January 30, 2016

Captured Moments: Bridge Repair, Again?!

Last week, I experience another traffic in one of the areas in Sta-Maria- Bulacan By-pass Road. I am wondering if there is an accident since I know that there is no on-going road repair.

I was surprised when I saw a road sign that the small bridge in the area is for repair.Again?!


 As far as I know, this bridge undergoes repair about 1 or 2 years ago and why they have to work on it again. In fact, the paint on the railings is not yet finished. 


I think they are going to widen the said bridge. Nice to know if this is the actual plan but why they didn't include the widening during the previous repair?

During the last repair, it caused too much traffic in the said area affecting not only to commuters but to private vehicles using the said route as well.

Does this scenario common in your place?
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January 27, 2016

Make It Epic by Hot Wheels #makeitepicPH


Matthew is a certified car lover. Remember what Mommy shared on what he requested as gift from his secret Santa on their Christmas Party? Of course, CARS pa din.

Matthew and his new cars (Source: Momaye's Diary)

Last Monday, I received an invite to Hot Wheel's Make It Epic Event to be held in Toy Kingdom - SM Megamall on January 30, 2016 at 4:00 pm. 

Surely, toy car lovers and enthusiast will be so delighted to visit the said event. I hope our weekly meeting will end earlier so we can catch the event too.

From the Press Release:

For more than 40 years, Hot Wheels has been creating thrilling vehicle experience through innovative product and content. It continues to evolve into a global lifestyle brand for boys of all ages and has now become the leading toy vehicle property in the market.

Hot Wheels remains true to its brand promise, to continue to be better, go faster, and jump higher. It never settles to be just ‘good enough.’ It is determined to raise the bar encouraging boys to set a new record to break.

This year, Hot Wheels is up for another challenge: Don’t Just Make It Awesome, Make it Epic! 

It’s the brand’s new campaign that aims to empower boys with exhilaration and achievement. With all the new and exciting products lined up for 2016, from the extensive car collections, to the coolest track sets available, boys will be inspired to play bigger, faster, higher, cooler, louder, anywhere, any way. 

Hot Wheels dares you to start an epic collection, create epic tracks and build an epic race!

Hope to see you there!

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January 24, 2016

Fashion Tips for Men in 30s


We know that every country has their own fashion styles. With the power of social media, some countries, like the Philippines, have adapted fashion statements, especially from the Western countries.

Men started wearing tailored outfits like skinny jeans with different colors as well as short. This may be influenced by boybands like One Direction. 

Speaking of fashion influence and origin, there is a fashion quiz where you can find what region a fashion came from. You can check it on http://bellaellaboutique.com/regional-fashion-quiz/, but this quiz is for ladies only. I hope to have the same quiz for lads too.

As I was further browsing the net, I went thru this fashion tips for men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Since I am in the mid-30s already, here's what I've got for my age bracket:


Hairstyle
Most men at age same as mine had already experiencing hair-loss. Choosing a haircut to cover this problem is a nice choice. A “perfect” hairstyle for men in 30s is the so-called "slicked-back hair" influenced by Mad Men.

A bald hairstyle like Bruce Willis is also an option since it can fit with any age.


Justin Timberlake in Slicked-Back Hairstyle (Source:The Gentleman's Journal)

Tops 
Wearing shirts should also have some considerations. Statement shirt seems not already applicable to men in their 30s.

Floral-printed button downs can be added in the clothes collection but must be out of the closet when you reach the 40s.

Stop wearing tanks everywhere, even in beaches. Try resorting to sports shirts.

Size should be also considered. Too tight shirts will enhance bulges like “beer belly” while too loose will give an untidy look and an impression of trying to look younger at your age.

Bottoms
Jeans are still the top casual wear for men in their 30s and suits for formal wear. Investing in at least a set of a suit is recommended. Skinny jeans can be added in the closet but not until reaching the age of 40.

For shorts, shifting to above the knee length in black or navy blue is a good pick. 

The best way to accessorize bottoms is a belt.

Longer Length (above the knee) Swim Shorts (Source: Orlebar Brown)

Timepiece
It is great to start investing on timepieces. Wearing watch, in silver or in gold, will give a more professional look for fellas on their 30s. This accessory is great for men at their 40s so better start collecting on the late 30s.

Footwear
Though sneakers and rubber shoes are not prohibited, it is recommended for men on their 30s to have a variety of shoes with different styles. Lace-up leather brogues, chukka boots, driving shoes and double monk-strap shoes must be included in the shoe collection. Men reading this in the late 20s can already start purchasing so when they reach 30s, you already have the complete collection.

Easy Soft Texas Chukka Boots (Source: Lazada PH)

Though wearing socks in sandals give more comfort, this seems awkward for men in their 30s.

Do you have fashion tips for men in their 30s too?


Other sources:
Men's Health Philippines
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January 21, 2016

Throw Back Thursday: An Apple A Day...


This photo of Matthew is taken two years ago. Apples, together with grapes, are his favorite fruits which make him healthy with a natural glow.

An Apple a Day

According to saying, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." Is this true?

Here are some of the benefits that an apple can give:

Digestive Health
Apples are high in soluble fiber that helps reduce digestive problems like diverticulitis, hemorrhoids ,and even cancer.

Sugar and Cholesterol Level
Apple pectin aids in controlling insulin level by slowly releasing sugar into the bloodstream. Lowering the level of insulin can also decrease the level of cholesterol.

Respiratory 
Some research revealed that eating, at least, five apples weekly can reduce the possibility of having a respiratory illness like asthma. In Chinese medicine, apples are claimed to lessen mucus and lubricates the lungs.

Cardiovascular and Kidney
Apples are a good source of potassium which helps in boosting heart health. Furthermore, research showed that adding apples in daily food intake lowers the risk of skin disease while apple cider vinegar aids in inhibiting the formation of kidney stones.

Weight-loss
Apples contain low level of calories (about 50-80), no fat and sodium making it good for weight-loss. In some studies, women that had an apple before meal reduce more weight compared to those who haven't.

Detox
Apples also help in detoxification and cleansing which help in eradicating heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Vitamins
Apples contain high level of vitamin C, A and flavonoids and low phosphorous, iron and calcium content.


With the benefits above, I think apples can really keep a doctor away.
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January 15, 2016

December 2015 In Review


It's been two weeks since we welcome 2016 but let me share how was my or our December 2015 was.



December has been and always been the busiest month for most of us. Preparation for Christmas Parties, holiday shopping, gift wrapping, and last minute preparation for holidays at home are just some things that make most of us busy. Here are some of the things that make us busy last month.

Spelling Contest
Matthew represents their school in the APRISM’s Academic Contest in Spelling Pre-Elementary Category. He luckily landed on 9th place out of 18 private schools in Marilao.

Matthew's First Spelling Quiz Bee

Christmas Party
Our Department had a separate celebration.  It has been a tradition that starting the “Ber” months, every payday will give a contribution to be used in buying our food. This year, instead of having the exchange gift, we chipped in 100 bucks to buy groceries as prizes for the raffle. By this, everyone will have something to take home.

Our Department's Party 

Our company held its Christmas Party just before typhoon Nona arrived. On the day of the party,  it was raining but we are still lucky because at night before the celebration started, the rain stopped. By the way, I was tasked to make an inspirational message so I deliver the story of “The Good Corn”.

I was also able to attend Matthew’s Christmas Party. Unlike last year, we let her Yaya accompany him in school.

Delivering the Story of "The Good Corn"

DIY’s and Home Fixing
We did some home fixing in our living room last month, new curtains (using JML Sewing Machine) which I made just in time for before the New Year’s Eve, a mirror on the wall, additional foam with covers in the sofa and others.

Sewing the curtains using JML Sewing Machine

Having the new Bosch Impact Drill-DIY Tool Set is really worthy.

Me drilling the wall using Bosch Impact Drill-DIY Tool Set

And here is our living room. I think we need repainting naman next time.

Our Living Room
Noche Buena and Media Noche
One of the most awaited time of December is the Noche Buena and Media Noche. Mommy and I prepared a simple arrangement for our table.

Our Table for Noche Buena and Media Noche
Though December is the busiest month, this is also the most blessed of the year and we should be thankful for all the blessings that we received. I know in 2016, more blessings will be coming. 

How was your December 2015?
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January 14, 2016

Movies To Look in 2016


I love watching movies and I am looking forward on the films that will be shown in 2016. I know that there is a long list of the great films this year. Below are some of my picks and I wish to watch at least two in the big screen.

I arranged the movies by date of release.

The Forest (January 08, 2016)
Photo Source
This is a story of Aokigahara Forest in Mount Fuji where people commit suicide. Sara Price searches for her twin who mysteriously disappeared in the said place. Despite the warnings given to her, Sara continues to enter the forest to know what happened to her sister.


The Boy (January 22, 2016)
Photo Source
An American nanny is shocked that her new English family's boy is actually a life-sized doll. After violating a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.

Kung Fu Panda 3 (January 29, 2016)
Photo Source
Po returns to his father and went to a place with a group of pandas. He met Mei Mei, his future wife through arrange marriage when they were kids. An evil spirit Kai started to terrorized China and stealing the powers of defeated kung fu masters. Po must teach every panda to become a group of Kung Fu Pandas.


Deadpool (February 12, 2016)
Photo Source
Wade Wilson, a former special forces operative, become an experimental subject to cure his cancer.In an effort to cure his cancer. After the experiment, he got the ability of healing powers, disfigured skin, unstable mind and “dark twisted” sense of humor. With this ability, he is now searching got the one who nearly destroys his life.

London Has Fallen (March 04, 2016)
Photo Source
Different leaders of the Western World attended the funeral of the British Prime Minister. This very secure event became a deadly plot to kill the most powerful leaders. The only way to stop this lies in the hands of the US President Benjamin Asher, Secret Service agent Mike Banning, and British MI6 agent who rightly trusts no one.



Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25, 2016)
Photo Source
Batman and Superman will have a conflict on what superhero the world needs. While having a fight with each other, Lex Luthor created Doomsday to destroy the Metropolis. Together with Wonder Woman, the two will set the fight and stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday.


The Jungle Book (April 15, 2016)
Photo Source
Mowgli was raised by wolves Raksha and Akela. Mowgli leaves the jungle when a fearsome tiger Shere Khan threatens his life. As he left the jungle, Mowgli encounters including Kaa, King Louie who force Mowgli to give up the secret of mysterious and lethal “red flower” fire.


Captain America: Civil War (May 06, 2016)
Photo Source
The Avengers will split into two factions led by Steve Rogers and Tony Stark. Rogers would like to work without any regulations while Tony Stark supports the politician in having a system accountability and governing body when to call Avengers.


X-Men: Apocalypse (May 27, 2016)
Photo Source
Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant became immortal and invincible. After thousands of years, Apocalypse returns to recruit a team of powerful mutants like Magneto. Raven with the help of Professor X, will lead a team of young X-Men to stop the possible destruction of mankind.

The Conjuring 2: The Enfiled Poltergeist (June 10, 2016)
Photo Source
The Warrens will make a study of the demonic possession of sisters in Enfield, England. Levitation, dematerialization, and conversation with the demon will happen as Warrens investigate the incident.(Source: )

The Legend of Tarzan (July 01, 2016)
Photo Source
Tarzan will leave the jungles of Africa to live in London as John Clayton II with his wife Jane. He will return to the jungle of Congo without the knowledge that he was pawned in a deadly union of greed and revenge lead by the corrupt Belgian Captain Rom.


Ghostbusters (July 15, 2016)
Photo Source
Erin and Abby authored a book that ghosts are real. Erin became a teacher in Columbia University but laughed out of academia as her book resurfaces. Together with Abby and Erin reunites to save the world from ghosts that invade Manhattan.


The Girl on the Train (October 07, 2016)
Photo Source
Rachel goes on a train in London and witnessed a “perfect” couple named Scott and Megan. However, a disaster happened and Rachel became part of the murder mystery of Megan.


Miss Peregrine’s Home for the Peculiar Children (December 25, 2016)
Photo Source
Jacob works in a mysterious island where extraordinary kids were orphaned at Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The house protects the kids from horrible creatures that wants to kill them.

For other movies to be released this year, you can visit IMBD.

What are the movies do you want to watch this year?
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January 11, 2016

Yoga Outfit for Men: Size, Type and Fabric


After the holidays, most of us gain extra pounds due to different parties we attended. With this, losing weight is always included in the goals by almost everyone, including me, for this year.

Different activities like jogging, running, jumping ropes, dancing or Zumba and yoga are just some of the things that an help achieving the weight-loss goal aside from reducing food intake.

Mommy and I do early morning, 15-minute Zumba and want to engage into yoga.

Just like other weight-loss activities, having a comfortable outfit for yoga is also a thing to be considered.

Here are some things men needs to consider in picking the “perfect” outfit for yoga.

LogoSportswear, men's yoga outfit, things to consider in men's yoga outfit, yoga,
Simple Yoga Outfit for Men (Photo Source)

Size
Men used to buy loose clothing for sports-related activities like basketball or gym workouts. However, yoga is different. It is recommended to have a bit tight but not too small. This will make easier to monitor different body angles.

Having the right size will also help immediately absorb sweat.

LogoSportswear, men's yoga outfit, things to consider in men's yoga outfit, yoga,
Tops for Yoga

Type
For tops, an ordinary t-shirt, tanks or muscle shirts are alright as long as it is just the right size and will not fall on the face when doing bend over or headstand poses.

LogoSportswear, men's yoga outfit, things to consider in men's yoga outfit, yoga,
Bottom for Yoga

For bottoms, cropped or long and stretchable pants are more appropriate as this will not limit your body angles. Basketball or gym shorts may be worn but be sure to have cycling shorts underneath to prevent from possible exposure.

Fabric
There is no ideal material when it comes to the fabric as long as it has the ability to absorb sweat, stretchable, durable and lightweight.

Speaking of sports clothing, you can either buy RTW or customized to give more motivation in achieving the weight-loss goal. For customized outfit, you can visit LogoSportswear which offers large selection of customized clothing like LogoSportswear Custom Jerseys and LogoSportswear Polos

They also offer customized apparel for small and large business, team and fans, groups, events, and individuals. You can make your own design, logo, mascot and seals, and send to their friendly customer service representative.

LogoSportswear offers thousands of customized products with quantity discounts and no minimums. Click HERE for more customized products.

Other Source: DOYOUYOGA

What fitness activity/ies do you want to engage in 2016? 

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January 6, 2016

Impacted Wisdom Tooth and Pericoronitis


How was your holiday celebration? I know most of us enjoyed the food served in the table during the Noche Buena and Media Noche. Unfortunately, I haven’t enjoyed much of eating especially during the Media Noche.

Why?

A week before the New Year’s Eve, my wisdom tooth strikes again. My gum is swollen and gives me pain every time I chew. I had an impacted wisdom tooth. Buti nalang, pahupa na ang pamamaga.

Impacted wisdom tooth is when the skin, soft tissue or bone from the jaw covers the tooth. It might be angular, horizontal, vertical or partial. There are instances that this tooth may pop-up one day then goes down the next.

Types of Impacted Wisdom Tooth (Source: Eagle Rock Dental Care)

This is very painful and may cause inflammation of the gum or tissue around the tooth. The swelling of the gum or tissue is called pericoronitis.

Due to pericoronitis, the gum tissue easily holds food particles, debris, air which is a god habitat for bacteria that can lead to infection.

In my case, I have a horizontal type of impacted wisdom tooth.

X-Ray of a Horizontal Impacted Wisdom Tooth (Source: Monterson Family Dental)

Symptoms of having pericoronitis include painful and swollen gum in the affected area, bad smell or taste in the mouth, and discharge of pus from the gum near the tooth. A more serious problem can be indicated by swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or chin area, muscle spasms in the jaw and swelling of the face.

Pericoronitis can be coped by taking antibiotics, swishing warm salt-water, and some pain reliever. However, if bacterial growth continues, recurrence of pericoronitis is highly possible. 

How to treat pericoronitis?

The simplest and easy way to treat this condition permanently is by either removing the gum tissue that covers the wisdom tooth or extracting the wisdom tooth. Extracting the impacted wisdom tooth may need x-ray and surgery.

During the time I already feel severe pain, I already told mommy to visit the dentist and let the wisdom tooth extracted. But I changed my mind since I only had this problem very rare.

Do you also have impacted wisdom tooth? How did you manage it?

Sources:
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January 4, 2016

Making New Year More Memorable with #RedRibbonCelebration


Having sweets in the table is one of the Filipino superstitions for New Year's Eve. Some said this will bring sweetness in the family. This has been one of our family tradition aside from having twelve round fruits.

Bibingkang Kanin with Leche Flan

Until the last minute, Mommy asked me to make bibingkang kanin (I will post the recipe soon). Instead of the usual sweet caramel, she asked me to make leche flan as the topping.

Aside from rice cakes of puto, cakes is also another option that can be placed in the dining table. Speaking of cakes, Red Ribbon wants to make every celebration special. Here is a press release from Red Ribbon:

Making New Year Celebrations More Memorable
Red Ribbon brightens tables, brings family and friends closer

Welcoming the new year is one tradition that is observed all over the world.  It is an occasion usually marked by festivities and warm, loving family get-togethers that not only remind everyone of the promises of the coming year but more importantly, bring people closer.  It is a time when social and familial bonds are renewed as a new year is ushered in.

It is a time when we all look towards the future as we prepare lists of resolutions with the intent of being better people.  It is also a time when we welcome change for the better and prepare for what is in store. 

In the Philippines, new year feasts are as anticipated as the Christmas noche buena.  In most homes, it is a time when the most sumptuous meals are prepared and shared among family and friends.  And as always, the feasting will never be complete if not capped with an obligatory cake or sweet ending - indeed, the perfect punctuation point to any festivity.

“We are one with the Filipino family in welcoming the blessings of the New Year because it is a time for togetherness and renewal,” said Zinnia Rivera, general manager of Red Ribbon. “And our many cakes and sweet offerings promise to make the celebration so much more memorable.”

Black Forest Cake

Red Ribbon offers a wide range of goodies to choose from for any occasion - Black Forest cake, Triple Chocolate Roll, Dedication cakes, Butter Mamon, just to name a few - these sweet delights will surely make any new year feast so much more enjoyable, memorable and fun. 

Whether you fancy round cakes, rolls, square cakes, breads or pastries, every item is made with the best of everything because every family is worth it.  But more importantly, opening a box or a pack of Red Ribbon immediately makes the new year celebration something to remember all year round.

“Our many products have long become a staple of not just New Year’s celebration but of any gathering whether simple or grand.  This is because we believe that any opportunity for family and friends to come together should be memorable and marking the occasion with a Red Ribbon will do just that.” Rivera added.

So, welcome the new year as only your family deserves because new year will always be a special time for Filipinos. 

For more information about Red Ribbon’s many sweet delights, visit www.redribbonbakeshop.com.ph.
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January 1, 2016

Happy 2016!



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