To Be, To Be. Tutubi.

Life is What Happens

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:42:00 +0000

I can't believe that it has been 8 months since I last updated this blog! This year has been one of the most memorable year ever, and maybe that's it! I was so busy living that I forgot to write about it! So just to recap, here was how the year went by quickly!

In no particular order:

I went to Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan
I bought a house and finally moved in this May
I was promoted at work and since then has been working with a bunch of super talented people
Climbed maybe 5 mountains, but of course
Signed up for my first ever marathon.
Been driving to work for a year a now, yey! (but still not good at parking nor directions)
Joined a meeting with our Chairman, in his office, after 16 years in the company! (okay, I have joined several meetings in the board room but finally joining a meeting in his room was a milestone for me, hahaha!)
I bought a ticket to finally travel all by myself (okay, only in the PH,but baby steps guys!)

So those are just some of the things that happened to me during this past year and the year before. Major events have transpired, both in my personal and professional life, and I can not be more thankful to God for helping me get through all of them, and come out stronger and better!

So I will try to update this blog more frequently now, hahaha!

Live and Be Well with Taiwan Excellence Products

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:53:00 +0000

Rapid technological innovation has paved the way for better healthcare and medical solutions. Older people can move around with ease thanks to e-motors and scooters, people monitor their physical activity with handy trackers, and surgeons are able to perform more efficient and safer operations with smart surgical solutions. These are just some of the breakthroughs of Taiwan Smart Healthcare products. Bearing the Taiwan Seal of Excellence—a mark accorded only to the highest quality brands— these revolutionary products have guided people toward healthier and safer lives.

Utilizing 3D and Digital Imaging for Safer Surgeries

In minimally invasive surgery, fewer and smaller incisions are made on the body to lessen post-operative pain, blood loss, and scarring. Thin needles and an endoscope, a tube-shaped instrument with a camera and light, are used to guide the operation. The MonoStereo 3D System converts the 2D video captured by the endoscope into a 3D display on a monitor. Through these images, doctors can get accurate depth feedback in real-time, ensuring surgical precision and faster procedures. Smart Surgical Glasses from Taiwan Main Orthopedics Co. Ltd. allow doctors to plan more accurately prior to surgery. As the surgeon looks at the operative site, 3D images of the patient’s bones and tissues appear on the screen, allowing them to save real-time photos. This can reduce complexity and operation time by up to 30%. An additional benefit to medical staff is less exposure to radiation from X-rays.

Keeping Sugar Levels in Check

With conditions like diabetes, ongoing monitoring of blood sugar is a necessity. Bionime’s Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems allow diabetics to easily monitor their blood sugar. The GM260 model delivers accurate results in just five seconds, using only a tiny blood sample placed on a test strip. The GM700S and GM700SB work with multiple types of blood samples, and the latter facilitate the transfer immediate transfer of results to smartphone via Bluetooth. The GM720 comes in an all-in-one fashionable case that holds additional strips and lancets.

Movement Anytime, Anywhere

Mobility becomes an issue for many people as they age. The ergonomic design and lightweight frame of Heartway Portable Scooters provide for travelling with comfort and ease. Weighing less than 27 kg, the foldable S19 Scooter Brio can be activated by one hand in seconds and may be stored inside a car trunk with no dismantling required. Powered by a lithium battery, it can travel up to 24km on full charge. The S21 EASY MOVE folds up electronically with a single push of a button, and can go up to 7 miles on a full battery. Both scooters support average weight builds and have easy-to-use controls.

For more information about Taiwan Smart Healthcare products, check out taiwanexcellence.ph or facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/.

About Taiwan Excellence

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence honors Taiwan’s most innovative products, which provide tremendous value to users worldwide. Products bearing this symbol have been selected for specific Taiwan Excellence Awards, based on their excellence in design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D, and manufacturing. Initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 100 countries.

Organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA

The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. is responsible for implementing policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, the BOFT's role and position have been adapted regularly to meet the needs of the ever-changing international economic and trade environments. BOFT guides and works with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities, both internationally and domestically. Having worked closely with TAITRA for several decades, BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade, and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.

Implemented by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, quasi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers in strengthening their international competitiveness and in dealing with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotional strategies.

What I Was Like As A Child

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 02:38:00 +0000

I was a very cute and chubby kid, who likes eating anything that I can have my hands on! I have a picture here to prove how cute I was!

Okay, so I was maybe a year or so here so this picture is antique, circa 1977! I don't think I look like any of my kids though, and that's a good thing! Hahahaha!

My Most Memorable Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 01:59:00 +0000

Aside from all the wonderful memories of motherhood, my most memorable moment from my childhood was when I received an academic scholarship from St. Paul College of Pasig for my high school education. I was the only one, among 200 students, to pass the exams from Caritas Manila, and to qualify for the scholarship. Because of that wonderful opportunity (though cut short, but that's another story), I was given a chance to study in one of the best Catholic schools in the country. It has also given me a solid educational foundation. It has also made me realize the vast gap between the rich and the poor, and though I was literally a charity case in that school, I can choose to be positive about it. That positivity and optimism has brought me to where I am now. Sad to say though that one of my most memorable moment also brings back one of my saddest moment in life, that early on. But again, that's another story.

Podium Finisher

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 10:09:00 +0000

I finished 3rd in URC's 3rd Fun Run for a Healthier Run! This was my second year, winning the 3rd place medal, and teh cash prize of P2,000. Indeed, running has given me a lot of benefits!

I not only get to run with my family and friends, I also get healthier, and I also get cash! What better way to stay healthy, right?

So keep on running!

I Just Felt Like Running

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 10:34:00 +0000

I am not a couch potato (most days). I (think) I live a fairly active lifestyle. I climb mountains, I have a gym membership where I try to go everyday and I am not averse to walking. But I have this crazy goal of running a marathon before I turn 42. And this leads me to trying out half marathons in order to prepare myself for a punishing full mary in a year and a half's time.

But, on my third half-mary, I can honestly say that I am enjoying myself, and I can already see changes to my body. I try to run at least 5 times a week (2 days run then rest and then 2 days run and then rest). I also try to go to the gym daily for functional training, impact circuit and trx classes. I also see my run time improving. For my first 21K in October 2016, I did 3:30 then 3:16 on my 2nd last April 2017. For the third run last June 25 during the Leg 1 of the Run Rio trilogy, my time was 2:55, which is my best PR yet. I will run the 21K in August, and I hope to finish at 2:30.

Fitness is my motivation for having started running. I want to be able to live a healthier life and running give me such a good feeling that I feel my body looking forward to it. Just like Forrest Gump, there are days when I just feel like running! And soon, I will be confident enough to register for a full marathon!

Make Brushing More Fun with Minions!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 01:17:00 +0000

My kids are no longer babies (not!) and they are do things on their own already. They are now in their teens, and i don't have to remind them (not all the time, hahaha) to get themselves ready for bed. But I still can still clearly remember how it was a few years ago when just getting them to brush their teeth was such a pain! Good thing we made brushing such a fun activity.

Here are some ways how I made it fun for them:

1. Get them nice toothbrushes! When I go to the supermarket, I let them choose their own toothbrush so it doubles as a toy! Something like these Minions toothbrushes will do the trick! You can get these brushes here for you 2-5 years old, and here for your 5-9 years old.

2. Sing a song. Either a happy birthday song, or any song will do. Okay, you can't really sing while brushing your teeth, but you can make noises, hahaha! Or you can do a chant, like Squeeze, Brush and Rinse!

3. Make it into a contest! Dare them to follow the leader, so they mimic what you do, or who can clean their teeth the best. The kids will get crazy over those.

There are other fun ways to make brushing more fun as long as you let it be an enjoyable activity to look forward to.

Have fun brushing!

How Have You Changed Over the Years?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 03:21:00 +0000

I saw this app on Facebook that shows how much you have changed over the years based on your profile pictures. I got older, but I got prettier, hahahah!

PUP Laboratory High School Entrance Exam Results for SY 2017-2018

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 03:16:00 +0000

Update: Here is the link to the results.

My daughter took the PUP Laboratory High School entrance examination last February 18, 2017 and now, we are waiting for the results. The results are expected to come out on March 17, 2017. I am a PUP alumni (both undergraduate and MBA), my eldest son also passed the college entrance exam and my middle child is now on his 8th grade in PUP Lab High. So we are keeping our fingers crossed that the youngest will also pass. But I am sure that is the sentiment of all parents of more than thousands of examinees!

In the meantime, lets all just keep praying for a very favorable result for all of us!

My 2017 New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 02:57:00 +0000

Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 07:19:00 +0000

City Buffet Galleria: Could Have Been Better

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 06:15:00 +0000

Last night, I had a chance to eat again at City Buffet in Robinsons Galleria. In case you missed it, I did my first review of this palce in 2012 and fast forward to 2016, I didn't think there was an improvement. Again, I was not paying for the meal because it was a birthday treat and while I thoroughly enjoy the evening with my best friends, I couldn't say the same for the food.

The dinner buffet on a weekday was at P399, inclusive of unlimited drinks. The aircon was not working so there were huge fans in the dining area. Only a few tables were occupied, so it was not hot nor unpleasant.

As to the food, here are my plates and I think I have sampled everything except for the pasta and pizza. Of course, my first plate was from the sushi section and I had a piece of everything. No, they don't have salmon or tuna, only sushi. And they don't have shrimp tempura, only crabstick and vegetable. I asked, and they said they only serve shrimp tempura during weekends. Hayyyyy!

Anyway, so there was little selection and there were just a few people. But the service was great. The crew were all smiling, and apologetic when I asked about the tempura, and was very helpful in making the sukiyaki.

So, again, will I eat at City Buffet again? If free, yes. But if I were the one paying, I would rather eat somewhere else.

Road to Fab@40

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 11:08:00 +0000

I will be hitting my 4th decade next year, and so, I am making lifestyle changes today. I started with a gym membership last April, and a commitment to be Fab@40. I also plan to run a half marathon before the year ends. Why? Because I would rather spend for gym membership than maintenance medicine. I would rather out-plank my son and do more push-ups than him. Because, I want to do something today so that I will be more fabulous, and fit, in the next decade of my life!

This is not easy, but I am half way there as I have already the commitment to work out daily. Now, if I can only start to eat properly, hahahah!

Happy Birthday, Inay!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:00:00 +0000

My beautiful mother turned 62 last week. I am very thankful that she is still strong and funny and with her loved ones at this. Sa dami na nyang pinagdaanan, she deserves to be happy. And I hope to be able to do that for her! I love you, Inay!

Once a Potterhead, Always!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 10:39:00 +0000

I posted this picture for an Instagram contest that I joined for the 19th year anniversary of the Harry Potter book series. I am really a fan and have completed the books as gift from my co-workers and from my husband because they knew how much I love them.

As to my favorite quote, this one tops the list. Although there are so many quotables in the book, I believe that this one is the best. I wish that J.K. Rowling will write more books about Harry, but we all that its not possible. So just enjoy the books because they are such a great piece of literature.

Link Worth is Still Paying for Ads

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 03:58:00 +0000

I am happy to report that as of today, Linkworth is still paying for its ads, despite being delayed for more than 2 months, and after many,many emails from me. I have been with Linkworth since 2012 but have only written a few paid posts over the years and then just recently, in March this year. Then, come April, they said I have been paid, based on the payout invoice but it took a lot of emails for them to finally pay me last week. But hey, better late than never, right?

Yey, I now have seed money for my Hong Kong trip next year!

My First Podium Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:22:00 +0000

Last Sunday, June 5 was Universal Robina's Fun Run for Every Juan and I ran 10k. And surprisingly, I finished 3rd in the female category! It was indeed a pleasant surprise because it came with a medal and a certificate, and P2,000 in cash! And it was my first podium finish!

So, how did I do it? I honestly don't know! But I think: 1) There were few female 10K runners, and 2) I ran more than I walk, which was not the normal for me. Anyway, it was such a heartwarming and pleasant surprise so maybe, I will just try to run more again, hahaha!

Papa John's Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 02:53:00 +0000

I am not really a huge fan of pizza (more of a burger fan), but when I was given gift certificate from Papa John's last Christmas, we went ahead and tried it. The kids loved it, especially the chicken poppers.

Not sure if I will buy it again though. I still prefer Yellowcab. Or Shakeys (for the mojos, actually).

Thursday Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 07:23:00 +0000

I am grateful for:
1. John Grisham
2. The Walking Dead
3. Survey for Thesis coming along fine
4. Little Store lumpia
5. My first born for bringing me to the office on our motorcycle. It was fun and scary to experience his driving for the first time.
6. Singapore next week! (For work though, hahaha!)
7. Its a holiday tomorrow and I am thinking of going up the mountains. Not very sure if my husband will allow me though.
8. Cleaning my office cube! And finding many shoes, hahaha.
9. Able to sustain no-meat and no-rice, so far.
10. Blogging for keeping me sane, or otherwise occupied. I should be writing my thesis! Hahaha

My First Trip Abroad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:49:00 +0000

It was already 4 years ago today, but I can still remember my first trip abroad as if it was just yesterday. I was with a group of 5 girls (office mates) who were all younger, yet more traveled than me. So, while I was the oldest, I was the most excited, and the most scared, hahaha. Anyway, it was very memorable because it was my first trip, and it was to cross-off one item from my bucket list- to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Sunrise in Angkor Wat

Since then, I have been to Cambodia (2x), Vietnam (2x), Singapore (2x), Malaysia and Japan, and I have only begun! So may advise to you is to save, travel, enjoy and repeat! I have never regretted my decision to travel abroad, and my only wish is I could do it more often. But anyway, the few times that I do is really, really fun!

So again: save, travel, enjoy, repeat.

Thursday Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 08:50:00 +0000

I am grateful for:
1. Title Defense finally done and I think, I just might graduate this May!
2. Exercised everyday since Saturday. Yey!
3. New running shoes, thanks Aryssa!
4. Chinese Lumpia from Little Store
5. National Museum last Sunday with Le Familia
6. Free Uber ride with the hubby
7. Survey questionnaire just got approved.
8. Lam Tin Tea House. Love, love their food!
9. Kamote, For diet.
10. No rice and no meat for lent. So far, so good.

Thesis, Thesis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:33:00 +0000

So, I think that I will finally be able to graduate this year. This is thanks to my classmates, officemates and friends who keep on urging me and encouraging me to go on. So I have to face my greatest fear, of doing my thesis.

So posting in this blog might be a bit sporadic. But I will try my best to still update from time to time.

Thursday Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 03:48:00 +0000

I am grateful for:
1. Van is coming out today, fingers-crossed!
2. Caryl and Roy's wedding last Sunday
3. The wedding reception: the food, the wine and the company!
4. Done with first consultation for the thesis and its looking good!
5. My new haircut
6. The Biggest Loser contest in the office
7. Running and doing NTC exercises every lunch for 3-days straight!
8. Runtastic and Fitness app
9. Pandesal
10. The climb this Sunday, wooohooooo!

Pinoy Street Food: Betamax

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 02:26:00 +0000

Do you what a betamax is? Those are the forerunners of CDs and DVDs used as video storage and they are now largely obsolete. They are rectangular black thingie with magnetic tapes inside. And the street food above are called Betamax because of the rectangular shape and black color. Betamax is made up of coagulated chicken or pork blood grilled in coal. And dipped in spicy vinegar. And yes, they are yummy, and yet, not for all, hahaha. Are you feeling a little adventurous today? Then try one of these from your favorite street vendor!

Thursday Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 11:48:00 +0000

I am grateful for:
1. Meeting our thesis adviser and having a very rough draft of my final thesis.
2. The car is almost here!
3. Studying how Uber works and praying that we can make it.
4. Nicholas Sparks' The Choice
5. Ramen at Ukokkei
6. Zumba!
7. A bag full of books. I love the smell of real books!
8. My gown for Sunday's wedding
9. Friends who come with you to choose gowns or lend you shoes!
10. Booking a hotel for our May Boracay trip.