Communal Ranch: A Beautiful Paradise in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

The Communal Ranch in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon is a community-based ranch located in the province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It is known for its vast open spaces, picturesque landscapes, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism.

 

The ranch is managed by the local community and aims to provide livelihood opportunities for the residents while preserving the natural beauty and resources of the area. It offers various activities and attractions for visitors, including horseback riding, hiking, camping, and bird-watching. The ranch is also home to a variety of farm animals, such as cows, goats, and chickens.

The ranch's scenic beauty and tranquil environment make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rolling hills, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

Impasug-ong, where the Communal Ranch is located, is a municipality in the province of Bukidnon, which is known for its agricultural heritage and natural attractions. The region is characterized by its cool climate, fertile soil, and lush vegetation, making it an ideal location for farming and outdoor activities.

 

The Communal Ranch offers a unique experience for visitors, combining sustainable agriculture, community involvement, and the beauty of nature. It also provides an opportunity to learn about local farming practices, immerse in the rural lifestyle, and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.

 

To get there, you have the option to go to their Tourism office or just look for the people working for the tourism before entering the terrain and pay for the pass. It only costs P40 (P30 for entrance fee and P10 documentary stamp). 

Cafe de Maria - A Haven for Coffee Lovers

I had the pleasure of visiting Cafe de Maria with my daughter and sister-in-law  April this year, and went back again with hubby and two kids by June. I live in downtown CDO while Cafe de Maria is in uptown Cdo (Gran Europa to be specific), thus, the reason why I only visited this year and also, when Covid-19 had finally eased off.  

Cafe de Maria is a charming coffee shop located in the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines. Nestled in the heart of the city, this cozy cafe offers a warm and inviting ambiance, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.

The cafe is named after Maria, the owner's grandmother, who was known for her love of coffee and delicious homemade treats. The interior of Cafe de Maria reflects a mix of rustic and modern elements, with comfortable seating arrangements and a welcoming atmosphere. The walls are adorned with local artwork, adding a touch of local culture to the space.

When it comes to their coffee, Cafe de Maria takes pride in serving high-quality, freshly brewed beverages. They source their coffee beans from local farms and carefully roast them to bring out the unique flavors and aromas. The cafe offers a wide range of coffee options to suit different preferences, including espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.

One of the highlights of Cafe de Maria is their signature house blend, known for its smooth and rich flavor profile. This blend is carefully crafted by expert baristas, combining beans from different regions to create a balanced and aromatic cup of coffee. The cafe also offers a selection of single-origin coffees for those who appreciate the distinct characteristics of beans from specific regions.

In addition to their coffee, Cafe de Maria also serves a variety of delicious pastries, cakes, and light bites. These delectable treats are freshly baked in-house, with recipes passed down through generations. Whether you're in the mood for a classic croissant, a decadent slice of cake, or a savory sandwich, the cafe has something to satisfy every craving. Overall, Cafe de Maria is a delightful coffee shop in Cagayan de Oro, offering a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and a wide range of exceptional coffee and baked goods. It's a haven for coffee lovers and a perfect spot to indulge in a relaxing and enjoyable coffee experience.

Learn How To Budget While Playing These Online Games

My 12-year-old daughter loves going with her dad and me to the grocery. Every week, she looks forward to join us every Sunday because that is the time we go to the supermarket and do the groceries. She is, by the way, on a spectrum but highly functional. Math and English are her favorite subjects. 

Anyway, at the grocery, my daughter often gets food items like vegetables, canned goods, milk, and of course, snacks. We gave her the freedom to get these items, and only remove them afterwards if she put too much on the cart, lol. We do the rest like lining up to pay the cashier. But that does not mean she is not interested or paying attention because she does. Maybe when the right time comes, I will teach her how to do proper budgeting. It is, after all, important that she learns this stuff as we will not be there to guide her forever.

Back at home, I was so glad that I found a very interesting site online that teaches kids on how to handle money, plus it is free! I love this money game site and am happy that they keep updating their games. And not only that, I found the game I used to play a decade ago, the Mahjong Solitaire, and I almost did not stop playing it since I enjoyed it so much even though I was not as fast as before.

The game that my daughter played was Cashier Simulator. At first she was confused on what to do, so I checked it and got confused as well. It was because the currency was in dollars and the game used bills that we do not often use in our country. But as the game went on, both of us were getting familiar. 

The game allowed us to be the cashier or the customer, so we get to perform either role. When we were the cashier, we were shown how to use the cash register, how to use the barcode, or process the customer's credit card. If we were the customer, it allowed us to buy items, add them to cart, and compute the amount we need to pay and how much was the change.

I was very happy with this game because it did not only teach my child on how to budget money, but math as well by adding or multiplying the virtual items she bought. She was also quick in learning about finances. We took turns playing the game because I had fun, too! :) 

There were actually plenty of games I found online but these two I mentioned so far entertained us a lot. Hope you could also try it to experience the fun my daughter and I have!

The Royals on Coronation Day 2023

Even though I am not British, I am glad to witness (or watch on TV) the historical event that took place in England - that is, the coronation day of King Charles III. As a royal watcher, I look forward to seeing this event. But I must admit I am more looking forward to the day my favorite royals ascend to the throne and that is not (sorry to say) KCIII. I hope to see in my lifetime the coronation of the future monarch in England, the current Prince and Princess of Wales. Both embodied the qualities of future leaders, and even had Diana's quality - the People's Prince and Princess.

The Prince and Princess of Wales
Photo: ctto

I will not go into details anymore about King Charles III as not my favorite but he has my respect, and so with other world leaders who gave service and dedication to their country and respect other countries as well (you know what I mean).

I will just focus on Prince William and Princess Catherine and their little family, who are more loved by the people as they are approachable, relatable and responsible with the jobs entrusted to them. You don't hear them speak ill or nonsense, too, but they just get on with their work. Anyways, this is just my own opinion and you are of course, entitled to yours. 

Also, may I also say this how stunning the Princess of Wales look with her floral headpiece? Everyone (including me) expected her to wear a tiara coz it was a tradition but Buckingham Palace released a statement that the female working royals would only wear floral headpiece. But it turned out to be perfection as The PoW's headpiece still looked like a tiara placed in her beautifully braided hair. Truly, we are not disappointed but very delighted with the result 💓

Catherine, The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte
Photo: ctto (Getty)

HONOR X8a: Most affordable 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera, launched at Php 10,990 only

Featuring a stunning edgeless 6.7-inch HONOR FullView Display and a 100MP triple camera system, the HONOR X8a raises the bar for display and photography performance in the affordable segment.

Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR X8a in the Philippines. As the latest addition to HONOR’s X Series line-up, the HONOR X8a is a reliable all-rounder, featuring an eye-catching design, a large display offering superb visual quality, and robust photographic capabilities, all available at an affordable price point. The HONOR X8a will be available in the country at Php 10,990 with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds worth Php 1,590 when you buy during pre-order from March 14 to 24, 2023.

“Our newest phone is perfect for the style conscious shoppers. The new HONOR X8a offers a very elegant edgeless display that is really nice to grip. To top it, its ultra-clear 100 MP camera captures DSLR-like photos which is great if you are into photography. All these and more for only Php 10,990,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Immersive Display Technology, Packed in a Stylish Device

A delight to carry around, the HONOR X8a is slim and lightweight, measuring just 7.48mm and 179g, making daily tasks a breeze while on the go. The device’s clean flat-edge design and smooth shimmering coating on the back panel gives the HONOR X8a a chic look while delivering a secure and comfortable grip, offering the perfect balance between form and function.

The HONOR X8a allows users to view and enjoy content on a large screen thanks to its 6.7-inch HONOR FullView Display with a superior screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%. Equipped with HONOR Display Color Calibration technology which tunes color temperature frame by frame, the HONOR X8a further elevates users’ viewing experience with true-to-life colors. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, the device is also packed with low blue light technology to reduce harmful blue light, ideal for those who spend long hours for visual entertainment use. Featuring a screen refresh rate of up to 90Hz, the HONOR X8a can display more frames per second for smoother visuals to meet users’ daily use.

Powerful Camera System Delivers Stunning Shots, Everytime

The HONOR X8a boasts a 100MP triple rear camera system, the highest megapixel count ever on the X Series. Comprising a 100MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera, the HONOR X8a can capture high-definition images in vivid clarity, even when shooting complex scenes. The HONOR X8a also features a 16MP Front Camera to ensure users can capture spectacular, high-definition selfies.

Paired with industry level artificial intelligence (AI) technology which optimizes images, the HONOR X8a enables users to take striking clear photos with greater ease in over 20 scenarios.

Advanced Hardware and Software Solutions for a Smooth User Experience

The HONOR X8a is equipped with a 4500mAh battery to support a full day of uninterrupted use. On a single charge, the HONOR X8a delivers up to 13 hours of music streaming, 13.5 hours of video playback, 11 hours of short clip browsing, or 16 hours of social media exploring, keeping users online and entertained at all times.

In addition, the device runs on the Android 12-based Magic UI 6.1, which offers a whole host of smart features including HONOR Share for speedy file transfers across devices, helping users to boost productivity.

Pricing and Availability

Designed for fashion-forward trendsetters, the HONOR X8a is available in three stunning colors: all-new Cyan Lake, dazzling Titanium Silver, and classic Midnight Black. From March 14 to 24, the HONOR X8a will be available for pre-order for only Php 10,990 with FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590 via all HONOR kiosks and partner online stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/40iFPjB), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3mNbds1), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3ZYbqqy).

HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

Becoming an ASD Mom

Hi! I am Mommy Cookie, and I've always wanted to share my “Becoming an ASD Mom” story. However, I deleted it multiple times because I am a protective mom, and opening this sensitive topic would make others judge the very person I am trying to shield from harsh criticisms. But I guess now is the time to share in the hopes of helping other parents undergoing the same experience as I have. This story is about my youngest daughter diagnosed with ASD, or Autism Spectrum disorder, when she was three years old.

Let us go back to the time when it started. I noticed some red flags when my daughter turned two years old. She hardly looked me in the eyes and never called me mommy, unlike her older sister, who was very talkative when she turned a year older. Anyway, I told her pediatrician about it and recommended that I see a Developmental Doctor for my peace of mind. Taking her advice, I made an appointment but canceled a week before said schedule. I told myself there was nothing wrong with my daughter, and having her checked by another doctor confirmed something was wrong. But months later, there was no progress for my child so I tried to make an appointment again; however, I had to wait a few more months to be accommodated as the doctor’s schedule was already full. I told myself, “Okay, fine, because by then, I don’t need it anymore and be canceling it again."

 

Finally, the day came, and after the doctor did some evaluations, I was faced with the truth: my daughter was confirmed to have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although her impairments were relatively mild, the doctor recommended that my child receive some forms of therapy, and improvements were to be expected once the interventions were provided. But at that very moment, my world shattered. How? Why? How come? Why my child? To the point that I even asked myself, ‘is this doctor for real?!’ I was in denial. I was so devastated that I tried my best not to cry in front of the doctor. I only poured my anger, frustrations, and sadness at home. I felt life was unfair for children to be diagnosed with such a disorder that many people will forever judge. For many days, I cried. I cried in the middle of the night, before I went to sleep and when I woke up. That happened for over a month. I was so depressed for my beautiful, innocent baby girl. Life was so unfair to her and she didn’t deserve it; I kept saying that…

But soon, I realized I was getting nowhere from bawling every day and night. I finally decided to bring my daughter to a therapy center. There, I saw other kids in therapy; others even had extreme cases. I cried again, this time not for my child but for other kids and their parents.

I started to accept that I was an "autism mom", and with acceptance came many realizations. Therapy wasn’t so bad at all; in fact, I was thankful they existed. So for years, my daughter received occupational therapy three times a week, SPED classes twice a week and Speech therapy whenever a speech pathologist was available. She stopped going to SPED classes when she started attending regular classes at a mainstream (regular) school, doing well since she was able to catch up with kids her age. Her OT was soon reduced to two times a week, then once a week until finally she didn’t need it anymore when she was nine years old.

My daughter is currently twelve years old. Right now, she only has speech therapy once a week because her only struggles these days are her speech and comprehending analytical questions. She can communicate and understand, but give her time to process it. And mind you, she has quite a sharp memory.

I am sharing my journey as an ASD mom to enlighten (or hopefully, encourage) other parents in this situation. Life may not be easy at first, but you will be surprised how you and your child surpassed obstacles and achieved some milestones.

This is just a fraction of my story; I will share more of my experiences on my next post as I do not want to overwhelm my readers (esp. ASD parents like me). So, stay tuned!

Where Do I Stand?

I was never that kind of a friend who whines or complains about everything. I am the kind of friend that wanted my friends to shine even more. I am also a very appreciative person and I always let my friends know that I am here for them when they need me.

However, it just saddens me when I see some of them went somewhere and I was excluded. Was it intentional or was I only forgotten? I could only think of the latter but still, just quite sad because you felt you are the least important person in the group. They did not bother to invite me and I hope that when they read my post they will not find any excuses like - 'I tried to call you but your phone didn't ring', or I tried messaging you but I saw your post that you went somewhere' or 'You're always unavailable like before'. You know, those times that I wasn't there was due to conflict of schedule, otherwise, I would surely be there.

Anyways, I've moved on now already. I just can't help writing it, hehe. I've always labeled myself as "dili tamahay nga ferson or friend" and now I sound like one, lol.

So, to all besties out there, don't leave your friends behind. Not because they can't join your activities before doesn't mean they can't join you forever. Be a true friend. 💓

Save It For The Rainy Days

COVID-19 has taken a toll on not just our physical and mental health, but also our economy which ends up putting resources right into the lap of risk. In the age of modernity and progress that we live in, when technology and new opportunities are at an all-time high, there are always certain patterns that come into play—centurial patterns of the 20's being a time of pandemic plight, for one thing. Or investment patterns for another thing, wherein plans to make a living for the future come into mind, and for this reason we need to save ourselves time and resources.

With cinemas and shops closing their doors to the public while in the heat of the pandemic, alternatives come and go, or perhaps stick around and change the course of the human economy. The not all serious life-or-death talk which involved even in mundane routines, leisurely activities, and sentimental spots, all took a backseat. What used to be fond memories of a freshly bought set of movie tickets is now an online app subscription, what used to be Chinese takeout comfortably sitting at the back of the car now waits upon the kitchen counter freshly harvested from the backyard garden. Money trickles down through interestingly dynamic patterns, and the pandemic sure has shifted it considerably all for safety and convenience’s sake.

 

My late dad was totally right when he told me more than two decades ago that I should set aside some of my earnings and "save it for the rainy days", and I am glad I listened. Now, as a mother-of-two who always budgets my time, money, and efforts for safety and convenience, budgeting is useful in vast aspects most especially in the realm of monetary management though it can often be time-consuming especially with a stacked schedule. Whether at work, study, or even drafting out plans right in the comfort of my own home, the countdown of how much my family spends on and saves for necessities is always prevalent, sometimes veering off to the point where one may underestimate or overestimate the approximate amount. It’s because of these everyday dilemmas that some useful websites provide the pleasure of doing that job for me so as to cope with the brain overload during these trying times. One such site, SavingsCalculator.org, lives up to its name and serves as a good example because of its flexible features and its guides in calculating things like compound interest, along with a handy dandy guide to things like current interest rates. And since I live in a place where the market conditions have drastically changed—though it may also apply to the rest of the world—I might as well take a leaf out of their book and make use of the information readily available there.

New Year 2023

 

Welcoming the New Year wearing our color of the year clothes - Viva Magenta (or at least close to the color 😊).

Our celebration for 2023 was just like the same as 2022. We usually celebrate the New Year at my mom's house, with my brothers and sisters-in-law, then went home during or after midnight but this year.

I hope you all had a great time welcoming 2023 unlike the past 2 years where we had limited family gatherings due to pandemic. Glad that we are slowly returning back to the way it used to be but of course, let us still be cautious and take care of our health.

Check out What’s in Moira’s Shopping List this Christmas!

Gift your loved ones with these items you can get at 0% interest through Home Credit

Finding the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones can be challenging for some people. Well, gift giving doesn’t come with no pressure since we only want to give our loves ones what’s best for them.

If you’re still looking for the ideal presents or rather need some inspiration, Filipina singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre shares her holiday gift ideas that are perfect for all ages and for every special person in your life!

Making it a merrier Christmas season, Home Credit recently launched The Great 0% Interest Festival, so every shopper can check out items from almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide. Customers can choose from more than 50,000 products available through Home Credit that they get at 0% interest until January 31, 2023.

Are you ready? Check out what’s in Moira’s shopping list this holiday season!

Gifts for learning and entertainment

Now is the time to reward hard-working children and inaanaks the gadgets they deserve. Gifting them the latest devices can help them not only study hard, but also enjoy little play time in between to maintain that school-life balance. Not to mention, in the new normal way of learning, smartphones, laptops and tablets, and accessories such as noise-canceling headphones have proven to optimize students’ educational experience, whether for physical classes and especially in hybrid learning.

New NBA season just began last month and this means you may find your dads and brothers with their eyes glued on screens. Investing in a high-quality smart TV at home can be an amazing present for sports fans in the household, as the whole family spends their time at home in the spirit of togetherness during the holidays. To top this off, gifting ate or bunso superb-quality Bluetooth speakers lets everyone party or just chill, anytime and anywhere.

Top tech brands to name a few – OPPO, realme, vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Acer, Apple, Huawei, and Asus all offer these gadgets that make the perfect study and play buddy. Not to worry, these brands and other Home Credit’s partner stores nationwide are part of the 0% interest festival for the best deal that you can get this season.

Presents for convenience and healthy living

Inverter technology has been quite an innovation that parents fancy for household appliances. Choosing inverter items over traditional appliances helps one save on energy and cost at home. This season of giving, gifting parents the latest appliances that would guarantee convenient living at home will surely have them enjoying the holidays and beyond.

Inverter refrigerator and air-conditioner are top choices for you to consider! As moms love spending time in the kitchen and making snacks for their families, with a cool and cost-efficient refrigerator in place they can keep their grocery foods in a safe storage to ensure the quality of each item.

While you’re at it, why not get an inverter air conditioner for the family so they can enjoy the cool room temperature during family reunions? An air conditioner will definitely be appreciated in a tropical weather country like the Philippines plus it is also environment-friendly and has lower power consumption.

Another important household appliance is owning a good quality washing machine. Give your titas a washing machine to help them save time by just simply putting their clothes on it, turning on the power and choosing their preferred cycle. It is more ideal than doing their laundry manually, a good way to show how you value their convenience.

Home workouts saw an increase in demand during the pandemic. Surprise your fitness enthusiast sibling or significant other by gifting them a punching bag, dumbbells, yoga mat or go big and fulfill their home gym dream by gifting them with an indoor cycling bike or treadmill as a present this Christmas. Having these fitness equipment at home can let them maximize their workouts at home, to keep them fit and healthy.

Get these home appliances and fitness equipment from Home Credit’s retail partners such as SM Appliances, Robinsons Appliances, Abenson, FC Home, Home Along, AllHome, Emcor, and Automatic Centre.

Curated holiday presents for a more personal touch

Looking for a more creative option for holiday gifting? Try creating your very own holiday gift package! For your coworkers who just had a baby, put in some nice items for infants, toys and clothing in a ribbon-tied box for the complete Christmasy feel. And for the BFFs, you can collect some new shades of lipstick, tag along some trendy accessories and perfume in a cute tote bag or basket for a well-thought out present.

Through Home Credit’s Shopping Basket, customers can visit its partner stores and shop for these varieties of goodies that they can curate in bundles for Php 3,000 minimum worth of items. Shoppers can get them through a monthly installment plan now with 0% interest.

The spirit of Christmas is livelier now more than ever. Home Credit wishes to celebrate this with you, offering 0% interest for the best gift items of your choice that can make the whole family feel loved and cherished. 

Hurry! Click here to download the My Home Credit app and get the best deals and promos this holiday season. Find out more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.