How To Stay Positive When You Are Getting Negative

Growing up as a Christian, we were trained to give our tithe that is, the ten percent of all our produce.  It is not an offering nor a love gift but it is God's share which we ought to give back to whom it rightfully belongs.  From my weekly allowance of a hundred pesos during high school, I set aside ten pesos for the Lord.  As my allowance increased, my tithe also increased.  And when I started working, having a regular income makes my tithing even bigger.  I never think twice before dropping in my tithe during Sunday services in church no matter how big I think it is.  But it can never be too big.  We are never worthy to give any amount or anything to God.  Siya pa, na siya ang nagmamay-ari ng lahat?  Even our lives, we owe to Him.  Walang katiting ang tithe natin sa lahat na naibigay na Niya sa atin.  I am just so blessed that I understood tithing appropriately and up to this very day, God is very faithful in overflowing His blessings to our family not just financially.

You might be wondering why am I sharing this to you now.  I would just like to make a comparison between tithing and paying our taxes.  In the Bible, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees whether it is lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not.  Jesus simply answered to give Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.(Mark 12:13-17)  This is just a direct commandment that we must and we should pay what is due to us.  

Every January of each year marks the renewal of business permits.  Even before I opened Fascino, I already filed an application for a business permit.  Way back 2009, it was too affordable to get one.  But the following year, the due increased a fraction and kept on increasing every year.  Take note, this is not just the renewal but also the quarterly taxes.  Until this year, it got tripled from the previous year's amount!  Imagine that???!!!  What a high-jump of an increase it was!  It was so heartbreaking for me to pay that big an amount considering that my business is not that prolific as people are thinking!  

Contrary to the foundation I have in giving my tithe religiously and wholeheartedly, this time I complained, I grumbled, I disapproved!  I felt that my hard-earned money was being robbed!  Para akong batang inagawan ng kendi!!!  But then and again, I paid because as what Jesus said, give Caesar what is Caesar's.  

Then last week, paying of second quarter taxes was due again.  For the second time, I complained, I grumbled, and I disapproved.  I haven't got back what I lost three months ago and now, I will lose again?!  Where's justice in free enterprise?  For me, it is just so unfair for small businesses like mine!   

After paying, I got so stressed for a week!  I brainstormed on what good could I still do for my business.  As a non-business graduate, it is very hard for me to tackle business strategies.  As a struggling businesswoman, it is very hard for me to keep up.  I also reviewed the business cash flow from start-up to present.  With all honesty and without shame, I declare that my business is only breaking even for five whole years.  Is this good news or bad news?  I, myself see this as bad news for I just found out that I'm getting negative each year.

Through that, I came to ask myself if I could still survive for the next year or even these upcoming months.  I foresee that continuing my business would only mean that the small earning I'll ever have will only go to taxes.  This got me beyond frustrated and desperate.  This got me too discouraged to fight for Fascino, my fascination, my creation, my baby.  Tears are now welling up my eyes because it hurts so much just to even think of letting her go.

Despite all of these, I still have to claim God's promise.  For Malachi 3:10 says "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."  I pray that I won't get carried away by my emotions.  I pray that all these negativities will vanish and be replaced with positivities.  For God is in control of all things and He is always true to His promise!

Related Posts:

How Fascino Started

Fascino Scents Turns 7 Today! :)

Fascino Scents @ 6!

Fascino Store @ 5!

    

Tweet

How Fascino Started

Hear ye, hear ye!  People of Ozamis, people of the Philippines, people of the world!  Perhaps some of you already knew how Fascino started through reading here.  But for those who haven't yet, here's a very short vid taken last 2011 with Emerging Markets World.  I am so so so proud to share this with you!  Now, here it is.....

Please do visit and LIKE the YouTube post here! Thanks a lot! :)

Related Posts:

Fascino Scents Turns 7 Today! :)
Fascino Scents @ 6!
Fascino Store @ 5!
How To Stay Positive When You Are Getting Negative

Tweet

Ep2x's Birthday

My sissy Ep2x celebrates another year of life today!  Though we're miles apart, we still celebrated her birthday like she's still at home.  

It all started with a spaghetti request.  Ella and Reija were asking for spaghetti yesterday but Nanay Esther didn't grant their request because she had loads of laundry to do.  So for today, I cooked sweet-style spaghetti for them by adding condensed milk and made it extra cheesy by topping it with lots of Eden Cheddar Cheese.  They love the spaghetti so much that they ate platefuls of it!

Then Mama bought pork chop and bangus (milk fish) for grilling, making it more appetizing with guso (seaweed) salad.  Topping it all for desserts, Don2x bought a cake and Auntie Bebot bought ice cream!!!

Our family celebration was just so simple compared to the birthday girl's celebration in Malaysia. But we enjoyed so much with the kulit kids and two other house guests.

Straight from Ozamis to Singapore with love, we love you Ep2x!!!  Wishing you good health, long life, and protection!  Mwahugz! :) x

Tweet

Feature Friday: The Coffee Lounge

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

Here's the newest tambayan (rendezvous) in town!  The moment we entered and took our seats, we suddenly knew that we belong there!  Both my dear friend, MM and I fell in love with the place as soon as we sensed its cozy ambiance.  We checked into Ozamis' hottest coffee shop - The Coffee Lounge at Royal Garden Hotel.

  Photo Credits to MM

Located along Burgos corner Zamora Sts., Ozamis City, The Coffee Lounge is an easy access since it nestles at the very heart of the city.  While having a day out doing errands, one can have a quick break at the lounge for they serve not just coffee but also an array of drinks to choose from.

The Coffee Lounge aims a have-it-how-you-like-it! service.  They have hot or iced espresso beverages, frappes that are both coffee or non-coffee based, Italian sodas, hot chocolates, hot or iced teas, and even vodka mudshakes and other imported fruit drinks!  Plus, they also have add-ons of whipped cream, milk, and flavored syrup according to your preference.  And as tea-lovers, MM and I opted for their emotions teas that have the sweetest aroma and most relaxing effect!

The Coffee Lounge also has decadent cakes to sink your sweet tooth into.  They vary their display everyday so you'll go gaga picking from one cake to another.  They serve black forest, sans rival, mocha crunch, sinful choco, red velvet, and so on.  They are so luscious that you'll feel the sugar rush in every bite!

So for a chic coffee, afternoon tea, or chillaxing experience, visit The Coffee Lounge where you can be comfortably yourself!  The nook is also a free Wi-Fi hotspot where you can tell the world where you're at!  Go on, grab a friend and enjoy some bonding moments together!

Looking Forward To Another Tea Night with You, M! :)

Related Posts:

Farronccino Café Ozamis

The Couch

Tweet

Laksa: A Fusion of Different Cultures

Noodles, coco milk, curry, chilli, bean sprouts, dried shrimps, and other seafood - these are just the main ingredients of Singapore's signature dish, Laksa.  It is a spicy noodle soup that is fragrant, tasty, rich, but light.  It has a gritty texture with an explosion of a myriad of flavours that burst in your mouth. 

The assortment of elements in Laksa comes from the marriage of Chinese and Malay cuisines.  Through that, I can correlate the uniqueness of this dish with the country, Singapore.  As a dynamic country rich in contrast, it has a harmonious blend of cuisine and culture.  It is because there are three races in the country - the Chinese, Malay, and Indian.

To start with, the noodles in Laksa have its roots from the Chinese.  Chinese are always fond with noodles that it has become its staple food.  Next, the coco milk comes from Malay in origin.  Malaysia is a country with vast coconut plantation lands and their people had incorporated coconut products in their dishes.  And lastly, curry is a contribution from the Indian.  Indian cuisine always uses a plethora of spices most specifically the curry.    

Moreover, bean sprouts, dried shrimps, and other sea food are the added features of Laksa making it a complete meal.  Nonetheless, the extra chilli makes the dish more appetizing.  It is not too blazing hot but just enough to give the dish a kick.

As a whole, Laksa is Singapore in itself.  Just like its diverse ingredients, the country also has its diverse people, culture, and food.  When mixed together, it offers a unique blend that enthrals people from all over the world to come and have a taste of it.  Just like me, I didn’t go wrong in visiting the country.  For there, I had taken a bite in being a thrifty Chinese, a conservative Malay, and a stylish Indian.     

Related Posts:

Treating the Tastebuds at Jalan Makanan  

SG Parks

Singapore by Feet

 Uniquely Singapore

    

Tweet

Musings of a True-Writer Wannabe

I’ve been keeping a blog for almost two years now.  I’m having it to have a few of my compositions compiled and publicized.  I’m just an ordinary small-town girl who just wants to have something as an outlet for my lifetime frustration as a writer.  As you might inspect, there is no trace of professionalism in my blog.  I just write about anything without rules, without limitations, and without hesitations.  For in my blog, I can freely express myself well!  And I know I’m not that good.  As a chemical engineer by profession, I’m amateur in this field but I love what I’m doing and I’m not ashamed of it!  

My blog is just about random things that portray the other side of me and I’m of no good in lining up with the others.  And as I go over my blog posts, I came to realize that they are purely informational.  I guess because since I am also a teacher, I want everybody to be informed on facts too.  That is, there were mainly dates, word meanings, proper names, addresses, and the likes.  Nothing fell under the category of going deeper the inner core that touches the soul. 

Going over my blog posts again, I tried to look for something with a heart.  Then I came across this audition experience I had in Cebu for a local reality TV show.  In so far, it is the most detailed post I have.  It is full of life!  I can still laugh at my experience and at the same time, feel sentimental about it.  It's just something compelling to read about! 

Then I got to mull things over.  If I might be properly trained, I can incorporate in putting heart to the posts I’ll ever have and not just mere advertising.  Deep inside, I know I can do better if only given a chance to hone this craft.  So to whoever might read this post, this ordinary small-town girl needs a break and a bigger world to see.  She's sending this message loud and clear to the Universe for opportunities to come her way!   

Related Post:

PBB (Private Baliw-Baliwan)

Tweet

The Benefits of Getting Cheesy

C-H-E-E-S-E --- a magic word for me which makes me smile.:)  During picture-taking, when somebody says cheese, I smile.  During childhood bad days, when mom says "Come, let's  have some cheese", I smile.  Cheese is just one of my favorite foods in the world!  It is mouth-watering and feels so good in my taste bud.  Not only cheeses are great to the palate, they are also loaded with minerals, vitamins, and protein.  That is why, here are some health benefits  we can get from eating cheese:

Strong Bones and Teeth 

Cheese is extremely high in calcium content.  As we all know, calcium is the much needed mineral in strengthening our bones and teeth.  So regular cheese consumption can help prevent the risk of osteoporosis and tooth decay.   

Good Eyesight

Cheese also has its fair share in Vitamin A content.  As an essential vitamin, it gives us clear and good eyesight mainly because the role of Vitamin A in the visual cycle is specifically related to the retinal form.  It binds to the protein opsin to reform rhodopsin in the retina to enable us to see in low light as well as for night vision.  (www.wikipedia.com)       

Healthy Body

Cheese has high-quality protein content.  It contains the essential amino acids which are important components of every single cell in our body.  From the tip of our toes to the tip of our hair, the whole of our body is made up of protein.  Proteins are the body-builders needed to repair tissues and make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. 

Apart from these health benefits, cheeses are also added to various dishes to increase  their creamy texture and tastiness.  In addition, cheeses can give a crispy golden-brown finish if baked too.  Check out easy recipes of half-hour meals inspired by Eden Cheese here!

This is a sponsored post.

Related Posts:

Tuna and Mushroom Piccolo Pizza Recipe

Tapioca Pearls Recipe

A Not-So French Toast Recipe

Christmas Recipes

Tweet

Feature Friday: Western Union EBiz Ozamis

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

Good news from Western Union EBiz Ozamis!  They are now offering:

Bills Payment

Do away from lining up in very long queues to pay your bills!  Western Union EBiz Ozamis can now do the job for you in just a matter of minutes.  They process payments for Bankard, PhilHealth, SSS, PLDT, Globe, Smart Plan, and SmartBro.  So why do all the sacrificing in waiting when you can do it hassle-free!

Ticketing Service

Be the first to know seat sales in airlines such as Cebu Pacific, AirPhil, and PAL Express.  Get the best deals and steals in domestic and international flights before bookings get sold out.  Bear in mind that promo fares are always in demand and are selling as hot as pancakes!

ELoad

Reload your cellphone balance right away with Western Union EBiz Ozamis!  They cater all networks namely Smart, Globe, and Sun.  Stay connected with family and friends by using your cellphones fully loaded!

Foreign Exchange

Western Union EBiz Ozamis offers higher US dollar exchange rates!  So if you've got some dollars in there, have 'em converted into lots of pesoses for your local use!

Money Transfer

Send or receive money from any where in the country or abroad!  Western Union EBiz have over 150 branches nationwide and more branches worldwide.  So you are guaranteed that your money can go directly into the right hands straightaway!

Western Union EBiz inside Centrum Ozamis at Your Service!

With all these services, Western Union EBiz Ozamis is a one-stop outlet that can cater all your needs!  So, come and visit Western Union EBiz at the ground floor of Centrum, J.P. Rizal St., Ozamis City!  See you there! :)

  

Tweet

Thursday Tidbits: How to Organize Your Precious Blings

Thursday Tidbits puts meaning into life's littlest issues.

With the lavish number of blings I have collected over the years, they are just scattered everywhere and got mixed up with other things.  It takes me a lot of time and effort in finding the right accessories for my outfit of the day.  And when I find them, it takes  me even more time in untangling everything!  They are just too cluttered which pisses me off every time I dress up!

Luckily, I found some organizing tools that I'm also gonna share with you, my fashionista blog readers.  Because if you started dressing up with a sour mood, you may carry that on for the whole day.  And you don't wanna ruin your every day, right?  So, here goes my list:

Organizer #1 Thumb Tacks

Tiny and simple thumb tacks are always handy.  You can use 'em anywhere, anytime without the fuss!  So who would have thought that these minute and humble dudes can do some organizing wonders?  Here are evidences that I had use 'em in hanging my necklaces and tokens from my friends and  students: 

Organizer #2 Hooks Hanger

Hooks hanger can easily be purchased in department stores and hardwares.  All you have to do is just to install  it on the wall and hang your blings right away!

Organizer #3 Accessories Organizers

It's a great thing there are accessories organizers!  They are very helpful in carrying all your girly stuffs!  They have transparent pouches great for keeping your bracelets, bangles, dangling earrings, rings, brooches, and even your tiny earrings.  They come in various sizes and designed with holders back-to-back that utilizes every area of the organizer!  Now you don't have to worry where to find which anymore for you can easily locate your blings with just one look.

Back-to-Back Accessories Organizer by Avon

A Bigger Accessories Organizer Available for Pre-Order at Fascino

Truly, there is a place for everything.  My precious blings are now in their rightful places.  From now on, I don't have to roam around my room looking for that certain pair of earrings anymore.  I don't have to untangle each necklace from the other and I don't have to spend much time doing all the hassle of finding Nemo, ah este, my blings for the day!  Organize your stuffs and make your day more stress-free.  Thanks to these organizers that another life's littlest issue has been solved!

New arrival of bling-blings are now available at Fascino!  Order your accessories organizer now for only P169!  FFF 

Tweet

Araw ng Kagitingan: Col. Leonardo Olaira Olandesca

April 9 marks the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in the Philippines which commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II.  At dawn of this day on 1942, thousands of Filipino, American, and Filipino-Chinese soldiers were surrendered to the Japanese troops by Major General Edward P. King, Jr., the commander of the Luzon Force.  With this against the orders of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, the said soldiers were forced to endure the 140-kilometer Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell in Tarlac.  En route, thousands of these prisoners of war died from dehydration, starvation, heat prostration, and untreated wounds.  (www.wikipedia.com)  

My very own grandfather, the late Col. Leonardo Olaira Olandesca was one of these brave and gallant soldiers.  A native of Sapian, Capiz, he was 18 years old when he joined the Philippine Army to fight for the democracy (which we are freely enjoying right now) of our country.  

Col. Olandesca in His Teenage Years

Along the way of the death march, Col. Olandesca together with two other Filipino soldiers was caught by a group of savage Japanese soldiers.  They were disarmed and blindfolded with hands and feet tied in ropes.  With only voices and cruel laughters heard, they were forcefully put inside a sack.  One by one, they were held upside down, beaten, and brutally thrown into a river!  Off with the current of the water they flowed, Col. Olandesca lost his senses.  

When Col. Olandesca awoke, he thought that he was already dead with only darkness enveloping him.  But when he moved, he realized that he was still alive and he can still survive!  He then remembered that he still has his balisong (fan knife) hidden in his sock.  Now all he had to do was how to get it from there.  He said a silent prayer and concentrated on untying his hands from behind.  A miracle as he said it, he unbelievably loosened the rope and untied himself.  Then he finally extracted the balisong from its secret place and tore the sack around him!  

Upon getting himself freed, Col. Olandesca swam and looked for his comrades.  Luckily, the two other soldiers were still in sight and he immediately freed them too.  Then they swam for their lives to the riverbank, now away from the death march.  Still luckily, the battalion of Gen. MacArthur passed by so they were rescued and brought safely to Capas, Tarlac.

See how things work together for good?  My Gpa could have been dead in the death march if it were not for the Japanese soldiers who played pranks on them.  Though it was still a fifty-fifty, life-and-death situation, my Gpa was one of the thousands of Filipinos who was willing to shed blood for the love of country.  With this, we honored Gpa with both the American (for he was also a US veteran) and Philippine flags and 21-gun salute on his burial.  

As we celebrated Gpa's sixth death anniversary last April 4, we thanked him for not just being a soldier for our country but also for us, his family.  He survived the death march and bravely fought prostate cancer for 13 years to stand up for us!

Olandesca Family on 1996 for Gpa's 80th Birthday

For 91 years, Gpa told his story of heroic deeds which earned him medals of valor.  And today, I'm hoping to make his story be known to all especially to my Ozamisnon readers that a hero, in the name of Col. Leonardo Olaira Olandesca resided here and chose Ozamis as his final resting place.

Col. Olandesca in His Late 80's

For those who want to visit and pay respect to Col. Leonardo Olaira Olandesca, his body lies in state at Pryce Memorial Gardens, Dimaluna, Ozamis City.  

    

Tweet

Quick & Easy Chicken Curry Recipe

The Ingredients

Chicken Adobo Cuts

Potatoes

Carrots

Garlic 

Onion

Red Bell Pepper

Fiesta Tropicale Coconut Milk Powder

Del Monte Quick n Easy Curry Mix

The Procedure

1.  Slice garlic, onion, and red bell pepper. 

2.  Slice potatoes and carrots thinly.

3.  Deep fry potatoes and carrots.

4.  While frying, dissolve Fiesta Tropicale Coconut Milk Powder in lukewarm water.

5.  Sauté garlic, onion, and chicken.

6.  Add coconut milk and simmer until meat is tender.

7.  Finally, add Del Monte Quick n Easy Curry Mix, fried potatoes and carrots, and red bell pepper.

Now here's the finished product:

Fiesta Tropicale Coconut Milk Powder and Del Monte Quick n Easy Curry Mix are two innovative cooking ingredients that will not make you sweat in the kitchen.  Instead of extracting coconut milk from the actual grated meat of coconut, all you have to do is just to dissolve the Fiesta Tropicale Coconut Milk Powder.  In the same way,  Del Monte Quick n Easy Curry Mix is an all-in-one mix.  There's no need to add salt, pepper, nor any other seasoning for the mix is already packed with proper condiments for the dish.  Plus, it is also healthy because there's no MSG added.   

Because of these two helpful ingredients, I had my favorite chicken curry in an instant!  And since this recipe is quick and easy, I also had the chance to blog while waiting for my dish to cook!

Credits to June Ann for the Photos

Check out other Del Monte Quick n Easy Mixes here and be your own boss in the kitchen!

Related Posts:

Pork with Young Corn and Pineapple Slices
Christmas Recipes
Utan Bicol: Our Family's Very Own Recipe

Tuna and Mushroom Piccolo Pizza Recipe

A Not-So French Toast Recipe

Tweet

Feature Friday: Dr. Elsie Mae Baraya - Sipe, DMD

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

People say I have the sweetest and most charming smile - the smile that is freely given to anybody as a welcome warming their hearts.  I am confident enough in giving wide smiles for not to boast, I have this really good set of pearly whites.  Credits to my grandma who performed some kind of a ritual when I was newly born and to my dad who took care of my teeth when I was still a kid.  But I know my teeth are not perfect.  I never hid this to anyone that I had my two front teeth broken during my PE class in college.  Thus, these two lead stars I have right now are credited to my dentist, Dr. Elsie Mae Baraya-Sipe, DMD.

Dr. Sipe is the newest savvy orthodontist in town.  She finished Doctor of Dental Medicine in Misamis University last 2005.  Right after passing the dentistry licensure exam in the same year, she immediately worked as a partner dentist of Dr. Luz Filipino-Murallon in her dental clinic.  And while working, she also studied orthodontics under the Philippine Academy of Orthodontics with other dentists in Misamis Occidental, Pagadian, Lanao del Norte, and Zamboanga.     

After gaining tedious trainings and years of experience, Dr. Sipe opened her very own dental clinic in 2011 at the Out-Patient Department of St. Joseph General Hospital along Washington St., Ozamis City.  This state-of-the-art health facility is very well kept, tidy, and sterilized.  It has a homey ambiance that can erase the anxiety of seeing a doctor especially for kids.

Now a burgeoning dental facility, the clinic is often packed with patients daily.  With her growing number of regular patients, Dr. Sipe always see to it that she will take time in treating every patient.  She establishes rapport to each patient, talks with them while doing some dental procedures, and always makes sure to have them feel at home.  She aims to be more of quality than quantity.  So every visit with her is always a worthwhile experience.

A Pose After My Teeth Treatment

In addition, Dr. Sipe serves each patient with a personal touch.  She gives more than patient-satisfaction that keeps them coming back.  Their healthy and confident smiles say it all to every person they meet.  So she urges everyone to take care of their teeth as she quipped, "Every single tooth is more valuable than an expensive diamond."

I truly agree with that!  And for me, I prefer sitting in a dental chair rather than having my hair treated in a salon or having a relaxing massage in a spa.  Because I oh so love having every crevice of my mouth clean and fresh!

Steer clear from plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath!  Have healthy and strong teeth by visiting your dentist regularly.  Set an appointment with Dr. Elsie Mae Baraya-Sipe now!

Dr. Sipe with Husband Vincent and Daughter Samantha Fay

Related Post:

Jerome Artworks

Tweet

Ella @ 6

Our little princess, Ella Venice Garcia celebrates her sixth birthday today!

Prepping Up with Tita Rio, Reija, and Kelzi 

Like every little girl, she wants to be a princess and thanks to Tita Jem who made this dream come true!

Ella's Princess Outfit

Since Ella wants to entertain all her friends, Tatay Don2x hired a clown to facilitate the games and do some magic tricks.

Pabitin

Pukpok Palayok

Magic Show

The food is also sumptuous prepared by Nanay Esther and Kuya Joel.  Thanks also to Tito Ian for the additional ice cream on the go!

Neighborhood Kids

Ice Cream of Manong Suki

Of course, a birthday celebration won't be complete without the blowing of the candle.  Thank you, Tita Vian for the cake!

Wishing for many more birthdays to come for our big girl!  We love you, baby langga! :)

Party needs, balloons, and kids' toys are always available at Fascino!  We also do balloon arrangement for all occasions!

Related Posts:

Fascino Party Packages
Fascino's Special Event Party Favors

Fascino's Balloon Art Deco

Tweet

Zebra Print

vest, smiley heart earrings, and block wire necklace from june ann.  spaghetti top and zebra leggings from april love.  havaianas from mama.  bangle and ring from FFF.  zebra nails by ate armi.  photos by marvel.  FFF

more accessories are availabe at Fascino! :)

Tweet