I Don't Have A Peace of Mind...

They said that going to the doctor and have a check-up will give you a peace of mind. In my case, I don't think so... I dread going to the doctor these days and did a series of blood work, not to mention waiting for the doctor for many hours before my turn is called.

I've experienced spotting last month so I made an appointment with my OB-gyne. First day, I was made to wait for 3 hours and the following day, it took me 4.5 hours! For my lab work, I had transvaginal and upper abdominal ultrasound. I was aware of my polyps so it has to be removed (and that also caused my spotting). What I was so shocked about was the cysts in my liver. I was aware of it before but the sizes now are bigger. OMG! My kidney also has cysts but the size was still small. So, after going to my OB-gyne, I checked with my liver specialist and required me to have have a repeat ultrasound and also requested for a blood chemistry. The result was normal in my bloodwork, my ultrasound still resulted that I have enlarged liver cysts but not yet severe as mentioned in my previous ultrasound.

And tomorrow, I am scheduled for a D & C with my ob-gyne to remove my polyps and clean my cervix. What I don't get is why she wants another labtest for my creatinine and sgpt? I just did that a month ago and it was normal. Maybe she doesn't believe it? Maybe I look too sickly for her? I had an appointment with her last week wherein she told me to seek for a second opinion about my liver. She was hoping I would get a biopsy. She was even wishing I undergo a CT-scan. That made me panic to be honest. I was trying not to think about my cysts or any illness that I have but my doctor wanted to remind me that I am not well (?). Maybe she's just too concern to the point that she became an alarmist.

But God, everything that I went thru lately scares me. I don't want to be scared but can't help it. I wanted to be well that's why I went to see these doctors but now they're the ones giving me a heart attack. I can only hope and pray that nothing's bad going to happen to me. I pray that after my procedure and bloodwork tomorrow, I am cleared and go home healthy.

I wanted to be with my family, especially to my kids who are my life and my strength. I wanted to take care of them especially with my youngest child who needs special attention.

Dear Lord, heal me. You're the best doctor I know. May You give me strength and courage and peace of mind as I face these ordeals. Please hear my pleas and make me well again. I know I am a sinner and I do not deserve to be heard by You. But I believe that You always forgive and listen to those who called upon Your Name. So, I asked You to please hear my prayers.

I also ask everyone reading this blog of mine to include me in your prayers. I appreciate that very much. Be safe and be healthy, too!

Moving To Another School

Sorry, my blog is boring to read lately and even I, myself, is lazy to read it, lol. I'll just give some updates of the recent events in my family's life.

My eldest daughter, who is now in grade 9, transferred to another school. We've been planning this all along but finalized only after she took the entrance exam of her new school, Corpus Christi.

This school, is by the way, my high school Alma Mater. For the reason why I didn't enroll my daughter there since grade 1, well, that will be another story to be posted in another blog :-)

I used to think that my daughter would finish her junior high in her old school but things changed along the way. I felt that she was taken for granted and her growth was very limited. She has so much to offer but 'they' (the teachers) just neglected it so why force her there when nobody even cared?

I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive when I transferred my daughter because she might not be well-liked or she might be bullied or not welcome but opposite things happened. She was warmly welcomed and very much appreciated. She made new friends and seemed to look forward to go to school the next day. So for now, I could say that both of us made the right decision to transfer.

If you asked if this was my sole decision, NO, it's not. My daughter is 13 years old and turning 14 next month. She also made her own decision. In fact, it was she who was so eager to transfer that she couldn't wait for her classes to begin. And she told me again she made the best decision so far.

Well, I am glad! I just hope she would be more inspired to study harder and show what she's got and what she has to offer.

But most of all, I am happy that she is happy and that I am also looking forward for her to grow and succeed and achieved her endeavors in life.

NOVUHAIR SUMMER HAIR CARE TIPS

Heading to the beach may be the most exciting part of summer. It is almost always part of the itinerary this season for most people. Others prefer to give in to their adrenaline rush climbing that mountain slope or just about anything that gets you that summer tan to fit in the crowd. 

Did you know that spending extended hours under the extreme summer sun can pose serious danger to your hair and scalp? The same UV rays that brings damage to your skin without proper protection can equally hurt your hair and scalp. 

Below are some of the problems your hair can encounter during the season: 

• Split-Ends - UV rays and extreme high temperature can take their toll on your strands. The heat drains the moisture of your hair out causing breakage. 

• Double Trouble – Rebonded or permed hair needs extra attention as high temperaturewell as humidity disrupts the cuticle breaking some of the chemical bonds that keep the hair straight or curls and roughing up the cuticle, taking away shine and smoothness. 

• Scalp problem – Scalp may also get sun-burned if you don’t use cover-ups for your head. 

• Grease problem – Summer sun and humidity can bring extra grease on your hair, leaving it vulnerable to damage. 

• Chlorine Stress – Swimming in the pool subjects your hair to chlorine. The outer layers of the cuticle of the hair opens up when you swim and chlorinated water seeps into the center of the hair thus making your hair more brittle. 

• Excessive Salt Water – Salt water can cause the same damage as chlorinated ones. Salt water dries on the hair it creates a high-saline solution which can build up and cause hair to feel dry, weighed down and hard to manage. 

All these problem can be addressed by keeping your hair clean and showered after each activities. Take vitamin supplements that benefits you hair such as Vitamin C and Biotin. Getting your hair pampered will also give respite to the sun and chemical abuse. 

Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is made of 19 Natural ingredients which includes herbal components such as moringaoleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint. 

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching. #NovuhairSummer 

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

FOREVER 21 Brings Its Hips and Trendy Style at the New SM CDO Downtown Premier

 

With the opening of SM CDO Downtown Premier on May 12, 2017, new and high-end establishments also opened its doors to eager shoppers. One of them is Forever21, a California-based fashion giant’s stylish collections and sophisticated looks are now available at its newest store.

True to its commitment of providing the latest in fashion to the style-savvy crowd, Forever 21 continues to excite the Philippine market with the store opening at SM CDO Downtown Premier. This summer, certified fashionistas and shoppers can now enjoy Forever 21’s brand of style in this 640-sqm fashion hub with collections for both men and women. 

I was actually there on their soft opening on May 11, 2017 and got the chance to shop and availed their 21% off discount to regular-priced items. This offer was only limited to invited guests on their shopping party.

It was nice to see that the store celebrated the vibrancy of summer. Forever 21’slatest collection for women showcases exquisite contrasts on fabric such as poplin and leather balanced by lively pastels in shades of this year’s hottest pantones. Focusing on lace details and floral embroideries on denim and skirts, it creates a chic yet comfortable style for the modern fashionista. A mix of the sophisticated and sporty look, the men’s variety includes cool-colored polo shirts, statement sweaters and knit and denim bottoms.

They also offer stylish shoes which my daughter and I could not resist on buying. Below were some stuff that my daughter bought at Forever21 - nude 3.5-inches high heels, a hoodie and a pair of sunglasses.

“Since we opened our first store in the Philippines last 2010, it has been our goal to give everyone easier access to trendy yet affordable fashion,” says Dixie Gene Li, Forever 21’s Business Unit Head. “We hope that SM CDO Downtown Premier patrons are as excited as we are in opening our newest Forever 21 store.” 

Starting May 12, the delightful CDO crowd will have access Forever 21’s chic and pocket-friendly fashion finds. 

Forever 21 is located at the Ground Floor of SM CDO Downtown Premier.

Experience Paragliding at Sierra del Oro

Great news to all sports-minded and adventurous peeps here in Cagayan de Oro as Sierra del Oro Leisure Park officially opened Paragliding last April 29, 2017. 

Paragliding is considered an extreme sport but according to experts, can be easily mastered. Sierra del Oro Leisure Park had its soft opening last April 26 wherein some people from the media were invited. I was there with my 13-year-old daughter, Chloe, along with other CDOBloggers and their kids. 

Most of us listed our names on a piece of paper should we want to try paragliding. My daughter tried it, I didn't :-)

So, I guess I will be sharing with you my daughter's experience then... We were there at 1:00 pm but my daughter was accommodated at around 4:00 pm. It was because the wind was light (yes, the stronger wind, the better --- coz it will take you higher and the longer the ride!) and there were only 3 licensed and professional paragliders available. Others were still coming Friday that week. When all licensed 'pilot's were still busy up in the air, we took pictures and videos while waiting for the others to come back. In case you asked, you are ONLY allowed to paraglide with a licensed paraglider. Without them means NO flying.

You can also enjoy the view and beautiful sunset at Sierra del Oro

When it was my daughter's turn, she was instructed on what to do and what NOT to do before/during gliding. As a mom, I was quite nervous but excited for her. Of course, I could not help but get worried should anything happen to her (God forbid!). But I also believed she was in good hands with Sir Titoy so all I could do was pray for their safety. On the other hand, my daughter could not contain her excitement! Chloe had fun even though theirs was only cut short because the wind was already very light. Well, that was the mere reason why some of us were not able to experience paragliding that day (eherm!...excuses...hehe). Paragliding stopped at around 5:30 pm. Although they asked us to come back on Friday that week and Tuesday the next week, I wasn't able to because I was already on vacation with my family. 

Anyhoo, sharing to you my daughter's video while paragliding up-close and personal. Check her expression...whatdyathink? :-)

P.S. First part of this video was taken from GoPro. Sierra del Oro will provide go-pro for you to take a video while up on the air. Just copy it from them after you're done gliding. Second part of this video was taken from my iPhone6s (",)

For more inquiry about Paragliding, Sierra del Oro is located at Indahag hills, Cagayan de Oro City. The rate per ride is P2,500. You can contact or make reservation either of these numbers: 09194741131 or 0927820428. 

ReadyMinds Development Center is Now in CDO!

ReadyMinds Development Center formally opened in Cagayan de Oro last March 28, 2017 and it was a huge success. It was attended by many people and most of them got a glimpse of what was inside the center.

ReadyMinds is the only center in Cagayan de Oro that introduces i-Ready diagnostic and instruction program. i-Ready diagnostic and instruction is a powerful on-line program that will bring students up to grade level.

It is the single K–12 adaptive Diagnostic for reading and mathematics that pinpoints learners’ needs down to the sub-skill level. It also has ongoing progress monitoring showing whether students are on track to achieve end-of-year targets.

ReadyMinds is a family-owned business, F & J De Jesus Inc., along with their children. They were actually present during the grand opening and  briefly shared their experiences on how they adapted the US-based education and brought it here in the Philippines. Now, they have many branches nationwide. 

For more details about ReadyMinds, I suggest you visit their place at 2/F Knightsbridge building, Tomas-Saco St. (fronting Mercury Drug). The staff or manager of learning (ML) are all nice and accommodating so you can ask any of them about your queries.

And sharing to you some GOOD NEWS: ReadyMinds Development Center is currently offering a Summer Enrichment Promo. They are offering 20 sessions for Php 1,799 ONLY for either Math or Reading! So imagine how much you saved coz your payment for 1 month is equivalent for 2 months! But you need to hurry as the promo is up to April 28, 2017 only!

All About That Bass

If you are currently looking for top of the line bass guitar, I suggest you check for hofner bass. You may browse it online to see the specs and if the quality meets your standard. But you would be surprise to see because the price of these top seller guitars just got dropped! So if you are planning to buy one, better decide now or it might be gone tomorrow. And you don't even have to worry if you are left-handed because they have that covered, too.

LEGO Opens the First Certified Store in Mindanao and Partners with UNICEF Philippines

Fun, intuitive and simple - these are the hallmarks of toy design that made the LEGO bricks and minifigures the most beloved toys worldwide. A brainchild of carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen who introduced it in Denmark stores in 1932, the brand soon went global ad it did not take long it became a hit in the Philippines, earning a steadily growing following from children and those young at heart who use each LEGO piece to build toys and realities straight from their imagination.

Encapsulating the dram of its founder to "inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow", the global toymaker continues to expand its presence in the Philippine market by opening LEGO's 6th Certified Store in Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro on April 1, 2017.

A LEGO Certified Store offers the following unique features that inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through creative free play and developing the imagination:

* Pick-a-Brick wall (PAB) - a custom-built fixture filled with LEGO bricks and elements where shoppers can hand-pick and select what they need to build something based on their own design and imagination.

* Fully assembled LEGO sets around the cirumference of the store to inspire LEGO fans.

* An interactive play area that's prominently positioned in the center of the store to give children a "hands-on, minds-on" experience with LEGO bricks.

* Exclusive LEGO sets available

The store is the fifth in a series of stores that will open from Manila to Davao in the country under LEGO's "Better With Every Brick" campaign. LEGO, together with UNICEF Philippines, UN's agency that supports children's welfare, will work together to help build the first National Centre for Children with Disabilities in Philippine General Hospital. To support UNICEF's program, a portion of the sales at LEGO Certified Stores in the country will be donated for the Centre's construction. LEGO will also issue a cheque worth Php 500,000 as part of the fundraising drive to raise a total of Php 10 Million for the construction of the Centre.

"The LEGO brand goes beyond being one of the top global toymakers, we are beloved builder of childhood fantasies. We aim to inspire and engage the world's builder by injecting fun into play. This partnership with UNICEF Philippines resonates well with this dream to extend the opportunity to help more children by bringing the National Centre for Children with Disabilities to reality," said LEGO executive.

"And LEGO fans can pitch in this initiative of making the world "Better With Every Brick", said LEGO executive.

The LEGO Golden River Expedition would not be complete without exciting deals for the whole month of April:

For a minimum single receipt purchase of P3,999.75 on any LEGO item/s from the LEGO Certified Store Centrio from April 1 to 30, 2017, P1000 of the sale proceeds will go to UNICEF to help build the Centre.

Also, for the entire opening week from April 1 to 9, LEGO will have several Gift With Purchase promotions that will make you want to keep on coming back for more with a minimum single receipt purchase of P1,999.75 on any LEGO set/s from the store! From April 1 to 3, start a minifigure collection with your Build A Minifigure set. From April 4 to 6, bring home your very own LEGO Easter Chick! From April 7 to 9, with just a few days before Holy Week, celebrate Easter Sunday with LEGO with the Painting Easter Eggs Set.

For all the comic fans out there, you can also look forward to the exciting and innovative LEGO Brickheads line. Batman, Batgirl, Joker, Robin, Captain America and Iron-Man will be at your fingertips in brick form starting April 1, 2017. You can expect more new character releases in the coming weeks ahead.

Last but definitely not the least, LEGO fans and lovers can purchase LEGO poly bags in support of the fundraising campaign for the National Centre for Children with Disabilities where 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each poly bag will be donated to this UNICEF project. Each collectible poly bag featuring four different designs sells for P100 each comes from the LEGO Ninjago, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Friends and LEGO Duplo lines.

It's the brick that keeps on building!

Visit the LEGO Certified Store Centrio at the Ground Floor, open from Mondays to Sundays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.