Copa do Mundo da Moda

"World Cup Fashion", that is.  

On its 15th day today, FIFA World Cup 2014 has been flooding the news and stirs fans worldwide!  Everybody goes wild and becomes instant suckers of football especially those who never had the liking for the sport yet.  For who would resist it?  It's more than just kicking of balls, rush of adrenaline, and overflowing male hormones.  It is definitely a world phenomenon, an earth craze, and a universe fever!  So dressing up for the occasion is a must-must for all girls who are flocking to Brazil for the big event.  And in Brazil, they go baring and daring.  Now who says that wearing bras is a beach thing only?  It is also a bitch thing indeed as these photos over the net show:

   

And who also says that wearing bras is just a girl thing?  FYI, men also dared in getting themselves into the heat of Copa do Mundo da Moda! 

*All images above are grabbed from Google images.

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Stress Management

Just what I need these days!

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Prioritizing

It's quiet sometime now that I've been a supergirl wannabe!  I wish I have Shiva's many hands because I want to do plenty of things at the same time.  I wish I have a centaur's quadruple feet because I want to be in many places at once.  I wish to become plenty of things so I entered all doors that were opened to me.  I love the thrill of being from this to that.  I love the rush of adrenaline from being here to there.  It just excites me so much to experience everything that this world has to offer!

Until here comes the time that my body bagged down.  My body which is made up of every single cell that I think are not healthy as before.  I feel like a computer shutting down, a machine wearing off.  When jaded was not a word for me, it already is now.

Then I come to think.  What's the worth of doing everything at once?  What on earth am I so busy for?  Was I working for power?  Perhaps.  Was I working for fame?  Maybe.  Was I working for money?  Definitely!  

Without power, I cannot have the authority to rule over my students and so-called friends who are just my subordinates.  Without fame, I cannot have the connection to be in the social inner circle to get things on my speed dial.  And without money, I cannot have both power and fame.  These all I need for the lifestyle that I am keeping up.

So is this really what I want?  Now that I am feeling something with my body, can I still  keep up?  The spirit is willing but the body is weak.  I have to cut down on some intakes.  I have to eliminate.  I have to prioritize.

Photo from Web

In prioritizing, I have to make choices.  In making choices, I have to prioritize.  Which comes first?  Which comes last?  Just how and where to start?  This is such a dilemma to deal with.

But as I am adjusting my focus, I found out that it is God I must see.  Now this makes things even more complicated.  More complicated if we see this through the flesh.  However, God prompted me to focus on Him.  If there are things I am doing that are not in line with His will, then I must stop.  I have to learn to chop my whereabouts and whatabouts.  This time, I will learn to be still.

Be still.  Relax.  Declutter.  Prioritize.  From now on, I will be reminding myself of these words.  I know this is so hard for a workaholic like me but I won't risk my physical body anymore.  I do pray for health and wellness always.  And a longer life to enjoy more of God's gift to us! 

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How to Make Double Cross Fishtail Loomies

Manual weaving is still used nowadays as a cottage industry for some towns wherein looms are being used.  A loom is a frame (usually made of wood) used to weave cloth.  It is big and takes up space in a room.  And out from this, the idea of creating miniature looms is conceived by Cheong Choon Ng of Novi, Michigan in 2011.  (wikipedia.com)

Ng named the mini loom as Rainbow Loom.  Compared with the huge wooden looms, Rainbow Loom is a plastic toy used to weave rubber bands into girly stuffs as bracelets, headbands, and charms.  Such rubber bands are not the common ones we're using.  These are colorful bands of glow-in-the-dark and scented varieties which Ng calls loom bands.  As of September 2013, Ng has sold over 1.2 million units of his invention and Rainbow Loom is the recipient of 2014 Toy of the Year Awards given by the Toy Industry Association. (wikipedia.com)

With this, little girls from all over the world go gaga over loomies!  Even adults also find creating accessories out from loom bands very interesting and entertaining.  With loom bands, you don't have to be a pro to create your masterpiece.  All that you'll ever need are Rainbow Loom, a little time, and a little creativity.  Creating loomies is also therapeutic and just gives you the kick into saying, "Hey, I made craft by myself!"

So with this, I tried my hands on some loomies!  Thanks to Christ for letting me borrow her loom kit as she hang out with me in the store to have a crafternoon.  Now this is what she taught me - the double cross fishtail:

Use loom board to weave your bands with.

Use colorful loom bands to experiment on.

Intersect two colors of bands in four pegs, overlapping each other.

Release bands from each peg, interlocking each other.

Add another two bands and continue until strand of locked bands gets longer.

Stop and measure size of wrist.

Connect both ends of the bracelet using the S lock.

See, that's how easy and fun to work with loomies!  There are more designs over the net and instructional videos are flooding YouTube every now and then from girls ages 8-14 as it is very addictive once you get into it.  But if you are not the type to toil for something and just want to purchase, contact Miss Christ for orders now!  You may reach her on FB here so you may also see more of her pretty designs.

Miss Christ's Finished Product

Put color into your life and be extra girly with these Rainbow Loom accessories!  Definitely, it brings out the youth in you and deters your real age from showing!  Hehe....

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Philippine Independence Day: A Letter to the Youngsters

Today marks the 116th day of our country's independence from the rule of Spain.  Do we still celebrate the importance of this day or have we already forgotten its essence?  When I asked my students last night on why we are having a holiday today, they just replied, "Ma'am, it's independence day."  Then I asked them, "What is independence day?"  And they just gave back the question, "Because it's holiday?"  Is that a proper way of responding to such question?  I felt like our history was being mocked to such an inappropriate reply.

Sad to say, some of our youngsters today do not fully understand Philippine Independence Day anymore.  I guess it must be because of the "techieness" that they are pretty much enjoying right now.  Though Philippine history has been taught from grade school to college, this has been taken for granted because of other subjects which are more interesting and appealing to them.  But I understand them.  Ika nga nila, "Iba na ang mga bata ngayon."  Just like when I was younger.  I also heard this from adults if they found something unusual from us.  And now that I'm an adult, I'm the one who's saying this to the youngs today.

Now let's just put it this way.  I'm talking to the young right now.  Yes, you!  As a creature older than you, can you please exert a little effort in putting importance to the history of our country?  You know, history allows us to see how people lived back years ago.  It enables us to know how our national heroes had struggled to give us the independence that we're having right now.  It gives us knowledge on what inspired and frustrated them at that time (try to put your feet in their shoes).  Furthermore, it points back to things that we are experiencing in the present.  Actually, there are so many things we can learn from the past which can greatly affect how we  are living today and what decisions we're gonna make tomorrow.  

So for today, just Google up some articles on Philippine Independence Day or rather see some vids on YouTube for a more techie experience on it.  It wouldn't hurt a bit if you will spend some of your time to get down to the nitty-gritty of this national holiday.  

Image from depositphotos.com

Maging isang tunay na Pilipino, sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa!

Related Post:

#JustSaying on Philippines Independence Day

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Monday Matters: A Hug A Day, Keeps the Doctor Away

Monday Matters is dedicated to all things that matter.

"A hug is like a bandage to a hurting wound."

- Anonymous

Sometimes, we feel the need for human contact to help us snap out our negative emotional dealings.  We get to have the urge to find someone whom we can hug or will hug us without asking for explanation.  By just taking comfort in human contact, our pain can be eased soothingly.  According to a published study in the journal, Comprehensive Psychology, "Regular embraces can lower the risk of heart disease, combat stress, fight fatigue, boost the immune system, prevent infections, and ease depression.  Just 10 seconds of hugging can lower blood pressure and after this time elapses, levels of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin increase, while the amounts of stress chemicals drop."  

Photo from Web

So if you feel bad, go to someone for a hug.  If somebody needs a hug, give one freely.  With this, a hug a day can surely keep the doctor away! :)

  

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Saturday Surprise: Kiddos in the House, Yo!

Saturday Surprise is all about the good things in life ought to be celebrated!:)

Just when I thought that it would just be another routinary store Saturday, there came my insta Saturday surprise!  When was the last time I had a Saturday Surprise post?  I think that was already ancient!  And what else or who else gave me this happy surprise?  There's none other than, my previous MUHS kids!!!!!

I was so glad Miss Christ (my regular store visitor/partner) was there who brought these kids into visiting us.  Miss Christ just resigned from the said school and her children couldn't just get over her.  The kids adored her so much that they're just like barkadas.  Oh, I suddenly miss my Junior Griffins!  Where you at, guys?  Hahay.....  Just when these kids (Griffins) grow up, already in college, have their own lives, and now having their love life, Miss Mae's already forgotten.... :(  That's just soooo sad.  This is the first school break that nobody (among my Griffins) had ever shown his/her shadow to me!  

Anyway, I'm still glad I had this bunch of makulets coming over!  They were only first year when I left but look at them now!  They'd grown inches taller than me.  How did your every single cell abruptly multiply, guys?  And take note, they'd grown to be handsomer and prettier!  Ayeeee!!!

And what did these makulets do while in the store?  Harutan to the max!  We were like almost 10 people cramped into this little store of mine.  As usual, it's very hot inside but they still dwelled.  And just like before, they are still curious over plenty of things.  Sofia couldn't help to try blowing and printing a balloon for herself.  Now look what she'd done.

  

See?  That's how confident my once children are!  They know where they stand, they know who they are, and they know what they're doing!  Oh, how I've been missing moments like this.  You know, just playing around with kids and not being too serious in class.  I also miss that kind of child laugh that only these kiddos can give out so freely!  

Please, please, just don't grow much just yet.....  Two more years and you're gonna be in college.  Then I won't have kids to make me happy anymore.  Sob, sob...  But at least I still have you.  It is still my consolation that whenever we meet, you still make pansin to me, come up to me, and give me updates on whatever that is happening into your young lives.  Good luck in your first day of school this Monday, guys!  And don't give your new teachers headache as early as this first week of school.  Luv yah, all! :) <3

  

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Feature Friday: Charms and Memories 2014

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

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles." - Sonja Henie

That quotation had stricken me the moment I had come to read it.  Hmmm....I must admit I'm middle-aged (ouch!) and I must admit that I have these fine lines on my face though I'm trying to prevent 'em from surfacing.  This is already a reality - I am now aging and I need remedies to hide it.  Hehehe.....  So that quotation comes in handy by giving a little hint on how to at least defer my aging process.  JEWELRY!

Jewelry refers to any small decorative item worn by men or women for personal adornment such as necklace, earrings, ring, or bracelet.  Even during ancient times, it is already used to make people look handsomer or prettier.  It is designed to enhance the beauty that is already in each and everyone of us and serves as an eye-catcher for us.  

Though jewelry is not really a need, it is being wanted.  It can be used to fix clothing (brooches) or hair in place, tell time (watches), serves as marker of social status (wedding rings), signifier of some form of affiliation, whether ethnic, religious or social (college rings), protection (amulets), or just merely used for artistic display.  Expressing your feelings and thoughts can also be empowered by jewelries.  That is, giving of engagement ring, promise ring, friendship bond, lockets, etc.  Jewelry has now become part of our lives.

Just recently, bestfie MM introduced me to Charms and Memories 2014!  I was just so delighted by the cute miniature charms that you can mix and match to be put inside your locket!  Everything is just soooo adorable.  Come, take a look at MM's charm collection!

Sweethearts' Initials

Travelogue

Starlight, Starbright

The Kikay Kit

A Promise of Love

The Proposal in Paris

Queen M

With a whole caboodle of cutie cute cute charms, you can tell your life's story with it!  You can express your likes and manifest to the universe your dreams!  As Charms and Memories 2014 quips, "It's not just like any other piece of bling, it's a wearable art you have personally designed to keep memories and mantras close to your heart!"

Something New for Your Wedding Day

Musical Passion

For the Love of Mom

A Wedding Anniversary Gift

So to all "middle-aged" women out there who would love/like to divert people's attention from their wrinkles, wear a Charms and Memories 2014 locket!  It would definitely catch people's attention and ask you, "Where'd you get that necklace?" just like the teenie I bumped into the office this morning.          

LIKE Charms and Memories 2014 in Facebook here where every locket tells a story.  What's yours?

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A for Ánimo!

Time flies soooo fast and I'm turning 1 at La Salle!  Wow!  I still can't believe I dared to teach in this prestigious university!  I still can't believe I chose teaching over engineering!  I still can't believe I survived teaching from high school to college students!  It is just so awesome that I am sticking into this profession since 2009!

Looking back, I was in a dilemma before ditching my "real" profession.  It was so hard for me to decide because I know what I was loosing.  Being a licensed chemical engineer entitled me to earn real good fortune if I'm giving my service to chemical industrial plants.  But considering to be a teacher, teachers don't earn that much.  Sad to say, it is reality that most teachers survive through loans.  It is often a joke that all loans were already being applied and availed except for por-loan (hearse).  But anyway, I chose teaching.  With eyes closed and hearts closed, I chose it for the purpose of just being here in Ozamis, my comfort zone.

Eventually, I learned to love teaching the hardest way.  As a non-educator, I was so lost at what I had entered into!  I was such a misfit!  Rowdy kids, class observations, paper works, and the likes - everything were really stress boosters!  However, I got the hang of it and learned to love every single detail of teaching minus the loans.  Hehe.....  

Just yesterday and the other day, I attended four modules of Lasallian Formation.  It is the study of the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the history of the foundation of La Salle schools, and the value of instilling St. John Baptist's mission into the hearts of all Lasallians who had chosen to become part of the Lasallian family.  

As already a Lasallian (I'm an alumna of ICC-La Salle), I knew La Salle's mission is to give education to the poor.  Then I asked my Religious Education (Rel.Ed.) teacher from a long time ago, "Poor?  Then why is it that our tuition fee is very high?".  At an early age of 12 I had asked that question for being so kuripot even before.  Then he replied, "Poor doesn't literally mean poor financially.  It can be poor in knowledge, poor in love, poor in spirit, or poor in any other aspect of a person's being."  So I understood.  We may sound like a luxurious school but if we dig deeper, we can understand what La Salle is all about.

St. John Baptist de La Salle's Portrait at the Arts Center

La Salle aims to provide quality human and Christian education especially to the poor.  That's why we have Br. Martin Simpson Laboratory School (BMSLS) and Night High School which are intended for those who are less fortunate.  BMSLS offers Grades 1 to 10 for kids who are so willing to come to school but cannot afford to.  On the other hand, Night High School offers Grades 7 to 10 for teenagers who are working by day and still want to pursue their studies.  A School for the Deaf is also open for all our deaf/mute brothers and sisters.  So aside from our regular colleges and integrated school which also offers scholarships, we have these three other schools that cater the educational needs of our less privileged brothers and sisters.

Additionally, La Salle has these core values of FSC.  That's Faith, Service, and Communion.  (Literally, FSC stands for Fratres Scholarum Christianarum, "The Brothers of the Christian Schools" in English)  First is the spirit of faith.  Everything that La Salle does is rooted in God.  La Salle follows the example of Christ and lives according to the gospel.  Second is the zeal in service.  Being God's servant entails you to die to yourself and to be alive in Christ.  It is also into being a servant to others.  Third is mission as communion.  Truly, no man is an island.  We cannot work by ourselves only.  Three heads are better than one.  So we need one another in order to attain a goal.  We need to be associated with one another and have good fellowship to further the mission God has given.  And with this, Lasallians must be ONE!

Finally, we have one mission, one vision, one God!  We are ONE La Salle!  Though we have individual differences, we are one in spirit in teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives.  This is what being a Lasallian is.  This is not about religion, not about prestige, and not about being the best.  But this is about making a difference in the society in the name of only one God.

So with this, we pledged to further St. John Baptist de La Salle's cause.  Now, it is not me and students or me and co-teachers or me and superiors anymore but it is WE.  We are one!  Ánimo!  Long live the Lasallian spirit!

LSU Faculty Batch 2013

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