Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Kinder Joy Fun Activity for Kids: A Fun-Filled Treat for Kids Ages 3-12 Years Old!


Kinder Joy invites all mommies to register their kids to three Kinder Fun Activities happening on August 2 and 3, 2014 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Atrium, G/F Fully Booked, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It promises to be a fun-filled learning day for the kids. Activities are as follows:

Book Reading 1st session 11:15AM-12NN
                        2nd session 1:45PM-2:30PM
                        3rd session   4:15PM-5:00PM

Art Attack       1st session 12:00NN-2:30PM
                        2nd session 2:30PM-3:00PM
                        3rd session  5:00PM-5:30PM

Quiz Time      1st session 12:30PM-1:00PM
                        2nd session 3:00PM-3:30PM
                        3rd session 5:30PM-6:00PM

Registration is FREE! To register, log on to http://bit.ly/backtoschoolph 

Registration closes on July 31, 2014 at 6PM. The said event is open to kids 3-12 years old. 
One time registration only please. Each registered child is allowed to bring 1 parent/guardian to the event area. Limited slots are available. First come, first served basis. 

For more information, like Kinderjoyph on Facebook. #Kinderjoyph

So, save the date mommies, I'm sure your kids will be enjoying this activity. See you there! 

Monday, July 28, 2014

SkinTrends: The Acne Authority-Review: Acne Treatment at its Best


I could vividly recall how acne almost ruined my prom night. After months of planning, finding that perfect gown, complete with dinner reservations, being asked by my dream date...then comes the dreaded last-minute acne flare up right on top of my nose! Arrgh! If you're the parent of an adolescent, "heartbreak by acne" is an all-too-familiar scenario, making your emotionally fragile teen want to hide under her bed until semester's end.  It's such a crushing blow from this notorious villain that manages to crash every momentous adolescent event. Teens are luckier these days because help is now within reach. SkinTrends-The Acne Authority is here to help acne sufferers zap those pimples away. Known for specializing in acne treatment, SkinTrends is out to help improve the lives of acne patients. 



Let's face it, acne affects about 85 percent of Filipinos at some point in their lives and is the most common skin disorder in the country today. It also affects the majority of adolescents worldwide to some degree, and is a major source of embarrassment for many.  Experts report that many people underestimate the self-consciousness and social stigma that come with having acne. Acne is one of the most common skin problems for which people seek the advice of a dermatologist. For such a common condition, it is astonishingly misunderstood and mistreated by some medical professionals.  

But it isn't just teens who are afflicted—roughly around 4 million Filipino adults also suffer from acne, and its psychological toll is no less significant. Typically, those suffering from acne feel self-conscious, embarrassed, and helpless. For many acne patients, the embarrassment can lead to low self-confidence, feelings of alienation, and social withdrawal. It's not hard to understand, then, why many people spend so much time and money trying to find a solution to their acne affliction. After trying a slew of ineffective over-the-counter products, many look to their physician for an answer. Sadly for most people, acne self-medication is the answer which not only have potentially harmful side effects, but an attempt to treat acne's symptoms while completely ignoring its underlying cause will not really solve the problem. It's such a good thing that there's The SkinTrends--The Acne Authority whom we could count on. 


Founded by Dr. Herbie Joy Mongcal in 2006, SkinTrends became a hit to its loyal clientele simply because satisfied clients would spread it through word-of-mouth and referrals. Now, on their 20th year of acne expertise, SkinTrends continuously serves it clients through its eight branches in Laguna and Metro Manila. SkinTrends offers many other services but for years it's really been the go-to skincare center for those who have acne. 

When treatment after treatment fails and acne keeps reappearing, it's likely your doctor will call your acne condition "chronic." What this really means is, the treatments are the wrong ones! The underlying cause of your acne problem has not been addressed…Other skin clinics does not totally address the cause of your acne, but rather in merely managing it. Managing it means ongoing visits to your dermatologist, and continued profits for the medical and pharmaceutical industry. But certainly it's not the case with SkinTrends. 




My Mom and I have tried the acne treatment services at SkinTrends. Unlike other facial centers we've previously tried, their facials aren't painful. Dr. Mongcal has stringent standards for her clinic. For one, before a therapist does a client's face, she has to personally try on Dr. Joy Mongcal's face first. She has to pass the dermatologist's standards, because only then will she be allowed to work on the actual client. Thus, expert pricking of acne, blackheads and whiteheads are done at SkinTrends clinic and are guaranteed painless. SkinTrends also offers treatment with topical anesthesia for optimum results for those with less pain tolerance. 



"At SkinTrends, we treat acne in a holistic manner. We have to rule out gynecological causes of acne in female patients. We suggest our clients to OB-Gyne for a workup. If findings point out to hormonal cause, these underlying causes are corrected. Patients are also advised of lifestyle changes with regards to their diet and sleeping patterns," stresses Dr. Mongcal. 


Aside from excellent acne treatment services and well-trained and friendly therapists, one more thing I like about Skintrends is that they hold their treatments in private rooms and not in a common area unlike other clinics I've previously tried. It gives each client convenience not to mention some privacy. They guarantee each acne full cycle treatment package. If you aren't satisfied, SkinTrends give more additional treatments free of charge, as follows, depending on the case:
Mild (6 weeks)
Moderate (12 weeks)
Severe (18 weeks)




Treating acne should not be a burden. SkinTrends made sure that availing of their treatments won't put a hole on your pocket. All their treatments are reasonably priced and treatment packages are made affordable. 

SkinTrends are located in Fairview, Quezon Avenue, Eastwood, Alimall Cubao, Festivall Mall Alabang, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 


Monday, July 21, 2014

The Brow Studio: Threading and Waxing Spa Review


Growing up, I was told not to do anything with my brows. Someone said that if I shave it thin, I'd look old and when it grows back, it'll look bushy like a caterpillar. So the obedient lass that I am, that's exactly what I did. Back in college, my classmate Amy Gines (who grew up in the US) plucked a few strands off my "virgin" brows. I remember how painful it was but after she was done, I did liked what I saw--it made me look pretty. Too bad, I wasn't able to maintain the shape of my brows which Amy did. Then, when my good friend, Ronna Apostol came back for a brief vacation from the US, she also tried her magic hands on my brows using a tweezer. My brows looked really good after that. But then again, I didn't know how to use a tweezer nor shave my brows properly once it has all grown back. So when I was invited by another friend to try a threading and waxing spa called The Brow Studio, I immediately said yes because this is exactly what I need! I need to tame my brows again! 


The Brow Studio is a threading and waxing spa salon that guarantees a high level of expertise in the shaping and grooming of one's eyebrows. When you come to them, they eyebrow experts will assess and advise the best eyebrow shape based on your facial features, they'll even give out an Brow Rx prescription later with a personalized brow blueprint as well as tips and reminders on how you can take good care and maintain your brows. And they've been in the business for the last four years and counting, and since they've opened in 2010, their clientele and loyal patrons has indeed grown in number. 

The Brow Studio is the first Filipino-owned specialty threading and waxing spa for eyebrows in the country. It has been giving the utmost care and attention to one's eyebrows without burning a hole in your pocket because it's made affordable so that Filipinos can easily maintain the condition of their eyebrows. 


I immediately fell in love with the interiors of The Brow Studio--it has my fave purple/lavender color mixed with some pastel sunny yellow. There's an elegant chandelier as centerpiece which attracts attention and adds some chic vibe to the place. Best of all, they have these super comfy lounge chairs for each customers while their brows are being made. All these simple details are enough to let you know that they really give their customers some TLC. 

The cozy and comfy chairs at The Brow Studio

"Our brow designers go through rigorous training with a combination of classroom and hands-on sessions. They are trained to master the rudiments of handling the thread and eyebrow arch creation. They are taught how to conduct facial shape assessment. The best training is constant practice so each brow designer is made to thread over 100 pairs of eyebrows prior to starting the job," shares Ms. Kristine Tobillo, owner of The Brow Studio.


The Brow Studio also has waxing services. They use two different warm wax, namely Caramel Warm Wax and Gigi Wax (US brand). Caramel wax is an all-natural wax made from sugar, honey and calamansi (Philippine Lemon). Gigi on the other hand, is a US brand that prides itself with removing body hair quicker. Both produce the same hair-free results and remove dead skin as it naturally exfoliates the skin, leaving it whiter and more radiant. 


For those who aren't happy with their current brows because maybe for some reason they had overdo plucking and tweezing, fret no more! The Brow Studio also have the innovative Brow Vitamins sold for only Php425 per 10ml easy-to-use roll-on bottle. It's great to use to achieve healthier, fuller and thicker brows. Proven to be safe and effective. My Aunt had been using this product for months and this had been a fan since then.

The Brow Rx Prescription on the left with some of the staff at work.

Now, it's time to try their services! I haven't actually tried the threading method until I came to The Brow Studio that afternoon. Threading is a hair removal method where unwanted hair is removed from the roots with the use of cotton threads quickly and effectively. This is designed based on the ancient art of hair removal used by Asians for centuries. At first, I was kinda scared so I told Ms. Emy (The Brow Studio eyebrow expert) to be extra careful as it's my first time to try threading. She had assured me that because she's been doing their job for several years and therefore has mastered the job, all The Brow Studio staff are able to bring down the pain to a very tolerable level. 

Your author looking scared during threading.

After assessing my eyebrows, using an imported 100% anti-bacterial cotton thread, Ms. Emy (The Brow Studio staff), began to do a combination of threading, tweezing and cutting to define and clean my eyebrows. At the Brow Studio, they also use imported and specially formulated eyebrow tints to fully define eyebrows. 



True enough, the pain was indeed tolerable.Threading is much tolerable than plucking or tweezing. She plucked and threaded my brows with care and attention that I was surprised when Ms. Emy said I'm good to go. Yes, grooming a pair of eyebrows takes usually only 15-30 minutes. My beloved nephew took a photo of my brows before and after threading. After uploading them on my Instagram account, likes and comments came, quoting a friend who made a comment, "I must say, I love your brows! I love how they didn't trim a lot of it--like what usually happens when you let "unexperienced" work on your brows." Of course, at The Brow Studio, you can be assured that only professionals will touch your brows.

   Here's my instagram account showing the comment.

    Left: Friendly staff at The Brow Studio and the owner and the author


Interested to try the services at The Brow Studio? They have ten branches nationwide, visit the branch nearest you:

The Brow Studio-Eastwood City
2nd flr. Eastwood Citywalk 2, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

The Brow Studio-SM Megamall
5th flr. Bldg. A, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

The Brow Studio-SM City Manila (franchise)
5th flr. SM City Manila

The Brow Studio SM City Lanang Premiere
Lower Ground flr, Sm Lanang Premiere, Davao City

The Brow Studio-SM City Baguio
3rd flr. SM City Baguio, Luneta Hill, Baguio City

The Brow Studio-Shopwise Araneta Cubao
2nd flr. Bridgeway, Shopwise, Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City

The Brow Studio-SM  North Edsa The Block
5th flr. SM North Edsa, The Block, EDSA, Quezon City

The Brow Studio-SM City Clark
2nd flr. Wellness Zone, SM City Clark Expansion, Clarkfield, Pampanga

The Brow Studio-SM City BF Paranaque
3rd flr. SM City BF Paranaque, Dr. A Santos cor. President's Ave, BF Homes, Paranaque

The Brow Studio-SM City Fairview
Lower Ground Floor, Annex 2 SM City Fairview

For more information, please follow them on Instagram @thebrowstudioph and you may follow them on Facebook too, The Brow Studio. 

Special thanks to Ms. Kristine Tobillo and Ms. Nana Nadal.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 







Wednesday, July 16, 2014

FEEL THE MAGIC AT WORKING MOM MAGAZINE’S ALL ABOUT KIDS BAZAAR


Working Mom magazine will be bringing moms and kids to experience a fun and magic like no other as it launches the All About Kids bazaar at the Rockwell Tent on August 9. 

The All About Kids bazaar offers that perfect dose of family fun, along with incredibly HUGE discounts to boot. There will also be a lot of surprises in store for everyone: there will be games and demos for all kids to enjoy with their families, while parents can dig into all their favorite kiddie brands as they go on sale for up to 75% off.

For the kids' enjoyment and for the parents' convenience, the All About Kids bazaar will also have a play pen, a book nook, a bubble show, street magicians, and balloon twisters. Even a mom and kid pampering booth will be set up to give moms on the go that perfect chance to be pampered and have their much deserved "me-time". 

This year’s All About Kids bazaar will also be where Working Mom will hold an online photo promo. To join, simply visit and like Working Mom’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/workingmom.magazine), take a photo during the event, and tag Working Mom with the hashtags #workingmommag and @allaboutkids. Special gifts will be given to selected photos.

All this and more will be happening on August 9 at the Rockwell Tent from 10:00am to 6:00pm. So Mommies, save the date, it promises to be another red letter day for the whole family. To enter, simply present a copy of Working Mom’s latest August issue, which is available at leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Do You Have ADHD?


A generation ago, when one sees a hyperactive child, he was immediately dismissed in vernacular as either malikot, matigas ang ulo, makulit, adelantado, pilyo, if not mahina or worse bobo. Often, a parentsl reprimand was the answer to unbridled energy. Chances are, the child grows up with a wounded sense of self along with overwhelming confusion about why he is the way he is, limiting his chances of a promising future, when he should have been taken to the doctor for a diagnosis or an assessment and prompt treatment. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered and recognized as childhood developmental problems characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It usually affects males at a higher percentage than females. It is not known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60 percent of children with ADHD. However, few adults who were never diagnosed as children are identified or treated for adult ADHD. 

"Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks, or completing work within a given time frame. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational, and academic problems." 

Common behavioral problems that are associated and may stem directly from ADHD includes anxiety, chronic boredom, chronic lateness and forgetfulness, depression, difficulty concentrating when reading, difficulty controlling anger, employment problems, impulsiveness, low frustration tolerance, low self-esteem, mood swings, poor organization skills, procrastination, relationship problems, substance abuse or addiction. 


These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are really interested in or excited in what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, ADHD in adults can be withdrawn, introvert and antisocial, or they can also be the exact opposite--they can be overly social, going from one relationship to the next. 

According to mayoclinic.com, ADHD is not an adult-onset disorder and symptoms begin during childhood. ADHD has a strong genetic component. If a family member has been diagnosed with it, odds are high that one experiencing the symptoms listed suffers from it as well. In the past, the first treatment typically offered to adults with ADHD has been stimulant drugs. Studies show that approximately two thirds of adults with ADHD who are given these medications show significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. 

Adult ADHD can be treated with one or more of the following individual cognitive and behavioral therapy to enhance self-esteem, relaxation training, anger and stress management, life coaching to help set goals and develop strategies for organizing home and work activities, job coaching or mentoring to support better working performance, and improve relationships.

If you think you've got the symptoms, it's alright. You're actually in a pretty good company: Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Thomas Alva Edison, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Bill Cosby, Jack Nicholson, Donald Trump, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Jamie Oliver and Robin Williams-they all have ADHD. The key for them was to learn to harness all that extra energy into something productive. 






Sunday, July 13, 2014

Klinec Nail and Body Spa: Pamper Escape that Makes One Feel Like Royalty


Lately, my days have really been stressful and busy. I'd have to accompany my Mom to physical therapy sessions thrice a week (not that I am complaining though), in between that I need to squeeze sometime for my beloved Kyle and help him in whatever schoolwork there is. I also had to fix our stuff since our house currently undergoes a major renovation and do household chores such as washing the laundry on a daily basis, write articles for my blog and do my social media updates for my work. Whew! It's sometimes difficult to function well especially if you know you need time for yourself too. So when I was given the chance to have my precious "me-time" at Klinec Nail and Body Spa on a Friday, I didn't have to think twice, I nodded right away! 


Klinec Nail and Body Spa is located at 24-D Kamuning Road, Quezon City. It's just a stone's throw away from Kamuning's Jesus Delgado Hospital. If you're not paying close attention, you might actually pass by Klinec without noticing it. The pink signage upfront may not exactly be the kind that attracts attention. But once you've found it, you'll be happy that you did. Klinec takes pride on having some of the best nail technicians as well as an array of nail colors and styles for your digits. From caviar to stick-ons, crackling to gel polish, stones, stamps, liners, sprinkles to nail foil--name it, they all seem to have it! If you think nail services are the only thing they offer, think again! Klinec Nail and Body Spa has more treatments/services to offer: they've got facial and slimming treatments as well as signature massages among many others.

The Lovely Owner of Klinec Nail and Body Spa, Ms. Jichelle Chua

Owned and operated by 23 -year-old pretty lass, Jichelle Chua, who's a nursing graduate, Klinec Nail and Body Spa opened a year ago on that busy district of Kamuning Road. "They say when you start a business, it should be something you enjoy and you're passionate with. Since I love going to spa, I figured why don't I start making my own? So that's how it basically started," says Jichelle Chua. 

My feet in a relaxing jelly soak

I had myself felt incredibly special and pampered with Klinec Nail and Body Spa's foot spa which made my feet soft, smooth and pinkish. If only it could talk, it could probably say thank you. I feel sorry for my feet, I believe that of all my body parts, my feet are overused and the most abused--imagine carrying my 200 lbs. body frame wherever it goes? My foot spa started with a warm soak followed by a jelly soak. The jelly soak's somewhat ticklish, but nevertheless very relaxing. A warm towel was put on my legs and feet. Then, there was some foot scrub, lathering of some mint infused wash, and foot massage. The said treatment ended up with some moisturizing lotion lathered all over my legs and feet. 


I also got to try Klinec Nail and Body Spa's Combination Massage. As the name implies it's basically a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu. Before the massage started, I was asked to remove my clothes and put on the towel skirt before lying face down on the massage bed.  I liked their massage oils, it's not irritating to my olfactory nerves. The therapist (who trained with TESDA and will soon become DOH-licensed) kneaded out all of my lactic acids out of my system. She made sure to cover all my body's pressure-points and eased up my tired muscles. 


Then, to cap off my pampering treat, I had a manicure and pedicure done with massages. I chose Orly's Salmon Pink for my hand nails and Emerald Green for my tootsies. I would've originally wanted a French Manicure but I was told by the expert nail technician that I needed to let my nails grow longer if I wanted that effect. My nails are tad in size. But I've received compliments that although my nails are wee when it comes to their size, they are shaped like candles in appearance (just don't touch them, they are as rough as sandpapers!) Maybe next time I come back at Klinec Nail and Body Spa, I should try their hand paraffin treatment. I'll keep that in mind. 

In a nutshell, Klinec Nail and Body Spa is a perfect getaway. A spa tucked on that busy Kamuning district that will surely make you feel like a member of the royalty and will surely help ease out stress from work. Be a princess or a queen for a day when you come for pampering treatments at Klinec Nail and Body Spa. Your body or nails will surely thank you for it. With a cozy ambiance, excellent service, amicable staff and affordable price, what more can you ask for? 

Klinec Nail and Body Spa is located at 24-D Kamuning Road, Quezon City
Operating Hours is from 10am to 10pm
Call 0935-5455718/4128101 
Like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KlinecNailAndSpa
Follow them on Instagram @iloveklinec

Special thanks to Ms. Balot and Ms. Leony.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 








Saturday, July 12, 2014

Manila Water: True to their Promise of Caring in Every Drop of Water


An Uncle of mine used to work for MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System) or more popularly known as "NAWASA". I'm no stranger to the wonders of the Balara Filtration either because it's where I used to study lifesaving and swimming lessons under the Philippine National Red Cross as kid. But when the opportunity came to tour and revisit both places again for the Manila Water Lakbayan Tour invite for Mommy Bloggers Philippines. I immediately signed up knowing it's going to be an educational one, plus I also had the chance to tag my beloved Kyle, for him to see where does tap water come from? 


First up, we were given an early lunch at Cafe Via Mare, GT Toyota Branch in UP Diliman. We've had an array of viands from Kare-kare, Crispy Pata (which Kyle ate with gusto), Green Salad topped with Crispy Bacon Strips, Salted egg and tomato fried rice, Fried Tilapia with mango salsa and Coconut Sticky Rice with ripe mango slices and sesame seeds. While munching, I got to chat with other Mommy Bloggers as well as the amiable Ms. Angel Tudtud of FullCircle Communications and Ms. Kassy Pineda, New Media Manager of Manila Water. We were given a short briefing for our Lakbayan tour itinerary. 




After the feast, we were surprised to see the Manila Water Coaster right outside Cafe Via Mare. The 21-seater coaster was huge and indeed new with a flat-screened television mounted inside. Our first stop: The Manila Water Lakbayan Center! Oh, we were touched to have seen a "Welcome Mommy Bloggers" signage upon the entrance. At Lakbayan Center, we were given a short lecture/presentation on Manila Water's history, its efforts in improving its service, its vision, and developments throughout the years. There were a lot of things that were clarified with the half an hour lecture/discussion about Manila Water. There's a common misconception among Filipinos that the former MWSS resorted into privatization. First, it's not totally made into private but rather there was a partnership that transpired between Private-Government in which Ayala led Manila Water to take responsibility over Metro Manila's East Zone. Thus, Maynilad (Manila's West Zone) and Manila Water (Manila's East Zone) came about. These two companies are both under private sectors in partnership with the government, which explains why they have different Tariff amount. The main goal of this Private-Public partnership was to further boost operating efficiency, amplify service coverage and enhance service delivery. 


Back in the year 1997, there were roughly 3% of the metropolis were connected to sewers, the rest of used water either go to poorly maintained or improperly designed septic tanks then which directly proceeds to the city's natural bodies of water. Manila's waterways have been clogged and considered as biologically dead because of pollution. Manila Water helped in the rehabilitation of the three major river systems in the city, namely: Marikina, San Juan and Pasig Rivers. Manila Water has put up 38 used water treatment plants to treat used water from households to bring back used water to rivers. It was indeed a very informative presentation. I had no idea that Manila Water cleans our septic tanks/sewer lines every 3-5 years to desludge wastewater before it is treated to become Class C Effluent Treated Wastewater which isn't potable for humans but can support marine life. Manila Water's goal is to treat one billion liters of wastewater daily to decrease roughly 75% pollution of the covered area. 


Manila Water now covers 23 key cities and municipalities over Metro Manila's East including commercial and business establishments and spans 1,400 square kilometers and serves 6.3 million (99%) households 24/7 as compared to the 1997 data of serving only 3.1 (23%) consumers.



Since water is precious, Manila Water ensures the safety and round-the-clock water supply of its customers. We have also learned that Metro Manila's main water source comes from Angat Dam, water then travels to Ipo Dam and proceeds to La Mess Dam. Then it is conveyed to either the Balara Treatment plant or to the East La Mesa Treatment plant to undergo further cleaning using several treatment processes to make sure that water is safe to drink before making its way on our faucets. They regularly tests 847 water sampling points physically, chemically and microbiologically and assures that they comply with the parameters given by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water and the Department of Health. 


Through Manila Water's flagship program for marginalized communities in the urban poor communities, people who used to have illegal water connections were able to convert to regular water service connections so they now have access to potable water from the tap.



After the said presentation, since we have learned much about Manila Water's background and its purpose, we were all given a leaf to stick to their Seeds of Learning Wall. I wrote my name and my blog's url on my leaf before putting it on the wall. Then, we proceed to the Metrology Center where all residential and commercial meters are tested for accuracy and quality. We were taught how to properly read the water meter. 




From there, we went to the Manila Water Laboratory Services. I hadn't seen an actual laboratory (of course, aside from our Science related class in school) until we came here. Water samples are tested here. There's a phychem water laboratory, an isolation room, and bacteriological wastewater laboratory. There's even a ready shower with pull in triangle in the middle of each room just in case there's an accident or a chemical spill somewhere. Kyle, was just as curious because just like me he hadn't been exposed to Science as close as this. 


We then proceeded to the actual treatment plant where we were required to wear a hard hat. There we saw how wastewater were properly treated. Sorry but we weren't allowed to take photos on most areas. 



Soon it was time to go home. Thanks to Manila Water's Lakbayan Tour because it was not only very informative and educational, but eye-opening as well. As one of Manila Water's customers, if it hadn't been for this bloggers' tour, Kyle and I would have no idea where does our water come from and what do they do with used wastewater. Now, Kyle has completely understood the importance of water and why it should be saved and used properly. 


Just as all Mothers who care for their kids, Manila Water cares for customers with TLC. Every drop of water from our faucets, Manila Water makes sure it went through the long process of filtering, screening, treating etc. and has that guarantee that there's potable and adequate water supply. In this modern age, we had social media to thank for bringing brands closer to its consumers. Manila Water may now be reach via its Facebook account www.facebook.com/manilawater for water tips, trivias and other useful information, or follow @ManilaWaterPH on Twitter for live updates on service advisories. Customers may also report leaks or other concerns through these social media platforms as well as by calling Manila Water's hotline: 1627. 



Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

How I Recovered from Sickness with Kyle who acted as my Nurse


If you've been an avid reader of my humble blog or you know me personally that we're Facebook friends, then you must know that I couldn't write blog entries for the past months because I've really been through a lot since my Mom and I met an accident last summer. Of course, I'd rather not discuss such horrible stuff here simply because I don't want to go through those episodes ever again as it makes me too emotional. But I felt the need to mention them because what transpired over those things has indeed been a tough challenge and trial for me and my family and sadly, very recently, it has affected my own health. I've never been really sick for the past two decades of my life. The last time I remembered being in and out of the hospital was when I've had typhoid fever in Grade Four at age 9. I've never been confined in a hospital even when I've had a mild case of dengue when I was 26. That's how things had been. Until recently, barely two months after the accident I've mentioned above, I've started to have episodes of hyperacidity (it's my first time to experience such!), gastroenteritis (which was really bad--I totally couldn't eat for like three days and was only able to recover around two to three weeks after) and vasculitis. 

What is vasculitis? I really had no idea what it was all about because it was the first time I heard such. One morning, I woke up with scattered red rashes all over my legs, feet, and thigh, it even went up to my shoulders and to my face. My initial reaction was maybe I had eaten something I didn't know I was allergic to and so I had itchy rashes all over my body. And for a food blogger like me, it was indeed difficult to think about food allergies. How am I supposed to pinpoint which food am I allergic to if say I'd had a couple of food reviews in a week? But then, it wasn't your ordinary red spots because they turn super red to pink to bluish or purplish. I went to see a dermatologist and she told me I had vasculitis. So again, what is vasculitis? Vasculitis is the inflammation of the blood vessels. When blood vessels become inflamed, they become weakened, stretch or either increased in size or become narrow--even to the point of closing entirely. 

In many cases, the cause of vasculitis is unknown. But it could be traced on a recent infection, such as those caused by viruses. Occasionally, an allergic reaction to certain medications may trigger vasculitis such as taking an antibacterial medicine. It can affect people of all ages but it is certainly NOT CONTAGIOUS. 



I went on steroids for two weeks and I was also given some betametasone tablets by my dermatologist. All throughout my sickness, I had truly appreciated Kyle (who's 11 years old) who never left my side. He went up and down the stairs to check on me from time to time. He made sure I sipped on my soup bowl and even made me a cup of hot tea to drink. It was the first time I saw him literally took care of me. He even went to the nearest drugstore and did some errands to buy me my medicines. And I was so proud that he could really take care of me. What Kyle had shown during my times of sickness only proved that I had somehow raised him well. Although he complained and said that I'm such a stubborn patient because there were times when he'd have to prod me to eat my meals. 

I remember my Mom and my Lola (grandma) took care of me during my younger days each time I'd get sick. But seeing my own nephew whom I considered my own son took care of me was indeed overwhelming. I'm used to taking care of him and my Mom but I couldn't help but feel extra special now that Kyle's the one looking after me. I wish he'd still be there to take care of me when I get really old--when I finally come to what I call as "Twilight Zone". Although I've been telling Kyle to prepare and be ready one day when he's going to have to change my adult diapers when I poop. Well, but I guess it's too early to even think about that. 

In a nutshell, I've finally recovered from all those sickness. My vasculitis finally has cleared up after three weeks of medication. All that's left are scattered small scars on my legs. I had been blessed with a personal nurse in Kyle who despite being playful, naughty and sometimes a pain in the butt at eleven, turned out to have a caring heart. I thank God that He has restored me back to health. And I thank everyone who prayed for my family and who has helped us all these times. 
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