How to eat a Mabolo Fruit

During, one of our trips to Calamba, Laguna, We happened to chance by a Mabolo Fruit or Velvet Apple. It fascinate us since it was the first time we've ever encountered such a fruit. It resembled an apple in size and shape, except for its hairy skin and strong odor.

How to make a home made Charcoal Dehumidifier

Summer is officially over and the rainy season is just around the corner.  Flooding is a hassle and drying clothes outside could be very challenging.  During this time our home becomes very humid inside and sometimes molds form.  Molds not only destroy clothes and furniture, it also poses some heath concerns such as nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation.  To reduce the humidity inside our home I decided to shop around for a dehumidifier. 

LED Bulbs VS. CFL Bulbs

For quite some time now I have always wondered using LED Bulbs are really more efficient compared to CFL Bulbs.  LED's are a common find in the use of electronic gadgets and equipments as they normally require low voltage requirements and dissipate less heat.  The rising cost of electrical bills is causing a strain in managing your monthly budget.  It makes you wonder if you are really getting your money's work for all the money you are paying for monthly bills.

Rather than dealing with the technical specs. of the LED Bulbs that are currently available in the market, I decided to conduct a little experiment and  used various brands for comparison and here are some items that I've found:

Sunday's, Family Day, and The Feast @ Festival Mall Alabang...

My wife and I used to be active members of our local YFC groups at school. It was through our participation in YFC that We first met. All through-out our college years, We were active member of YFC. But work, family responsibilities and daily schedules has greatly reduced our participation. With 2 small kids and another one on the way our interaction with God has also been reduced to daily prayers and going to mass.

Sunday is a very special day for us. As a family We always look forward to our Sunday's. It's the only day in the week were We get together as a family.  It's also the only day in the week were We give 100% attention to the family and opening of our computers and working from home is considered a no-no.  We usually spend our Sunday's going to mass then visiting our parents or eating out together. We were raised as catholics and of course We want to bring-up our children to the catholic faith. Since our kids are still young to go to school and Sunday school is not available in our community, We searched for a group where We could bring our kids so they could interact with other children while learning about the catholic faith...

As faith would have it, somebody introduced us to The Feast in Festival Mall Alabang.  Aside from the celebration of the Mass during Sunday's, they also have a short prayer meeting sponsored by the Light of Jesus Family were you could learn about how you could improve your relationships and the way We look at our lives.  And the also have a Kids Feast for your kids.  So for 3 weeks now, My Family and I have been going to The Feast at Festival Mall Alabang, and it has been a welcomed experience for our family. Going to 

The Feast every Sunday has closer not only to God, but also as a Family. We encourage you to bring your own Families to The Feast at Festival Mall Alabang, it's truly an enriching experience.

Starting March 10,2012 The Feast @ Festival Mall Alabang will be having a new schedule:

Every Saturday:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Saturday Feast
7:30 pm  - 8:30 pm Anticipated Mass

Every Sunday:
10:30 am - 12:00 nn First Session
12:00 nn - 1:00 pm Mass
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Second Session
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Mass
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Third Session


Check out The Feast @ Festival Mall Alabang
2nd Level, X-Site Entrance, Festival Mall,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Living a Healthy Life is a committed choice

I used to take pride in having a fast metabolism.  I could eat anything and do almost any physical activity without even breaking a sweat.  I could play an entire basketball game without being substituted.  Having a 28 inch waist line is a good index of my former physical stature.  But age does have its way of catching up on us.  From 110 lbs., I gradually grew to 165-175 lbs.  My weight gain may not be much for some, but for someone whose weighed less than 100 lbs. most of my adult life the extra weight is quite a burden.   I forgot to take care of myself, I stopped exercising, I ate too much and drank too much of the wrong foods.  It wasn't until I reached the age of 30 that I decided that I didn't want to live like this.  I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension and classified as OB2 on my BMI.  At first I thought of it as a funny joke.  I used to tell myself that it's normal for people of my age to feel this way.  But I found out otherwise.  I felt always tired and sluggish.  I experience all sorts of body pain.  Even going through a flight of stairs became more of a challenge than a daily routine.  Pill popping with all sorts of headache and pain reliever became part of my daily routine and no matter how much sleep I have, I still seem to be always tired. Then I would make a life changing decision that would change my life and the way I live for the rest of my life.  The birth of my second child came with additional responsibility.  If I was having trouble raising one child, how much more 2?  Then I made a committed decision not just for myself, but for my family that I would live a healthy life.  But don't get me wrong the results didn't happen overnight.  It took me almost 2 years to reach my ideal body weight.  There was no magic formula, just a series of steps and rules I set for myself to achieve my goals.  Here are some of the steps I took on my way to a Healthy Life:

1.  I cut down on eating processed foods and drinks. If it's stored in a can, it's definitely not for me.
2. I refrain from drinking alcohol and soft drinks...
3.  I reduced my intake of fatty and oily foods. I try to take in more fruits and vegetables than I usually did.
4.  I don't each junk foods...
5.  I reduced the amount of salt and sugar intake from my diet...
6.  I drink plenty of water whenever I can...
7.  I reduced my pork intake, I normally eat fish and chicken...
8.  I go to sleep early before 10 P.M. and wake-up early around 5-6 A.M. the next day...
9. I walk to wherever I want to go, whenever I can...
10.  I try to get some exercise as much as I can...

As you can see the steps I took in living a healthy life are not new.  I didn't force it upon myself to do it all at a time.  Gradual steps I took daily led me to a healthy and fruitful life. The how is no longer important, if you have a strong enough why.   As of my last annual Physical test, I am now within my normal weight of 150-153 lbs. with no signs of hypertension.  I am living proof that change is possible. I was able to do it so can you...

Technology, the Internet and how Santa made my little boy cry...

Technology and the Internet have played a very important role in shaping the World as We know it and the way We will see the future. No longer is the Internet confined within the 4 corners of our homes and offices. but is now virtually everywhere.  The Internet is now part of our daily lives and has become an effective tool which joins family and friends together even to the far corners of the world. 

Recently, I came upon a website called the Portable North Pole TV (www.portablenorthpole.tv). The website allows you to make a personalized Christmas message for family and friends this Christmas season, personally given by the one and only Santa. The website allows you to make messages for both kids and adults in a fun and whimsical manner.  You can either choose to place someone on Santa's naughty or nice list.  I had loads of fun creating personal messages for my family and friends. Placing them in the naughty list made for lots of laughs as the messages were both witty and funny.  Out of curiosity, I decided to make a personal message for my son and decided to place him on Santa's naughty list.  I wanted to see how much effect Santa has on my little boy.  It was funny the first half as my son fully believed that Santa would grant him his wish this Christmas.  However, as Santa told my son that he was on the naughty list, tears began to flow on my little boys eyes.  Good thing Santa told him that it was still early and he still had some time to get to Santa's Nice boy list. I guess Santa's still got his magic, may it be on person or through the Internet.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All...

Aches and Pains, Modern medicine, and Acupunture Manila

I’m personally not a fan of going to the hospital and getting pricked by needles.  I'd tolerate just about any type of ache or pain, as long as it doesn't require any immediate medical attention.  So it’s very ironic for someone like me to consider trying Acupuncture.  Acupuncture has been here for as long as modern medicine.  Acupuncture consists of inserting a series of needles into certain pressure points in the body.  Even some medical doctors do prescribe Acupuncture, but only as a supplement to medical treatment.  Acupuncture, when administered properly has been said to relieve certain aches and pains.  Acupuncture also improves body circulation and proper absorption of medication.  Acupuncture has little know side effects as there are no need to use chemicals.  My wife actually introduced me to Acupuncture. She has been experiencing excessive vomiting and nausea during her pregnancy and was prescribed by her Obgyne to try Acupuncture.  After inquiring and researching through the internet she found an Acupuncturist located in front of Ospital ng Maynila. Fortunately, the Acupuncturist is also a medical doctor.  After a few sessions my wife’s condition gradually improved.  Ultrasound and laboratory results show that she was doing fine and there were no side effects.  During one of her sessions with the Acupuncturist, my wife suggested that I personally try the treatment as I was stressed out from work and experiencing recurring cough and cold.  Though not a firm believer of Acupuncture, I decided to humor her and try it out for  myself.  After all, if little children and pregnant women can do it, so can I.  Besides if Acupuncture was totally bad or destructive to your health it would have been banned or outlawed years ago.  I was first asked regarding the symptoms I was experiencing while my pulse was being checked.  If your afraid of getting an infected needle, don’t worry as they use fresh needles sealed in blister packs and used needles are properly disposed.  Though I could feel the needles going into my skin they were not as painful as getting a shot for vaccination.  After all the needles were inserted, I counted about 14 pcs., I think. I was asked to relax for 15 -30 mins.  I didn’t want to move, as I was afraid that the needles might sink deeper or get dislocated.  Actually, I felt relaxed and had a certain urge to sleep.  However, I wanted to observe myself for the last few minutes.  After the treatment, I felt a little better and my coughing settled down a bit.  I didn’t expect any drastic changes after the procedure, after all treatments need to be done over a period of time to regulate the body and to work properly.  All in all, it was a great experience and I will definitely return for another session if my schedule permits it.

Teresa Chu-Uy, MD

Acupunturist

PHYSICARE MEDICAL CLINIC

Unit B Manila Bay Arcade

Cortabitarte St. Cor. M.H. Del pilar St. (Infront of Ospital ng Maynila)

Malate, Manila, Philippines

Tel. No.: (02)5741524

www.accupuncture.com.ph

Connecting to family, friends and loved ones and the power of the internet

I could still remember a couple of years back when I was still conducting and attending trainings overseas. During that time the Internet was still developing.  Dial-up connections was still the popular.  Though broadband connection was already available, it was still quite expensive and available to mostly corporate clients and a few selected hotels. I could still remember an experience I had connecting to 1 of the prime hotels in Singapore. During that time they were supposed to be one of the few hotels which offer premier Internet connections.  However, you still needed to dial-up to establish a connection.  The problem was, you had to pay for each connected or attempted connection. It was very difficult to establish an Internet connection and I ended up with a SGD 100 bill. So I resorted to use prepaid cards and mobile roaming calls. Overall, I paid a whooping Php 40k for a months usage of mobile roaming calls. As the Internet connection improved, messenger services became very popular and accessible. Yahoo messenger and Skype became very popular during that time as it allowed you to do PC to PC chat. However, I found Chikka messenger very useful as it allowed me to send SMS messages from PC to mobile phone and vice-versa. This used to be a free service, but now for a small fee you can still send messages from your PC to a mobile user. The recipient mobile user just needs to reply to the message sent from the Chikka messenger user. For a time mobile 3G communication became a fad, but eventually died out as cost of the service was quite expensive, both user had to have 3G capable phones and 3G service was network dependent. Eventually, Yahoo and Skype offered audio and and video calls.  This eventually became the standard for what we have today.  The improvement in Internet connection made this technology possible. Internet connection today is measured by speed and bandwidth. Broadband connection is no longer limited to offices and businesses, but is in fact a part of every house hold. Social media sites soon followed, and offered their own brand of communication.  Today mobile web browsing has enabled Internet access outside the confides of traditional PC and notebook user.  Today, using your mobile phone you can connect to other people around the world through mobile web browsing. You can answer e-mails, access messenger services, connect to social media sites or remotely connect to your home or office PC. Indeed technology has gone very far from its humble beginnings. I can wait to see what tomorrows technology has to offer.  We have truly been able to bridge the gap between people in different countries through technology. 

Share the Gift of life, become a blood donor

Life is such a precious commodity that we often take for granted.  We never truly appreciate the value of something unless it is truly gone and lost forever.  Advancements in technology, innovations and pressure from society has pushed as to live a careless and free lifestyle.  We indulge in drinking, smoking, eating unhealthy foods and other vices, not knowing we are gradually destroying our bodies.  Our bodies are unique in every aspect. It is difficult to repair, parts are not easy to find, and there is always a 50/50 percent success rate in repair.

Blood is such a rare commodity, though everybody has it, there are different blood types available.  In emergency cases, where a certain amount and type of blood is needed, it is very difficult to find a suitable blood donor.  Though a person may be willing to share their blood with a patient, one must first pass a series of tests and evaluations in order to become a donor.  Doctors are very meticulous and cautious when selecting a blood donor, because using the wrong or contaminated blood could have serious complications to the life of the patient.  Becoming a blood donor is a very good indication of living a healthy lifestyle. The requirements necessary to become blood donor means that you are in a good physical condition and free from all vices and sickness.  

So live a clean and healthy lifestyle. Stay healthy, live a long life and share your blood.  Though your blood will may not entirely cure the patient, it will definitely prolong their life and give them a fighting chance in living a healthy and productive life for the remainder of their natural life.  Become a blood donor, share your blood.  This is the 3rd time I have shared my blood and have not felt any side effects, but have felt as great as I have in the past few years.  I plan to donate my blood at least once a year or as often as I can for as long as I am able.

Father & Son Talk about a Windows Xp Error Message:

David: Daddy there's something wrong with the computer game I'm playing.
Daddy: What seems to be the problem David?

David: The game I'm playing is not working. A Message appears on the screen.

Daddy: What does the computer say?

David: "There is a problem with the game you are playing. Please call your Daddy or
        Mommy to fix the problem, or restart your computer and try again."

The Feast Festival Mall Alabang

Gone are the days when masses were just conducted inside the confines of traditional brick and mortar churches. The advent of technology, the change in work hours, the  demand of modern society has forced the church to adapt to the times. The average working hour is 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., this besides those working overtime and shifting schedules, weekends and holidays. Normal church masses are usually conducted from 7 A.M., 5 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. in the evening which is difficult to catch specially if your working in the metro.  To address this situation the church has made some innovations to bring the word of God to the people.  Masses are now being conducted in office lobbies, schools, shopping malls, super markets and even online.

One place to catch the First Friday mass is at the Feast Alabang which is located at the 2nd flr. Festival Mall Alabang just above national bookstore near the entrance. The Feast Alabang conducts First Friday masses at 7 P.M. This is ideal for those people going to work near Madrigal Business Park and near areas. 

Website: http://www.feastalabang.com/
Contact Numbers
(02) 659 82 99
(0916) 593 2845 (Globe)
(0919) 950 0027 (Smart)

My Number 1 Priority...

There are important things in life that we often take for granted.  Little things from a beautiful sun shine, a majestic sunset, a breathe of fresh air, or laughter of a little baby. Yesterday, my Son & Wife went to the Zoo. My son apparently had a great time as he asked his mother to call me up from the office to tell what he saw from the zoo.  As soon as I picked-up the phone my son told about all the animals he saw from the zoo in less than a minute... "not to mention the Lion, the king of the jungle, rarrrgh..." I was so happy for him as he had a wonderful time and also sad at the same time as I wasn't there to experience those moments with him. I was glad though that he wanted to call me up and update me on his day as though I was actually there to experience it with him.

I went home early as I wasn't feeling well and feeling burned-out. Probably this is the highlight of my day, as I usually leave home early to find my kids sleeping or go home late to find my kids going to sleep.  AS soon I opened the gate, I head the loud footsteps of my son charging to meet me at the gate. For I moment I thought I was going to be run over by a train or trampled upon by a stampede as the force of my son's charging bear hug was enough to knock me flat on my back.  The force of that hug was so strong that it was able remove all the stress I was feeling.  This reminded me why I get up early everyday, to share a moment with my kids before I leave or arrive home from work.  This is my number one priority. My job maybe my profession, but my family is definitely my number 1 priority.

It's A bugs life...

Yesterday morning as I was about to leave for work, I noticed a noticed a strange visitor waiting for me at my gate... At first, I thought that it was a huge cockroach hanging by the side of my gate. You could image my shock as I saw it by the corner of my eyes. The size of my visitor could have frightened even a bear at first glance.  However, looking at my visitor more closely, I realized that it wasn't a cockroach.  It was in fact a butterfly, a wonderful majestic butterfly.  It had been raining for a whole week now and it was nice to see a butterfly. Maybe the rains will finally stop and nature is slowly recovering it's grounds.  I live near the city and honestly say that I could not recall the last time I saw a butterfly.  I can't really remember the last time I actually stop and admired a butterfly close up.  I've been so busy with work and my personal life that I haven't stopped to think and reflect.  Seeing the butterfly was a breath of fresh air as it allowed me to slow down and appreciate life.  It was natures way of reminding me to slow down and recover my bearings.  A butterfly is truly one of the greatest miracles of life.  Image that this beautiful butterfly as once a small caterpillar.  In order for the caterpillar to evolve into a butterfly is must undergo a transformation stage.  Much like persons, We don't really have much to start with in life, but as we mature, we develop characteristics that make us wonderful human beings.

Good Day World, have a blessed life...