policy at home no matter and whatever Charles does. We discipline him with words and make him realize what will happen if he will do things that are nice.  I would like to believe that fatherhood made me more patient, understanding and somewhat special.

7.  Married life is beautiful. I’ve always see life as a wonderful gift. I have loved, failed, took a risk again and won the heart of the most amazing person I’ve ever known.  I can’t imagine life without Leah. She is my best friend, shopping companion, dining table seatmate, roommate and  partner for life, or should I say my life.

Thank you for coming to my life, my dearest Leah. Thanks for all the learning and I hope to be a better person that you truly deserved in the years to come.  Here's a line from one of your favorite Britney Spears song: "All I really want is to hold you tight Treat you right, be with you day and night. All I really want is to hold you tight, be with you day and night."
 

TWD 0408: Too Far Gone

Two characters in this photo will bid good bye to the show this week
Disturbing. Simply disturbing.

That's how I would sum up the mid season finale of The Walking Dead.

Season 4 Episode 8: Too Far Gone will finally grant deaths to those who should have died earlier based on the comic book.

Two major deaths... I won't name names but I'll tell you to prepare yourselves on how one favorite character will be killed or slaughtered. Even wearing a helmet will not make you shock-proof.

One question left hanging in this episode is if Little Ask Kicker is dead or not. And we have until February to know the answer.

Team Rick is divided again with groups going to different direction after the bloody attack in the prison camp.

Still have goosebumps every time I think about this week episode.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Websclusive: Is Mike Enriquez moving to DZMM?


Yesterday, I was at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City for an event when I saw a group near the stage sharing a good laugh while most of the attendees are going towards the exit door.

It was popular TV and radio personality Mike Enriquez who is also the Senior Vice-President for Radio of GMA Network (DZBB), and president of the network's regional and radio subsidiary, RGMA Network Inc. holding a sign with the letters "DZMM" ala fan sign.

What was a very identified Kapuso star doing at the table of the management and staff of DZMM (ABS-CBN's radio company)? He even held a DZMM sign and overheard him said, "Malapit na mag-expire contract ko sa GMA."

I was one of the few people in the venue who got the instinct to have a souvenir shot to what can be considered as a scoop.

Well, before you jump to conclusions, let me tell you what really happened. Enriquez was there not to negotiate with a possible transfer to the "other side" but just actually approached the DZMM team to personally congratulate them in sweeping the awards of the radio category for the 3rd PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence.

Enriquez, being a veteran broadcaster who has been serving the industry for decades saw some familar faces from the DZMM table next to where the GMA 7 staff were seated and took time to shook hands with fellow winners. Personally, that's pogi points for Kuya Mike to those who witnessed his kind gesture.

By the way, Enriquez took home the Best TV Newscaster of the Year award from the same event. In his acceptance speech, he shared the award to fellow media practitioners, whether a Kapuso or not, who risk their lives to bring truthful news gathering and reporting during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda. He also dedicated the awards to the victims of the recent disaster and left the crowd with a very meaningful message, "When I went to Leyte, I did not see Tacloban. I saw nothing. Everything is almost ground zero. If you think you have done your share and have given enough... I asked you all to give more!"

For the curious souls, here's the complete list of winners of the 3rd PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence

A. Presidential Citation:
Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation
Manila Broadcasting Company
TV5

B. Radio Category:
Best Radio Public Affairs Program: Dos Por Dos of DZMM 630
Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host: Anthony Taberna of Dos Por Dos
Best Radio News Program: Radyo Patrol Balita of DZMM
Best Radio Newscaster: Noli De Castro of Radyo Patrol Balita
Radio Station of the Year: DZMM 630

C. Newspaper Category
Best Columnist: Schubert Caesar C. Austero of Are We there Yet (Manila Standard Today)
Newspaper of the Year: Philippine Daily Inquirer

D. Television Category
Best TV Public Affairs Program: Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho of GMA 7
Best TV Public Affairs Program Host: Jessica Soho of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho
Best TV Female Newscaster: Korina Sanchez of TV Patrol (ABS-CBN)
Best TV Male Newscaster: Mike Enriquez of 24 Oras (GMA 7)
Best TV News Program: TV Patrol (ABS-CBN)
TV Station of the Year: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation

The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) holds the annual event to honor members of the mass media for their outstanding contributions in enhancing public understanding of the role and impact of good people management. Its objective is to encourage continued coverage of people management and other related people issues that promotes a harmonious relationship between employers and their employees.

PMAP is the premier organization of people managers and HR practitioners in the country today with 1,800 corporate members and individual members and 23 chapters nationwide.

  

Monday, November 25, 2013

TWD 0407: Dead Weight

Martinez meets his former boss again
The Governor is back!

Yup, this is my harmless spoiler for Episode 7 and not Episode 6. Last week, AMC devoted the whole episode for Brian "The G" and fans of The Walking Dead got an emotional swing of sort and "fell in love" with his character. However, it was a different persona that we saw.

This week, it's another Governor episode with only a minute of exposure from the guys in the prison cell. But this time, he is back... absulutely back in his evil ways. A recurring character will bid good bye. New faces will be introduced with some getting the "special treatment" from the one-eyed killer while others will stay maybe for an episode or two.

The fans that Brian gained last episode will be the same people who will curse him this week.

Also, make sure to enjoy every minute of the latest installment of TWD because next week will be their mid-season finale and we have to wait until Valentines of 2014 before we see them again.

If Daryl don't get at least half the episode exposure next week, I don't know what will half of the female population of the world will do. So AMC, be warned.    

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Who says I can’t cook


I love to cook as much as I love eating.

It’s just that I have been concentrating more on munching snacks than mashing ingredients in the kitchen lately. The result: another extra few pounds in my tummy and there are still a couple of big feasts coming (Noche Buena and Media Noche) before the year ends.

I used to cook dinner for me and my wife especially during weekdays after I come from work. I also prepare lunch during weekends. I can serve delicious adobo, mechado, kaldereta, siningang or nilaga. But things are different now--- we have a son who only eats food that are fried or something that can be cooked in less than 5 minutes. Thus, our family is in the easy-to-cook era today.

Luckily, there is now a fast, simple and flavorful solution when creating dishes. We recently discovered Clara OlƩ and its wide range of versatile pasta sauces. Not only that, the brand is also credited for having a diversified yet innovative product concepts and other ready-to-use products to help aid homemakers whip up that delectably perfect and savory dish for the whole family.

Many say breakfast is the most important meal of the day but hey, it’s often neglected because of everyone’s break-neck-speed lifestyle. Want a quick fix in the morning? Whip up that batter for some scrumptious pancakes that everybody loves. We tried Clara OlĆ© Pancake Syrups which has four different flavors: Original, Maple, Cinnamon or Truly Fruity. My son loves the Original flavor and I think this photo is an enough proof how he likes his pancakes more than ever. 



My wife created a little twist with our pancakes  as she added mangoes and chocolate spread in it ala crepe. The result? Imagine how you feel when you were still in high school every time you see you crush. That’s how good it tasted like. I want to believe that my fine slicing of mangoes added more zest to this delicious breakfast treat that can also be served during meryenda. See, I can also have my hands dirty doing kitchen work from time to time.


If you don’t have time to cook (too lazy to hold on a pan, perhaps) and just feel like popping a jar or bottle of spread ready to put on top of a slice of bread,  Jams and Jellies from Clara OlĆ© that are perfect for any and all bread recipes, or amp up your salads even further with their Vinaigrettes like Orange, Sesame, Pesto, Parmesan and Mango.



If you are a health buff who is into salads, you can try Clara OlĆ© Dips n’ Dressings—Thousand Island, Caesar, Honey Mustard, Ranch and Asian— that are definitely perfect for those fresh and crunchy greens as part of your daily healthy food fare.

If it’s lunch, dinner or any-time-of-the-day-meals at home or the office, enjoy a classic taste of grilled meat by checking out Clara OlĆ© Original Barbeque Marinade to satisfy that craving. Same goes for Honey Mustard, Hickory and Spicy flavors that will surely play with your senses as soon as it hits your palate. Korean food lovers can also rejoice with Clara OlĆ© Korean Barbeque Marinade, or bring back your glorious childhood memories with the Clara OlĆ© line of flavorful Tapa and Tocino marinades, while Inasal is perfect for that chicken char-grilled goodness. Plus, you can even add some more zing to your rice with Ora Mix Mo Specialty Fried Rice mix that turns ordinary rice to an extraordinary companion for your mouth-watering dish.


And for those who are looking for extra special pasta dish, you can either go with Italian Style, Sweet Style, Three-Cheese, or Filipino Style Clara Ole pasta sauce to liven up any meal. Or, for a more sophisticated taste around the table, Clara OlƩ Chunky Tomato with Three-Cheese, Chunky Tomato with Basil, Cheesy Pesto, Kung Pao and Mushroom can make every pasta dish even more sensational.

Now, who say’s I can’t cook? With Clara Ole, I can make you eat your words… along with the dishes that I’ll cook.

Want to know more about Clara OlĆ© value offerings, visit www.claraole.com or “Like” www.Facebook.com/myclaraole or connect via Instagram @claraoleph and share your unforgettable cooking encounters and dining experiences using Clara OlĆ© products. You can even catch exciting Clara OlĆ© webisodes called “Pot Sessions: A Cook Without A Book” adventure series via the Facebook app: https://www.facebook.com/myclaraole/app_566691690034303.

Monday, November 18, 2013

TWD 0406: Live Bait


If you are not a fan of The Governor, don't watch this week's episode of The Walking Dead. The whole episode is devoted to Mr. Brian Blake aka The G.

But if you are a true fan of TWD, you'll be more excited to watch the latest installment of season 4 because fans will be reintroduced to the most hated man of the zombie era and people will never look at this character the same way again.

The Governor had a family--- a beautiful family. He had a life. He had an unforgettable past and he is also weak sometimes. He's human. He too has a heart.

I won't be surprised if the Governor will gain a number fans after this episode even if there's an online petition from some TWD fans who want's to have his character killed in the ongoing season. With a new family, a new daughter and a new lovelife for Gov, I don't think the producers will kill him that easily after building up on his character for more than 40 minutes this week.

And please, don't deny that you did cheer for the Governor while being chased by zombies in the hospital and in the forest. Wink wink.
 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Dealing with Trauma after a Disaster

Lopez-Roces
(This is my article published on the Working People section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on November 22, 2009 and was republished on August 18, 2013. Some portion in this article were updated by author Richard H. Mamuyac.)

Cambridge Dictionary Online defines trauma as a severe shock and pain caused by an extremely upsetting experience.

There is still almost two more months to go before we bid goodbye to 2013 but many Filipinos are already wishing that this year would finally end.  Is it really because of the "unlucky no. 13" or it's just that our country was at the spot where the a killer earthquake and super typhoons Maring and Yolanda (the strongest storm to be ever recorded in history) hit. Thousands of lives and millions of dollars worth of infrastructures and crops were lost. Many were left homeless and starving.

But a more agonizing effect continues to hound the victims of the calamity -- a burden that a person will bear for a long period of time until he or she can deal and overcome it. How do you heal the wounds inflicted by the experience of losing loved ones, their homes and valued possessions from an unexpected tragedy?

“It really depends on the extent of the trauma,” said Metro Psych Facility in-house psychiatrist Dr. Myra Lopez–Roces, MD. “The personality of the person may also be a factor of how and when he can overcome the trauma. For example, if he already has nervousness or anxiety issues prior to the trauma, of course this will aggravate the condition.”

Signs of trauma

Roces said that a person who is experiencing trauma would manifest signs like worrying, tenseness of the body, shortness of breath and having a hyper vigilant personality. For the victims of the recent storms, she observed that even a slight rainfall or the noise of a door being opened can lead to panic. This is called anticipatory anxiety or fear that something traumatic will happen again.

She also added that depression comes when the person starts to have changes in his appetite, sleeping patterns and level of energy. Aside from depression, other common reactions experienced by disasters victims are (1) denial that such an experience occurred; (2) anger that can be directed towards the disaster, God, others or to themselves; (3) shock over the suddenness of the disaster; and (4) survival guilt - they survived and others did not.

The quality of work of employees will definitely be affected if they are coping with trauma. Sometimes they do not show emotions but are noticeably having difficulties focusing and concentrating on what they are doing.

Do’s and don’ts

Roces notes that family and friends can help the victims in handling the trauma. They should listen to the victims as they recount their experience. Healing takes place when victims tell their stories, thereby releasing emotions that they had kept to themselves.

But Roces also reminds us that this might not work in all cases, especially if the victim is suffering from Acute Stress Disorder caused by being exposed to a traumatic event.

According to Psychnet-UK.com, professional help is a must if the person has at least three of the following symptoms:

• a subjective sense of numbing, detachment, or absence of emotional responsiveness
• a reduction in awareness of his or her surroundings (e.g., "being in a daze")
• depersonalization - inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma
• the patient persistently re-experienced the traumatic event in at least one or more of the following ways: recurrent images, thoughts, dreams, illusions, flashback episodes, or a sense of reliving the experience; or distress on exposure to reminders of the traumatic event
• marked avoidance of stimuli that arouse recollections of the trauma (e.g., thoughts, feelings, conversations, activities, places, people).

Roces said that in these cases counseling needs to be supported with medication for the treatment of the victims. This process would sometimes take up to 9 months to 2 years, depending on the degree of the disorder, for the success of the treatment. If warranted, employed victims are advised to take a leave of absence for a period of time.

In the website of safetyatworkblog.wordpress.com, writer Kevin Jones shared his learning from the online video “Recovery from Trauma: What Works.” He wrote that in the early stages of trauma, people should avoid the following things that would only worsen the situation:

• alcohol and drugs
• keeping overly busy
• involvement in stressful situations
• stopping yourself doing things you enjoy
• engaging in risky activities.

Dealing with the trauma after the storm is not an easy task. Overcoming it is another story. People will recover at a different rate and it will really help if they will be surrounded by caring and understanding people who will be with them during these dark hours of their lives. It is not only trauma that we want to heal. We actually want to heal the whole person who wants to live again after his life was interrupted.

Monday, November 11, 2013

TWD 0405: Internment

Glenn
This week's episode of The Walking Dead Season 4, Internment, should have been titled "Father's Day" instead.

This episode highlighted the two fathers in the group, Rick and Hershel, who both shined in the most thrilling sequences this episode, if not this season. Both will play hero roles for their children and also risked their lives to people they considered as their own.

An "important" character in Season 4 will finally bite the dust. While a main character since Day 1 "almost" joined Team Walkers if not for the timely help from other protagonists.

Just when you thought that you have already shrieked your loudest at the mid portion of the show, hold on to your jaw and eye balls because they might dropped on the floor a few second before the end credits are shown.


Fibr: Home’s Most Powerful Broadband



Calling all districts! Calling all districts!

There is a emerging outbreak in the nation today and everyone is advised to take necessary precautions to be protected from any harm. Here are the symptoms of the said outburst:

1. You curse your internet provider and make your rants known via FB and/ or Twitter.

2. You get the same message over the phone: “There is an upgrading of our facilities in your area to improve our service. Sorry but I can’t provide you a definite time when this will be completed.”

3. You slam your desktop keyboard and/ or mouse or hit the CPU subconsciously.

4. You dream of a circling light with a note that says "buffering..." as if it’s going to be like that way forever.

If you are experiencing two or more of the mentioned symptoms, there is a big probability that you just caught the wave called SLOKONEKSYONMOSIS.

Do not take this lightly because this epidemic has been reported to have caused a lot of damage to unwilling victims:

a. Loss of sight. Watching videos over Youtube is now a mess and you’re missing an average of a dozen of viral clips a day.

b. Loss of hearing..Downloading of mp3s either from iTunes or Bearshare and listening to  E-radio, podcast and is completely silenced.

c. Lost of sense of touch. Well, a good thing in a way. Only cyber perverts will be affected by this.

d. Lost of sense of taste. You can’t decide what and where to eat because you can’t get updates from your fave food blogs.

e. And worst of all, loss of life (blogging life, that is)

During times like these, you'll feel like you want to engage with a brawl against the customer service representative of your internet provider specially if you have some deadlines to finish. This situation reminds me of The Hunger Games.

Well, he fans of the best-selling novel adapted to film will wait no more because the second installment of the movie, Catching Fire  will be shown in theaters worldwide this month. 

I am one of those who have been wanting to see the second part of the film (as if there will be major changes from the novel) because the suspense and excitement that it brings sequence by sequence espcially during the pageant or tournament of the tributes.

I am for Team Peeta Mellark, the male tribute chosen from District 12 who is a former schoolmate of Katniss who once gave her bread from his family's bakery when her family was starving. To some, he might be a weakling but look what he have become after surviving the first warfare--- a winner who got the chance to lock lips with THE Jennifer Lawrence. I wish I was him (envy mode) not only because of he's J-Law BFF but also due to the fact that he has this boy band-look crossed a a starving puppy eyes. Chicks can't resists those.

Since Peeta is not that of a hunk or a warrior type, I'd like to improve his wit and knowledge instead. If I am Peeta, I would spend some hours browsing the internet for just about anything that relates to suvival. It can be easy-to-learn martial moves, how to create explosives out of kitchen stuff or deceiving techniques without really trying. Well, you just need a dependable internet connection to get started to have an effective training for the pageant.


If you are still stuck with your old and slow internet provider, better change for the better. Fast. I would like to recommend PLDT Fibr, the most powerful broadband today that allows you to seamlessly and simultaneously experience the following: (a) Browsing of multiple websites; (b) Stream hundreds blockbuster movies on-demand from Clickplay; and (c) Watch Cignal Digital TV Channels.

The good news is that it is available now in over 800 fiber-powered villages nationwide. Visit www.pldthome.com or call 101-FIBR (3427) for more details.

Now, if this won't get Peeta another kissing scene with with Katniss Everdeen, I don't know what.



Saturday, November 9, 2013

Why Jax Cote is just annoying as Yolanda


While I can't get sleep last night because of the creepy sound of the wind brought by typhoon Yolanda, considered as the strongest storm to hit land in history, I decided to just monitor the situation online. 

And guess what I found out... an equally annoying happening on the other side of the world. What's worse is that, it's something we Filipinos don't need while we are currently being harrassed and manhandled by Yolanda.

Apparently, a teacher from Canada named Jax Cote find amusement on the suffering that most of our kababayan was experiencing.

While we Pinoys, in an out of the country, prayed for our families' safety, this supposedtedly "educated" lady even got the nerve to praise high heavens for bringing such devastation to our land and even called us Filipinos names.

Yolanda is a forgetful moment in our history but people who challenge and insut the Filipino spirit will not be forgotten. We will prove you wrong. We will all rise from this.

Below is a comment posted from the CNN website that best describe the human spirit of Filipinos.




Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Anti-Sakit, Anti-Liit syrup for kids: Let's drink to that!


It's always a music to my ears when people say that my son Charles is growing up just like me. Specially if it comes from people who basically know me since I was a kid.

But honestly, I do have some fears on my child following my footsteps. You see, I grow up to be prone to different illnesses. I had measles, chicken fox, polio and asthma. The last one is what my little Charles has been experiencing in the last four years. That's why we have a standby nebulizer at home.

The other thing I don't want him to inherit from me is my height. I want him to grew way way taller than my 5'3 length . Well, I can be 5'6 if I want to but I can't really move that fast with those elevator shoes.

During my younger years, my mom put her faith of improving my height on a margarine which she mixes in my rice every meal or as a sandwich spread inside a monay. Obviously, it was not enough and thus I just have to be contended with 160 centimeters.

Thank God for wonder vitamins these days, my son has better chances of avoiding sickness and being under height. Well, one product known today in the Philippines as the Anti-sakit, Anti-liit syrup is Ceelin Plus which uses the unique ZincPlusTM technology that combines Vitamin C and Zinc in a liquid format. Such combination results in a dual immunity boosting action and a stronger immune system.
  
 
Another nice thing about Ceelin Plus from Unilab is its fruity flavor, Apple to be exact, which means no more chase scene at home every time my toddler needs to take his dose of vitamins. My son absolutely loves its taste.

Less stress at home means quality time between parents and kids. Let's drink to that!