November 27, 2015

Matthew's Educational Trip 2015 (Part 1): San Guillermo Church


Last Monday, Matthew's school had their yearly educational trip. Mommy and I went with him. This time we go North- Pampanga and Zambales/Bataan. We departed early because we need to be at Ocean Adventure in Subic before 9 in the morning so we can catch all the entertainment shows.

Who can still remember the town of Bagong Pag-asa and their mayor Enrique Rodrigo? How about the inspirational conversations of “Bro” and “Santino”? These are from the ABS-CBN’s Teleserye “May Bukas Pa.”

First Stop: San Guillermo Church

Most of the scenes in this teleserye were shot in San Guillermo Chruch in Bacolor, Pampanga which is our first stop. Actually, the house of mayor (Albert Martinez) is just beside the church.

San Guillermo Church is also known as the “Sunken Church”. It was buried in lahar after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 where the top most part of the church remained.

San Guillermo Church, Bacolor, Pampanga

Proof that this church is sunken is very evident. The roof is not high, I can even touch some of the wooden trusses of the roof. The openings on the wall touching the floor are actually the church windows before the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Photo of the church before Mt. Pinatubo Eruption

There is a mini-photo museum that shows how the church looks before and after it was sunken into lahar. Works of some local painters were also shown in the museum.

One of the paintings in the museum 

Photos inside the museum

The main area where the mass is being held is previously the ceiling area before the disaster. It was renovated and raised a bit to make it usable for the church goers.

Church interior

Though we stayed in the place for a limited time (about 15 minutes only), we never let go of our chance to kneel and pray.


By the way, I would like to commend our tour guide, Tony G., for making the entire trip as lively as possible. While on board, he was like performing on a comedy bar making everyone laugh as he threw jokes and punchlines. He is comedic yet informative. He has lots of knowledge not only about the places in the itinerary but other places along the road as well.


Toni G., Our guide (Sorry for the blurry photo)


Next post will be our next stop or the main part of the itinerary – Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay Free Port Zone.

Here are other random photos during our short stay in the vicinity of San Guillermo Church.

Matthew doing morning stretch

Matthew and two of his classmates

Matthew and Mommy at the altar

Matthew and I on the same place

Matthew, Mommy and I

Matthew with "Bro"

Cross at the altar

Have you been to San Guillermo Church?
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November 24, 2015

Basic Marriage Laws I Learned from Radyo 5’s Relasyon

I am a regular listener of Relasyon, a Radyo 5’s program ( 92.3FM) that aims to help common people to familiarize with our existing law. The program is hosted by Atty. Mel Sta. Maria and Luchi Cruz-Valdez. Since I started listening to their program, I observed that most of the legal problems being asked or encountered by listeners are about marriage, child custody, child support, inheritance, and partition of properties.

But before you think of ending your marriage, you might first want to seek the help of a couple therapist to try to save your relationship. Because as we all know, a broken family has a great impact on children. 

Moving on. Annulment is different from nullity of marriage. Others used to think that these two are the same. Based on what I heard frequently, nullity of marriage is a scenario that from the start, no legal marriage is considered. By not completing the 5 pre-requisites makes the marriage null and void. These pre-requisites are legal age (18 and above), marriage license, there is a ceremony, the ceremony is officiated by authorized body, and couples willingly say their “I do” in front of the officiating person.

Annulment, on the other hand, a valid marriage occurs and only cut upon the request and agreement of the couple. Reasons for filing annulment are the absence of parental control, insanity, fraud, force or intimidation or undue influence, impotence, and sexually transmitted disease. 

One of the common ground to cut the marriage is psychological incapacity. This ground is for nullity and not annulment as others commonly know.

Property partition as inheritance is also commonly tackled in the program. I learned that when a spouse died, their properties will be divided into two. The first half will be going to the widow/widower while the remaining half will be equally divided to widow/widower and the kids. 

Issues about child custody are also frequently discussed. As per our law, kids should be in the custody of the mother until 7 years old. After that, the kid will have the freedom to choose where to stay. However, paramount interest of the kid will still be the main consideration in such cases.

Speaking of kids, child support is also another issue. A child should be supported mainly by the father. In case that the father is not capable of providing the basic necessities of the child like food, clothing, shelter and education, the parents of the guy will take the responsibility to provide the needs of the child.

Though there is a court that can handle lawsuits resulted from the cases mentioned above, there are still other ways to resolve such cases without going to the court or else, it might be considered as one of the ridiculous cases filed in court. Just like the bizarre lawsuits in http://www.sandiegopersonalinjuryattorney.net/ridiculous-lawsuits/. Though these are considered ridiculous, it is still might help others in case others encounters such incidents. 

Are you aware of these common issues above?
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November 20, 2015

An Open Letter to Bullies


Another story that captured my attention in Tambalan's Kweneto ng Mahiwagang Burnay is about an Open Letter by a mother to the bullies of her daughter.

By the way, Mommy wrote earlier about tips on how to protect kids from cyber bullying, now I am sharing another story about bullying. This does not mean that we also encounter the same situation with our son. Nagkataon lang siguro that we have a common topic in our mind to share about.

Matthew is doing great in school and didn't have any bullying cases around the school. He is, in fact, the a  charming kid that even other grade levels know him and love to pinch his cheeks.

Though there are times he told us that one of his classmates called him "tabachoy", we keep on telling him not to fight back but told his teacher about it or simply say: “Healthy lang ako. Kasi kumakain ako ng gulay.”

I know that teasing like that is not as serious as we thought because at their age they still not know the real meaning of what they are saying. However, if we don't take action to stop it, they may grow up bullies.

Stop Bullying Before it Starts
Source:White World Herald

Going back to the story of Mahiwagang Burnay, here is the open letter of Rachel Kirk to those who bullied her 11-year old daughter, Abby.

Dear Bullies

My 11-year-old daughter wants to die. She actually wants to end her own life.
It’s a shocking statement, isn’t it? But it’s one that has to be made because YOU need to hear it out loud. You need to know the damage you are doing before my beautiful little girl becomes another suicide statistic – before YOU bully her to death.
Abby used to be quite extrovert, she was a fun and bubbly little girl. She had plenty of friends at primary school.
But since she started at Driffield School six months ago, the happy girl I knew and loved has disappeared.
You have already succeeded in killing her soul. I can see in her frightened eyes that she believes the things you say. You call her ugly. You say she is worthless. Please stop.
Five weeks ago Abby came home and asked me what rape meant.
She hadn’t watched an inappropriate TV programme. She hadn’t stumbled across the word in a book or magazine. YOU told her you were going to rape her.
As I tried as best I could to explain to an 11-year-old what that nasty word meant, I choked back my tears. My loving daughter tried to stay strong but just days later she sent me this text: “I want to die. PLEASE HELP ME DIE. I JUST WANNA DIE.”
She was in her bedroom and was too nervous to say the words to my face. Watching her grow up, I had never imagined that one day I’d hear my full-of-life daughter tell me she wanted to die.
I was stunned, I sobbed, I tried to comfort her. But only YOU can help. Please stop.
Abby’s torment began when you threw a piece of food at her in September, less than two weeks after she joined the school. She had been sitting outside the canteen, getting to know her new friends. Within days, large stones were thrown at her. And the names were quick to follow.
By Christmas, you were frequently calling her fat and ugly. After the festive season, which she spent begging me to be allowed to change school or be home-educated, the bullying has seemed to escalate.
In January, you told Abby her eyes were too big and said you wanted to kill her. The daily name calling has continued, with vile, obscene insults including c***, fat t**t, pig and scum.
A week ago, you even tried to push her down the stairs. You called her a fat peasant. She has no self-confidence left, no self-worth.
She is terrified to go to school every single day. She’s missing out on her education because she’s sometimes too frightened to leave the house in the morning. When she does go in, she can’t concentrate. She spends every minute counting the seconds until she can come home.
Abby is the kindest, most loving person I know. She is a true gift. She is my world and it breaks my heart watching her suffer.
Sometimes I feel I’m failing my daughter. My job as a mum is to protect her, yet I can’t. I feel helpless, useless and powerless. You call her worthless but it feels like it’s me who is worthless. Yet I don’t know what more I can do.
My sweet, caring 11-year-old daughter is having private counselling. Her GP has referred her to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Every incident of bullying has been reported to Driffield School. Poor Abby tells me no one can help. She says no one can stop the bullies.
But YOU can help. YOU can stop. You HAVE to… before Abby ends up dead.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Kirk (Source: Mirror)
I know it is difficult  for our kids to be in the same situation as Abby but as parent it is more difficult for us to see our kids suffering from bullying that leads to give-up their school and even their lives.
We should have a close observation on our kids. Communication is also a big tool on this issue.
Stop Bullying Before it Starts
Source: Stop Bullying

Do you have experience about bullying?

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November 12, 2015

Tips on How to Save


I know most of us have struggles on how to save money effectively. There are times that the amount we have in the "piggy bank", dissolves into nothing. In short, nasusungkit din kaagad.

Source: FM 98.5 CKWR

This scenario already experienced by Mommy and me. Though we traced where our funds go, we also save a certain amount and be on kuripot mode, wala pa din.

One night, Mommy read an article (I forgot the title) and showed it to me. Now, we are using this and I think it is working. We have savings, a budget for weekly necessities, paid our bills and others.

How to do it?

Compute and save
Compute your regular monthly take home pay. Honesty must be the first rule in this step. Bawal ang mangupit. Walang taguan.

After knowing the combined amount, immediately set aside a fixed percentage of it depending on your goal but be realistic. It should be at least 10% of your income. This savings must not be touch unless in cases of emergencies.

Know your monthly bills.
Compute for the estimated monthly expenses like utility bills (electricity, water, internet, gas, etc.), salary for the househelp, monthly tuition fees for your kids, monthly house rental or amortization, etc.

Know your spending limit.
The remaining amount will be divided into four which corresponds for the number of weeks in a month. The computed amount will be your weekly spending limit.

Plan your purchases.
With the weekly spending limit, try to buy only the things you need for a week. Keep a weekly inventory of the things at home so you can track what you will only need to buy. With this, you can avoid buying unnecessary items which usually aged at your closet or cabinet.

Here is a sample computation:



In cases of extra income like bonuses or commissions, you can do the same thing by saving a part of it then the rest can be use to treat yourself and your family.

I hope this one can help you save part of your income. 

Do you have some tips on how to save a part of your income?
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November 10, 2015

Ornament Sale at Perfect Memorials

It is already halfway November and few more days it will be the Holiday month already. Early Christmas sales are almost around the corner. Sales are not only in malls but also available on some online stores.

As of now Lazada PH is having its Online Revolution Sale that started on November 11 and will last until December 12. There are lots of items to choose from that can be used as gift to family and friends.

Speaking of sale, Perfect Memorials, the leading online retailer of memorial products like keepsake jewelry, pet memorials, markers and comfort products is currently having a site wide sale that will last until November 17, midnight. Just use the code ORNSALE2015 upon checkout. 

Ornaments will be also featured in three (3) separate deals during the duration of the sale. Sale items includes:

Porcelain Heart and Round Ornaments

Porcelain Heart and Round Ornaments

These items (PM11653 and PM11652) will be on sale from November 10 to 12 only. Aside from a low price of $11.95, engraving is also free on these ornaments.

Photo Porcelain Ornaments

Photo Porcelain Ornaments
These items (PM11654 and PM11656) offers a marked down price at $14.95 only with free engraving from its original price of $24.95. The sale will be offered on November 12 to 15 only.

Crystal Basic Ornaments

Crystal Heart Memorial Ornament

Crystal Basic Ornaments (PM11614, PM11613,PM9870 and PM11616) will have a marked down price of $11.95 from its original price of $19.95 inclusive of engraving. This offer will start on November 15 and will end on November 17.

Aside from getting a discounted price, a 30% discount for purchasing 2 or more of the featured items - porcelain heart and round, photo porcelain, and crystal basic ornaments (coupons and savings codes cannot be combined, only one code can be used per order).

Do you know other online stores offering sales?
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November 5, 2015

Lazada Kicks Off the Biggest Online Christmas Sale of the Year

50 days to go before Christmas. I know some have already bought presents for their friends and family while others are still searching on what and where to buy.

Lazada will be having the biggest Online Christmas Sale that will start on November 11, 2015. Save the date and you might find best buys for your friends, families and colleagues.

From the LazadaPH Press Release:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Lazada Philippines (www.lazada.com.ph) the Philippines’ One Stop Shopping and Selling Destination today announced the launch of the Lazada Online Revolution Sale which is set to be the biggest online Christmas sale of the year. The month-long sale kicks off on November 11 and will run until December 12.

The date November 11 or 11/11 is popularly known in China as “Singles’ Day”, a day to celebrate singlehood. E-commerce retailers in China have turned this holiday into the world’s biggest online shopping event, selling over US$9 billion worth of products last year. In 2013, Lazada introduced the 11/11 Online Revolution Sale in the Philippines to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season and has since then set online sales records each year. 

Lazada Online Revolution

This year, Lazada Philippines expects to break new records as it anticipates over 2 million visits to its website and mobile app on 11/11. Big brands and merchants will join the sale and are bringing in over 200,000 marked-down deals up to 95% off across 13 product categories including electronics, fashion, kids & toys, and home. Exclusive items on flash sales and P99 peso deals will also be revealed on 11/11.  Brands that have confirmed their participation in the sale include ASUS, Lenovo, Alcatel, Cherry Mobile, Bosch, Belo, Huggies, Mamy Poko, Timex and Giordano watches.

As an early treat for Lazada fans and shoppers, special items will be available to purchase at only P11 each. Lazada bestsellers such as Sandisk 8GB flash drives, 5600 mAH Powerbank, and 4-layer shoe racks will be available to purchase at P11.00 starting today until  11/11. The P11.00 deals will be announced at 11:11am everyday on one of Lazada’s social media channels (Twitter: lazadaph, Facebook: lazadaph, Instagram: lazadaph).

“We have been working very hard together with our merchants and suppliers to bring these amazing deals to our customers. We believe that online shopping will provide a lot of convenience to shoppers especially during the holiday season. By shopping online, they can avoid heavy traffic, long lines and crowded areas,” said Lazada Philippines CEO, Inanc Balci.


About Lazada
Lazada 
(www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).
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November 2, 2015

How to Fight and Prevent Cancer


Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Because of constant changes in lifestyle, the risk of having such disease is increasing.

Last week, I read an article shared by one of my FB friends about cancer, how it grows and how to counteract this deadly disease.

Cancer cell in target (Source:Spoonful of Medicine)


Here are the key points about cancer.

Cancer cell survives in acidic nature.
Biochemist Otto Heinrich Warburg found in his study that cancer cells live in a body lower pH or acidic system. Normal body's pH is about 7.37 or slightly alkaline. Lowering the body's pH to about 6.0 can be a good environment for cancer cells to live.

Cancer lives in anaerobic condition.
Once body's pH lowers, it may result to production of more carbon dioxide thus reducing the level of oxygen. When the oxygen level of a normal cell is lowered by about 35%, the risk of turning normal cell into cancerous one is very high.

Diet is a big factor.
Processed and refined foods like sugars and grains can shift body's pH from alkaline to acidic. Aside from cancer, other illness may be associated with acidic body. Osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and acid reflux to name a few. Bacteria and viruses can also thrive in an acidic medium.

How can we restore our body’s alkaline nature?

Here is a natural way to get back to body’s pH balance which may help fight and prevent cancer.

You will need:
1/3 tablespoon of baking soda

2 tablespoons of lemon juice or apple-cider vinegar (with the mother).

Momaye's Diary: Apple Cider Vinegar as Natural Facial Toner:
Bragg's Apple Cider  (Source: Momaye's Diary)

Mix the ingredients in 250ml of cold water and mix well. You will notice fizz once you stir the mixture. Drink the mixture at once. This will naturally reduce the acidity in the body reducing the risk of getting diseases associated with acidic condition.

Aside from this procedure, avoiding fruit and vegetable seeds can also reduce the acidity in the body. Seeds are normally high in uric acid which may add in lowering the pH level of the body. Eating more green, leafy vegetables is another option to keep your body’s pH to alkaline level.

Prevent cancer by maintaining an alkaline body.
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