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Today, I receive all God’s love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s Universe. Today, I open myself to your Blessings, healing and miracles.Today, I open myself to God’s Word so that I become more like Jesus Everyday. Today, I proclaim that I’m God’s Beloved, I’m God’s Servant, I’m God’s powerful champion, And because I am blessed, I will bless the world, In Jesus Name, Amen.

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The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu

The Great Wall of China is referred to in Mandarin as Wanli Changcheng   (10,000-Li Long Wall or simply very long wall) BEIJING, ...

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ramen and Resilience: Confessions of a Chronically Broke Blogger


Let's be honest, folks. This blog ain't exactly funded by champagne wishes and caviar dreams. My bank account does a better impression of a black hole than a financial safety net. But hey, welcome to the beautiful (slightly terrifying) world of being a broke blogger!
Before you picture me living in a cardboard box (although, cardboard can be surprisingly good for insulation!), working like you're broke isn't about wallowing in misery. It's about channeling that " gotta make this work" energy into something amazing. Think of it as creative fuel, the kind that comes with a side of instant noodles and a healthy dose of determination.

My days are a glorious jumble of hustling. There's the 9-to-5 that pays the bills (and occasionally funds a fancy coffee), followed by the evenings spent pounding away at this keyboard, churning out blog posts like a one-person content factory.

But here's the thing: being broke has its perks. It forces you to get creative. You become a master bargain-hunter, scoring deals that would make ninjas jealous. Free museum days become your new best friend, and the library transforms into your personal Netflix of books.

Sure, some days are rough. Staring at a screen when your eyelids feel like lead weights isn't exactly thrilling. But then you remember that dream collaboration you're chasing, that new course you're saving up for, or the travel adventure you're planning (hello, budget airlines!). Suddenly, the tiredness feels less like a burden and more like a badge of honor – proof of the hustle.

Working like you're broke isn't easy, but it's definitely a journey. It's about learning to make the most of what you have, building resilience with every challenge, and discovering a hidden well of resourcefulness within yourself.

So, to all my fellow broke friends out there, chin up! Our empty pockets might hold us back for a bit, but our potential is limitless. Let's turn this hustle into a success story, one ramen noodle at a time.

P.S. If you have any budget-friendly blogging tips, drop them in the comments! We're all in this together, after all.


HOW TO COMMUTE FROM CUBAO TO CLARK, PAMPANGA HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL


Three-ride connection to get to the Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival

Visitors for the Hot Air Balloon Festival from Manila can 
  1. Take the commuter bus from Avenida/Pasay/Cubao to get to Dau bus terminal in Angeles City, Pampanga. You could also ride the buses bound for Baguio 24 hrs a day.
  2. From Dau, jeepneys will take them to the main gate of Clark where they can alight and 
  3. Board a jeepney that will take them from the main gate to the Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival site. 
 
Normally, this three-ride connection should bring visitors into Clark from the bus terminal in Pasay, Cubao or Manila in a little over two hours. Information on costs and schedules can be found on the  list below.
PROS Public bus fare is cheap.

CONS In previous events, visitors experienced problems catching the connecting rides after the bus arrived in Angeles city, especially during Saturday and Sunday of the Hot Air Balloon Festival weekend. These problems are no comparison to the difficulties in getting a jeepney ride leaving the Clark Hot Air Balloon Fiesta site to get back to the bus terminal in Angeles City for the ride back to Manila. Many visitors were stranded for literally hours waiting to get out of Clark. 

Unsolicited advice for the 2012 Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival visitors, especially families with children planning to travel by bus to Angeles City, Pampanga please plan your trips carefully.

Main bus terminals are at Pasay and Cubao where you will find  
  • Victory Liner From Caloocan P126 From Cubao 131 From Pasay 141 Aircon 24 hours
  • BLTB now called DLTB
  • Five Star buses 
  • Partas, Cubao (halfway up E.D.S.A. heading north)-
  • Dominion- Aircon bus P 116
  • Dagupan 
  • Partas, Monumento (north, near expressway) for Victory Liner, and  
  • Philippine Rabbit Avenida Terminal. 24 hours from 12 midnight. They have hourly departures from their Avenida Terminal just by Doroteo Jose LRT Station- P 130 aircon
  • Philtranco- we use their service whenever we go to Diosdado Macapagal International Airport e-mail: info.philtranco@gmail.com, www.philtranco.com.ph (63) 2 851.8078 to 79 Pick-up Point: Pasay, Megamall A
Jeepneys from Dau cost P10 per person to Fields Avenue
Tricycle cost is between P50 - 70.


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BUS LINES IN METRO MANILA


Bus Lines in Manila
Aladdin Transit Corporation
1310 Espana Corner Galicia Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Cagayan. Tel: + 63 2 743 8523; + 63 2 781 9168

Autobus Transport Systems Incorporated
Dimasalang Street Corner Laong Laan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Baguio, Laoag, Cagayan Valley, Dagupan, Ifugao, Kalinga & Isabela.
Tel: +63 2 735 8098

Baliwag Transit Incorporated
199 Rizal Avenue Extension, Cnr 2nd Avenue, Caloocan City, Manila
33 E.D.S.A., Cubao, Quezon City.
Baliwag, San Jose del Monte, Aparri & TuguegaraoTel: + 63 2 912 3343, + 63 2 912 3349, + 63 2 912 3361

BLTB (Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Company)
E.D.S.A., Pasay City
Calamba, Nasugbu, Lucena, Legaspi, Naga, Sorsogon , Leyte & Samar.Tel: + 63 2 833 5508, + 63 2 833 5501, + 63 2 913 1525

Dagupan Bus Lines
E.D.S.A., Cubao, Quezon City
Dagupan, Alaminos, Lingayen, Baguio City & Benguet.
Tel: + 63 2 727 2330, + 63 2 929 6123, + 63 2 928 5639, + 63 2 727 2330, + 63 2 727 2287

Dangwa Tranco Company Incorporated
1600 Dimasalang Street, Sampaloc, Manila.
832 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao.
Benguet & Ifugao
Tel: + 63 2 731 2879, + 63 2 410 1991

Dominion Transit (beside Dagupan Bus)
E.D.S.A., Cubao, Quezon City
Abra, La Union & Ilocos Sur. From 12:30 a.m every hour
Tel: + 63 2 741 4146 ( Shipping),  + 63 2 727-2350,  +63 2 727-2334

Farinas Transit Company
Laong Laan cnr and M dela Fuente Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
Vigan & Laoag.
Tel: + 63 2 731 4507, + 63 2 731 4375, + 63 2 743 8580

Five Star Bus Company
Aurora Boulevard, Pasay City, Manila
Dagupan, Bolinao & Cabanatuan.
Tel: +63 2 833 8339, +63 2 833 3009

Franco Frederico Lines
Sampaloc Manila.
Ilocos Sur & Ilocos Norte.
Tel: +63 2 731 4473, +63 2 731 2584

Inland Trailways Incorporated
E.D.S.A., Pasay City, Manila.
Legaspi, Lucena City, Naga City, Sorsogon.
Tel: +63 2 833 6280.

JAM Transit
Taft Avenue, Pasay City, Manila.
New York Street, Cubao, Quezon City.
Batangas, Quezon & Laguna.
Tel: +63 2 541 4409, +63 2 924 7712, +63 2 831 4390.

JB Line Bicol Express
Aurora Boulevard, Pasay City.
Legaspi, Lucena City & Naga City.
Tel: +63 2 833 2949.

Maria de Leon Transit
Corner Gelinos and Dapitan Streets, Sampaloc, Manila.
San Fernando La Union, Vigan & Laoag.
Tel: +63 2 731 4907.

Partas Transportation Company Incorporated
816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City.
Baguio, Benguet, Bangued, Laoag, San Fernando La Union,& Vigan.
Tel: +63 2 725 7303, +63 2 724 9820.

Philippine Rabbit Business Lines Incorporated
819 C Palanca Sr. Street, Manila.
E.D.S.A., Quezon City.
Angeles City, Dau, Mabalacat, Samban, Capas, San Miguel, Tarlac, Victoria, Gerona, Paniqui, San Manuel, Carmen, Villasis, Urdaneta, Sison, Saitan, Rosario, Sto, Tomas, Agao, Taloy Sur, Taluy Norte, Baguio, San Fernando-La Union, Bacnotan, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Lucia, Narvacan, Abra Junction, Longog, Vigan, Banqued, Cabugao, Paoay, Batac, Laoag
Tel: +63 2 734 9836, +63 2 734 9838

Philtranco Service Enterprises Incorporated
E.D.S.A., Pasay City.
Daet, Legaspi, Lucena, Naga. Sorsogon, Samar, Leyte, & Davao City.
Tel: +63 2 832 2456, +63 2 833 1369, +63 2 833 5061

Tritran Transit Incorporated
E.D.S.A., Quezon City, Manila
Batangas and Quezon provinces.
Tel: +63 2 925 1758, +63 2 925 1759

Victory Liner Incorporated
E,D.S.A., Pasay City, Manila
713 Rizal Avenue Extension, Caloocan City
E.D.S.A., Cubao
Olongapo, Iba, Tarlac, San Fernando La Unio, Baguio City, Benguet, Alaminos, Bolinao and Dagupan, Tuguegarao & Aparri.
Tel: +63 2 833 0293, +63 2 833 5019, +63 2 361 4665, +63 2 741 1439, +63 2 361 1506, +63 2 361 1510

Viron Transportation Company Incorporated
Cnr 1209 Blumentritt and Dapitan Streets, Sampaloc, Manila.
E.D.S.A., Cubao, Quezon City
Tarlac, Dagupan, San Fernando La Union, & Vigan.
Tel: +63 2 741 6588


WHAT TO BRING TO THE 2012 HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL


What to bring to the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival:
 
Sunglasses
 Sunblock
 Wide-brimmed hat
 Umbrella
Money for food and souvenirs
 Comfortable footwear
 Binoculars
 Hand sanitizer (for after using the portable toilets)
Drinking Water 
 Fruits

Please come early – the balloons lift off at 5:30 a.m. 
  • Consider going to Clark the night before and sleeping over in a hotel. It's worth it to see the flag jump and balloon launch!
  • Avoid heatstroke! Water and sports drinks are available for reasonable prices from the many concessionaires of the 2012 Hot Air Balloon Festival. Remember, if you feel thirsty, it means you're already mildly dehydrated. 
  • Don't touch the airplanes! If you break it, you buy it.Stay away from propellers, rotors, and jet engines. Stay out of restricted areas – the US Air Force and AFP are on patrol, and Clark is our most important air base. Obey the rules and report any suspicious activity to the friendly security staff.
Stuff you can do: 
  • Watch the all-day aircraft shows
  • Buy and fly a kite
  • Eat big at the food stalls 
  • Grab all sorts of cool souvenirs
  • Look around the various displays
  • Meet and hang out with real live pilots and ground crew
Most importantly: have fun! :-)


17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2012 FAQs


 
Q. Where is the exact event site?

A. Air Force City, Clark Freeport, Angeles City in Pampanga.

Q. If I want to avoid traffic at the main gate, is there any other way to enter Clark?

A. Yes you can enter thru SCTEX North, SCTEX South, Friendship Gate and SapangBato. For details, you can check out Clark’s website at http://www.visitclark.com/gettingtoclark.html

Q. Is there an entrance fee?

A. A P200 per person contribution to the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Foundation allows you to stay in the event site for the whole day. The foundation utilizes these funds for organizing the show and for sending less privileged high school graduates aspiring to take a career in aviation. 

Q. Where can I purchase entrance coupons?

A. You can purchase entrance coupons at the gate, at any SM Ticketnet outlet, or at ROX Bonifacio Global City and ROX Marquee Mall Clark.

Q. What time should I go?

A. It is advisable to be there early. 5am would be an ideal time for you to be at the main entrance so you can avoid the crowd and see the morning balloon flights.

Q. What day should I go?

A. Everyday is exciting for everyone. All the aerial activities happen every day so it doesn’t matter which day you go.

Q. Are the balloons flying everyday?

A. Yes. Weather permitting, the balloons will take of at around 6:30 everyday from Thursday to Sunday.

Q. Do they also fly in the afternoon?

A. Yes but only on Thursday and Friday. The balloons do a fly-in wherein they try to fly back into the main grounds. On Saturday and Sunday, we will do a NIGHT GLOW. This is when the balloons stay on the ground but will inflate beautifully together in the evening. It’s something one shouldn’t miss.

Q. Can I ride the balloon?

A. Yes but it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will need to line up at the Information Booth early in the morning to register for a balloon ride. A contribution of $200 per person for fuel and pilot’s expenses is required. Children should be at least 10 years old to ride.

Q. What other activities can I see aside from the balloons?

A. If you check out the schedule of activities, it’s a whole day of fun flying. After the balloons take off, the other aerial exhibitions follow like skydiving, paragliding, aerobatics, ultralight flights, RC aircraft displays, professional kite exhibitions and more!

Q. Can I try the activities?

A. Yes, just register at the Information Booth for schedules and availabilities.

Q. Can I bring small children?

A. It’s an event for the whole family so bring your grandparents and your kids too! Children 2 years old and below can enter for free.

Q. Can I bring in food?

A. Yes, but there are 50+ food concessionaires who serve delectable dishes -- freshly cooked!
 
Q. Can we do a field trip for my school?

A. Absolutely! This is one of the most educational activities your school can enjoy. In the past years, schools come in busloads. You can also call us for a free educational tour inside the grounds.

Q. If my company is interested to sponsor the event, what are your requirements?

A. Interested sponsors, may email us at info@philballoonfest.net or call 384-0085.

Q. What if I want to set-up a booth and sell my products?

A. For booth concessionaires, you can email us at flymarket@philballoonfest.net or call 384-0085.


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Air Phil Express Sale Period from February 7 to 9, 2012



Air Phil Express
Sale Period: February 7 to 9, 2012
Travel Period: February 15 to March 30, 2012
* 10 Kilos FREE Baggage Allowance

Details
  • Quoted fares for Domestic and International Flights are for one-way only.
  • Fares are with 15 kilos Free Baggage Allowance.
  • Philippine Goverment Tax not included.
  • Fare is not guaranteed until the final purchase.
  • Priced from Origin to Destination or Vice Versa.
  • Subject to rules and conditions, please review carefully.
Domestic DestinationsOne-Way Fare
Manila to Bacolod, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan*, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Tacloban or Tagbilaran P488
Zamboanga to Davao, Jolo or Tawi-Tawi P488
Manila to Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Surigao or Zamboanga P888


Cebu Pacific Sale Period: February 6 to 9, 2012



Cebu Pacific
Sale Period: February 6 to 9, 2012

Details
  • Quoted fares are one-way and have limited availability.
  • Fare are exclusive of government fees and taxes.
  • International fares are exclusive of fuel surcharges.
  • Fares are non-refundable.
  • Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before scheduled time of departure.
  • CAB approved terms and conditions of carriage apply.

Domestic Flights Go Lite Fare
ALL Domestic Destinations
Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela), Cebu, Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legaspi, Laoag, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Mindoro), Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao, Virac and Zamboanga
50% OFF
Travel Period: March 1 to May 31, 2012
International Flights Go Lite Fare
ALL International Destinations
Brunei, China (Beijing), China (Guangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Xiamen), Hong Kong, Korea (Busan), Korea (Incheon), Macau, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore, Taiwan (Taipei), Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi), Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan (Osaka) and Cambodia (Siem Reap)
50% OFF
Travel Period: March 1 to May 31, 2012


Krispy Kreme Celebrates Valentine with Heart-Shaped Doughnuts


Krispy Kreme Celebrates Valentine with Heart-Shaped Doughnuts
Your favorite Krispy Kreme doughnuts are lovingly shaped into hearts this season. Celebrate love and share the sweetness of Valentine with a box of your favorite doughnut and coffee brand.

Enjoy Chocolate Ice Sprinkles, Peanut Butter with Choco Drizzle, Cookies & Cream, Snickers Classic, Powdered Strawberry, Chocolate Ice Custard, Chocolate Ice Kreme Filled, Caramel Kreme Crunch, New York Cheese Cake, Kitkat, and Choco Mania Doughnuts, as they come in cute, romantic heart shapes.
 
Krispy Kreme’s heart-shaped Valentine doughnuts are only available from February 6 to 14, 2012, so hurry! Grab a box now and revel in the romance with Krispy Kreme this Heart Month! 
 
Serving world-class doughnuts and coffees since 1937, Krispy Kreme made its way to the hearts of Filipinos when it opened its first branch in the country back in 2006. Today, Krispy Kreme has outlets on 27 different locations nationwide, with hotlight stores in SM Mall of Asia, Greenhills Shopping Center, Festival Supermall Alabang, Bonifacio High Street and Cebu IT Park. Dubbed as the doughnut theater, Krispy Kreme’s hotlight stores serve everyone hot, freshly-made doughnuts straight from the fryer. To get more information and updates about the brand and its products, you may become a friend of Krispy Kreme by visiting www.krispykreme.com.ph or by liking Chloe at www.facebook.com/ChloeKrispyKremePH.


BUFFET DINNER PLUS DAILY CULTURAL PRESENTATION AT BARBARA'S RESTAURANT IN INTRAMUROS, MANILA


 
I was wowed over by the beautiful and well kept facade of BARBARA'S RESTAURANT located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. 
We walked along the historic streets of the walled city to reach Barbara's Restaurant located along the historical General Luna street in Intramuros. The restaurant evokes the charm and beauty of a bygone era. It is as if we were transported back in time to the Spanish Era in the 16th century.
Barbara's Restaurant is just in front of Saint Agustin church and is inside the grandiose Plaza San Luis Complex just beside White Knight Hotel.
We went up the intricately-carved staircase and were greeted by magnificent silver-gilted mirrors.
When we entered Barbara's restaurant it is as if we stepped into a place reminiscent of old world elegance. We then walked towards the main hall and get seated at the round dining table to experience the luxury of fine dining at its finest.
Barbara's Restaurant table settings are very well organized and coordinated. Barbara's Restaurant use tablecloths as part of their table setting complete with folded napkins. I personally considered it much more enjoyable to eat my food on a pleasantly arranged table and Barbara's Restaurant did not fail me. The tableware for this buffet dinner includes soup spoon, entree fork and spoon for dessert (variations exist), side plate, side knife, wine glasses, napkin and a beautiful flower center piece.
Barbara's Restaurant has high ceilings and crystal chandeliers the setting is a world-apart from your modern-day shopping mall restaurant. 

Barbara's Restaurant with a beautiful flower center piece and candle-lit table set.

Barbara's Restaurant offers buffet lunches and dinners as well as A la Carte choices. Buffet is only 500 pesos. Not bad for a buffet dinner with one-hour cultural presentation from the in-house student dance group who, I should mention, are very good dancers.
 Yummy food yum yum!
 
Roasted Chicken two thumbs up!
The salads are fresh and delicious.

Barbara's restaurant lumpia is to die for! I love it!
Barbara Restaurant's Linguini Alessandro pasta is delicious.
The delicious mix vegetables.
 
Pastel de Lengua
  
Salad mixed with lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes with shrimp paste or vinaigrette for dressing

We enjoyed our dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. while taking in the grace and beauty of traditional Filipino Dance, music and very cozy and warm ambiance @ Barbara's restaurant. The young performers are Barbara's Restaurant scholars. They made the audience cheerful with their exciting fiesta dances like sayaw sa bangko, binasuan, pastores, and the perennial favorite, the tinikling! They even invited some volunteers from the audience to dance w/ them. It was fun to see some volunteers tripping in the tinikling dance. It really added to the fun. Making it a really fantastic night for everyone.
The audience were in good spirits. This quintet serenaded us while we were eating dinner.
We were entertained by this Traditional Filipino Dancers
The crowd's favorite is the Tinikling dance
We ought to introduce to another generation the joys of Philippine folk dance.
Our folk dances are colorful, vivid and vibrant - alive and exciting, charming and inviting.
Amazing native dance entertainment

Barbara's Restaurant staff were all very accommodating and they truly provide a very good service. There was no discrimination at all between the foreigners or Filipino guests. The food were very palatable. The servers always refill the buffet trays. For dessert we ate squares of Brazo de Mercedes, brownies topped with cherry, Café Gelatin con Sago served in wine glasses and banana fritters. For me, the banana with sesame seeds dessert is the best!

Everybody love the cultural dance. It was superb! There's no guest in that room that night who is not watching the cultural presentation. Kudos to the dancers especially to the guy who is shouting so loud. He made it more fun @ Barbara's restaurant that night. The Spanish colonial style architecture with live music and cultural presentation every evening and the neighborhood of Intramuros is a little oasis in chaotic Manila. We enjoyed the show tremendously. Barbara's Restaurant is worth a try. See and experience Barbara's Restaurant classic elegance for yourself.

Barbara's Restaurant
Gen. Luna St. (just beside San Agustin Church)
Plaza San Luis Complex
Intramuros, Manila

(+632) 527-3893
(+632) 527-4086
 


Monday, February 6, 2012

Magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Negros Oriental and Cebu


At 11:49 this morning, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck between the islands of Negros Oriental and Cebu.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has mentioned that the quake struck 5 kilometers northwest of Tayasan, Negros Oriental, of which the origin is tectonic. The main quake was followed by 4 aftershocks, measuring between magnitudes 4.5 to 5.8.

Residents in the coastal areas are earlier advised to seek higher ground because a Tsunami alert No. 2 which was earlier raised on Cebu and Negros Oriental, most especially on the coastal towns between the two provinces but is now cancelled.


 


Hotels and Resorts in the coastal towns facing Tañon Strait are also advised earlier by the Department of Tourism to assist their guests and heed any advice issued by appropriate government agencies.

Phivolcs earlier issued the bulletin warning to alert the public for unusual waves.The tsunami alert has been lifted but vigilance should remain, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said."As of 2:30 pm, level 2 is canceled. The alert was for the eastern side of Negros and western coast of Cebu. But we will continue to monitor," said Solidum in a phone interview with Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

Earlier in the day, Phivolcs placed several areas on tsunami alert Level 2, following a 6.9-magnitude quake in Negros and Cebu.

Panic and worry gripped several PH areas while netizens called for calm and prayers as Phivolcs issued the bulletin warning to alert the public for unusual waves.
According to an ABS-CBN report, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chief Benito Ramos said the quake has killed one person - a child from Tayasan, Negros Oriental after a wall fell on him.

Lacierda said Coast Guard Chief Edmund Tan has been instructed to prevent fishermen from going out to sea for the duration of the alert, while Department of Social Welfare and Development personnel are already on standby to lend support and relief to affected citizens.

“While there are no forced evacuations being ordered, we implore the people in affected areas to remain vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions. Let us cooperate with government agencies, allow them to do their work, and remain calm and watchful,” he said. Source:yahoo


Friday, February 3, 2012

UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD BANKING CAN SAVE LIVES


Attention: Expectant Parents

Cord blood banking is probably one of the most important long-term investments for your family's health. While it is crucial that your child's stem cells are processed and stored with the best methods possible, it is even more vital that you need a cord blood bank that would be with you for years to come, regardless of how uncertain times may be.

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord functions as a lifeline between mother and child. Years later, the blood present within the umbilical cord could offer hope for the child or other individuals in the family.
The umbilical cord blood is a rich source of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); cells responsible for replenishing blood and regenerating the immune system. HSCs are known as 'precursor cells', as they have the unique ability to differentiate into the different types of cells found in the body, namely:
  • Red Blood Cells - which transport oxygen
  • White Blood Cells - which produce antibodies and fight bacteria
  • Platelets - which assist blood clotting
Since 1988, UCB stem cells have been used to treat an increasing number of diseases. Today, this numbers more than 80, including blood and metabolic disorders, immunodeficiency ailments and autoimmune diseases. For a full list of treatable diseases, click here.
When transplanted into a patient, the haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) migrate to the bone marrow and produce new blood cells, boosting the immune system. With the rapid advances in technology, the number of diseases treated by stem cell therapies is expected to increase.
Advantages of storing UCB stem cells are:
  • A guaranteed match for autologous transplants (where the donor and recipient are the same individual)
  • A readily available supply of stored HSCs. This compares well to having to do a national or international search which is costly and time-consuming in an already time critical situation.
  • Lower risk of Graft vs. Host Disease for autologous transplants, a situation where the transplanted tissue attacks the patients own tissue.
  • Ease of collection, which is pain-free and risk-free to both mother and child.
  • UCB stem cells are more vigorous, have a higher rate of engraftment and are more tolerant to tissue mismatches, compared to other types of stem cells, e.g. bone marrow.
The main intention for a stem cell transplant is the need to reconstitute a patient's blood and immune system, following treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which destroys the blood cells. The HSCs are infused directly into the patient's blood stream, and subsequently migrate to the bone marrow.
Within the bone marrow environment, the HSCs are able to begin their differentiation into the three types of blood cells, thereby initiating the regeneration of the patient's blood and immune system.
The first umbilical cord blood transplant was performed in 1988 and resulted in the successful treatment of a 5-year old boy diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia. To date there have been more than 14000 umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants reported worldwide.
                                                               Source: Cord Blood Forum. Accessed 10 November 2009
 
List 1: DISEASES TREATED BY STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
Malignant diseases (cancers):
  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  • Acute Myelocytic Leukemia
  • Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
  • Chronic Myelogeneous Leukemia
  • Juvenile Chronic Myelogeneous Leukemia
  • Juvenile Mono-Myelocytic Leukemia
  • Myeloid/Natural Killer (NK) Cell Precursor Acute Leukemia
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
    • Refractory anemia
    • Refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts
    • Refractory anemia with excess blasts
    • Refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation
    • Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Polymphocytic Leukemia
Non-malignant diseases (such as inherited metabolic storage disorders, immune system disorders etc):
  • Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (also called Myelofibrosis)
  • Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia
  • Blackfan-Diamond Syndrome
  • Cerebral X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
  • Dyskeratosis Congenita
  • Evans syndrome
  • Familial Erythrophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
  • Fanconi’s Anemia
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (also called Krabbe disease)
  • Gunther Disease
  • Hurler Syndrome
  • Kostmann Syndrome
  • Lesch Nyhan Syndrome
  • Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome
  • Osteopetrosis
  • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
  • Pure Red Cell Aplasia
  • Purine Nucleotide Phosphorylase Deficiency
  • Reticular Dysgenesis
  • Severe Aplastic Anemia
  • Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID)
  • SCID with absence of T & B cells
  • SCID with absence of T cells, normal B cells
  • Combined Immmunodeficiency
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Thalassemia (Major)
  • Thymic Dysplasia
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
  • X-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
  • X-linked HyperIgM syndrome
List 2: ADDITIONAL DISEASES TREATED BY STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION (2002-2004)
Malignant diseases:
  • Lymphomas:      
    • Burkitt’s Lymphoma
    • Hodgkin’s Disease
    • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Multiple Myeloma
Non-malignant diseases:
  • (Alpha-)Mannosidosis
  • Aspartylglycoasminuria
  • Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome
  • Chediak-Higashi Syndrome
  • Chronic Granulomatous Disease
  • Congenital Neutropenia
  • DiGeorge Syndrome
  • Histiocytosis X (also called Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis)
  • Hurler-Scheie Syndrome
  • Gangliosidosis
  • Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia
  • Omenn Syndrome
  • Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
  • Mucolipidosis II (I cell disease)
  • Metachromatic leukodystrophy
  • Neuronal/Infantile Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (also called Batten Disease)
  • Nezelof Syndrome
  • Sialidosis
  • Shwachman–Diamond syndrome
  • Sly Syndrome
  • Tay-Sachs Syndrome
  • Wolman Disease
List 3: ADDITIONAL DISEASES TREATED BY STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION (2006-2007)
Malignant diseases:
  • Acute Biphenotypic Leukemia*
  • Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia*
  • Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Other malignancies:
  • Brain tumour*
  • Ewing Sarcoma*
  • Ovarian Cancer*
  • Renal Cell Carcinoma*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Small Cell Lung Cancer*
  • Testicular Cancer*
Non-malignant diseases:
  • Rescue after autologous bone marrow transplant failure
    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
    • Amyloidosis
  • Congenital Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia
  • Congenital Cytopenia*
  • Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia
  • Griscelli Syndrome
  • Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
  • Polycythemia Vera*
  • Fucosidosis
  • Gaucher’s Disease*
  • Niemann-Pick Disease*
  • Sandhoff Disease*
  • SCID with Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency*
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome
  • Chronic Active Epstein Barr (resulting in lymphoproliferative disease)
  • X-linked Immune Dysregulation Polyendocrine Enteropathy
  • Multiple Sclerosis *
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis*
  • Type 1 Diabetes*
  • Cerebral palsy*
*Part of ongoing clinical trials in the U.S. (refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov for more info).
References:
  • Raetz et al., BMT, 1997
  • Shaw et al., Pediatric Transplantation, 1999
  • S. J. Fasouliotis, J.G. Schenker / European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2000
  • Ballen et al., BBMT, 2001
  • Gluckman et al., Exp Hematol., 2004
  • Martin et al., BBMT, 2004
  • Gluckman and Wagner, BMT, 2008
  • www.marrow.org
  • www.cordblood.com
  • www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org 
Banking cord blood does not guarantee that the cells will provide a cure or be applicable in every situation. Use will be ultimately determined by the treating physician.
Last update 4th Aug 2011.

Studies have shown that cord blood stem cells can also be used for siblings and other members of your family who have a matching tissue type. Siblings have up to a 75% chance of compatibility, and the cord blood may even be a match for parents (50%) and grandparents.
Cord blood stem cells are currently used in the treatment of several life-threatening diseases, and play an important role in the treatment of blood and immune system related genetic diseases, cancers, and blood disorders
Saving our first-born's cord blood stem cells was a no-brainer for my husband and me. As new parents we want to be able to provide the best options we can for Noah; we'd also like to try and start preparing for his future. Cord blood banking does both for us. We don't know if or when we'll be needing the stored cord blood stem cells, but it gives us a sense of security and peace that, should we ever need it, the best solutions are available to us.

We chose CordLife for 2 reasons – their service quality and the fact that they have a facility in Manila. It just made a lot more sense to us and we're so happy we did it!

Gillian Akiko Thomson-Guevara
3-time Olympian, gold medalist SEA Games and entrepreneur

Type 1 diabetes

A clinical trial underway at the University of Florida is examining how an infusion of autologous cord blood stem cells into children with Type 1 diabetes will impact metabolic control over time, as compared to standard insulin treatments. Preliminary results demonstrate that an infusion of cord blood stem cells is safe and may provide some slowing of the loss of insulin production in children with type 1 diabetes
Cord blood banking was a completely new concept to me when I had my first child, but I had read up on it due to the fact that my mom was diagnosed with stage 3b cancer the year prior to my pregnancy – and I wanted to do my tiny part in perhaps saving a family member’s life down the line. With percentages high on potentially saving lives within my family – I knew that I wanted to do this for those I love more than life itself.

Lexi Schulze Berenguer-Testa
TV Host and Magazine Editor

Singapore Storage Facility
Singapore is an ideal long-term storage place for your baby's cord blood unit because of its natural disaster-free location, political and socio-economic stability. Located in Singapore Science Park II, our cord blood processing laboratory is housed in the most prestigious research and development (R&D) and technology hub in the country.
Our AABB accredited facility is well equipped with 24/7 backup systems, which are further enhanced with remote alarm to alert our staff via phone if anything is amiss. Our equipment, critical materials and services also undergo stringent testing and certification regularly.
Your baby's cord blood will be stored in fire retardant and vacuum insulated double hull nitrogen tanks which can remain at optimal temperature for more than two weeks without replenishing liquid nitrogen.
As Singapore is geographically small and free from natural disasters, there is no real need to store your baby's cord blood in different locations. This unnecessary location transfer will only heighten the risks of exposing your baby's cord blood to heat, resulting in cellular damage and sample mix-up. It is CordLife's lifelong commitment to safeguard your baby's cord blood unit under the best storage conditions in the most secure and safest location in Singapore.
CordLife Singapore's AABB accredited facility
Philippines Storage Facility
Located in UP-Ayalaland Technohub in Metro Manila, Philippines’ first and only cord blood processing and storage facility was officially inaugurated on 23 February 2010. This world-class facility is registered with the Department of Health and is built in accordance with global gold standards such as the American Association of Blood Banks and ISO. The facility operates 365 days a year and offers the world’s only fully automated cord blood processing system, SEPAX, with a storage capacity for more than 20,000 cord blood units.
"CordLife's latest cord blood processing and storage facility in the Philippines marks another regional expansion milestone for the company. Focusing on high quality services, CordLife has been investing in various innovations to ensure that it provides value-added services to all its customers. SPRING will continue to partner CordLife in its journey to enhance capabilities for greater growth locally and regionally," said Ms Samantha Su, Deputy Director of Services & Biomedical and International Partnership Office, SPRING Singapore.
                                                Photo courtesy of Aidea Philippines, Inc.

CordLife Limited is a leading healthcare company that provides a full suite of cord blood and tissue banking services to expectant parents for the collection, processing and cryopreservation of cord blood stem cells and umbilical cord tissue. The Company is dedicated to offering the highest possibility of successful adult stem cell therapy to give hope and save lives. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, CordLife Limited is well established as the largest network of private stem cell banks across Asia Pacific with state-of-the-art cord blood and tissue processing and cryopreservation facilities in India, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as a network that extends to Singapore, Hong Kong, and China Safe and secure processing and storage facility equipped with 24/7 laboratory monitoring technology

Call (02) 710-9195 to find out about their flexible payment plans.

     


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