The UAAP Season 78 Cheerdance Competition: Who Really Deserved To Win??

03 October 2015.

The yearly Cheerdance competition of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) was held in the Mall of Asia Arena. Total attendance to the event was over 25,000 students, parents, faculty and fans.

College sports is a big thing in the Philippines. The UAAP has eight teams, each representing the eight major universities. Another college sports league is the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) where other colleges and small universities participate. 

Going back to the UAAP, the highest number of fan turn-outs are Men's Basketball, Women's Volleyball and the Cheerdance competition. This year, for the 78th season, the Cheerdance competition has left a lot of fans in disbelief.

My Alma Mater, the University of Santo Tomas bagged a slot in the Top Three. Here is the reason I am writing this post. I would want to request you to watch these three videos.  Please comment below who you think won the 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place.

I am not going to receive any revenue for clicks on the videos. I just want to get honest feedback from others who are in no way associated with any of the universities that competed in this year's Cheerdance competition.

Thank you.

Here are the videos of the three universities who made it to the Top Three. Who do you think deserved to be crowned the champs?

University of the Philippines

National University

University of Santo Tomas

Talon: World's First Smart Ring Gaming Controller

Do your kids enjoy playing online games? Do you have a apps on your smartphone that you usually use and wish you can use those apps hands-free?

Look no further!

Introducing Talon. It is the world's first smart ring gaming controller. Yes, you read it right. It IS wearable smart ring that lets you play games and control apps with simple gestures and waves.

Talon is currently being developed by Titanium Falcon, Inc. in San Jose, California. They are a start up company that aims to bridge the gap between wearable technology and online gaming. Their team is composed of experts in various fields, responsible for bringing an advanced hardware project like this to reality in a few months.

I am sure you are excited to own a Talon. I am too! If you want to learn more about the product and how you can help to propel this wonderful device in the market the soonest time, please click HERE.

This Is For You, My Future Daughter-In-Law

Dear Future Daughter-In-Law,

Let me introduce myself. I am your future Monster-In-Law. 

I am the person who carried your boyfriend in my womb for nine months. I was the one who nurtured him, fed him, potty trained him. I was the one who took him to school and back, stayed up late watching over him when he was sick. I was the one he called when he was happy or sad. It was my pinky finger he held on to at night until he was fast asleep. When he was little, he would always come home from school with a surprise for me - a piece of candy, some left over soda or half a cupcake. He sat with me on the couch while I watched my favorite soap opera. He was my baby boy.

Until he met you. 

And everything changed. Rarely do we talk anymore. He comes home late at night. You say he is your night in shining armor. I think otherwise. You treat him like a slave, waiting on the wings to serve your every whim. He commutes several miles to bring you a jacket to cover your butt because you had a strike-through during one of your monthly periods. Let me ask you this - how often do you change pads? Once a day?!! My goodness! Any girl would know how often you should do that. And why did you have to wear white jeans? Arrrggghhh!!! My son went out in a thunderstorm because you had to call him for "help." 

He loves you, but do you love him?

He stays with you every weekend. He cleans your dorm, scrubs your toilet, and cooks a meal for you. Lucky you! He never does that for me anymore. His room at home is a mess, he uses the toilet like he does not care if he leaves the floor wet, and he only comes downstairs when it is time to eat. He dumps a hamperful of dirty clothes, expecting me to wash them for him. He tells me he has no time to do his laundry because he has to run out to meet you. If ever he is at home, he spends most of his free time on the computer, chatting with you. Why can't he chat with me too? There are many things I want to share, stories I want to tell, but it is all about you! You want this, you need this, you want to go there, you demand him to be near. Have you ever thought that I need some time with my son too?

What kind of spell did you cast upon my boy? Witch.

Are you ready for a life with my son? You'll have to remember, you will not only marry my son, but you will marry the entire family - and that includes ME. 

My boy chose you, and for me to "like" or even "love" you as a daughter, you'd have to seriously consider these:

1. Learn more about Me. I am not a whiner. I don't complain about petty things and I do not rely on anyone to help me out of the rut. I climb, crawl and pull myself out. I am independent. I am handy. I am tougher than you think I am.

2. You should know how to cook. I don't want my boy to come running home to me because you burned the pot roast. You should know how to work your way in the kitchen.

3. You should be patient with his mess.

4. You should give my boy some alone time with his buddies.

5. Do not, I said DO NOT be poking around in his wallet. That is the only thing private in a marriage.

6. Do not nag. You may argue, but no nagging. Respect begets respect.

7. Do not hurt my boy. If you hurt him, I may, or I will hurt you too. Remember, I did not raise him to be a helpless victim of your bullying.

8. You must do everything within your means be a good mother to your future children. Remember, they are my grandchildren. There are times that you will lose your patience with them, but then again, do not hurt them. Because if you do, I may, or I will hurt you too.

9. Do not try to please me with fancy gifts. It is not my nature to want those things. Practicality is my game. I would rather have long walks and worthwhile talks with you to get to know you better.

10. Every now and then, you will receive unsolicited advice from me. It is not that I am meddling in your life, but I am after your welfare. I will not be speaking of things I read from a book or from an online article. I will be speaking to you out of experience.

You have to know Me. I am very transparent. My facial expression and body language is all you need to understand how I feel.

WYSIWYG. (What You See Is What You Get)

So, future daughter-in-law, did I scare you enough? I hope not. These are things I want you to understand and accept. You will spend the rest of your life with my boy and I am the first-hand authority on everything you need to know about him. I am his very first "Wonder Woman" - until he met you. But for now, be content with the title "Wonder Girl." 

I hope you remember all these as you walk down the aisle in a white dress, ready to exchange vows with my boy. 

I will be witnessing your solemn marriage and try my best not to smirk. Haha.

Don't forget to thank me for raising the Man of Your Dreams. I will be out of the picture soon. He will leave the life with me and start a new one with you. My son chose you to love, so I guess I love you too. 

Best regards,

Your future Monster-in-Law

Lose Weight 3x Faster With SLIMQUICK® Pure Extra Strength Mixed Berries Drink Mix

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How often do we hear this from friends, family members and colleagues? Almost everyday.

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5 Amazing Bodies of Water ~ My Beautiful Planet Earth!

Our planet is amazingly full of natural wonders. Hills, valleys, mountain ranges and bodies of water so beautiful you'd think you are in paradise.

Today, I am writing about some amazing bodies of water. Looking at their pictures alone leaves me awe-struck! So without much ado, here is my list of my planet earth's amazing bodies of water.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

The Great Blue Hole is a large sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It is located near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70 km (43 mi) from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, over 300 meters (984 feet) wide across and 124 meters (407 feet) deep. It is a popular dive spot where scuba divers can marvel at the crystal clear waters, stalactites in submerged caves and rare species of fish.

Lake Hillier, Australia

Lake Hillier, also known as the "Pink Lake," is a salt water lake located in Middle Island, which is part of the Recherche Archipelago off the south coast of Western Australia. Its vibrant pink color is believed to be caused by the reaction of the salt with the organism Dunaliella salina, The pink hue is permanent, unaffected by temperature or weather changes. 

Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bay is located in Vieques, Puerto Rico and is known to be the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. In the waters of Mosquito Bay, the organism Pyrodinium bahamense, which is classified as dinoflagellates, are abundantly thrive. The magical blue luminescence is produced when these organisms come into contact with another larger organism, or when they are agitated. 

  

Jellyfish Lake, Palau

Jellyfish Lake is a marine or saltwater lake located in Eil Malk Island, Palau. History states that the lake was once connected to the ocean, however, geological changes occurred that caused salt water to be trapped in the lake basin, isolating it and the organisms that thrived in it. The jellyfish that are found in abundance in this lake is the Golden Jellyfish. Through years of evolution and little to no predators to disrupt them, these jellyfish lost their stingers. Humans can safely swim in the lake without fear of being stung. It is now a popular destination for swimmers, snorklers and divers from around the world. 

Taal Lake, Philippines

Taal Lake is one of a kind in the world. Located in the southern part of the main island of Luzon, this freshwater lake fills the Taal Caldera, which is a large caldera caused by a series of volcanic eruptions some 500.000 to 100,000 years ago. What makes this unique is that Taal Lake, according to folklore, is known to be a crater lake, and that the surrounding towns are part of a giant volcano. Why is this so? You would notice (as the photo shows), there is a landmass in the middle of Taal Lake. That is the "Volcano Island" In the middle of the volcano island is another lake, the main crater lake, and in it is another tiny island, called Vulcan Point. Therefore, this unique body of water and land formation is aptly described as "An island (Vulcan Point) within a lake (Main Crater Lake), within an island (Volcano Island), within a lake (Taal Lake), within an island (Luzon)." 

I hope you enjoyed reading through this post. What other bodies of water have amazed you? Feel free to share them in your comments. 

Violet's Smile: Defying the odds of Lissencephaly

Today I write about something you may have never heard of before. But for me and my husband's family, it is a word we have associated with other words like "hope," "love," "miracles," and "Violet."

This word is Lissencephaly.

What is Lissencephaly? It is a rare gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal convolutions (folds) in the cerebral cortex. In layman's terms, it is called "smooth brain." Children with lissencephaly generally have significant developmental delays, but these vary greatly from child to child depending on the degree of brain malformation and seizure control. Life expectancy can be shortened, generally due to respiratory problems.

This is an MRI image comparing a normal brain with that of Lissencephaly.

Violet is my husband's great-niece. She was born on August 14, 2012. She was diagnosed with Lissencephaly shortly after birth. Her parents were devastated, but they did everything they can to help their daughter. The little fighter that she is, Violet proved to be a strong little girl, showing signs of improvement, defying all those senseless statistics.  

Despite her constant battle with seizures, and the long travel from their home to the hospital for medical appointments and therapies, Violet is a happy, pretty little girl. Her curly hair, expressive eyes, and radiant smile will surely melt your heart. She can sit up unassisted and is able to communicate through sign and body movement. Violet will be turning three on the 14th of this month. Another milestone achieved. Thanking the Goodness of the Lord for this blessing! 

 This is Violet. She'll be turning three on the 14th.

If you live in or around the area of Pittston, PA, we would like to invite you to attend a fundraising event for Violet, to help the family with the medical expenses. It will be on August 22, 2015. Tickets are $15/seat. 20% per ticket sold will go towards the therapy, travel and medical expenses of Violet. Below is the event banner where you can contact the organizers for tickets. 

If you would be unable to attend, or live too far away, and still want to help and show your love, please feel free to visit Violet's GoFundMe page. Any donation would be highly appreciated. You may also follow her on Facebook for updates and you may send her your birthday wishes too.

GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/teamultraviolet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004961055057&fref=ts 

Have a happy Sunday and may your kind heart be continuously blessed.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

It is the first Monday of August.

I sit here thinking about going back to work tonight. Lately, I seem to have fallen out of love with the work I have been doing for the past decade. Blame it on the lack of sleep, on the dwindling salary I receive, on the changes that have put so much pressure at work. For the past few weeks, I have been seriously considering quitting.

My dad once told me, "Before you make a major decision in life, get a piece of paper. Fold the paper in half. On the left side, label the heading with the word 'Pros' and on the right side, label it with 'Cons.' Write down all the positive things about your proposed decision on the left side, and all the possible negative things on the right side. When you are done, read through it and weigh out each and every entry before you finally decide what you want to do."

It was good advice back then. It still is today. And so I put it to a test today. Here is what I have written down:

So, as you can see, there are more positive things that can happen if I quit my current employment and concentrate on work-at-home jobs. But I still have to think long and hard about this.

Regular Income Jobs vs. Contract Based Jobs:

Employees get paid a daily rate for completing 40 work hours per week, regardless if you do your job or not. If you don't, then you still get paid. If you excel in your work, then you get paid extra bonuses. In contract based/work at home jobs, you get paid a flat rate for the entire workload which you are required to complete in a few days or weeks. They usually pay very well, however, the drawback would be stability. You cannot depend on being awarded contacts every time. There will be lulls and it may be a long one.

HMO Plans vs. Government Health Insurance:

One of the perks of being a regular employee is you are provided with health insurance by an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) provider. The monthly dues are paid for by the company you work for. Some companies even provide HMO benefits for their employee plus three dependents. If I opt for being self-employed, I will have to pay out of pocket for my monthly fees and make do with the Government Health Insurance that can only be availed of if I will be confined in a hospital. I could buy up my own private health insurance, but that would be very expensive.

Social Security and Retirement Benefits

Regular employees have mandatory deductions in their paycheck which goes into their Social Security Fund. The company also contributes two to three times the amount the employee pays per month. So that's me and my employer saving for my retirement benefits. If I chose to be self employed, I will have to pay a lot per month to maintain my current rate for Social Security.

Family Time, Less Stress, Healthier Meals vs. Graveyard Shift and Fast Food

I have been wanting to stay home and be with my family more. It is so nice to be able to earn my keep while minding the needs of my family at the same time. I get to prepare healthier meals for myself and my family. I will get more rest, therefore less stress and less sick days. As an employee doing the graveyard shift for a decade and living on fast food has given me uncontrolled blood sugar levels, gastritis, and elevated blood cholesterol. I come home physically drained and irritable. This is not the mom I want my children to have.

Be my own Boss vs. Having a Boss

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to do everything at your own pace without somebody breathing fire down your neck everyday? That would feel so much like heaven on earth. However, I would miss out on creating "code names" for people higher up the corporate ladder who do nothing but make others' lives miserable. Me and my friends have become so creative at this. We have "the Tele-tubbies," "the Whale Shark," "Shrek," "Princess Fiona," "King Albino," to name a few. LOL. That I would surely miss if I opt to stay at home to work.

So, have I decided to quit or to stay put? I still have two sons in college and losing a regular income might mean disaster. My hubby told me to wait until one of my children can take me in as their dependent for health insurance coverage. Little old pessimistic me was worried that I might be too old to qualify when that time comes. Haha.

And so, I will be patient and wait for the opportune time when I can go for my dreams and work at home. When that moment comes, I will then sit down and do what I love to do best - to write.

Pizza Party after the Monthly Team Update Meeting

Lighter moments with the team at the Videoke room at work

Breakfast at 4am with my fellow Quality Analysts

Early morning pig out at Pizza Hut

Wishing everyone a more productive and fun-filled week ahead!

#Motivation Mondays: Creating Tracks

Good morning, Monday! Its going to be another grueling week. As much as we want to avoid it, we have to get up, make breakfast, get dressed and rush off to work.

I whisper a prayer and with one foot out the door, I greet this brand new week with hope and thankfulness for the blessings of family, health, and an opportunity to earn my keep.

Angel of God, my guardian dear

To whom His Love commits me here.

Ever this day, be at my side

To light and guard,

To rule and guide,

Amen.

What Was The Biggest News In The World On The Day You Were Born?

The past few days has been dark, rainy and gloomy. When you live in the tropics, you expect to wake up bright and sunny day almost everyday. The rain is a welcome treat to farmers, and a much needed break from the heat for city dwellers, but to have rain for a whole week is not much fun at all.

And so, I sit here, thinking about things to write about. I wanted to write about something that would uplift my spirits, something to make me feel good about myself, or at least write about something I just found out about.

I chose the last option. I went to one of my favorite websites, www.history.com and checked on "This Day In History." I was just curious if there was any significant event in history that happened on November 13 (that's my birthday). Well, here's what I found out:

On November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC. It is a V-shaped wall made of black granite, inscribed with the names of the 57,939 Americans who died in the conflict. It is such an inspiring monument to the honor the sacrifice of these young men and women.

I found out there are a lot other things that happened on November 13, some good, some bad. It was just nice to be able to learn more about history and of the things that happened on the same date as the day you were born.

Do you want to find out what significant event happened on the same day as your birthday? Click on the link below to find out. There's definitely a surprise for you. 

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

Happy Monday, everyone!

Know Your Brass Instruments: The Euphonium

Today I write about another brass instrument that produces an extraordinary sound. It is a compensating euphonium.

What is a euphonium?

A euphonium is a valved brass musical instrument resembling a small tuba in appearance, produces a tenor pitch, and played mainly in military and brass bands. There are two kinds of  euphonium - compensating and non-compensating. There are two basic groups of euphoniums: compensating and non-compensating. A compensating euphonium includes extra tubing. This "compensates" for the tendency of the sharp low register. By depressing the fourth valve, air is redirected through an auxiliary set of slides on valves 1 through 3, when they're used. These slides lower the pitch even more, so the lower notes become closer in tune. Non-compensating euphoniums have a fourth valve that operates like any other valve. The pitch is lowered 2-1/2 steps in this case, and the player must make the necessary adjustments to bring the low range in tune.

So now we know that the compensating euphonium is a better choice, next time we are in market for one, it is best that we keep this information in mind.

Dysport for Botox

Today, we are no longer forced to live with wrinkles, folds and other facial imperfections. We are able to alter our appearance with numerous cosmetic procedures thus restoring our confidence and most importantly, our looks. Among many different treatments that are available to us, botox ranks as the most popular procedure in North America. As such, it is regarded as the core services provided by various aesthetic companies.

Given that this industry is constantly on the rise, stiff competition is expected. There are many companies which are offering drugs for botox. Standard choice for most cosmetic doctors is Botox, brand name that launched entire procedure. However, as of late, Botox is starting to fade and it gives room to a new and improved medicine called Dysport.

Like any other drug which is used for this procedure, Dysport has botulinum toxin type A as its main component. It is well known that this toxin is one of the strongest toxins in existence. It can cause various issues to our body and it is the main cause for botulism. Unfortunately, in some cases, patients reported symptoms of this disease after being administered with Dysport. This happens because the drug starts shifting within the skin and this spreading leads to vicious ailment. Before using Dysport or any other similar drug, it is necessary to test yourself and determine whether you are allergic to the drug. As it usually goes with medicines, even though they can help us in various ways, some of their components can be bad for our organism. It comes as a no shock that a drug which is based on strong toxin will possibly produce side effects.

There are some precautionary measures that you need to take before using Dysport. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should not use this drug under any circumstances. It has been reported that Dysport can impact children in different, unforeseen ways. Besides this, people who are above 65 shouldn’t use it as well. Some diseases and conditions can prevent you from using the medicine such as diabetes, asthma, muscle weakness, skin issues, bleeding disorders, heart condition etc. Whatever may be the case, it is always best to consult with your doctor prior to treatment.

Drug is inserted into the skin by using thin needles. Process is painless and easy to recover from. In worst case scenario, if your skin is very sensitive, you will need to put an ice pack. However, you can expect swelling to pass after just a few days. 

Given popularity of this treatment, it is easy to understand how every pharmaceutical and cosmetic company wanted to have piece of the market. Nowadays, there are numerous online pharmacies that are offering this drug. But, have in mind that some drugstores don’t have valid certificates, so you need to be very careful when purchasing the drug online. If you decide to buy Dysport from Medica Depot or similar company, you can be certain that the product which you are receiving is of highest quality.

Shopping For The New Baby

I am so excited with the coming of my first grandchild in December. It will be my daughter's first born and we are really blessed!

Starting a family is both a joyful and stressful event in a young couple's life. I have been through that and all I thought about was "How is it to be a parent?" The worry of preparing for the baby's needs, moving into a new house, adjusting work schedules can be taxing. So, to help out a bit, I volunteered to help my daughter and her husband with some of the baby stuff.

They may be costly, but I am sure that they are a good investment because some of the things I intend to purchase may be passed on to the next grandchild.

Without much ado, here are the my gifts:

A Feeding Bottle Starter Set

I am a firm advocate of breastfeeding and there is no other substitute for breast milk. However, my daughter has to go back to work after 60 days of giving birth. When that day comes, I would advice her to use a breast pump and store enough milk for her baby's feeding schedules while she is away. Chicco - NaturalFit All you Need Starter Set - Multicolor - is a great product that can help the baby transition from breast feeding to bottle feeding. The set contains different sized bottles that perfectly adapt to the needs of the baby as he/she grows. This set also comes with two silicone pacifiers, a bottle brush, a microwave sterilizer and a teether. Everything in one set. Perfect!

A Crib

Looking for a perfect crib can be stressful. However, since I will be spending a handsome amount of money for a crib, I thought I might as well invest in a crib that could still be of use as my grandchild grows. I found this pretty Delta - Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib that converts from crib to toddler bed to toddler daybed to full size bed! It would help the new parents save money because they would be able to have their child use this piece of furniture for years to come. Another great find for me!

A Changing Table

A changing table with drawers will help keep all the baby stuff organized. Da Vinci Drinkware - Emily 3 Drawer Changer by Da Vinci - Espresso has just the right height, making diaper change a breeze. The best thing about this piece is that it can be used as a dresser when the baby grows into the toddler years. I love wood furniture and this changing table would suit any room motif with its elegant espresso finish.

A Stroller and Bassinet

You may have already  noticed that I love stuff that doubles up into something else. Well, I do want to get the best value for my money, so why not look for stuff that the baby can use from birth to their toddler years? I would love showing off my first grandchild so I opted for the BumbleRide - Bumbleride Indie 4 with bassinet in Lotus Pink. Safe, sturdy and very functional, this is a great item to have when traveling with the baby.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

A Mother's Thoughts on Same Sex Marriage

On my commute home from work, the bus driver and his friend were engaged in a lively chat. Since I was sitting behind the driver, I could not help but listen in to their conversation.

Photolink

They were talking about homosexuality. Here is what I remembered from their conversation:

Bus Driver: "Buddy, haven't you noticed that there are so many homosexuals nowadays?"

Friend: "You're right. When we were young, there were very few who were openly gay. Maybe there were a lot more, but they kept it to themselves."

Bus Driver: "They call themselves 'The Third Sex' and I don't understand that. So, is it now 'Male,' 'Female' and 'Undetermined?' Its confusing. Can you imagine babies being born labeled as 'Undetermined?'

(heads shaking)

Bus Driver: "Now, they are even getting married! I don't know about you, buddy, but, as far as I know, marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman, whether it is consecrated in a church or in a civil ceremony. How can a marriage be consummated if they are of the same sex?"

Friend: "I actually feel sorry for them. I mean, they usually get discriminated against. Sometimes people avoid them, thinking they have AIDS. But then, nobody was born to be homosexual. It was their choice, and their parents and society tolerated it. If you had a son who's gay, how would you deal with it?"

Bus Driver: "Well, here's the thing, buddy. If you spend enough time with your children, you would already notice it early on. Then we can correct the behavior. But of course, we cannot be with our children 24 hours. The wrong company of friends may have a big influence. If he does turn out gay, I will accept him. He is still my son. He can wiggle his hips all he wants, as long as he will not sleep with another man."

Friend: "You're right. Same with lesbians. As parents, we can guide them to do the right thing. Make them realize that marriage also entails procreation and responsibility. Homosexuals, in their old age, can be the loneliest people. They will have no children to raise and nurture. If they ever adopt, then what kind of role models will they be?"

Bus Driver: "Exactly. But who are we to judge, buddy? It all boils down to choices. They opted to live their lives that way. It is a sin, yes. Just like what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah in biblical times. But we are also with sin. We gamble, we do not help the needy, we lie, we cheat. We are sinners too. So which sin is worse? 

Friend: "I have no idea, buddy. I have no idea."

And so their conversation turns to talking about the traffic, the weather, and politics. I was about two blocks away from my bus stop. When I got off the bus, that conversation really hit me.

My faith has me going totally against this same sex marriage. Look, I am a Christian. I was born and raised a Catholic and educated in the best Catholic institutions. These are my beliefs and these are what I stand for: That marriage is between a man and a woman; and that there is no "third sex." Homosexuality is a choice. That God made Adam and Eve, not Adam, Eve and Steve.

Now that same sex marriage has been legalized in all the 50 states, the world rejoices with slogans such as "Love Wins," "Equality Wins," "Fight For Love" and others. The LGBT community is ecstatic about the legal rights that will be accorded to the couples who would seal their relationship in a civil ceremony. My opinion? If they really want legal rights, they can simply write down their every wish in a document, like a last will, have it notarized and kept in a safe place. They can name their beneficiaries, their legal executors, and divide their properties as they wish in the event that one would pass away.

Why am I so upset about this? I am upset because I am concerned about moral decadence. How are parents going to raise their children in a society that will openly accept same sex couples publicly showing signs of affection? The only option left is to strengthen the family, raise the children in a way that is morally right, and to turn to God when faced with temptation. I do not want to judge, because I have also sinned against God. 

However, I do have friends who are openly gay. I have a cousin who is also gay and he married his long time boyfriend. They have been together for several years, living a quiet life in Europe. I do not condemn them, because, again, it is their choice. They make sure that they are discreet in showing signs of affection and act like the best of friends just enjoying each others' company while traveling the world. That I can deal with. Not because he is my cousin, but because he and his partner both show moral responsibility not to offend others who are heterosexual.

As long as same sex marriages are kept as civil unions, maybe it is okay. (Although I cringe at pictures of same sex couples kissing) If these couples stay discreet so as not to corrupt the minds of the younger generation, then that would be even better. And as long as the state does not force the church to officiate a same sex wedding, that would be BEST. 

I can go on rambling about this issue for years and years, however, I know I have to stop somewhere. My apologies, I just really needed a channel to express my thoughts and feelings. 

For those whom I have offended, I am sorry. 

I believe that I too, am entitled to my own opinion.

Tapping Influencer Power at TapInfluence

I know that most of us has linked up with their favorite social media marketing group. However, I cannot resist but to share my experience with TapInfluence. This is such a great company and I really wish you would try them out. Their clients are big name brands and they perfectly suit your niche.

When I signed up for TapInfluence, I was not expecting anything big because I was just a greenhorn in blogging. However, after filling up all details for my profile and setting up my media kit (no need to purchase, it is free and easy to do directly on their website), I got my first offer to write a blog post for Toyota. I was floored. Write about a product from Toyota? Wow.

If you are interested to sign up and start a more fulfilling career as an influencer, click here and complete your social media profile. Easy as 1-2-3! See you there!

SLIMQUICK® Pure Protein: Weight Loss Supplement Formulated for Women

Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires constant monitoring and careful diet planning. I have had this disease for 14 years and I have to admit, it is difficult.

One of the biggest challenges with diabetes is watching your weight. Ironic as it may seem, diabetics' blood is full of glucose and yet, we are constantly hungry. It is because we cannot absorb the sugar in our bloodstream, giving signals to our brain to eat because we are "essentially" hungry. I used to weigh only 108 pounds in my tiny 5'2" frame. Now, I am up to 130 pounds, placed on 18 units of insulin and 2000 mg of Metformin everyday. There is no other time for me to lose weight than now.

There are many diet preparations all promising the same thing - weight loss. I am so happy to have been chosen to receive a free sample of SLIMQUICK® Pure Protein in French Vanilla flavor. My endocrinologist has no worries about me using the product because it is 100% all natural and provides the necessary protein and fiber I need to help me lose weight. The active all natural ingredients are whey protein, anti-oxidants, calcium, Vitamin D and Bio-Pure Green Tea™.

I got the product in the mail. It was packaged perfectly and was just about the right size. I made myself a glass and was surprised at how delicious it was. I had tried other protein drinks before but most of them had a funny aftertaste. Slimquick® was different. It was refreshing! It addressed my hunger pangs and kept my tummy satisfied for hours.

Slimquick® Pure is the only weight loss supplement designed for us women. We are subjected to daily stress, shuffling between different roles - from career woman, to homemaker, to wife and mother. This may leave us tired and turning to stress-eating to calm us down. However, with Slimquick®, we can get the necessary nutrients we need to boost our metabolism, increase energy, reduce stress, and eliminate excess water in the body.

This might be the diet supplement that would help me get back to my ideal weight.Slimquick®, diet, and exercise are my new buddies. Soon enough, I will be able to fit into my clothes again, keep my blood sugar in check, and feel great about myself!

Note: This is a sponsored post powered by Brandbacker for Slimquick®. I received the products for free in exchange for my honest review.

A Blessing

I would just want to share to you, my readers, to the whole world, that I will be a grandmother soon! My daughter, my eldest child is due to deliver her first born in December!!!

 My grandchild's very first photo 

(taken at 12 weeks 4 days of age)

She and her boyfriend, or should I say, soon to be son-in-law will be getting married in a civil ceremony in a month or so. And then the next few months will be in eager anticipation of their bundle of joy.

What would I want my grandchild to call me? 

Lola? No. That's how all my kids call my mom. 

Maybe Grandma? Hmmm... might consider this.

Or Abuela? Abuela Bonita? Haha. Very aristocratic.

How about Nanay? Nah.. Sounds too old. 

It will be a good 6 more months so I have time to decide what I want to be called. Oh my, I am soooooooooo excited!!! I used to celebrate Mother's day. Then there came a time that I got to celebrate Father's day too (because I am both Mother and Father to my kids). Now, I am looking forward to celebrating Grandparents day too!

Thank God for this blessing. It made me look forward to waking up each day, one day closer to holding my very first grandchild in my arms.

OZ Naturals: Your Best Bet To Healthy, Youthful, Glowing Skin

Our skin naturally gets rid of dead surface cells every day. However, we sometimes have the need to show off healthy glowing skin without waiting for a month. It is known that new, healthy skin cells absorb nutrients better, therefore, to get the best results from moisturizers and anti-aging creams, it would be best to use an exfoliant preparation.

When choosing an exfoliant, we must go for an effective but gentle formulation. OZ Naturals Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant is the best facial exfoliator available in the market. Formulated through years of research, it contains no harmful chemicals, only essential nutrients that would give you that healthy, glowing skin you have always desired.

OZ Naturals contain all natural ingredients, namely:

• BAMBOO - used as a natural, gentle scrub to exfoliate and unclog pores
• ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID - an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent that helps prevent skin damage caused by exposure to the sun
• LACTIC ACID - an alpha hydroxy acid found naturally in food. It enhances the skin exfoliation process to reveal a healthier skin
• PRO-VITAMIN B5 - helps retain moisture keeping skin supple.

Moreso, this product is safe for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. In addition to that, and is cruelty and paraben free!

I tried it on the day I received it and was very satisfied with the results. It helped get rid of the tiny blackheads on my nose. The skin on my face looked refreshed and felt smoother. The product instructions suggest using it 2-3 times a week for best results. I will definitely do that, especially after seeing positive results after the first use. See those nice little exfoliants? 

I am definitely recommending this product to my friends and family.

Note: This is a sponsored post powered by BrandBacker for OZ Naturals. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Be in Style This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching and it will be a great time to spend it with family and friends we hold dear. Wouldn't it be great to show off your patriotism with t-shirts, caps, ribbons, light and even swimwear? Indeed it would be a memorable holiday weekend and a perfect photo op for families with themed attires.
Here are some items that may interest you and your family:

CafePress - Fourth of July Women's T-Shirt

For the ladies, a simple, white shirt with the flag printed in front is a great outfit for the outdoor Fourth of July barbeque parties. This CafePress - Fourth of July Women's T-Shirt in classic fit, crew neckline, made of 100% cotton is only $19.99!

CafePress - CafePress Fourth of July Dark T-Shirt

This shirt would be great for the men to wear. The nice blue color of this CafePress - CafePress Fourth of July Dark T-Shirt would be a great contrast to the female version shown above. Standard fit, crew neckline, 100% pre-shrunk cotton for only $24.00!

CafePress - My 1st Fourth of July Infant Bodysuit

For the youngest member of the family, the CafePress - My 1st Fourth of July Infant Bodysuit would definitely be a cute outfit. Made of 100% ring spun cotton jersey, this adorable outfit has a three-snap closure for easy diaper changes. Priced reasonably at $19.99, Daddy, Mommy and baby would look picture perfect in matching outfits!

ToBeInStyle - Women's Fourth of July One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit: US Flag/Small, Blue

Pool parties for the Fourth of July? Not to worry, show your patriotic side with ToBeInStyle - Women's Fourth of July One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit: US Flag/Small, Blue and have fun! Yours for only $32.99. Be chic, and be in style.

Oriental Trading Company - Paper Fourth of July Bags

Patriotic design paper bags that you can fill with favors, small toys, and treats to hand out during parades. Oriental Trading Company - Paper Fourth of July Bags can also be used as loot bags for the little nieces and nephews who will be celebrating the holidays with you. For only $3.75 a dozen, these paper bags will definitely make the occasion more memorable.

CafePress - Smiley Face Fourth Of July Cap

Shield yourself from the sun with the CafePress - Smiley Face Fourth Of July Cap when watching the wonderful Fourth of July parades. Grandma and Grandpa would also look great with these. With adjustable hook/loop tape closure, this cap fits 20" to 24". The brim also has a sweatband. Only $13.99!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Three Men and A Mommy

I have three children. One daughter and two sons. My daughter lives with my mom, whose house is just 150 meters away. I miss my daughter. I miss having someone to have crazy girl talks with, or exchange magazines, or even to just sit and watch chick flicks with. She is so busy with work that sometimes, during the weekends, all she does is sleep. Someday, when things are not so hectic anymore, maybe I can spend some time with her.

My daughter (in the red shirt) and my niece (white top)

Now, I live with my two sons and my husband, making me "the only thorn among the roses." Even our dog is a male!

What is it like for a woman to live in a house with three males? Let me sum it up in two words - Tired and Chaotic.

Men always expect someone to pick up after themselves. Every morning when I come home from work, the first thing that catches my eye are the used plates, bowls and utensils in the kitchen sink. And then there are the candy wrappers, empty foil packs of whatever, and a hamper full of dirty laundry. 

Men can actually cook, but they opt not to. For some reason, I am left with the task of cooking three full meals a day. I slave over the stove, making sure they have something yummy to eat. Sometimes, I am just so dead tired, I do not even have the appetite to eat what I prepared.

Men are the worst when it comes to budgeting. I am also the one in charge of minding the family budget. It is a mind-boggling task to make sure we have a little bit of savings, enough food, paid utility bills, tuition money and spending cash. I try to cut down on as much as I can, however, these boys think that I have found Yamashita's treasure!

Men have a knack for keeping the house dirty. It really makes me wonder if there was one point in time that I paid for the exclusive rights to use the bucket, the mop, the rag and the cleaning sponge. It seems these things have labels on them that says, "For the exclusive use of Mama."

Men are the noisiest creatures on earth. Put these three together in the living room, turn on the television and make them watch a  basketball game. Serve them cold beer and some chips and you no longer need to go to a stadium. Boy, can they scream! 

Men are scared of cockroaches. So very true. All those biceps, triceps and six pack abs are no match against a one inch crawler. Once you hear a "thump, thump, thump" better be ready with a broom, rolled up newspaper or the can of bug spray. Wonder woman to the rescue! My youngest son even said, "those things think they're butterflies!"

Men are not very handy. Maybe some are, but not mine. I am a part time plumber, electrician, and carpenter too. The toolbox is mine - my pliers, my set of screwdrivers, hammer, vise-grip and wrenches. My trusted companions to help me save money and a trip to the repair shop.

I know everyday is a challenge to cope up with all these tasks. As messy, noisy, lazy and weird these men are, I love them so much. They love teasing me, and share jokes with me. Sometimes, they volunteer to help me around the house. (Which sometimes makes me scared because I know there's something they will ask in exchange). They are concerned when my sugar levels are not good, and they never fail to end their text messages with "I love you."

The men in my life

My family is my treasure. They are the most beautiful blessing I have received from God. We are the perfectly imperfect family and tired as chaotic it may be everyday, I am still truly happy to have them in my life.