Thank You on Thanksgiving

Early today when I opened my Twitter  and Google Plus accounts been seeing Thankgiving greetings and messages especially from my friends from the US, its Thanksgiving today though here in the Philippines we do not have such celebration but today getting those thank you messages made me realize about the blessings that I have received and been receiving. It reminded me to also take some time to be thankful to the people who have been with me, my family, my friends and people at work and even those people that we usually take for granted such as the jeepney drivers that take me to work, or places I want to go ensuring the safety of every passenger. But much that I am thankful is though the typhoon Haiyan- the strongest typhoon on record that hit Iloilo which is our province. I am so grateful that our place wasn't terribly affected unlike the northern part and that everyone is safe down here. Maybe God really meant that we won't be terribly affected so that we can extend our hands for help to people at the northern Iloilo and in Tacloban. I am just grateful of all the things that has been happening to me. I always feel blessed. And one way to give back what I have received is by sharing what I have and be a blessing to others. THANK YOU ! 

Tips on How To Be Mentally Strong

It's been a while since my last post in here. Got so glued on work and everything else around me. Lately, I have been catching up things with myself making things a little bit slower than the usual and having more time for myself. Making time for books and fitness. It has been really tough with work on all the updates on the search industry, even thought of making a career change one time coz it seems that I couldn't catch up on things especially when my hands were full.

My work being a Search Engine Marketing Strategist requires a lot of mental skills and I have been reading lately stuffs on how to improve my  mental skills and I came across with a blog from Amy Morin at Lifehack entitled "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do". After reading the blog I realized that everything she wrote there is not just improving your mental health but somewhat those are ways also on how to be successful.

Read More:  13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin

Summer 2013: Boracay

Summer Sunset at Boracay 

I can feel the heat of summer. Basking under sun at the beach is one of my favorite thing to do. Just looking into the sea especially during the sunset is one thing that  I believe every person should experience. Last weekend I had a chance to go to one of the best beaches in the Philippines, well not just in the Philippines but in the world - Boracay. Being known for its powdery white sand and hospitality of the people Boracay has been a number tourist destination in the Philippines. I guess not one of tourist from other countries missed visiting Boracay. Had my swimsuit, shades and sunscreen ready, its all that I need for my beach- weekend. This is my second official beach-weekend for this summer. 

One Sunny Morning at Boracay 

Me and my friends stayed at LSM Square Residence, well its not on the beach front but it was a nice place and the place is very clean and affordable. Its located in front of Crown Regency Prince at Station 1 and its like a 5- minute walk to the beach. 

September 30- Day Challenge: 1- 2 Cups of Coffee A Day

I started loving coffee when I was in college where in you needed something to perk you up in the morning, in the middle of the day during boring classes or even at night when studying for exams. Since then, coffee was a regular drink for me especially when I went on a night shift job. 

As far as I remembered the maximum coffee intake that I had in a day was 5 cups and that was like when I was working home-based. But on the average today I get to have like 3-4 cups in a day. Yeah, I know its too much that's why I'm having this 30-day challenge of 1- 2 cups of coffee only in a day. 

There are health benefits of regular coffee intake. However, for most of all things too much of something may not be good so as with drinking coffee too much. 

• Women who has at least 3 cups of coffee intake daily may have live longer compared to those who does not drink coffee at all. 
• Studies shows that drinking coffee may reduce the risk and more likely to have Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Parkinson's Disease.  
• Coffee can ease pain of headaches and migraine. Yes, I can surely attest to this one since I do have severe migraine. And every time I got attacks I just grab a cup of brewed coffee. 
• Study shows that drinking coffee may lower the risk of certain cancer such as oral, esophageal, pharyngeal and prostate cancer.
• Coffee prevents constipation since it has a laxative- properties. 
• Coffee is an antioxidant. It contains polyphenols that has antixodant effects that reduces cell oxidative damage. 
• Coffee decreases the risk of gout. 

There are certainly numerous benefits of taking coffee regularly. However, aside from these benefits drinking too much coffee may also cause some not sooo good effects on our health. 

I have survived my first day of challenge yesterday, and I only had 1 cup yesterday morning. Upon writing this blog I only had 1 cup for breakfast. Wish me luck on this! 

Reference: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_coffee

Inspiring Words for Today

"When life's problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with.  You may consider yourself fortunate."

                                   ~ Ann Landers ~

Siraan Hot Spring & Nogas Island Antique

Friends and I have been planning to have our next weekend getaway at Nogas Island in Ani-niiy Antique. And we have decided to have it last July 13-15, 2012.

Everyone was so excited for the trip. We have heard a lot of nice things about the island and that is one of the reason we were there, to see it for ourselves the beauty that it boasts. Indeed, we weren't failed.

We left Iloilo at around 4:30pm of July 13 and we arrived at Siraan Hot Spring like around 6:00pm. That is like an hour and half travel, thanks to Raymund for offering the transportation. We were seven, Dave, Linds, JM, Che, Stephen and Raymund.

We stayed at Siraan Hot Spring and upon our arrival there we checked out the available accommodations. They got this AC rooms for 1500.00php I think that was good for 6-10 persons. And there was also a   600.00php room good for 4 persons, which what we had. We got two rooms. And the room is spacious for 2 beds and it can even accommodate another 2 extra beds for 100.00php/pax. We packed a lot of food for we thought that food their at Siraan Hot Spring will be expensive. But the resort itself has its own restaurant that serves very affordable food. 

Pathway to the Watch Tower

The next morning we are ecstatic to go to Nogas Island, its a 15-20mins pumpboat ride from Siraan Hot Spring. We only paid 500.00php for the seven of us and the boat can accommodate up to ten persons. And 500.00php is for our two-way trip already. Isn't that cheap? We just spent like 71.50php/ pax for it. And we negotiated the boatman to fetch us in the afternoon.

With Steph and Mon @ the Shoreline

There was no infrastructure such as nipa huts there in Nogas Island. However, the trees there served as our shed and good thing that JM brought his hammock. And also, you need to bring food on the island. Of course you don't want to starve there.

After we had our lunch we headed to the watch tower. Too bad I didn't have the picture of the tower itself. 

My first "real" snorkeling experience

Nogas Island is a memorable place for me since I have spent my first snorkeling experience there. Thanks to Dave for guiding me. Indeed, he is really a good teacher.  I was soo anxious. I know how to swim but I'm not that confident, I got a fear on deep waters. But when Dave took me on the part of the sea where there were corals and fishes, I was in awe and my fear of deep waters suddenly gone. Hahahaha I was literally swimming with the fishes. And its a once in a lifetime experience for me.

The next day, we still have time to roam around some parts of Anini-y and its nearby town Dao.

Anini-y Church 

Bird Sanctuary at  Hacienda Feliza, Dao Antique

Hacienda Feliza, Dao Antique
Hacienda Feliza also has a mini-zoo and they also provide accommodation.

Puntahagdan Beach Resort

A view of the mountain at Puntahagdan Beach Resort

Siraan Hot Spring
+63 929 295 0879 or
+63 947 315 6766 look for Miss Enriquita Policar 

Hacienda Feliza 
+63 917 363 0631 or +63 393 957 4044

Tuna Salad on Honey Mustard Sandwich for Dinner

Been trying to lose some weight and one of the "efforts" that I am doing is not eating rice at night or during dinner. Yeah, no rice and I have been doing it for quite some time now.... Well, except during cheat days and dinner with my buddies.  I have been just eating fruits or make my own sandwich. And tonight I want to share my "dinner" my Tuna Salad on Honey Mustard dressing.  I like the combination of mustard and honey- sweet and sour.. hmm  yum! And plus its healthy too, because it got some v cucumber, tomatoes and lettuce.  

Tuna Salad  on Honey Mustard Sandwich 

• tuna in vegetable oil 
• celery
• onions 
• lettuce
• tomato
• cucumber
• honey 
• mustard 

You also can create your own tuna sandwich you may also add some veggies  or instead of tuna you may also have chicken. Enjoy! 

“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”

~ Chinese Proverbs ~

Quote of the Day

"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. "

 ~ Buddha~

Quote of the Day

" Live as if your were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. " 


~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

things have been rough lately but this won't stop me from living and loving life.... 

Quote of the Day

" The journey of a thousand miles must begin in one step."
   ~ Lao Tzu          



               

High Protein Dressing - My Alternative to Mayonnaise

Been looking for my diet lately. Its actually more of me eating healthy.
I have started my "healthy diet"  since the start of 2012 and I believe that I am doing well on it not on my "cheat days". Anyway, I like eating salads and sandwiches I am actually fond of  creating sandwiches and I don't like my sandwich having much mayonnaise on it so I have been looking for some alternatives to it and when I was browsing a while ago on some blogs on fitness and lifestyle I came across with Leigh Peele's blog post : High Protein “Ranch” Dressing from The Extreme Salads and I want to share it with you too. And I can't wait to try this out on my own salad and sandwich. For your convenience I have copied below the recipe.



100g Fat Free Fage Yogurt
 70g Fat Free Sour Cream
 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley
 1/8 tsp Dill Weed
 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
 1/2 tsp Salt
 1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
 1/8 tsp Garlic Powder
 2 Tbsp Water

First BBQ Party

Last night was another fun-filled weekend for me and my superfriends. We had our first bbq party in Jerome's house. Actually, its some kind of post- birthday party for Jerome. Even though it was raining we still manage to have some kebabs, back ribs, chicken bbq and grilled milk fish.  Also Mary Rose brought a macaroni salad, chocolate cake and leche flan. We had a blast and sumptuous dinner and was complemented with red wine after. Surely, last night;s bbq party is not the first and the last.

Bye Migraine

On my previous post about Prednisolone for Migraine I have discussed there how I managed my migraine using prednisolone. However, it wasn't that long. Predinislones got some long term side-effects if it is taken for a longer period of time. Some time late last year I was able to allot some time to see a neurologist and if you happen to be here in Iloilo he is Dr. Rendell Alava.  I went on a series of questions about my history, lifestyle, food intake and work. And based on my answers we have determined the possible causes of my migraines or triggers my migraine attacks and they were: stress and food.


The neurologist asked me to stay away from unhealthy foods such as those that are fried and fatty as well as food with monosodium glutamate ( MSG )  content and foods that are high in preservatives. My first visit to my doctor was last October 2011 and he gave me some medications for my migraine. I had Topamax daily for a month then we regulated it to every other day for almost four months. I noticed that there was really a significant effect on me. I wasn't able to have any migraine attacks except for a couple of times when the weather was too bad. It scorching hot then it rained. I hate it when weather is like that. Migraine and asthma attacks!  Going back I believe that my medication weren't have that effect if I didn't change the way I sleep and eat. I make sure that I take like at least six hours of sleep daily which I wasn't able to do before. And I eat healthy now. I make sure not to eat cheescake anymore :( , too much sweets in case you don't know too much sweets can trigger your migraine attacks,  foods that do have preservatives or MSG. I made fruits and vegetables as part of my diet. And don't forget to have some exercise ;) .  And I feel great and for almost a couple of months now I haven't had any migraine attacks.

It all takes discipline and healthy living to say goodbye migraine.  

I am sharing this because I know how difficult it is to have a migraine. And I hope this post of mine will be helpful for managing , preventing or treating your migraines.

My First Snorkeling Experience

Last weekend me and my friends went to Guisi Guimaras for a weekend getaway.  It was already my third time to visit the place and though I have been there thrice already I still want to go back there. Last weekend was a memorable experience for me because I learned how to snorkel the right way. I am not that confident with my swimming skills and I got this fear on deep waters. I panic at deep waters. I am so grateful with my friend Dave who taught me how to snorkel the right way. It was one of the best "beach experience" I had.

What I need to do now is to practice my swimming skills and conquer my fear on deep waters. Practice and patience will make it perfect.  I am planning to buy my own snorkeling gears too: mask  and hose. And someday I hope I know how to use the fins too. But right now my priority is to swim on deep sea level.

Creative Zen M300

A month ago my 8gb Creative Zen MX died. It served me well. Well, actually it got some sentimental value for it was given to me by someone very special and dear to me. I love listening to music at home and especially in the office. I can't concentrate well with my work without the earphones on. Music is part of me. I soo miss my Creative Zen MX  and been using my phone as my player. But just tonight someone surprised me with an 8gb Creative Zen M300. Thanks to my dear shakuhachi !

box content

I've posted some unboxing pictures here.  The box contains the following:
- player itself  (8gb)
- USB cable for data transfer and and for charging
- earphones

The Creative Zen M300 is available in 4gb, 8gb and 16 gb. And it comes with black, white, red and yellow and mine is an 8gb black. And the good thing with this player is its memory is expandable up to 32gb on a microSD card.

back 

Pros:
- portable having a dimension of 55.2 x 44.2 x 12.6mm that can even fit in the small pocket of your pants.
- sleek and stylish. you can choose from black, yellow, red and white.
- crisp quality sound. I gave it a  4.7 / 5 rating  for sound quality.
- expandable memory up 32gb (microSD)
- got an FM  mode if you are bored with your own playlist
- photo viewer. not really  much a feature... but can be used for album covers and background of your songs.
- voice recorder





Cons:
- finger print magnet.

For overall I give Creative Zen M300  a 4.8 / 5 rating.

top : power , hold button

right side: mic, microSD slot 

bottom: usb slot, earphone jack

left side: volume control

30-Day Challenge: Perfect Attendance for February 2012

A few of the Callbox Marketing Team

Been a long time since I have my last post here. I have been soo busy lately with work and other stuffs that I have and wasn't able to sit and write something here. I thought of having a 30- Day challenge for this year and I started it with my perfect attendance challenge in the office.

The Works Flavor Super Gang Size Pizza by Pizarro

The perfect attendance challenge was already completed and I received my reward. To give you an idea I have been working at Callbox Sales and Marketing since 2006 and left the company after a year and 3 months and came back last 2009.  And since 2006 there wasn't a month that I got a perfect attendance, its either I am late going to the office or out or on-sick leave.  So, last month I started my 30-Day Perfect Attendance Challenge. And I was also more motivated when my Marketing Manager told me that she'll treat all the Marketing Department with pizza if I pass the challenge. 6:00pm of February 29, 2012 is the judgement day, and I made it. I dunno if what my co- workers were thinking about the challenge, but I made it for myself and the pizza was an additional motivation for me. But sort of I made it partly for them too.

Super Cheese Pizza. Yum! 

It is not because that the 30-day challenge for perfect attendance is done, it doesn't mean that I will be late again for work most of the time. I want to stop that habit. And I have proved to myself that I can make it. And I am planning to continue it on a 60- 90- day perfect attendance challenge for me. And I'll be trying all my best to be punctual on all of my appointments as well. Good luck to me !

Having this post just made me wanna eat pizza now !

Quote of the Day

Its been a while since my last post. And when I was doing some research I just stumbled on some quotes from Helen Keller and I just thought of sharing it here. And it also gave me an idea to have a "Quotes and Words of Wisdom" category here.




"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision." 

Outliers in Hand

Wasn't able to have some updates here. Work keeps me busy recently.

Was checking out the local bookstore earlier that has a book sale, I checked out some books that I might be interested with and I found on one of the book shlevs " Outliers"  by Malcolm Gladwell. Been looking into buying his Tipping Point and Blink but money didn't allow me before, each book costs like 300.00 + in peso. However, just earlier they got the Outliers on 20% sale, so I did grab the opportunity.

The book is about the story of success...as is said on its cover

Will update you once I'm done with the book, but today I just enjoy reading it. I am looking forward into grabbing a copy of Tipping Point and Blink.

Happy reading to me....