Daily Dose of C

Studies show that the rainy season and cold weather is not the cause of illnesses like the common cold.  Rather, such illness is caused by the virus called rhinovirus.  A person catches cold when the virus gets into the human body.  During rainy days, people get to stay indoor and when one has the common cold, the virus would spread from one person to another.  So, the rain doesn't cause the cold but it is the virus and the dry air that spreads it.  (Medical Facts and Fallacies, Bato Balani 2013)

Since we are presently having rainy days, there is a need for us to boost our immune system.  We can comply this by taking our daily dose of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid.  It is an essential nutrient that fights pathogens thus building up body resistance.  We can get it naturally by eating citrus fruits like oranges, ponkan, and dalandan.  Through science, Vitamin C has been concentrated in syrup, tablet, or capsule form.  Advancement in technology has also led to the addition of Vitamin C in powdered drinks.  

One of the most nutritious powdered drinks in the market today is the Magnolia Powdered Fruit Drink Mix. One glass of it is packed with 60-80 mg of Vitamin C.  That is just equivalent to eating three whole oranges that is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C.  Plus, it has the added Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9 for better body energy.  It is so refreshingly good and delicious coming in three variants (Orange, Orange-Mango, and Pineapple).

I'm glad that drinking Magnolia Powdered Fruit Drink Mix had become my lifestyle.  I'm sturdy enough to resist catching the common cold.  So to all of you my dear blog readers, safeguard your health by getting a daily dose of C from Magnolia Powdered Fruit Drink Mix!

Magnolia Health Tea Powdered Drink Mix is available in all leading supermarkets nationwide.

This is a sponsored post.

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Whimsical Wednesday: Comfort Foods for the Rainy Days

Whimsical Wednesday shows my fancy in a myriad of beautiful things.  

I love the rainy days!  These bring out coldness in the air, giving me a completely good mood and good vibes.  But the coldness also makes me just wanna laze and curl up in bed.  Plus, it gives me a fat urge to crave for food.  So here are some of those comfort foods I am currently salvating for which are perfect for the cold weather we're enjoying these past few days.

Tinolang Manok Bisaya

Photo from www.phoeberecio.wordpress.com

Arroz Caldo

Photo from www.tumblr.com

Pochero

Photo from www.lutongpinas.com

Bulalo

Photo from www.norecipes.com

Champorado with Dilis

Photo from www.foodicles.blogspot.com

Pansit Molo

Photo from www.wizardrecipes.com

Sinigang na Bangus

Photo from www.pinoyrecipe.net

Noodle Soup

Photo from www.giantrobot.com

Would it be so nice to hold just a bowl of these hot stews and soups in my hands?  Would it be so nice to have some of these to warm me up?  But since I'm stucked here in the confines of our school, I could just settle for a mug of hot choco to get me through the day (but I also wish for mallow tops)!  

HAPPY WARMING, EVERYONE!:)

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Looking for a Reason to Stay

December of 2010 when I submitted a resignation letter to the administration of MUHS.  By then, I wanted to go back to the chemical industry.  Yes, I did went back!  I did went to Manila to start a job as a chemical engineer in a cosmetic manufacturing company.  But then again, it did not do me any good.  I missed home, I missed my store, I missed my friends, and most especially, I missed my students.  All I wanted to do was to go home and get back to my old routine.

But I did't get back to my old routine.  Instead, I spent months giving time to myself searching for what I really want.  Then my previous colleagues encouraged me to go back to MUHS.  I got to think, why not?  I missed the students, I missed teaching them, I missed laughing with them, I missed scolding them, and I missed fighting with them!  So, I did got back!

Now that I'm here for months, it's about time to rethink of spending another school year in this place I already considered home.  But based from my experiences this current school year, I realized that I couldn't anymore.  I realized that I couldn't stretch my patience with the kids nowadays.  They are just so different from the kids I had before!

For my kids before were rowdy yet manageable,

naughty yet sweet,

and mischievous yet respectful.

Kids nowadays are a far cry from what I had two years ago.  And as I go back to these old photos in FB, I reconsidered to look for a reason to stay.  But as I face the kids in my classes, I regret to say that I really couldn't.  

First Group Picture with My Junior Griffins

Maybe because I'm getting older that's why my patience is not that much as I had before.  

First Reunion with My Griffins During Dos' Birthday

Or maybe because of my boring subject that kids had already mindset-ly and honestly loathed.       

Dinner Out with Teacher Aida

Or maybe it is because of my negative attitude toward the kids that kept them from liking me. 

My Griffins' First Visit at Our House

Or maybe because I had promised not to be over-emotionally attached to my students anymore.

My 30th Birthmonth with My Griffins at SM Cebu

Can I still turn back the time when I was once called a Ma'amy, a Ma'ama, and a Ma'amsky?

New Year 2013 with My Griffins at Our House 

Or is it about time to move forward to a higher level of group of students?

I may had never said this but I'm sure I had showed them

that I love them too and I still miss them so.....

And as for the reason to stay?  Sad to say, I haven't found any at all (after the reconsiderations, talks,and effort). :(

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Neons, Spikes, and Everything Nice

neon necklace.  chili bracelet.  skull and spikes arm candies.  spike rings.  photos by glaiza perocho.  all items available at fascino.  FFF

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The Sinulog Princesses

Drumbeats

Colorful Costumes

Fireworks

Festivities

When everybody flocks to Cebu.....

The annual celebration of the Sinulog Festival is being held in the Queen City of the South to honor the miraculous child Jesus, the Sto. Niño.  People from all walks of life from all over the world flocked to Cebu to celebrate the grandest parade in the Philippines!  Each year, the crowd gets thicker and thicker and this 2013 has the utmost stat with a count of 1.2 million people!  (www.newsinfo.inquirer.net)  

The Sinulog parade was first held in 1980 wherein students dressed in moro-moro costumes danced to the beat of the drums.  The dance depicted the water current (sulog in Cebuano) from which the word Sinulog comes from, having a forward-backward-forward movement. (www.mysmarschools.ph)  I am so blessed that since I was little, I've been witnessing such ostentatious festivities because I was promised to Senior Sto. Niño for my good health.   

In every parade, there are groups (tribu) in compet with each other.  And in every group, there's always that somebody who acts as a leader bearing the image of the Sto. Niño.  I am always delighted every time I see them because they are always beautiful.  Apart from possessing ethereal beauty, they are also very graceful in their sways, struts, and sashays.  I even dreamed of becoming one of them but I didn't know what they are called.  But after years of watching them admiringly and doing some research, I now learned that they are called the Sinulog Princesses.

Not just a pretty face, the Sinulog Princess plays a vital role in the tribu.
  

She's recognized to be the leader from whom the whole group relies upon.

She protects her tribu by not committing mistakes that may sabotage the group.

She has to be strong so she could stand up for her tribu when adversaries arise.

She must behave herself properly to be a good role model to all young females in her tribu.

She must portray how to pay tribute to Señor Sto. Niño with proper respect and reverence like an innocent child.

And just like any other princesses, she must also represent her kingdom with real grace, glamour, and elegance.  So all Sinulog Princesses must present herself as fabulous as she could!

A Make-Up Artist Retouching a Sinulog Princess

Truly, people flock to Cebu for these spectacular shows of the event.  But we have to be reminded that the celebration is for the child Jesus.  Just as the Sinulog princesses do, we must lift Him up to the highest and be exalted at all times.  For with or without image, we can worship God in spirit and in truth.

Viva Pit Senyor! 

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Into the Sea of Married Men

Disclaimer:  The content of this post is purely an opinion of the writer.  Any resemblance to real life situation is accidental and unintentional.  

Men are generally/instinctively/naturally/normally polygamous!  It is innate for them not to be satisfied with only one woman!  It is typical for them to have two or three women at the same time!  They are just too adventurous to explore, too inquisitive to test, and too curious to experience!  It is their great pride to taste as many viands as they can!  As Jackie Mason said, "Eighty percent of married men cheat in America.  The rest cheat in Europe."   

So what's with these married men that they just couldn't stay put?  And without women (apart from "the" wife) showing them attention, could they still be having illicit affairs?  Then why are  there single women still entertaining them?  And why do these single ladies find them irresistible?  

One reason is primarily the male to female ratio in which women outnumber men these days.  So some single gals are becoming less picky and just settle for whoever comes in hand.  Their raison d'être, there are no single men available so why not just get hitched with the married ones?  As Sam (Andi Eigenmann) agreed in A Secret Affair, "'Di siya masasaktan kung hindi niya alam.  That's why we'll keep it a secret affair."

Another reason is the thrill of the adventure!  For who would not want an exhilarating roller coaster ride, right?!!!  Some women nowadays are getting out from their shell, becoming radical, carefree, and wild!  Especially in this modern generation, women are getting edgy that it is "in" for them not to be tied up in marriage.  That's why sometimes, they just want to do away with the baggage of having real relationships.  They just go for the casual sex, no label set-up, with no strings attached!  They are just too selfish to share their lives with somebody else.  So as what Kara (Anne Curtis) provocatively said in No Other Woman, "No pressure.  Just shut up and kiss me.  And don't you dare fall in love with me.", they just simply want to have fun and go with flow..... 

Additionally, another reason had been recognized to be low self-esteem on the part of those single ladies because some of them believe that they cannot get their own man.  They think of themselves as lowly individuals, being in the least of priorities of men.  Nonetheless, they like endlessly waiting for a man to be with them.  They feel that they do not deserve an exclusive and loving relationship thus they prefer having something in hiding.

But this women are only women - generally/instinctively/naturally/normally weak!  It is innate for them not to overcome temptation!  It is typical for them to give in and surrender at the same time!  They are gullible, easily trapped with sweet words and endearing actions.  They are just so susceptible to any man who has the ability to swoon them!

Now let's rationalize the issue.  Who are the real culprits?  The polygamous men or the weak women?  As we all know, two can play in a game.  So there is no right-headed men nor women who would want to play with fire.  Nobody would ever dare to put their lives in a cliff.  Then again like in all ill-fated circumstances, people having illicit affairs are just victims of desire.  Because as what Sari (Bea Alonzo) regrettably quipped in The Mistress, "Walang babaeng pinangarap na maging kabit."

So to all vulnerable single women out there, watch out for married men who are just actually lurking around.  They are like mighty lions waiting to catch their prey.  Yes, they do are oh so fuckingly hot, but you have to guard yourselves.  Do not be deceived by their subtle tactics for you might just end up going deeper to a very complicated situation from which you cannot easily get out.  Yes, it's great to be stupid sometimes but you have to also prepare yourselves for the bitter consequences that would definitely follow.  So as an advice, just beware sailing into the sea of married men!

  

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Whimsical Wednesday: A Flair for Old Churches

Whimsical Wednesday shows my fancy in a myriad of beautiful things.  

As we all know, Christianity was introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards in the 16th century.  Right then, the very first church was built in the country, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu.  The Catholic church defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments, and exercising charity.  (wikipedia.com)  And this is the vocation Philippine Catholic churches never fail to fulfill!

But aside from the church's noble cause in the society, I also see it as an ornate and architecturally prestigious building.  I see it as a work of art!  As my first feature of an old church in EOS Destination #1!, I am fascinated with its exterior and interior design may it be of any style - Trompe-l'oleil, Baroque, or Rococo.  Then my flair for old churches sparked up especially when I had the chance to visit the historical province of Albay.  It is a place where churches play dominant features of the towns and countryside in which they stood.  

First church is the Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno in the province's capital, Legazpi City.

The Albay Cathedral (as it is commonly called), is the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi.  Thus, bishops of the province reside here.  My favorite piece of the church is the angel bearing something like a mailbox maybe for prayer requests or donations.

The Grand Interior of the Church

Second church is The Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City, Albay.   

The parish was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001.  My favorite pieces here are the glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ while He lives on earth.

At the Sides - The Massive Columns of the Church

 Third church is Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church in Daraga, Albay.

The church was built by the Franciscans in 1773.  It is where the churchgoers of Cagsawa transferred to hear mass after their church was ruined during the Mt. Mayon eruption in 1814.  My favorite piece is the hefty belfry where I stood awed by the ringing of its giant bell!

Fourth church is the Church of Cagsawa in Cagsawa, Albay.

As mentioned, the church was buried in rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano.  Thus, only the remains stood still in the site.  My favorite part of the ruins is the stone foundation for it reminds me of the ruins of ancient Greece (not that I had already visited the place).

The Ruins Turned Into a Garden

Nowadays, churches not only play as a place for Christianity but they also play as tourist attractions.  But we must all be reminded that it is still a place of worship wherein we ought to pay respect to.  Upon visiting a church, do ask some locals first if it is OK to take some photos.    Be quiet upon entering the church and never use your flash.  Then buy a candle or two and light them for guidance.  Be thankful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to enjoy His wondrous works!

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Spiritual Sunday: Epiphany of the Lord's Day

Spiritual Sunday teaches all about life and our Big Boss.

"We have seen his star in the East, and have come to adore the Lord."  Matthew 2:2

Epiphany is a Christian festival, observed on January 6, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi; Twelfth-day. (Dictionary.com)  On this special day, Christians greet one another with the phrase "Happy Three Kings!"   

So who were the three kings?  Where did they come from?  They were Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthazar - the three wise men from the East (Persia now Iran, India, and Arabia respectively).  They had journeyed for twelve days bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to lay down at the feet of the baby Jesus Christ.

Photo from Web

As kings of their own kingdoms, they left and searched for the Holy Infant to worship and adore Him.  As it is written in the Old Testament, "All kings shall bow down before Him; all nations shall serve Him." Psalm 72:11.  Meaning, Jesus is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords!  He is worthy of all our praises!  He is high and lifted up, the glory of the nations!   

Now that Christmas season is officially over and the tides had calmed down, may we once again reflect on the real essence of it.  Because on my part, I had failed to do so.  I had turned out to be a scrooge for Christmas.  I wasn't "inspired" for Christmas.  So I just occupied myself with every little thing I see to be busy about.  But after all the effort I did, I still felt empty and disappointed with what is still lacking in the puzzle.  That's why I feel bad about my sour mood last Christmas despite the booming business I had.  Now I realize that money can't really buy happiness.  

So let us all be reminded that Christmas in the eyes of a child is not all about toys, Christmas in the eyes of an adult is not all about stress, and Christmas in the eyes of a businessman is not all about opportunity to make money.  But Christmas is all about Jesus!  That God the Father sent His only begotten Son to save us from all our sins.  

Thankfully, there is still Epiphany for me to make up for my mistake.  Since Jesus received precious gifts on the twelfth day from His birth, I also distributed some to some close friends and inaanaks.  So I won't be a scrooge at all!  And next Christmas season, I do hope to always bear in mind and heart the real essence of it.  (No matter how bad will I probably feel on some circumstances.)  And that is giving thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who had died for me on the cross!

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