Dengvaxia Vaccine Controversy Reaction

Recently, there has been rumors that the Dengvaxia formulated by Sanofi Pasteur will soon be recalled due to the discovery on its adverse effects to the patients vaccinated with it that have not yet contacted Dengue firsthand.  A Public Health expert also a former DOH( Department of Health) Undersecretary, by Dr. Susan Pineda – Mercado have spoken on a very  recent interview that they had earlier advised the  DOH (Dept. of Health) to refrain from implementing the use of Dengvaxia although Sanofi Pasteur reps has reiterated that the country’s BFAD has approved of it way back in 2014. Also in an International Public Health Magazine published in 2015 – the general public has also been warned that on the first two years of vaccination, it can immunize individuals who have not had Dengue before BUT will soon suffer from severe Dengue infection after the two-year grace period, allegedly.

ASEAN Summit Editorial

The recently concluded 31st ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nation) held in the country last November 10-14, 2017 chaired by our esteemed President has brought new HOPE for the Filipino people.   It has also melted away the 'ice' among leaders who were intrigued by various controversies in social media. Some delicate issues between a concerned country has also been addressed.  Security Issues as well as Climate Change are

Greater Economic Integration

Easier trade negotiations, mutuall-beneficial trade liberalization and relations - creating more business opportunities and jobs for individuals.  That can only happen if more investors come to establish their factories and business with the partner countries.

Hope

Hope because, not just the general agreement on all ASEAN members that should give priority to the welfare of overseas workers as well as illegal recruitment/trafficking in the region.

Recommended Toothbrush

Friends, I have tried so many toothbrushes before from the most popular expensive brand to the cheapest ones on emergencies.  Of all those tries, I found one that is REMARKABLY very soft to gums but firm on cleaning teeth. 

Impressive Cotton Buds

NOT a Sponsored Post. A product from EXPERIENCE.

Cotton buds are of help in cleaning our delicate ears or baby’s nabel, applying skin ointments and even in smoothing the lines created by your eyebrow pencil etc. 

What if that buds are so dry and stiff  that the cotton around it felt bad inside your ears and might hurt your brows?  The cotton strands are scattered-up like a cloud saying ‘hi’ to you? 

MTRCB Board Members MUST-Read

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has been so strict when it comes to implementing policies with regards to rating and observing daily tv programs to the point of suspending individuals/celebrities who had become verbally offensive in hosting noontime shows. I hope that they can STAND on it at all cost.  And this really needs attention.

I hope that the teasers too must be regulated.  I noticed that our satellite cable tv provider (among the giants in the industry), has been negligent in airing teasers sensitive to viewer’s age. 

Ordinary But Extraordinary Bath Towel

 Not a Sponsored Post.

There are many kinds of towels made just for a particular use – face, hand and the most popular that every one of us have is a bath towel.  I grew up using the famous brand CA---for its tried and tested absorbency and even introducing the brand to friends and my own family now until I have tried this really amazing towel.  Look for these labels.

It is a MICROFIBER towel, it has guaranteed absorbency. I have tried a towel brand cheaper than the popular brand, I am disgusted to find-out that no matter how I wipe, I am still wet and the fibers are sticking on my skin too.  And maybe because of it, it easily smells bad when not dried under the sun.

Easier to pack when you travel, it is just thin and light weight.  No trouble bringing out on excursions, beach activities and other out-of-town engagements. You can wash it daily because of its lightness as if you washed a medium sized shirt, no trouble at all unlike using BIGGER and HEAVIER towels that only a WASHING MACHINE can enjoy laundering. And another good thing is that it is a lot easier to dry after laundering.

It comes in different colors BUT it is not color fast (it does not bleed when washed). The best of all, in this trying times, IT IS SO AFFORDABLE! You would not believe that it only costs a hundred pesos to own one. I bought two of it in SM Mall's Home Section, and the two others in Pacific Mall Lucena, I think it is also available in other department stores nationwide.

Challenges Facing the Students Today

Parents knew the value of educating their children that is why even in a so called third world country like ours, it becomes the government's priority even associating the budget on the Department of Education somehow with the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Cash Transfer Program (Link: Conditional Cash Transfer (4P's) wherein among the requirements is the enrollment of every child in every recipient family in a school to somehow make way to cut the poverty cycle. 

However, the government and the parents want a successful career ending for their children still there are inevitable reasons why they could not pursue studying. Aside from poverty, bad influences hang around and entice them...

FRATERNITIES 

Among those reasons had been recently reminded to us  by Horatio Castillo III - and admittedly the most unacceptable one, death. A death that is inflicted by supposed-to-be people whom one thought to be a friend and the worst - a sibling! Now, also the members who are in the Initiation Rite are in the brink of losing their future because of the mess they end-up with.

The problem with our government is that the legislative arm created a toothless law that ONLY REGULATES 'hazing' and accepted is a requirement to be passed by an aspiring applicant of any club (refer to the screenshot below for the CLEAR definition/synonym).

Teachers' Day Thoughts and Helpful Ideas

We are celebrating the Teachers' Month (Sept. 5  - Oct 5).  Have you ever recognize what your teachers have shared with you?

The teachers are generous enough to impart their knowledge to their students.Teachers who did not really treat their profession as one but a duty and  mission to fulfill - a mission to take part in the creation of SOMEBODY out of a nobody. 

Reaction Mindanao Martial Law Declaration

I being a citizen far and away from Marawi could have felt lesser of the tension in the area BUT still I have my opinion about the issue.  The declaration of Martial Law (Proclamation 216 s. of 2017) in the whole of Mindanao last May 23, 2017 by the President Duterte  for me, is just the right move.  

It is evident that the President has no other motive such as power extension etc. but the situation calls for the declaration.  The Maute brothers who had caused the Marawi siege has bigger plans and has been discovered to have connections with the International terrorist group ISIS very evident on their flags and the killed snipers of different nationalities other than our fellow-countrymen.  It is not just a rebellion of a little sort, it was carefully planned and financed by unknown parties yet - collecting the high-caliber fire arms and the money from the enemies' hideout. The brothers alone could not have staged such a huge act if nobody is backing them up. 

Recommended Apps from GPlay

Language Learners

Learning is categorized SITUATIONALLY you can easily find what you need to TRANSLATE at the moment.  And once you hit the word you can hear the correct pronunciation too.  What is BEST? It works in OFFLINE MODE – most of the apps I choose are working offline because we still have dead cellsites in the country like here in Quezon Province – most locations are in 2G  reception only – superlative slow connection speed or almost no internet connection at all.

The Second Chance Shirts Factory

My family has been a patron of Unlad shirts ever since. We are benefitting from its quality and I am well aware that the makers of these shirts are among the people who are given a second chance in life.  Unlad factories are mostly located at the FYM Foundation relocation sites – wherein victims of various disasters (victims of storms/flooding, volcanic eruptions etc.)  had been transferred by the Church Administration for sustainable living.

Yes, MOST of the refugees are members of the Church BUT the Unlad factory workers are not limited to the members alone.  There are also workers from other religions.  Most of them never had an experience in sewing or operating sewing machines.  The factories are not built for PROFITS as the primary purpose but to extend help – that is why the sewers are not limited to experienced workers. Those who do not have income are trained first with allowances because the Church Administration knew they badly need a source of income to start their life with.

Why Yes to Eco-Farming

Reasons Why Eco-farming is Beneficial

1.  Environment-friendly

Because Eco-farming only employs organic fertilizers, it helps preserve our environment - saving us from CFC and Aerosole containing products to grow our crops. The air and bodies of water adjacent to the farms will always be safe for the community dwellers too.

2. Economical

My Poem

Inspired by the word STEEL, I come-up with this poem.  It can be sang to the tune of  'Yesterday's Dream'...

Longing to be Safe

Serve You Oh God in words, acts and in mind

The cloak of Thy wisdom may forever be mine

Guide my endeavors be always upright

I shall not move away from the path of ‘life’…

Troubles even hardships might seize me

I promise to hold on completely…

I swear to guard myself in moments of bliss

I shall remain with You forever in peace…

Mother's Day Thoughts

The earth would have been in silence if they have not become who they are, there would be no humans inhabiting our planet, indeed.  The real essence of a woman is procreation and motherhood.  And God has made all these things possible. Science can explain how a womb can nurture a growing fetus BUT it is the mystery of God’s plans that CREATED the uterus and all inevitable processes in reproduction.  Therefore, mothers are wonderful gift from our Lord God.

We have to tell our mothers how wonderful they are.  Nine months in their womb and the years we are existing until now they have not stopped caring for us.  

Although most of the children are still studying or still incapable of thanking them materially, we are not limited to that.  We can thank them by showing appreciation, a little ‘thank you’, a little concern (doing little things we can do to lessen the daily home chores), you never know it makes them happy to see us study well too.  Sometimes they even did not want us to help at home and let us concentrate with our studies, believe me I know it because that is how mama Susan is to me. 

SPG Turnover Speech Sample

Here is my daughter's actual speech as an example.  I have written below a comprehensive OUTLINE/GUIDE and some helpful hints on delivery. 

Angel Reign

Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) President

Lopez East District SY 2016-2017

                                                       

SPG Turnover Speech

24 March 2017

A pleasant morning to all our esteemed guests (___________________, _________________,

__________________,_________________) and mentors and to all my fellow-students. I am very thankful that I was given the chance being the president of our district in the past year.  Although, I could not mention a physical project that I have accomplished, I assure you that I become more of a leader in the past year. 

Being a student to my school, I have become more responsible in many ways I could never imagine.  I learned to become a big sister to fellow students and to take responsibility to the tasks I was given to lead on.  Opo, nagkaroon ako ng pakiramdam na maging mas responsable at manguna sa aking mga kamag-aral.  I kept in mind that I MUST become a good leader to be followed – that I have to show perseverance (pagiging matiyaga, creativity (pagiging malikhain), resourcefulness(pagiging mapamaraan) and a quality team player (mahusay na kasapi ng anumang grupo) that I have really not discovered yet of myself.  Nakahihiyang makita o maramdaman ng kapwa ko kamag-aral na ako’y nanginginig  kapag nahihirapan , that I can not think of a solution to accomplish what we should.  Ang posisyon po na ito ang nagbigay sa akin ng tapang para magtiwala sa sarili ko at maniwala na kakayanin ko.  Because for me, had I become weak, idle or absent-minded, hindi ko man sadyain ay ito ang nagiging pagpapakilala sa ating mga kabataan at mag-aaral sa Silangang Lopez.

My Facial Care Product

Allergy to face powder? Never liked the espasol look of some face creams? Sensitive skin?

Here is another product I wanted to share with you. Undergoing puberty, my facial skin began to break out - pimples, whiteheads and blackheads sign-up. 

Facial Wash

Being teenager then I never liked the idea and it stresses me to look at the mirror.  I started trying to use astringents, commercialized facial cleansers but still did not work.  It took long until I tried Ponds because each product takes weeks to observe I just stopped earlier than a week when the effect is worse like if it made my skin rougher, drier or more skin disturbances come out (pimples etc).

Reaction Rizal Monument Photo Bomber

I am certainly a fan of our National hero Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, I bought and read books about him and even used Patriot’s Daughter (Him as inspiration) as my pen name during college as a staffer in our University’s official publication.

I have been to Rizal Park in Manila before when it was plain and simple way back then and again not a few years ago. 

Photo Bomber Issue

Yes, the monument looks good in Pictures having a plain sky backdrop on every picture taken therein. Years gone by, everything changes as well as the surroundings. Modernization has come to life and even advancement.  I am truly glad that our country is not being left out.  It is inevitable to see new buildings, structures and even skyscrapers sprouting in the Metro. 

Amazing Chapel Construction Video Link

Everything seemed impossible because of its location (Sibale, Romblon) especially the absence of a port wherein construction materials or equipment can be transported.  God has helped his people thought of a way to construct a makeshift cargo carrier in the form of a raft floated by huge drums.

Another setback is the giant rocks were unearthed on the site.  It took several months to lift them up and a brilliant idea to recycle them to be laid down as among the foundation of the edifice.  The storm Luna has caused devastation in the Island of Sibale, Romblon but indeed is a blessing to the members of the Church of Christ. It  left dead trees that later on served as firewood to aid in solving the problem of gigantic stones. The wind that supposed to have landed in another location farther is like a miracle when IT hit the island as it TURNED BACKWARD from its direction.

The chapel’s architectural structure and engineering plan is CUSTOMIZED for the site’s topographical characteristic.  Unlike the usual steel gate and perimeter fence steel design of other chapels nationwide, theirs is made from cement considering the SALINITY of the air being the site’s proximity to the ocean. Elevation is also among the elements in the construction to adapt to the location, stairs answer the dilemma. 

Brethren from the locale have volunteered in helping the sent construction team expecting NOTHING in return but expecting to glorify our Lord God.

For the convenience of the brethren who accompany their friends and loved ones, a BAPTISMAL POOL is also constructed within the chapel – this prevents long hours of boat travel for baptism of converts.

Seeing the island, you will surprised to see the magnificent chapel nesting, Locale of Sibale, Oriental Mindoro (Ecclesiastical District).  Be more amazed to watch this video:

Pundasyon Episode (Chapel Construction)

INC Engineering & Construction

Online Pawnshop for a Change

Friends, I wanted to share with you this innovation in the pawning industry.  They eyed the Philippines as among the fastest growing on internet-penetration.  The founders thought that most people are ASSET RICH BUT SHORT OF CASH.  Minimal interest rates applied on items.  Too good to be true, no because they also earn from selling the unclaimed items to marketplace called SHOPIFY.  We are well aware that pawn amount is just a fraction of the item’s cost although they GUARANTEE high appraisal. Payments are made thru PawnHero card they will issue where pawners can withdraw their loan.  The operation is nationwide (Philippines) but they plan sooner to expand in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

The online pawnshop which is also known as PawnHero.Com – it is an app-based business running for  almost two years now.  I have a glimpse of it from the Bloomberg TV show, Bright Ideas, hosted by Mr. RJ Ledesma.  Some of the important information I noted:

What is PawnHero.Com

- basically a pawnshop at the reach of your pocket as it was labeled by Mr. Margendorff (CEO)

- a pawnshop with no physical address except for its SINGLE warehouse maintained for the pawned items

- LARGER variety of items accepted

accepts luxury items (jewelries, watches, designer handbags), motorbikes, appliances even musical instruments.  Try everything valuable

Graduation Speech Outline Plus Sample

Graduation Speech Outline

I. Greetings

- to the attendees (co-grads/parents/teachers)

-special mention of the guests (VIPs)

II. Introduction

You may start with a quote for a change.  Make sure it is somehow related to the Theme of the Program.  In my child’s case – the theme is about celebrating the event as a step for a brighter future ahead of the graduates. 

What I wanted to mean is that deviate from the USUAL. Think of something (not to impress) but to start your speech with a very interesting statement that MAY capture your audience.

It must be in a conversation manner – as if you are talking to a single person  - your guests as one.

III. Body of the Speech

A.

-This may tell a SHORT story of your  journey before the day.

-Or an inspirational talk for your co-graduates to let them feel what you think you are ‘INTO’ after graduation, what awaits you.

-tips that they can keep to motivate them to strive for more

For the Country or for the Party?!

A group of topnotched lawyers and a college professor plans to file an impeachment case for the second topmost position in the Philippine government – the VP post –Leni Robredo.

In the past few months of Duterte administration, the VP has not been that supportive to the President.  VP Robredo may have fueled the international community’s suspicion that  violation of human rights had been prevalent even allegedly implying that the Duterte administration is behind all the killings (around 7000 – this record includes even domestic incidents and other cases not related to DRUGS, in FACT there is just around  2000+ comprising the number of victims in the aftermath of ‘War on Drugs’ compared to the millions of surrenderees.

.

To Trust or Not to Trust a Social Media Account

There  had been cases of cheating on Social Media – what is very alarming is the one aired  in Imbestigador – a grade 11 student who ended-up gang-raped and murdered (Jan7) in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

Ways to find out if the social media account is in good faith:

On Twitter:

- check the joining date (if it is not that long existing, be careful). Sometimes, there are really twitter newbies better observe it for months, the tweets and followers, before following back. 

- check the followers. If it is followed by many reliable people, trust your guts. 

- check the owner’s tweets. What kind of tweets he/she shares – the links, rude people share porn videos and nude photos or even enticing links that can hack your account.  Do not open the link on your social, right click, copy and paste the link address on a NEW TAB on your browser.

Reaction on Student Tours

In elementary and high school, this will not be necessary although travelling can add to children’s experience. During the school year several conventions, competitions and other activities  (Quiz Bees, Investigatory Projects, Schools Press Conferences, Beauty Pageants, Talent Tilts – oration, declamation, sports activities and even scouting/campings/jamborees) that can cater to that experience. After competing inside the school for Quiz, Pageants or Sports chances are there will be inter-school competitions in the sub-district/district, division, regional or even  national level that might bring students to far places literally. 

There is no really bad thing about having educational tours – granted that it is ‘educational’ in the real sense.  I heard of Baguio or Tagaytay tour – tsk is it not just an excursion for the good weather in the areas? Or MOA (Mall of Asia Arena) – if the purpose is camaraderie and team building then travelling will take hundreds or thousands of kilometers away for a pricey ticket, it is not so practical and truly irrelevant. 

Usually educational tours are sometimes boring destinations – the Planetarium, museums, zoo, aquariums, historical places if it is not; it is probably not one BUT an excursion (say a beach, mall or simply beautiful place without educational significance) or stroll.  This is happening, I have my husband’s niece who went in a tour from a school in Bicol to Tagaytay paying more than five thousand pesos (if I am not mistaken) and was obliged to join the expensive trip because of the ‘incomplete’ grade she might get.  The fees are maybe reasonable because of the bus rental and food BUT the trip?! Just a cold experience nothing related to any subject, maybe ‘sociability’, for that reason it can be cheaper and may be nearer.

Can we not just leave the excursions to families of each student and concentrate on the real sense of educational tour. Why the schools had been  MAYBE obliging whenever they held a ‘Tour’? Because the fuller the bus, the lesser will be the transportation expense of each joiner (dividing the bus charge to the number of attendees). Admit it or not, MOST maybe NOT all tours free the school staff who will join as guardians or the advisers.

Several accidents happened on such tours like:

1. drowned students

2. hit by the maneuvering bus while taking photos

3. latest, bus that loose breaks on the way to a camp site

Suggestions:

I hope the Congress can make policies: