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, ...

Saturday, November 23, 2013

DEAF AWARENESS WEEK: Time For Us to Listen


DEAF AWARENESS WEEK: Time For Us to Listen

Hear ye! Hear ye!

November 10 to 16 of every year is declared as Deaf Awareness Week (DAW) thru Proclamation No. 829 last November 8, 1991 by the late President Corazon Aquino to focus awareness on deafness, its prevention and rehabilitation. This year's theme is “Ano Daw Nga?" 
Deaf Awareness Week Logo November 2013

Speaking of deaf awareness, there is this one interesting story that you need to "hear."

My mother side of the family is from Libmanan, Camarines Sur in Bicol region.  Our little town is known as the town of the "bungog" (deaf). According to legend, an affluent family with five children who have hearing disorder were the first ones who were able to study in the city. They are said to be saying "ha?" whenever people talk to them. Thus, the first impression they made were etched in history up until today. Everybody in Libmanan got labeled as "bungog." 
Libmaneños have a habit of re-confirming words. No wonder, the label was transferred from generation to generation. But not everyone in Libmanan are hearing impaired. 
But what really is Hearing Impairment? Is it Birth-acquired ? Or is it acquired during old age? As an adult are you still at risk of losing your hearing? One or two of these questions come rushing on your mind, right?
In the Philippines, twenty-eight percent (28%) of the population is suffering from hearing loss. That is almost a third of the population! I bet that like me you were also shocked by the large percentage of Filipinos suffering from hearing impairment. This chunk of our population is just part of the 287 million individuals, reported by the World Health Organization, who have hearing problems.
"We want to pick up hearing loss at an early stage so that we can rehabilitate as early as possible," according to Dr. Gretchen Navarro Locsin, a pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat specialist at St. Luke's Medical Center, as she spoke at the launch of Deaf Awareness Week, which is sponsored by the Metro Manila Federation of Agencies for the Deaf in cooperation with Glaxo Smith Kline and other institutions.

By age one, six out of ten infants would have had more than one episode of an ear infection. By age three, 4 out of 5 children would have experienced at least one ear infection. By age seven, at least one of three children would have had at least six ear defects. These children would add to the number of people suffering from hearing disabilities. 
 Acquired Hearing loss can be attributed to many causes: 
  • Increase in age
  • sickness like rubella
  • meningitis
  • measles
  • mumps
  • prolonged bouts of high fever
  • ear infection
  • hole in the eardrum
  • buildup of wax in the ear canal
  • foreign object stuck in the ear canal
  • skull fracture
  • trauma from explosions
  • gunfire, and the like
  • use of certain medicines
  • and working around loud noises daily ( such as in construction site)
In order to avoid the loss of hearing, one should be observant of cleanliness and protection against colds, wearing hearing protection such as silicone plugs; avoiding noisy places and activities, and avoid medications that can damage hearing.
Although it is an alarming phenomenon hearing loss is potentially preventable. Deafness or hearing impairment can be present at birth or develop later in life. Some of the common causes of hearing loss are accumulated earwax, intake of certain medications,excessive noise exposure, old age and ear infection or in some rare occurrence Otitis Media.
Acute Otitis Media (Latin) is inflammation of the middle ear, or a middle ear infection. It occurs in the area between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear, including a duct known as the eustachian tube. It is one of the two categories of ear inflammation that can underlie what is commonly called an earache, the other being otitis externa. Diseases other than ear infections can also cause ear pain, including cancers of any structure that shares nerve supply with the ear and shingles which can lead to herpes zoster oticus. Though painful, Otitis media is not threatening and usually heals on its own within 2–6 weeks.
Immediate and appropriate management of ear problems or diseases is also important to prevent hearing loss.

"The mother would tell us there is no problem, but that does not mean the patient is alright, that just means that maybe the mom does not see anything. That does not mean that the wound would heal itself. The child or the adult would still go into complication," says Locsin.

What she advises is to have a check-up.

Another way to prevent hearing loss is by avoiding loud noises.

"How would you know if the volume on your MP3 or IPod is too loud?" asked Locsin.

"If the person beside you could already hear it, that is too loud," she says. "You are the only one who is supposed to hear the music especially if you are using insert earphones. If you are exposed to long and abnormally loud sounds, in a long period of time, it causes hearing loss."

For some, silence might be golden, but for others it is a burden as they live in a world without sound.

Today with the help of technology and medical research, protection against Acute Otitis Media (AOM) can be achieved through vaccination. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has developed a vaccine against Acute Otitis Media (AOM.) 
"A large number of deafness is preventable. Glaxo Smith Kline is interested in educating people to avail vaccinations. Vaccination is a good way to prevent the disease, including those diseases which can cause deafness," says Sim.

"Among those vaccines offered by GSK is the pneumococcal vaccine (for pneumonia) which can help prevent infections that could lead to hearing loss. We also have the Rubella vaccine (German Measles). Rubella can cause deafness in the unborn babies if pregnant women are sick with it. We also manufacture flu vaccines. Influenza, unknown to some, could also cause ear infections," shares Derrick Sim, vice president of Glaxo Smith Kline for Commercial Vaccines. 

"Some vaccines only require one shot, while others require two or three shots. The vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies to fight the infection so that the body can protect itself."

As part of GSK's advocacy on deafness, GSK gave out 300 pneumococcal vaccines to Better Hearing Philippines to help in its commitment to protect Filipino children and prevent potential hearing loss.

During Deaf Awareness Week, activities such as seminars, dance competitions and ear check-up are offered at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and the University of Santo Tomas.

For more information on Deaf Awareness Week, please contact Better Hearing Philippines at (02) 406-1611. 
Studies reveal that generally one to three individuals in every 1,000 births suffer from some form of hearing impairment. I can't imagine the sad truth about hearing impairment such as the following:
  • I learned that 90 percent of deaf children are born into families where both parents have hearing impairment
  • Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women
  • There is a strong relationship between age and hearing loss.
In celebrating Deaf Awareness Week this year, let us pay tribute to countless individuals who, despite their hearing and other impairments, endeavor to have access to education to improve their lot. Let us support every effort to bring them into the mainstream, where they too have a rightful place, and help them to gain access to opportunities to become productive members of their community and country. Private special schools with programs for the deaf, and Special Education (SpEd) Centers are also urged to undertake activities in support of the celebration.

Kindly share this post, it might help others. Thanks.


Friday, November 22, 2013

Jobsdb and Unlad Kabuhayan, to help 80,000 Filipinos Find Good Career Opportunities


Jobsdb and Unlad Kabuhayan, to help 80,000 Filipinos Find Good Career Opportunities 
Good news to all job hunters! I got invited to the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Jobsdb and Unlad Kabuhayan yesterday, November 21, 2013, held at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.  

Jobsdb and Unlad Kabuhayan will organize a job fair dubbed "Unlad Kabuhayan" scheduled on January 24 to 26, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Grounds, Pasay City.

The Unlad Kabuhayan Job Fair will feature more than 200 exhibitors representing companies belonging to different sectors, and the event is expected to be attended by more than 80,000 participants. The program will also include a career convention that will feature notable speakers and career-guide experts who will be announced later on.

Please mark your calendar(s) and be sure to attend the Unlad Kabuhayan Job Fair.

NOTE: The above logos belong to jobsdb.com and unladkabuhayan.com, respectively.


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

VIDEO: My second attempt at Video Blogging


VIDEO: My second attempt at Video Blogging.  


You may watch the video I made below to learn more about a certain product. Please note that this is not a paid post. I only made this for a contest. Sad to say, many people don't recognize video blogging yet in the Philippines. 



Monday, November 18, 2013

HARNN: The Essence of Asian Heritage


HARNN: The Essence of Asian Heritage
Harnn launched products Philippines Thailand Perfume soap
Harnn products were officially launched in the Philippines last November 14, 2013. Harnn is a contemporary luxury Asian inspired lifestyle brand that uses natural active ingredients to restore the natural balance of the body, mind and environment. It tantalizes your five senses with unique Asian holistic approach to total wellness.

HARNN patented natural Rice Bran Oil soap formulation is rich in three natural Vitamin-E: Tocopherol, Tocotrienols and Oryzanol, which are strong natural antioxidants, moisturizers and help protect the skin from the harsh environment. Each soap contains unique botanicals with various dermatological properties and aroma to enrich your bathing experience as well as your senses.
Harnn Mangosteen soap
I got so giddy when I saw my favorite fruit Mangosteen as one of the key ingredients of Harnn's soap. Boy, was I impressed! Harnn's Mangoesteen & Bergamot Soap has a mild natural antiseptic from Mangosteen extract complimented with Lemongrass and Bergamot, Orange, Cedar wood and Lavender essential oil for freshness. Its key ingredients are the following:
  • rice bran oil
  • Palm oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Lemongrass Oil
  • Bergamot Fruit Oil
  • Orange Oil
  • Lavender Oil
  • Cedarwood Bark Oil
  • Glycerin (palm derived)
  • Mangosteen Peel Powder
  • Tocopheryl Acetate. 
I really like the various aroma of the Harnn's soap and I could truly say that it is a feast for the senses. How I wish I had come earlier. I could have won a massage using Harnn products that was raffled off that night. Or better yet, a trip to my favorite city- Bangkok so I could visit Harnn's spa!
Oriental Rose Hand Balm Coenzyme Q10 Harnn
Oriental Rose Hand Balm With Coenzyme Q10. It has Organic Rose Water, Shea Butter, and Coenzyme Q10 in rich balm formulation keep hand hydrated and softened while strengthening your nails. Cool! I need this! My nails are like that of a baby! I could use this product to strengthen my nails!

Key Ingredients

•Nanosphere Coenzyme Q10 - It is a conditioning agent developed with Nanotechnology in form of Liposome filled with Coenzyme Q10. Its particle is small enough to penetrate into horny layer of epidermis skin layer. This helps moisturize your skin and hair, resulting in healthy and supple skin and hair.

•Nanosal Seaweed and Vitamin E - Developed with Nanotechnology, its structure combines Polysaccharide from 2 genus of algae extract; Rhodymenia Palmate and UlvaLactuca. It acts as a natural moisturizer, anti-inflammatory agent while the particle of Vitamin E will be released when applying on skin and helps protect skin from free radicals.

•Organic Rose Water - The extract of rose from Kerman, Iran derived from rose essential oil extraction is known for its pure and miracle benefits for hair and skin. Its organic being ensures the quality of astringent, toning, moisturizing as well as the sweet scent that helps calm frustrated mind. It is ideal for skin nourishing over years.

•ButyrospermumParkii (Shea) Butter - is known especially for its properties as moisturizer and emollient. It is also known anti-inflammatory agent. Shea butter is effective at treating the following conditions: skin discoloration from scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. It also provides natural ultraviolet sun protection.

Harnn Cymbopogon Body Wash with white tea
Cymbopogon Body Wash

Extra mild body wash (SLES free formulation) helps to firm, soothe, calm irritated skin along with provide strong natural anti-oxidant.

Key Ingredients

•OpuntiaStreptacantha (Cactus) Stem extract –Aquacacteenis an ultra-refined elixir from prickly pear of Cactus which is rich in flavones, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and piscidic acid-an iron chelator. It is known for effective soothing, hydrating and firming properties.

•Camellia Sinensis (White tea) Leaf powder – The extract from White Tea Leaf contains high concentration of polyphenols which give antioxidant property 3 times stronger than Green Tea. It helps promote healthier and brighter skin.

•PinusPinaster (Pine) Bark extract - The maritime pine tree grows for 30 – 50 years in unspoiled environment. It helps improve blood flow to skin, lighten and smoothen skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production from younger looking skin.

Mr. Paul Harn (Vuthichai Harnpanit) is the Director of Harn Products Co.,Ltd and Harnn Concepts Co.,Ltd. (HARNN, Vuudh, Tichaa and JARITT brand)
Architect Paul Harn founder of Harnn with Philippine franchisee Bert Ng.
HARNN Philippines is located at the ground floor of Glorietta 5 Ayala Mall in Makati City. 

For sure all of my friends particularly Joyce, Tita Au, Lane and Brenda would love to try Harnn products soon.


Saturday, November 16, 2013

PHILIP K. ABADICIO: Philip the Lifestyle Guy


PHILIP K. ABADICIO: Philip the Lifestyle Guy
Philip Abadicio the Lifestyle Guy
Renowned PR practitioner and RPA & Communicate top honcho, Philip K. Abadicio, is the new lifestyle TV show host of Philip the Lifestyle Guy which is shown every Sunday starting 11 a.m. at Channel 5.

According to Philip, his new show is made not only with the nanay (mother) and tatay (father) in mind but also their kids. So, let Philip takes you to the world of real people. Experience various lifestyle genres at the confines of your very own living room.

Its target market are those between 25 to 45-year-old men and women living in the Philippines.

Philip Abadicio the Lifestyle Guy with Cha Sy
Your Sundays will never be the same again with Philip the Lifestyle Guy.  

In its pilot episode three Sundays ago (last October 27, 2013 to be exact), the show featured not only British Tea and French breads but also a hole in the wall carenderia (eatery) in Project 4, Quezon City called Rose Garden Palabok. It sells affordable palabok for only Php30.00 for dine in and Php35.00 for take out. Masarap na, mura pa! (It's delicious and inexpensive!) You need to taste it to believe!
   
Expect not only Philip the Lifestyle Guy's features on hole in the wall restaurants but also the latest lifestyle stories on fashion finds, food and so much more.

Philip – Lifestyle Guy promises a visually appealing, culturally enriching, and gastronomically appetizing episodes such as Philip’s Finds,

Be enthralled as Philip showcase the hippest trends, newest dining options, chill spots, fitness forays, and other fab finds in the metro. It is more interactive as the host gives the viewers a chance to sample the featured items by simply tweeting, sharing their comments on social media or texting.

Philip – Lifestyle Guy is directed by Dave Hukom and written by Yasmin Coles.

For details, check out its Facebook page Philip Lifestyle Guy and follow@LifestylePhilip on Twitter.


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

3 AMPHIBIOUS US SHIPS: To Help #TyphoonYolanda Victims


3 AMPHIBIOUS US SHIPS: To Help #TyphoonYolanda Victims
Good News to all of our kababayan (countrymen) who were hard-hit by #TyphoonYolanda. Three(3) US Navy amphibious ships are on their way to the Philippines to help victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan (Typhoon Yolanda). The Pentagon announced last Monday evening that it is dispatching the aircraft carrier George Washington and its accompanying cruisers and destroyers, including its fleet of helicopters and airplanes. The U.S. carrier can produce 1.5 million liters of clean water per day from its distilling plant. It will also be used as a platform for planes (landing and take off). 

The carrier group is due to arrive on Thursday or Friday.


The 
amphibious ships are uniquely suited for disaster relief efforts. The vessels that are on their way are the following:
  •  USS Denver, an amphibious transport dock ship
  •  Ashland 
  •  Germantown, amphibious warfare ships designed to transport and launch landing craft.
All of them have landing decks that can serve helicopters as well as medical facilities and the capability to produce desalinated water.

Another naval destroyer and a supply ship are also en route to the Philippines.

243 US Marines are now on the ground in hard-hit Tacloban in Leyte to carry out an initial assessment of humanitarian needs.

Hang on. Be strong. Help is on its way. God bless all of you.


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

TYPHOON YOLANDA: Google Person Finder


TYPHOON YOLANDA: Google Person Finder

Attention: For those who have lost contact with family, or have information about survivors:

#TyphoonYolanda Google Person Finder can now be found at the top left side of my site www.travelonshoestring.com

Just click the blue colored label (Typhoon Yolanda Google Person Finder.)

All you have to do is click one of the two (2) options:
  • whether you're looking for someone 
  • or you have an information about someone.
After you click your choice, just type the name of the missing person/persons. If you happen to have an information about someone, please do submit the information. No Jokes please. #behonest #stopmanipulation
Pray! Be strong. This too shall pass. God bless you.


WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY: 5TH BIRTHDAY


WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY: 5TH BIRTHDAY
The World Pneumonia Day celebration was held in Tagaytay City last November 8, 2013, with around 100 health advocates including doctors and media gathered at the lobby of Summit Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City to celebrate the 5th year of its successful fight against the killer disease.
Philippines ranks 10th among countries with the most number of pneumonia cases and is one of the fifteen countries that account for 75 percent of childhood pneumonia cases. Pneumonia is fatal. In some cases it is widespread, and dangerous and yet not many people realizes that it is so simple to prevent it. The simple answer is anti-Pneumonia vaccine.
The dance group, ‘The Maneuvers’ led by Josh did the opening number. 
                                        
After which, everyone let their hair down and joined in the fun and dance with Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag to the tune of "Sapul sa Pulmonya." The song “Sapul sa Pulmonya,” embodied the simple message of “Prevent, Protect and Treat,” through breastfeeding, proper nutrition, avoidance of indoor pollution, vaccines and antibiotics.
                                         

The World Pneumonia Campaign celebrates the lives of Filipino children saved by the health department’s anti-Pneumonia campaign and who otherwise would not have seen their 5th Birthday. It was also the fifth year celebration of this campaign against one of the world’s deadliest diseases that have killed millions of young ones already.
How many people, outside of the medical and/or health field, actually know that pneumonia is the number one killer of children below five years old in the world? I bet not a lot of Filipinos know that.
Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo asks help from the media to help them spread the news. Bravo urges mothers to breastfeed their infants for it is the first step in fighting Pneumonia. She also encourages parents to have their kids vaccinated.
Pneumonia accounts for 18% of child deaths and it is preventable. End preventable child deaths. The Government’s aggressive campaign against Pneumonia started in 2008 as it has partnered with the private sector, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV). Since it started five years ago, things have started to get better, says the government’s health department. Health studies reveal that one child dies of pneumonia every 20 seconds, which total to around 4,300 children who die of the disease daily. Around 37 of them are Filipino children under the age of 5.
The kiddo receives his Anti-Pneumonia vaccine during the ceremonial vaccination on Thursday, November 8. 
The parents and the kid-recipients of the anti-Pneumonia vaccine, Jade Irish Lobrino, Naifa Maruhom, Phria Amor Magsino, Cyeamshee Selbannia, and Christian James Tapel with DOH ASec Eric Tayag at the 5th year anniversary of the local anti-Pneumonia campaign.
The 5th Birthday of the Philippines’ anti-Pneumonia campaign was concluded by the blowing of this giant cake while everyone in the room sings ‘Happy Birthday.’ 
Giant Cake Happy 5th Birthday World Pneumonia Day
Every Filipino child deserves a fifth birthday. Ask your health provider about available vaccines against pneumonia.

Happy 5th Birthday World Pneumonia Day!


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