avery @Early Achievers' Learning Center-Congressional

 My daughter Avery is studying at Early Achievers' Learning Center. Despite the fact that Congressional is far from Fairview and quite expensive, we chose this school because of English and Chinese languages that it offers.

                             And the fact that it teaches the student to become independent.

                                              to participate in different kind of activities,

                                                               allow the child to play

                                                          and develop child's creativity.

me and my family @Baguio

                                                            me and Avery @The Manor

                                                               Addy, me and Avery

                                                    our favorite resto@commissary

                                                                   Camp John Hay

                                                              Mines View Parhttp://www.cityofpines.com/minesviewpark.htmlk

                                                                  Burnham Park

me and my family @Taipei

 My daughter Avery loves working on my laptop.

                 Avery and shecky. Unfortunately, shecky lost while we were at Taipei Airport.

                                                  We definitely love bathtub.

                                                  POLA conference at Taipei, Taiwan

                                                            Taipei City Hall

                                                   Taipei City Hall Bus Station.

                                                                         GANDOLA

                                                             at the top of Taipei 101

                                                       TAIPEI 101

Personal Trainor @Fitness First

   As part of BODYFIRST package, we were given a three hour free session with Personal Trainer which must be availed  within the first month. 

  Having a PT is just like having a personal tutor, they will teach you how to use sports equipment, explain what are the exercise suited to your body and will train you how to exercise properly.Although, the session is only one (1) hour, it is a full training and no wasted time. After the session, the PT will help  stretch your body and will provide a super relaxing back massage.

   After the three hour session, the PT will make an evaluation of your progress and ask if you are willing to get their services as PT for the amount of 25k + for 30 sessions which is valid for 120 days.

 

hello fitness first!!!

   I always wanted to enroll at Fitness First, but always felt intimidated of the entire area and too shy to inquire. But last sunday night, my husband and I just decided to enroll realized that nothing in Fitness first is intimidating. Here's why and how to do it--

  1. If you want to inquire, just ask the receptionist that you want to inquire regarding their package/s or price.

  2 . The receptionist will call  a sales person that will answer all your queries, show the entire area and explain the exercise equipments. Just ask any kind of question, you have to remember that every sales person has a required quota to achieve and they will be very eager to assist you.

3. The sales person will offer you two kinds of package-- 

                   5month package                                lifestyle package/ 12 + 1 month free

Admin fees  -----  Php 4,000                                                          Php 3,000+

monthly ----------Php 3, 990                                                          Php 2,800+

Joining fee--------Php 1,500                                                           Php 1,500

and BODYFIRST-----Php 1,999                                                          Php 1999.00

4. The sales person will explain that  BODYFIRST entitles you to have a three hour session with a personal trainor and a chance to reimburse the said amount if you are able to attend at least 8 sessions per month for three consecutive months, in any branches.

  5. The sales person will offer you to avail either home , passport or platinum.Home imeans access only to a branch where you enroll,  while passport is unlimited access to all branches except RCBC, TRINOMA  and ALABANG while Platinum club is unlimited access to all branches, including the chance to use towels, exercise gear and swimming pool in RCBC, TRINOMA and ALABANG. But accordingly, if you are a passport holder, you can also visit the 3 platinum clubs provided you add Php 375.00 per visit.

 6. When availing your choice of package, try to get some discounts from your sales agent/person or try asking her to include you in a corporate account, in that case there is a possibility that you will only pay as low as Php 1,500.00 per month.

  7. The sales [person will schedule you for the personal trainor. After three hour session, the PT will make their assessment s\and provide your personalized exercise to be follow.

   8. Every branches has different way of using key locker, simply ask question and observe how they use it.

  9. Finally, you must be a credit card holder or someone will lend you a credit card to pay for your membership. Just remember that Fitness first is business, it will charge you even if you don't use their facilities and you will have a hard time in canceling your contract. As the saying goes, buyer beware, in this case member beware!

Oh my pimple!

   I don't believe in ghost!..not until yesterday, when i thought i saw a ghost in the  mirror while i was washing my face... but it turned out to be just me!..That ghost is really me, unfortunately!

  As i was studying my face, i had a hard time accepting the reality that it was really me. It is totally different from my memory of my own face... I realized that gaining weight has not been very friendly with my skin, aside from "manas look" , my face is also oily and covered by pimples.

   My husband jokingly said that pimples is the consequence of losing weight. On the normal days,  I would agree to him, but not when I surely believe i could be [pimpled free and sexy by simply taking my body.

   Consequently, i immediately think of solving my problems--

   According to Wikipedia, A pimple, zit or spot is a kind of acne, and one of the many results of excess oil getting trapped in the pores. Some of the varieties are pustules or papules.^[1] Pimples can be treated by various acne medications prescribed by a dermatologist, or purchased at a drug store with a wide variety of treatments.

   Oily skin goes together with pimples, it can be remedied either by over-the -counter medicine and natural method. The difference between the two is-- PRICE. In natural way, you need not spend extra money, only determination.

   My natural ways of preventing and avoiding pimples are--

1.  Washing  face. Any kind of soap will do, provided all existing dirts in the face is removed immediately.
2. Massage your face. Massage helps the blood circulation in the face and exhaust dirt and sweat from the face.
3. Eat vegetables and fruits.

  A pimple is not a disease that needs to be cured by medicine. It is the result of how we take care of our body and our skin.

  

   

  




   
 

Zumba! Zumba!

     On my second day of Zumba class, i realized that Zumba Gold is different from Zumba fitness. Consequently, i immediately visit one of my friends Miss Wiki. 

      According to Wikipedia ,  there are eight different types of classes for different levels of age and exertion. These include Zumba fitness, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, Zumbatomic, Zumba in the circuit, Zumba Gold-Toning and Zumba Sentao. Zumba Gold mainly targets the older population. It is specifically designed to the needs of the elderly and includes the same kind of music as the Zumba fitness party class. Zumba Toning is for the people who do their workouts with toning sticks. Zumba Toning will target the abs, thighs, arms, and other areas. Aqua Zumba is Zumba in the water. It includes challenging work-outs in the water and redefines the definition of Zumba fitness party. Zumba in the circuit is the dance combined with circuit training.

      Because the Zumba program is low-impact, it is safe for all ages.At least some of the classes are specifically aimed at elderly people, which can help them to build strength, improve motion and posture, and socialize. A typical Zumba session burns between 500 and 1000 calories.

      Zumba Gold as Wiki said is for oldies, but i vehemently opposed since, just like Zumba fitness, it will squeeze all your fats out of your body.

     

[edit] Products

no rice please!!

   An instructor in Zumba Congressional mentioned that she never eat rice for the past eight (8)  years of her life. As  expected, as i am a desperate to loss weight, i , again tried not to eat rice. Fortunately, for 3 days now, rice is no longer in my plate. 

  Unfortunately, i cannot start with my lemonade diet,  as i am munching bread and fruits in between of lemonade.

   Biguerlai may not really good to me, as it always give me headache.With regard to cravings, i have so many, that i do believe now that,mere thinking of food, can add calories. ( been in diet for a week and my weight is still the same)

   It is really hard to diet when my mind only thinks food ( even while typing this). But it gives me determination to go on, everytime i think that i am still 52kls( 2kls stays in my tummy) ..still far from my ideal 45kls.Maybe someday, i can strictly follow lemonade diet, but for now, i guess, it is enough that i did not gain weight for one week.

my revlon lipstick experience

Im not fond of lipstick, simply because my lips are naturally pink but think and wrinkled, until i tried REVLON COLORBURST LIP BUTTER.

   Admittedly, i am not a beauty expert, hence i am not the right person to tell how great this product is. I dont even wear lipstick, and even if i buy ( sometimes) ,  were always a waste of money, and i hate myself afterwards. ( i hate wasting money)

   But anyway, since i was emotionally feeling down, i allowed myself  to be coerced by a saleslady to purchased this product, since it "looked" great to my lips. to make story shorter-- i bought this lipstick, despite knowing that this will be another waste of money( bad side of being emo is wasting money )

   Alas! i found the lipstick really good, no more wrinkled lips, just moist, light and kissable lips. Though, it does not stay long in my lips, but every minute of using it is really worth of its price (Php 800-900. My thought was, it is called butter bursts because its as silky as butter, as it easily glides in my lips and really soft, without the greasiness of butter though. 

   

   

lemonade,biguerlai and zumba!!

    As part of my " project lemonade diet" , i ate little for a day or two as part of the  breaking phase . Then when i felt that i could start the fasting, i drank the biguerlai laxative tea as part of my preparation., on the eve of my supposedly "day 1" of fasting. Unfortunately, when  morning came i was suffering from headache and stomach discomfort that i could hardly get up from bed. To appease such discomfort, i ate one (1)piece of hard boiled egg( fasting,huh!)  and  drank one glass of lemonade with honey.

                                                              Biguerlai laxative tea

    My initial ingredients were lemonade and unprocessed honey, instead of Maple, since we have several bottles of honey and i don't like to spend extra money for the Maple syrup( just being frugal, hehe )

    That same  day was also my first day of  Zumba class  together with Pinky ( mother of my daughter's classmate ) and Che( who is pregnant, our audience) . As ignorant as i am, i was not able to bring water ( this is really important) and extra comfortable clothes ( i brought office clothes, not so comfortable) .

 

                                                                    Zumba exercise..

  Zumba indeed was a very exciting exercise, in just one hour, i felt that i am one pound sexier  lost weight unfortunately, my headache continued that  my focused was distracted and made me a bit devastated ,FYI  --I paid Php 300.00 for Zumba session and felt that i was not able to utilize every minute of it.

   After our Zumba session, i drank my lemonade, and true indeed, i didn't feel hungry, simply because i have'nt heard my  stomach growling , but the  headache was still there.

   As genius as i am, i remedied my headache by eating  lechon cebu and lots of rice, drank biguerlai afterwards. My dinner consists of two sunny side up eggs ( fave) and one spoon of rice( so much for fasting)

      here comes Lechon Cebu.......

       Fortunately, after a good night sleep and a little discomfort due to biguerlai, i still feel headache but not so much before.

       I guess, no gain really if there is no pain.  But i still have a 12pieces of lemonade, 10bags of biguerlai laxative tea and lots of honey hence, expect that i will still try lemonade juice with honey, but i am not so sure if i could call it a diet.

  

Let's Diet the Lemon

  

    After eating lunch, i saw our secretary squeezing half of lemon on her glass of water, she explained that  it will  immediately dissolve the fats that she have eaten. As curious as i am, I immediately googled the truth on her statement and  was totally shocked when i saw how popular the LEMONADE DIET is, that even Beyonce, Gina Lopez, Lucy Torres  to name a few,had taken it.

  

    Accordingly, Lemonade Diet needs only Lemon, grade B Maple Syrup( can be found at Healthy Options ) and a dash of Cayenne Pepper( MCcormick), which are pretty easy to find and reasonably cheap, compared to other detox ingredients.Those who have taken this diet swore the great effect and " no grouchy" feeling of this diet. They even claimed that the maple syrup will give energy, while the cayenne  will dissolve fats and the lemon has all the nutrient that our body needs.

    As i am truly convinced by the positive effect of the lemonade diet, i decided to give it a try.  I know, my body will not take it easy, but this kind of diet promises a thorough cleansing of my insides, which will be good for the Liver, since i am Hepa B inflicted, herbal and other meds are "no" no" to me and to my liver.

    The diet requires a breaking up stage, where one person should take orange juice and soup on the first day and orange juice only on the second day, and on the third day, the lemonade diet will start.

   Honestly, i have no intention of finishing the 10day diet, but a try of 2-3 days will really make difference in my body., and my lemonade fast will start tomorrow, as i will buy oranges and lemonade tonight.

   

Let's shop at S&R

   Yes!! even if i am a certified "very frugal", I find S&R as haven of sin  for  people like me.. S&R is like KRIS AQUINO. You either hate it or love it.

   S&R is just like..

Kris Aquino...

   Anyway, as i am partially and undeniably doubtful of my own feelings againts S&R and Kris, i could shamelessly admit that i am a regular and a member of S&R, in the same way that i  bought every product that Kris endorses..(hush) 

   I love S&R for the simple reason that i love going there.. Honestly, no reason at all. Its like loving and hating Kris....no reason at all.

   S&R provides array of imported goods. One can find great buys, especially if you are in the business of restaurant or hotel or selling imported goods. 

  

   S&R is almost  like DUTY FREE since almost all products are imported in the same way that it is like PURE GOLDS since it offers whole sale package for cheaper price.

  S&R is a sister company of DUTY FREE- a store  exclusive for balikbayan, and PURE GOLDS which is for middle class to poor market.

  S&R offers mega sale at least twice a year. During the mega sale, one should understand that there will be a long queue and most products are buy one take one or 50% off.

  This store offers imported liquor for a  cheap price, especially during mega sale event.But of course, lets not forget the Bunny Ice Cream (250-300), Pizza ( 89-99.00 per slice) and unlimited Soda ( Php 45.00) for a "burping" and "full" shopping.

I fly with seair!!

  Have you ever heard of Seair? If not, then your as ignorant as me.

   Last Saturday,  July 08, 2012, I had the chance to flay with SEAIR  from Cebu City to Ozamiz City. As i am totally ignorant of this new aircraft, I have no expectations at all. 

  

  Alas! alas, or maybe we are just lucky that day, the aircraft arrived on time and we fly on time. But... the aircraft is very small, ( with a seat capacity of approximately 100 passengers max) , the seats are uncomfortable, windows are slightly dirty and feels like riding in an ordinary Bus, as it vibrates so hard that my entire body ached after the 35minute fly.

 But, as i am literally very frugal, I don't mind riding in an ordinary Bus with SEAIR, as long as  the arrival/departure is on time, provides  cheap package and and i will arrived safely.. 

  But please remember that, IT HAS NO FREE FOOD nor choices of food are very limited,  in such a way that  souvenirs and food products are contained in a small basket carried by the stewardess.

My kirkland weight Loss shake experience

     As  i  am very vocal with my desire to loss weight, my good natured husband offered his Kirkland Weight Loss Shake.

    I  initially refused for the simple reason that one (1) can of Kirkland Weight loss cost Php 44.00 in S&R.  However, my husband  using blackmail and force upon my person told me that drinking Kirkland will in fact save me money, because it is a good replacement for a meal and will help my  bowel movement in the morning.

    As i got curious i checked the Nutrition facts--

Kirkland Signature Weight Loss Shake - Milk Chocolate

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 can (325ml)   Amount Per Serving Calories from Fat 20 Calories 230   % Daily Values* Total Fat 2g 3%   Saturated Fat 0.5g 2%   Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g     Monounsaturated Fat 0.5g     Trans Fat 0g   Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 360mg 15% Potassium 670mg   Total Carbohydrate 44g 15%   Dietary Fiber 4g 16%   Sugars 38g   Protein 10g     Vitamin A 35% Vitamin C 100% Calcium 40% Iron 15% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

There are 230 calories in a 1 can serving of Kirkland Signature Weight Loss Shake - Milk Chocolate. Calorie breakdown: 8% fat, 75% carbs, 17% protein.

  The nutritional facts seems good, so i tried to drink half of the content of the can. Unfortunately, no impressive result happened. Thus i stopped drinking it.

    However, last night, as i felt bloated due to uncontrollable eating, i drank the last remaining can of Kirkland. Alas!!alas my dear!!,  as early as 4'o clock in the morning, i  rushed to the comfort room and enjoyed my "great moment" while flushing everything's inside my stomach of two days uncontrollable eating. In just one can, i feel lighter and one pound sexier..

  

 

Oh my papaya!!

    

       I always believed that i will never gain weight, in the same way that  my mother never gained weight after bearing five (5) children, (me, as the sexiest, hehe). During my pre pregnancy body, I only weigh  40kgs as my heaviest, with 0 size body and 23 waist line.

     When i gave birth to my eldest, and a year after that, a caterer for my eldest's birthday party mistook me for being pregnant.It hurt my feelings that i decided to lose weight, seriously?!

     Unfortunately, i got pregnant even before i started my weight loss plan.

     ..And now, five (5) months after  i gave birth to second baby, my body continously gaining weight, that i can no longer remember my own body and face every time i  look at the mirror!!

     

     I know, its not my genes or my food, its  basically my lack of discipline to exercise and cut down my food intake. 

PAPAYA DIET

     Here comes  a PAPAYA DIET, which, due to cheap price and its availability everywhere ( just like pineapple) i decided to use it for my diet. For a price of Php 35.00, i can buy a medium size Papaya which i can eat alone or share with officemates. 

    After eating Papaya for one (1) week, i have experienced the following benefits--

•  Papaya is lighter in the stomach. I can eat the entire medium size Papaya without feeling over fed or heavy.
•  Regular bowel movement, which helps me save money to buy dolculax and other anti-constipation medicine. (But make sure that there is always a clean comfort room near you. )
• My skin feels more elastic and clearer and definitely  looks younger for my age.
•  I lose(minimal) weight.

     Accordingly, Papaya has the following health and skin benefits--

• It boosts male virility.
• It helps premature aging
• Increases quality of proteins in whole organism.
• Revitalize the human body and maintain energy and vitality.
• Encourages the renewal of muscle tissue, as it serves skin cleanser, toner and moisturizer.
• Supports cardiovascular system.
• Boosts up the immune system (more Vitamin A and C)
• Helps with the digestive system, by breaking down the proteins and supporting production of digestive enzymes, ( anti- constipation ) 
• Can be used for external wounds( use papaya peel or oil) 
• Prevents the cataract formation.
• Due to high vitamin A, it lowers the risk of emphysema in smokers and passive smokers.
• Alleviates inflammation.
• Helps with the nausea and constipation.
• Can benefit people suffering colon cancer and other forms of cancers and aliments of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.
• it whitens the skin
• can be used as exfoliator as it  remove dead skin cells
• it moisturize and hydrates  the skin 
• It can be used as Papaya vinegar, papaya facial mask, skin toner, and moisturizing oil

     I am still overweight and my body has curves in wrong places, but PAPAYA DIET is really effective and promises nothing but beautiful skin and healthy body for a very cheap price.

   

     

Hep! Hep!...Hepatitis B!!!

  It was May 2009, when i discovered that i was pregnant, as required I undergone pre- pregnancy tests, including Hepatitis B. For unknown reason, I am Hepa B positive, my doctor then advised me to have another laboratory  test in one of the hospitals in Metro Manila. My husband and I immediately went to Perpetual Hospital in Las Pinas and had our blood tests. Again,  I am positive while my husband, luckily, is negative. He was advised to have anti- Hepa B shots, which he did.

    After giving birth to my second baby, my pediatrician suggested  to have  my Hepa B checked, for possible treatment and advised. Again, i was too afraid to even visit a Doctor. 

  But last saturday, July 30, 2012, I had the courage to visit  National Kidney and Transplant Institute. The doctor showed a simple illustration , of which i called a " timeline of HEPA B". The explanation is so simple--

     First-- From the time  Hepa B is contracted, a patient shall have 30-40 years before a Cirrhosis    will occur.

    Second-  From the time the patient have inflected Cirrhosis, another  Five (5) years before Liver Cancer will start. 

     Third - No comment.

   The doctor advised me to get my blood checked and to have an ultrasound of my liver. She also advised my husband to undergo Hepa  B profiling, to determine if he needs Hepa B booster and how much precaution he should observed. I was also advised to checked the vaccinations of my children, just to make sure that they  will not inherit the disease. ( We are thinking to to have our children checked for Hepa B)

   I am still waiting for the result, but i am praying really hard that the my Hepa B is inactive, but as of this moment, i started to change my diet and really take care of my health. I also realized how much i love my husband, my children, my parents and siblings. 

   I know i will forever be Hepa B positive, but i do believe that i am God's daughter, He's the ONLY ONE who can tell me that my time is up. TIMELINE, it sucks!!