Do It For Yourself

Been on FB break again coz I believe that whatever is good for my soul, I have to do it. While Facebook updates me or reconnects me with my relatives and friends (especially during pandemic), it also messes up with my mental health.

I used to be so concern with what other people would say if ever I go M.I.A on Fb, but lately, I tried to put myself first before anything else. I do not care anymore what others would think, and I don't need validation from anyone. But, I do not need to uninstall or deactivate my account, I just don't have to login.

However, I have to admit I logged in on rare times since I am a member of some groups which require me to posts important announcements on my social media accounts. So, that was all I did, I logged in, post the requirements then log out.

There are reasons why I am doing these. Inasmuch as I wanted to be updated with the news especially about the pandemic and what's going on around my surroundings, I am also easily affected with the sad news. And it makes me more sad if I know the people on the news. Death toll related to COVID-19 just kept on rising and a lot of my friends post lighted candles on their walls which makes me even more worried. Global pandemic had never slowed down in different parts of the world, news about the extremists and violence rose up here and there. There were also those who took their own lives due to depression and others just kept on ranting on their walls just because they feel like they have to...honestly, these kind of things were too much to for me to read. I do not think I need to know all so for my own sake, I decided to lie-low on FB for over a month now.

From time to time, I am also battling with my own mental health but I am just glad that my kids kept me going. I'm tired and weary but I have to keep going and staying away from social media was one of the best decisions I've made lately. 

I am only visible in Messenger for emergency reasons and also on Instagram, because it's less toxic there, and all I see are beautiful pictures and it puts a smile on my face... and that's what I need.

I used to reach out to some of my friends also even before pandemic, asking them of how they were and exchanged updates with our lives. However, I've noticed it was always me who to tried to reach out to them. And when I was silent or was in my lowest moments, nobody even bothered to call or message me. Some friends, huh? So, now, I don't do the first move anymore. And it just got me thinking, perhaps they will only remember me if something happen to me (God forbid!).

Another lesson I learned these days is never to always agree to the person who thought they did the right thing, just to make them feel better. Because when it's your turn, they would just belittle you and make you feel that they are superior. I am done with these kinds of sh*T. 

What actually surprises me are the people I talk rarely for years were the ones reaching and checking me out these days. They were my childhood friends who I lose contact because of their busy lives. The other day, I got a message from my college friend. She just check how I was and that was all. But I appreciated so much her gesture. These are the people who are worth keeping.

Anyways, just sharing my sentiments. I am slowly trying to be visible but in my own pace and not tried not to be dictated by the society who think that being too vocal about anything makes one a better person. As if your opinion is always right, right? It's also a waste of my time arguing to people who don't listen at all or never tried to put themselves in somebody else's shoes.

Well, in case someone stumble on my blog and read this post, now you know what's inside my head lately. I have so much to say but well, as long as I can still hold them, I will just have to share them when I feel like it. This is it for now.

9th Globe Media Excellence Awards Launched to Honor VisMin Journalists, Content Creators

Globe continues to celebrate and promote press freedom through the 9th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA). GMEA recognizes media practitioners and content creators from Visayas and Mindanao who excelled in their field of work amid the challenges posed by the global health crisis.

The theme for this year is Padayon Digital—a play on the Visayan word, padayon, which means to continue. It is a tribute to the media’s diligence in moving forward to digital spaces and a symbol of Globe's consistent support to the Visayas and Mindanao press. Support is crucial in the new normal and GMEA brings that message across by spotlighting stories that uplift lives and communities.

“We’re proud to host the Globe Media Excellence Awards, now in our ninth year, to recognize the outstanding work of the VisMin press. Amid the ongoing pandemic, the roles of media, bloggers and social media influencers have been most crucial in keeping the public credibly informed and have played a part in helping people see through the health crisis,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior VP for Corporate Communications.

There will be nine awards for digital and print, two for broadcast, and three special awards. All entries must be anchored on at least one of four Globe sustainability pillars: Care for Environment, Positive Societal Impact, Care for People, and Digital Nation, in line with Globe's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Categories for digital and print are Explanatory / Investigative Story of the Year, News Report of the Year, Column of the Year, Explanatory / Investigative Video Story of the Year for Digital, Photo of the Year for Digital, Breaking News of the Year for Digital, Social Media Advocacy of the Year for Digital, and Digital Storytelling (Best Blog Post and Best Social Media Video).

For broadcast, the categories are News Report of the Year for Radio and News Report of the Year for TV. The special awards are Newsmaker of the Year, Editor of the Year, and #KwentoNgTagumpay: Uplifting Lives Through Digital Technology. This last award recognizes inspiring stories of triumph amid adversities of communities and individuals.

Globe first launched its Media Excellence Awards in 2012 to encourage excellence among traditional media organizations and, later on, digital media practitioners to create positive societal changes. GMEA 2021 covers Bacolod, Cebu, Tacloban, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Iloilo in Visayas and Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Bukidnon, and Zamboanga in Mindanao.

Cash prizes await winners of each category. Entries may be in English, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, or Chavacano. The deadline for submission is December 31, 2021.

To know more about the Globe Media Excellence Awards, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/globe-media-excellence-awards.

Comfy Shorts To Wear

Most of my time these days is spent at home, and I only go out if I buy essential items or do a little workout. However, while I have to admit that I am not a sporty type of person, I find ways to do stretching or spend a few minutes using my stationary bike from time to time. Since I hardly go outside because of the pandemic, walking from our garage to our backyard is my substitute for brisk walking--even then, I still remain at home. Despite the comforts of my own private space, I still need to wear clothing that allows access for movement, so it is a convenience that someone had given me collegiate shorts a few years ago, which I use up until now. While it closely resembles basketball shorts, it is more relaxed and comfortable to wear. I am planning to buy more shorts like these for myself and for my daughters so that they will join me do some exercises either inside or outside our house next time. The shorts are available online, like the Legacy History Pride where there are plenty of designs to choose from. Some are even on sale! I just hope I can find the right size for my kids and myself.

Chloe - A Decade and Eight

Our eldest daughter celebrated her 18th birthday a month ago. We had many plans about her upcoming debut, but we let go of many ideas because of the pandemic. Still, we continued to plan but then our city was placed under MECQ, we ended up limiting our guests, our planned activities, and everything. We thought of having a small party in an open area until we decided to celebrate it at my brother's place, with immediate family members only. However, two days before her birthday, our city was placed under ECQ (or lockdown), so having parties with more than 5 people was prohibited, and kids below 18 were not allowed to go out. We have no choice but to cancel everything but decided at the last minute to still celebrate our first-born daughter's birthday even though it was only the four of us at home.

Our daughter, however, was not so keen on having birthday parties anymore. She loved parties when she was a kid, but now she preferred to have a simple and quiet birthday. She was even relieved she doesn't have to experience cotillion or be presented to a huge crowd. It was a blessing in disguise on her part, lol. 

These days, celebrations are done virtually. I contacted some of her friends to make a short video message for her, and glad they agreed. I wish I could reach more friends, but I was also worried the video might last an hour, hehe. Family members also participated, and for that, I am grateful. 

Anyway, sharing this video as a tribute to her. Thank you, everyone, for your beautiful and inspiring messages and for sharing your unique talents 💓

500 PGH Frontliners for COVID-19 Given Essential Aid, Connectivity by Globe and the Ayala Group of Companies

Globe shows appreciation for healthcare workers who remain at the forefront of the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through additional cash, connectivity, and in-kind donations to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). 

PGH was appointed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an exclusive COVID-19 hospital and remains the largest referral hospital in the country. Since the global health crisis broke out in 2020, Globe has donated P22 million to PGH to equip frontliners with much-needed essentials such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle COVID-19 patients. 

As a part of the continued support to PGH, the #BrigadangAyala initiative led by Globe celebrates the frontliners in three Metro Manila designated COVID-19 hospitals, including the National Children’s Hospital and Tondo Medical Center. With this, the company provided 50 MyFi devices to medical frontliners who are staying in PGH dorms or have living arrangements away from their families to lessen risks of exposure.

“We truly appreciate this support for our frontliners who continue to make sacrifices for the benefit of our kababayans. Though the hospital is equipped with WiFi, providing connectivity directly to the frontliners will allow them to stay connected even when off duty,” said Dr. Telesforo Gana, Jr., President, PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.

Generika Drugstore, an AC Health company and the pioneer in retail generic medicines in the Philippines, provided 500 immunity booster packages of Actimed Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Actimed Paracetamol and Actimed throat lozenges for PGH frontliners.

"We at Generika recognize and appreciate the valiant efforts of our frontliners in their continuous service at the forefront of our battle against this pandemic. As we find ways to continue to provide Filipinos access to quality affordable medicines in these challenging times, we are honored to be part of this effort to provide them added care and protection," said Atty. Yet Abarca, President and CEO, Generika Drugstore. 

In addition, Globe’s parent firm Ayala Corporation, through Ayala Foundation, is donating P500,000 to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc., while the telco pursues fundraising efforts through Globe Rewards and GCash. Globe has also given an entertainment package consisting of three smart TVs and Home Prepaid WiFi to the hospital’s Cancer Pediatric wards. 

“As the country gradually adapts to the changing landscape of our day-to-day reality, we need to show our frontliners that their service is valued. Through connectivity support, we hope to extend to them our gratitude for the work that they do,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

#BrigadangAyala is yet another manifestation of the strong partnership of PGH and Globe through the years, starting with the rehabilitation of the hospital's Hematology-Oncology clinic back in 2016.

Globe further ramped up its fundraising activities after a fire hit sections of PGH last May 15 that displaced disadvantaged patients.

Globe customers may easily help by donating their Rewards points through the Globe Rewards app. Each Reward point is equivalent to P1. Download the Globe Rewards app and click on the Let’s Help PGH banner. Select the corresponding denomination then press REDEEM NOW. A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

Customers may also help via GCash’s Pay Bills option. Just tap Others and select #FightCOVID19.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs. To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Former Philippine President Laid to Rest

I do not usually post-politics, and I refrain from discussing or debating online, especially if one's views are different. It is going to be useless. We all have the freedom to express our opinion and to decide who is best for us. But nobody has the right to mock someone or insult anyone else's decision because they chose somebody, not to their liking, and vice versa.

But today, I wanted to pay my respect to the former President of the Philippines, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III or PNoy to many.  He died on June 24, 2021, at 61 years old, after battling some serious health condition (renal disease). He is now laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

PNoy was the son of the late assassinated Senator, Benigno S. Aquino, Sr. and the late Corazon C. Aquino, the latter being the first woman president in the country.

Growing up,  I have witnessed the leadership of PNoy's mother, Cory Aquino. She was the face of EDSA People Power in 1986. I wasn't that of a big fan then, but I respected her, especially when she was able to end the 20-year ruling of the Philippine dictator, former President Marcos. After she made a new constitution, I remembered she removed many Marcos cronies from the office and shut down many businesses that supported the previous ruler. But I  was very young to understand then. Perhaps she had valid reasons to do that. Amidst all the coup attempts to overthrow her, she remained the country's President and stepped down after 6 six, a new rule drafted and approved in the 1987 constitution. 

By the year 2010, PNoy ran for president months after his mom died. I was old enough to vote, but I voted for another candidate for a personal reason. However, I had high respect for him. He was a good man, after all. Being a citizen of the country, I have to abide by the laws set by the new government. He may have some flaws, but nobody is perfect. No administration in the Philippines was perfect for the majority, but let us just focus on the former president's leadership. PNoy was able to at least stabilize the country's economy; he fought the country's right of the West Philippine Sea, he was able to save a fellow man who was about to be hanged in another country, and so on and so forth. He made some failed decisions that angered the citizens, like the SAF44, the hostage-taking, the rotating brownout in Mindanao (that annoyed me so much), and the Yolanda typhoon. Still, I think it was not fair that he was the only one to blame the latter issue as he had repeatedly warned the people to evacuate... 

Anyway, when he stepped down, I could say he was a decent man despite not pleasing everyone. Personally speaking, I appreciated his 6-year term. I was free to criticize and admire some of his administrative members; I could watch the News on television without being alarmed. I was not a fan when he implemented the K1-12, but I have to understand it...well, those were just some of the things I remembered.

He may not be the greatest leader, but he sure was a good man, a respectable one, and a good son. Rest well now, Sir...

Keep Yourself Hydrated!

The summer season already ended to where I live, but since I belong to a tropical place, I still experience the warm weather even if it is already a rainy season. Sometimes, humidity is so high that aside from being thirsty, I tend to have profuse sweating after my daily routine of brisk walking, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Often, I forgot to drink the required daily intake of fluids. I use my tumbler for drinking water, but there were many instances that I failed to remember how many cups I drank or, worst if I, indeed, drank water.

I always remind myself how important water is to our bodies. Drinking water does more than quench our thirst; but it also helps regulate our body. Water is essential to keep our body healthy and function properly; hence, we should keep it hydrated since all the major organs in our body depend on water to function and survive.

Let us go back to our science class and recall why water is vital in our bodies. Water regulates our body temperature and carries nutrients and oxygen to the cell. Water moistens tissue in our eyes, nose, and mouth and lubricates our joints. Therefore, if you are wondering why your lips cracked or your joints are somewhat in pain, it simply means that you lack water in your body. Another essential function of water in our body is, it cleanses our liver and kidney by flushing out waste products. Let us remember that when we sweat or have a urine or bowel movement, we also lose some water in our bodies; hence, we should replenish it and not get dehydrated.

With my busy schedule these days, I cannot help but miss some details of my water intake, including what I ate due to unavoidable circumstances. I know I should keep everything balanced and that I should find a way to make things easily accessible for me. One of the best solutions is to get a water jug with time marker because that way, I will be reminded that I should drink water and avoid missing my water intake. The water jug will be of great help as it could monitor if I drank enough or less for the day.

If you exercise or move a lot, you might need this, too. This trendy, portable, and lightweight water jug with a time marker and a motivational quote is best suited to keep me inspired by what I am doing.

Trese on Netflix

This is my daughter's Trese artwork which she made in early 2020 using only a marker and a pen. She was only 16 years old at that time and already a huge fan of this popular Filipino komik series by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. When Netflix announced that they will release the animated version of Trese in 2021, she could not contain her excitement!

Finally, on June 10, 2021, the Trese TV series was shown in the US and released the next day globally. My daughter kept bugging me to watch the TV series in Filipino, English, and Japanese version, haha. I might binge-watch it next week when I am done doing other important stuff.

How about you, have you watched Trese already? Which version, dubbing rather, do you like best? As for me, I do not mind listening to the voice actors, but I have to admit I am used to listening to Japanese anime with English subtitle :D

Biking is Fun!

I haven't been biking for many years, and I was so happy to ride a bike again. But, when I said, many years, it meant 30+ years! When I was a kid, I didn't have a bike. I did not own one 'cause my parents did not buy me one nor my brothers. I actually learned from our neighbor's bike that he just "parked" outside his house. So, when he was not using it, I kind of borrow it, lol.

We lived in an apartment, and his house was just beside ours. So it was not only me who learned from his bike, my brothers, and other neighbors as well. The bike owner did not really mind us using his bike as long as we returned it in good condition. I didn't remember him getting mad at us, or maybe we were just sneaky, lol. But bless him and his bike because many of the kids in the neighborhood learned how to ride a bike without the help of our parents, haha. That was in the mid-'80s, by the way.

The last time I held a bike was probably in the early '90s. I was hesitant to ride that time because I haven't been practicing, but I remember I could maneuver it. And then, that was it. That was the last time I remember, and I haven't been biking ever until very recently. I already have two kids, quite heavy than in my teens and lack of exercise, hahaha. 

I could not contain my happiness when I realized I still know how to ride a bike. It was my nephew's and I tried to borrow it. I was not confident at first, I thought I totally forgot how to use the pedal. My brother told me that once I learned how to bike, I would not definitely forget it. So, I decided to adjust the height of the bike coz it was probably too high for me. And viola, I felt free as a bird. I realized how I missed riding a bike. The following day, I borrowed the bike again to ride on the street outside while quiet at that time. Now, I am thinking of buying a bike for me instead of my daughters who are not a bit interested in riding a bike, but I hope to influence them because aside from that, it is fun, it is a good exercise.

Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) says, “What body pain?”

The effects of COVID-19 are felt to this day most especially economically. People lost their jobs, some needed to close shop after years of existence, others are barely surviving. Needless to say, numerous people found themselves working double to make up for income losses. Challenging as it may be, there is a silver lining as the situation proves how resiliency will get one by. This story is evident in the world more so in the Philippines.

Not only are Filipinos known to be a friendly race; Filipinos are also popularly known to be hardworking. For some reason, the more physical the job, the more effort has to be exerted. Often do we hear the term “Push lang ng push!” Push to keep going, push to finish the task, push not to quit. Pushing the body strength reflects a strong and determined attitude translating that Filipinos will go through great lengths in order to provide for themselves and their families.

With the pandemic, the roster of heroes has evolved from the National Heroes that we know, to the OFWs, and now the Delivery Riders, Service Crew, Medical Front liners, who all spend long hours to cater to the needs of many. And do they deserve the recognition! Real life Lodi! But wait! We can also here them say, “Tao lang po! Kapuy!”

No doubt that the challenges faced in the past year have already caused some concerns on one’s health and bodies especially for this type of workers. Imagine traversing the roads all day to get packages from one point to another, standing countless hours to check patients here and there, pushing the body never ends. Body aches and pains are inevitable though often ignored. Inasmuch as the motivation to go on is there, these manifestations of long working hours also take a toll on the bodies to a point that ignoring it no longer becomes an option.

Fortunately, a product that can be brought to work, what can be called a “work buddy”, is available. Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax), from the same makers of Vice Ganda’s endorsement Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action), is ready for the hardworking Filipinos. There is no stopping the hustle because Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) provides upto 12 hours pain relief from body pain and arthritis vs. plain Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. This will allow long hours of non-stop work required to provide for the family.

Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) associate marketing manager Toby Manlapat shares, “The effects of the pandemic are making us work doubly harder so becomes even more important to relieve our bodies from aches and pains to go through the daily grind and allow us to be in a good condition to deliver our tasks and provide for the family. Push!”

Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) is manufactured by the global pharmaceutical company Bayer. Available in leading drugstores in Luzon (Dagupan and Pampanga), Visayas (Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod), and Mindanao (Davao, Cagayan De Oro, General Santos, Zamboanga). Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) may also be availed nationwide via Southstar Drug Online (Sarimax for Southstar) and Watson’s Online (Sarimax for Watsons). Naproxen Sodium is the generic name of Sarimax. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. ASC Ref. No. B114N053121SS

There is no stopping the hustle because Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) provides upto 12 hours pain relief from body pain and arthritis vs. plain Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. Naproxen Sodium (Sarimax) is priced at P9.00 SRP for 275mg variant.