Liquid Diet

A liquid diet incorporates either partial meal replacement or all fluid consumption, which may be in the form of teas and juices. Most liquid diets may not be suitable for long-term or excessive weight loss. They are, however, of benefit for certain types of procedures—both pre- and post-op—plus they are a type of regimen that is desired following bariatric surgeries.

A liquid diet may not provide the needed nutrients to maintain adequate energy levels in most individuals. Short-term weight loss can be achieved, but when liquids such as protein shakes are eventually eliminated from the diet, pounds tend to be regained. Those who embark on a juice fast—also categorized as a form of liquid dieting—may find it less than satisfactory. The lack of proteins and fiber is also at issue with many physicians. In most cases, the replacement of food with fluids, even if medically supervised, simply will not be practical in the long term for those who need to lose only a minimal amount of weight. Some individuals believe that fluids will cleanse the system of impurities, including those that have built up in the liver. These beliefs are generally refuted, with the caveat that the elimination of most processed foods is always beneficial. The concern lies mainly with a fanatical approach to a liquid diet in which one ignores the essential vitamins, proteins, fibers, and other required sources for optimum health. Ultimately, nutrition and resistance to disease will suffer in the effort to achieve a more defined physique. Incorporating a liquid meal replacement can be an acceptable way to reduce a limited amount of weight, but should be used in conjunction with regular meals. Without portion control, these diets may fail as well. A general consensus, however, is that this type of approach will not teach individuals the necessary requirements of healthy eating to maintain the weight loss. Liquid diets can be safe and effective, but they're not for everyone. The most common side effect is postural hypotension--the dizziness you feel when you stand up too quickly. But this can be corrected by drinking more fluids. Patients also report constipation, frequent urination, dry skin, hair loss and intolerance to cold. Not surprisingly, during the first few days of the diet, many participants complain of hunger, but those pangs gradually subside. These diets, however, may be a boon to people with medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes or back pain--ailments that may be caused by obesity. In one study, 95 percent of hypertensive patients showed a decrease in blood pressure after one month on a liquid diet.

Advantages of having a Liquid Diet

Liquid diet is not only favorable but also nutritionally balanced. It’s hard to ignore your favorite food but what you need to do in this type of diet is to just open the lid of your bottle and add milk in to glass. And if you are going to have shakes then you should know of its sweetness and taste of different flavors, which will make this diet east for you.

Pre- and post-op are the certain type of procedures, benefited by liquid diet. Pre-operative diets a kind of liquid diet in which liquid flushes all the bowels while decreasing fagging on digestive system. You will be given a detailed leaflet by your doctor, explaining how to have this diet and for how long you should be having it.

If following bariatric surgeries, liquid diets are use and patient might have to follow a fluid-only diet for at least 10 days

Very often, immoderate cases of obesity are handled by the help of liquid diet because of the reason that, it is successful and effective. If following a Liquid diet, it is really important to have a physician for check up and to know the side-effects, as it is not recommended forever weight loss.

Disadvantages of having a Liquid Diet

These types of diets are kind of unsafe if does not supervised and advised by doctor, due to having low calories, fiber and lacking of important nutrition which can be only founding vegetables and whole grains. The liquid diet should only be for a specific time.

Studies have shown that, there is no limit of time in which weight can be lost if following a low calorie liquid diet and within three years, dieters can regain about 75% of weight lost.

The biggest problem is about eating habits. This diet can help you losing weight in a short amount of time but can’t help you to maintain long-term weight loss.

Liquid diets, if followed by you, without consulting anyone can be a bit risky. Because of the reason that, if your body will be having less nutrients, minerals and many other important things, your system will not work properly and you will be having problems like brittle nails, constipation, sensitivity to cold, and heart problems.

Korean And Filipino Culture

I have been teaching Koreans for more than 3 years and i have come to compare the two culture..

Korean culture like Filipino culture has been influenced by interaction with other cultures, technology and the natural instinct of self-preservation. Both Koreans and Filipinos made martial arts as essential part of their societies. In Korea, Martial arts have existed in Korea since the earliest ages. During the Goguryeo Dynasty, it is believed that subak (a general term for barehanded martial arts imported from China [pronounced Shoubo]), swordsmanship, spear-fighting, and horse riding were practiced. On the other hand, there are hundreds of unique styles of the Filipino martial arts throughout the Philippines. Regardless of the controversies behind the origins of systems and the various styles of Filipino martial arts, it remains that the "Arnis", "Kali" and "Escrima" are the most commonly used names for the indigenous Philippine Martial Arts.

Like all agricultural societies including the Philippines, Korean life has always centered on tightly knit families. Since the start of this culture the most important thing has always been the family. But, in Korea large families have been prized and over many centuries families intermarried within the regions of Korea to form large clans. Family names reflect this. A dozen family names predominate, especially Kim, Park, Lee, Kang, and Cho. But Kims from the city of Pusan in the south are not the Kims from Seoul and all the Kims know exactly which group they belong to. Same as in the Filipinos, custom forbids people marrying within their own clan, no matter how distant the cousin might be. In order to know who is who, families and clan keep detailed genealogical records that might go back many hundreds of years. Even in today's westernized Korea many people can still recite the glorious history of their clans and take pride in them.

Both in Korea and in Philippines, most things are done with the families’ permission. But in Korea, the eldest in the house is considered the wisest, and therefore makes most of the decisions. This tradition was started years ago, and is still being used today. Every relative in the family that is of the same blood is referred to as ilga. This means one house. Another term that is continually heard is tongjok. This is the group of paternal relatives. These relatives are very tight knit groups that, in many cases, live together in one home. Only paternal relatives can be in the tongjok. Maternal relatives can never join this group. The tongjok is mainly controlled with the property of the head family. In other words, the oldest living relatives take care of this group. Officials are appointed, and the family has a type of small government running the show. These officials hold special meetings where they discuss things ranging from ancestral rights to repair of graves. The final decisions of these meetings are made by the oldest living male. This leader takes care of things like funeral planning, festivals, graveside rituals, and helps with daily life.

Another thing is that in Korea, the wives do not follow their husbands’ family name but in Philippines, the wives change their surnames and follow their husbands’.

Vodka

What is Vodka?

Vodka is a distilled spirit with a high alcohol content that can be produced from a number of different materials and possesses different characteristics depending on the creator. Most vodka produced these days is made from a grain, though some is still made from potatoes.

History of Vodka

The process of distillation was kept secret for a long time. The first description of a distilling apparatus comes from the 13th century. The device was later described by a university professor in his treatise about wine. To produce beverages containing 60% alcohol with the device, the distillation process had to be repeated several times. The general knowledge about distillation was being slowly developed until 1800, when Edward Adam invented the process of rectification which removed its "bad taste". Further changes were made in 1817 by Johannes Pistorius, a German brewer, who built the first machine which could produce a beverage containing 85% alcohol in just one distillation. In Ireland in 1830 an apparatus was designed that could work continuously and allowed for production of beverage containing almost 90% alcohol. A similar rectification machine, but working periodically, was for the first time used in 1852 in a brewery in Saint Denis by Pierre Savalle.

Kinds of Vodka

There are two basic kinds of Vodka: Clear vodka and flavored vodka. Most flavored vodka contains 30-35% alcohol, whereas clear vodka is normally 40%, with a few brands offering a 50% product on top. Some types of vodka have plants or herbs added to the unflavored vodka to make it taste better.

How to produce?

Vodka may be distilled from any starch/sugar-rich plant matter; most vodka today is produced from grains such as sorghum, corn, rye or wheat. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior. Some vodka is made from potatoes, molasses, soybeans, grapes, sugar beets and sometimes even byproducts of oil refining or wood pulp processing. In some Central European countries like Poland some vodka is produced by just fermenting a solution of crystal sugar and yeast. In the European Union talks about the standardization of vodka the Vodka Belt countries insist that only spirits produced from grains, potato and sugar beet molasses must be allowed to be branded as "vodka", following the traditional methods of production.

How to store?

Hard liquors such as Vodka are "finished products", which means that, once it is distilled, aged, and bottled, it is done, and its flavor will not change. Aging Vodka will not improve the quality of the drink. On the other hand, if you store Vodka in hot temperature, it will go bad. So, if you intend to "store" Vodka, keep it in freezer or cool places.

What Determines the Success of a Restaurant

There are so many different factors that determine the success of any restaurants. I believe that one of the most important things is the menu whose offerings are delicious and properly served. Since the menu represents the restaurant’s theme or concept, it determines the restaurant’s image which is very important for the customers to make decisions whether to spend their money there or not. Menus and recipes are planned to support the marketing program and to promote optimum sales in terms of both food and beverages. Menus featured should be of top quality and should also conform the owner's criteria of ease of preparation. But the menu items must be offered at prices customers believe provide them value and yet are still high enough to yield a reasonable profit. The menu should be designed to meet the client's food and labor cost criteria.

As mentioned above, theme or concept should also be considered to make a restaurant successful. With a new restaurant, it is its theme or concept that is the cornerstone from which all other elements flow. And for maximum success it must be an intimate and consuming part of the owner's vision. But an existing restaurant already has created a conceptual theme or image in the minds of its patrons. Therefore, changes and additions to menu items must be made in a manner that will enhance the existing impression while adding a new, positive dimension.

Each restaurant has its own unique set of circumstances, which together create a service and financial environment that determines its success. Aside from the menu and prices, I believe that service design is also important to make a restaurant successful. This involves both the food preparation staff and front-end service. The staff should be knowledgeable about the menus they are serving and they, especially the front-end staffs, should be friendly and accommodating to customers. The quality of people hired also determines the restaurant’s success. They should be well-trained to prepare and serve the recipes, and are able to adjust them based on customer feedback.

All the factors mentioned above are very important and should be considered. But, another factor that I have in mind is the environment. The restaurant should be a place that will make customers feel good and comfortable. It has to do with understanding the customer’s feelings. There should be connection with the people who patronize the business. With this, special occasions and unforgettable moments can be made here which will make more loyal customers. I am thinking of special events like marriage proposal or a date that will make couples feel at ease and closer because of the ambiance. Connection between the customers and the place is one key to a successful restaurant.

There are many successful restaurants and their successes are not just based on one factor only. I believe that the factors mentioned above should be combined in order to be successful in this kind of business.

Traders Hotel Review

The TRADERS hotel has many interesting and helpful recreation and leisure facilities such as fully equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, salon, clinic, health spa and wireless broadband hotspots. Once you arrive at the Traders, you can be taken in by the impressive foyer with efficient and friendly check-in. They gave us a very warm welcome. I easily felt very comfortable. I am a studying about hotel institute management and I realize that the Front Office is the face of every hotel. It may look very simple but a polite and warm welcome by its staffs is far more important. I guess it's a hotel where everyone will surely experience warm Filipino hospitality and service from the moment of arrival to the moment of leaving. When I enter their office, I got a little surprise because its color is black. I find it gloomy though they have used correct lights to make it appear classy and not so dark. Still, I can say that it is in a good taste of colors and lights. Meanwhile when we enter their Function Room, we noticed that it led us to the stairway. When we passed the stairway, I got amazed of its very high ceiling though most of the stairway is dark. Also, they have this wall with a very big mirror on it. From what I have learned and believe now, mirror has a very beneficial effect of making a room or space bigger. Even small rooms would look like it has a wide space.

I have been to many hotels and I can say that this is one of the hotels that I really like because of its friendly staffs and great facilities. You will feel at home when you visit this hotel because of their complete facilities. This Hotel is just superb. The Cleanliness, the staff and the location are really amazing. It’s really an excellent value for money. They even have a very big restaurant where in they separate the smoking area to non-smoking area. Even the conference and function areas features complete and useful equipments like projectors and computers or laptops. They have wide range of services and facilities available for guest's comfort and convenience. Although the hotel is by no means new, the restaurant and pool area are currently being upgraded, the rooms are spacious and the location, overlooking Manila Bay, is superb .Those are clean and giving five-star services. So, I guess my overall feedback is positive, from the staffs to facilities and maintenance.

You can visit this site for more info: http://www.travelmart.net/philippines-pasay/traders-hotel/index.html

Flavor of the Month

Everybody knows the meaning of "flavor-of-the-month". It could mean many things but it is as simple as having interest or focus on something for a certain period of time. Well, i think i am having one now. I don't know why, but i have this interest on bags!! Shhh, my husband would surely not like this idea. I'm not into bags. I used to have cheap bags and i don't care. I used to have ordinary bags, and i really don't care. But now, i don't know what is going on with me!! I go gaga over bags. And not just bags but signature bags particulary the Ralph Lauren Bags. I actually bought one from an ebay store ( www.ebay.com ). The model says Ralph lauren Houndstooth Clutch Bag Purse. Like what i have mentioned from my previous post, i am not an impulsive buyer. I searched for the cheapest yet authentic and sheek design i could get. And this is what i got! I am so happy with it because, I saw the same design from other stores and it cost double the price i have for the bag. The seller is great and she sells authentic items for reasonable prices. You may check her store. This is the site and particular item i've won: http://cgi.ebay.ph/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170184196998&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=007

What can you say about my new bag?:P


This is the very first RL bag i purchased. Hope that its beauty and elegance will last a long time. And I really hope this wouldn't be the last...hahahhaa....:D

Hills like White Elephants

Two of my Korean students had this same research. These students are in their collage and high-school levels. I don't remember this story when i was still studying, so i got amazed of how this stroy is being used for research. I found the story interesting and so I had this reaction...

Synopsis / summary:

The story opens with the description of distant hills across a river in Spain. An American and his girlfriend sit outside a train station in the heat. No other details about their relationship are provided at the beginning of the story. They decide to order beer, and the woman who works at the bar brings the drinks to their table. The girl remarks that the distant hills look like white elephants, but the man discounts her remark.

The story continues to unfold through dialogue, and it becomes clear that the girl, Jig, does not understand Spanish while the American does. Also, as they talk, it becomes clear that the young woman is pregnant and that the man wants her to have an abortion. Through their tight, brittle conversation, much is revealed about their personalities. At the same time, much about their relationship remains hidden. At the end of the story it is still unclear as to what decision has or has not been made, or what will happen to these two characters waiting for a train on a platform in Spain.

Critical Literary Analysis:

When I read the short story, "Hills like White Elephants", I found it confusing and hard to understand

The story is set in a bar beside a train station. A couple sits together at a table discussing something that is unknown to the reader. The couple is enjoying a beer while awaiting their train. The young woman seems disconnected as she looks out over a line of hills and says, "They look like white elephants". This statement should set off an alarm in the mind of the reader. This statement and the title are symbolic to the meaning of the story. One must know that if one is given a white elephant then they are given an unwanted and useless gift. This leads the reader to believe that this is what the story is about. The couple continues to drink heavily which would also lead one to believe that they have something troubling them. As one continues reading, they are presented with a clue to the couple's problem. The man says, "You don't have to be afraid. I've known lots of people that have done it". He goes on to say, "If you don't want to you don't have to. I wouldn't have you do it if you didn't want to. But it's perfectly simple". This leads the reader to believe that, although it is the couple's problem, the woman holds all responsibility and the right to make the decision. As the story closes, she asks that they terminate the conversation. He takes their luggage to the other side of the train to assure that it is loaded on board, and then he return to the table. "Do you feel better?" he asks. She replies, "I feel fine. There's nothing wrong with me. I feel fine".

Throughout the story the couple refuses to speak of the problem. They refuse to speak of it for fear that actually saying it would be admitting that there actually is a problem. The couple is struggling over the decision of whether or not to abort their unborn child. The reference to white elephants symbolizes the abortion. Many years ago people would give miniature white elephants as gifts. They served no function and were considered unwanted, useless gifts. The abortion was an unwanted gift to this couple. The man continues to reassure the woman that the problem can easily be taken care of. One gets the feeling from the couple's conversation that she may want to keep their unborn child, but she would do anything for him; anything to keep him.

I like this short story. I liked how Ernest Hemingway allowed the reader to ponder what the couple was arguing about. The writing produced by Ernest Hemingway was in itself an act of rebellion that personifies the unique character of how Americans want or believe they should be perceived - self-sufficient, able to move beyond what most people would presumably consider personal setbacks. Also, Hemingway favored a more simplistic approach to convey his view of women, portraying obvious empathy for his female characters, while his male characters and protagonists appear to be more self-absorbed.

Theme:

This story presents a couple in the midst of a crisis. Although unmarried, the girl is pregnant and the man who has made her pregnant wants her to have an abortion. His belief is that the choice for abortion will free them to return to the lives they had lived before the pregnancy. He does not want to share the girl with anyone, particularly not a baby. He believes that the consequences of having the baby will lead to the breakup of the relationship. This story relies on symbolism to carry the theme of either choosing to live selfishly and dealing with the results, or choosing a more difficult and selfless path and reveling in the rewards.

Plot:

The action of the story takes place at a train station in the Ebro River valley of Spain, transpiring over the course of about forty-five minutes. The time setting is not given, but is almost certainly contemporary to the composition (1920s). This particular day is oppressively hot and dry, and the scenery in the valley is barren and ugly for the most part.

One of the Projects

I am a tutor. All my students are Koreans. I just want to post here the recent homework I made for my student studying at La Salle.

This story got me confused. If you could try searching this stroy in the internet, you might just get confused the same way...

Title: Swaddling Clothes

AUTHOR OF THE Book where the film has been adapted: Yukio Mishima

Literary genre: Drama, History, Crime

Cast of characters: (include only those with important role in the film)

• Toshiko
• Toshiko’s husband
• Toshiko baby’s nurse
• Homeless young man

Historical background of the story:

This strange story was written by a Japanese writer, Mishima Yukio, who committed suicide in 1970. The readers interpreted the husband as the American influence, the nurse's baby as new Japan, and Toshiko's baby as traditional Japan. Toshiko was seen as the author himself. Then the story turned out to be the interpretation of how the new Japan, which was changed by America's influences, would "kill" or end the traditional Japan.

CONTENT

1. SETTING:

· WHERE: Japan where Mishima was born

· WHEN: Around 1936 when a violent resistance movement happened in Japan.

2. The plot: This is a story about the death of a Japanese woman, Toshiko. Her baby's nurse bore a bastard baby at her home. The newborn infant, lying on the floor, was wrapped in bloodstained newspapers. Toshiko swathed the infant in flannel and laid him down in an armchair. Her husband, later on, talked about the boy's birth as an amusing incident in a party. Toshiko was shocked and dumbfounded when she heard this. She sensed the bastard baby would grow up in utter misery. She worried later in life the bastard baby would kill her own son. She considered whether she should sacrifice herself for her son. Wandering in a park, she saw a young homeless person lying on a beach. The sleeping young man, covered with newspapers, reminded Toshiko of the future of the bastard baby. Her approaching the homeless person woke him up. The homeless person abruptly got up from the bench and killed Toshiko. Toshiko died without any struggle. To her, she was dying for her son.

3. Characters: write down the names of the main characters, the role of each one in the story, and two or three adjectives top describe them.

· Toshiko – She is very sensitive. Her eyes are open to what is happening and what might happen around her. But I think she becomes oversensitive. She worries a lot.

· Toshiko’s husband – He is an actor husband of Toshiko. He is a very self-centered person. He doesn’t think about what others may feel. He is a much modernized person. He doesn’t live his life in an old-fashion way. He is open-minded to changes.

· Toshiko baby’s nurse – Her duty is to take care of Toshikos’ child as a nurse. She is a very irresponsible mother and an inconsiderate person. She didn’t think about her child’s welfare.

4. Message: has the film got a message? If so what do you think it is? Yes, the film got a lot of messages about love of country’s culture and traditions. In Yukio Mishima's "Swaddling Clothes" we see a great deal of symbolism portraying the corruption of the Japanese culture. And the characters involved reacted in different ways about these changes. The story is told through Toshiko, a lonely and seemingly oppressed wife and mother. She shows how this corruption is leading to decay. The story depicts the corruption of Japanese culture by western modernization.

5. What significant life experience have you seen from the film? Discuss it.

The times are changing and with that change, culture is adapting to it. Like each and one of us, Koreans have their own culture in which some has changed because of modernization or influence of other countries. In my own experience, I am Korean studying in Philippines. Sometimes, I feel culture-shock. And I have reacted in so many ways. I have adapted some changes and maintain some that I believe is better. I am open-minded to changes but not all. I only think of those things that I know will make me a better person.

6. What is the prevailing theme in the story? Support your answer. As I searched to further understand this story, I discovered that the prevailing theme of this story is about “culture clash”. It is about the past, the present and the future social life of a country. It is about the changes that may occur as the result of influences.

LANGUAGE

Make a list of words, phrases or expressions you have learned from this film.

· “Cry at the top of his lung” – cry out very loud

· “it gave me the shock of my life” – most horrible/surprising experience I will never forget

List of words/phrases:

Swaddle - bind

Gastric dilation – describes a very high-appetite, craving for so much food to eat

Somber – very sad/grave

OPINION

1. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE MOVIE FOR OTHER TO WATCH? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Yes, I would recommend this to others because it is very interesting and has a lot of lessons about love of the country and being open-minded to changes as well. It shows how people react in different ways regarding changes. Some people accept it with open arms but some are not open to any changes. I believe this story may stir some people into deeply think about the conflicts between tradition and the new coming trend.

2. DOES THIS FILM REMIND YOU OF OTHER MOVIES THAT YOU HAVE SEEN? IF SO, WHAT AND WHY?

This story reminds me of the movie “Father of the Bride”. This is movie is not about history or culture but it is about changes and growing up. In this movie, the father is an ordinary, middle-class man whose daughter has decided to marry a man from an upper-class family, but the father can’t think of what life would be like without his daughter. He becomes slightly insane, but his wife tries to make him happy for their daughters, but when the wedding takes place at their home and a foreign wedding planner takes over the ceremony, the father must try to handle the fact that people grow up. Just like the “Swaddling Clothes”, Toshiko is like the father who couldn’t just take changes and got very nervous in facing the fact that things change just like his daughter who is becoming a woman. And her husband is like the wife in “Father of the Bride” who openly accepted the changes that might happen.

The Best Toothbrush

The BEST toothbrush as recommended by dentists and dental students.

Sonicare Elite 7500:

Pros
Don't need to brush hard, quadpacer, battery indicator, and clean feeling afterwards

Cons
Upper part of handle can retain water so make sure to clean it out

The Bottom Line
If your bristles turn outwards because you brush too hard or your dentist says your brushing is causing a receding gumline, get this brush!

Full Review

Sonicare toothbrush is recommended by many professors and colleagues. With Sonicare, you don't have to brush hard. With regular toothbrushes even the OralB and Crest SpinBrushes, you would apply too much force that all my bristles would bend outwards. With this toothbrush it's really difficult to apply a lot of pressure on the toothbrush because it's already vibrating so much. The force is about 10x the regular Crest and OralB brushes they sell in the stores. Brushing with the Sonicare 7500 is like brushing with a new toothbrush everyday.

It is also a fact that the toothbrush has the quad pacert that tells you to switch to a different region in your mouth (ie top front, top back, bottom front, bottom back). Also, Sonicare comes with a rechargeable battery is also a plus. The toothbrush head's bristles are curved to get in between your teeth and to clean the surface of a tooth. After brushing with the Sonicare 7500 you would feel like passing your tongue across the front and back of all your teeth and it feels like you just got your teeth cleaned by a hygienist. The noise of the Sonicare is less audible than the Cybersonic toothbrushes.

If you're the type of person that likes to see your teeth while you're brushing, the vibration force of the brush will cause you to get speckles of toothpaste to fly on your mirror, so don't brush with your mouth open or with your lips not enclosed on the Sonicare toothbrush.

Cooking Method

Non-fat Cooking Method (Cooking Method with fat)

• Broiling: A fast way to cook fish, meat and poultry, as the food is under a direct heat source. The fat from meat simply drains away into the bottom of the pan.

• Grilling: Outdoors or indoors. The fat drains away from the food.

• Roasting: This can be done without using a great deal of oil, or by using broth to baste instead. Foil wrap can also be used to seal in moisture.

• Poaching: A great way to cook fish or chicken, by gently simmering in a flavored liquid.

Fat-based Cooking Method (Cooking Method with Fat)

• Sautéing: This allows us to cook food quickly in a small amount of hot oil. If oil is not really hot before the food is added, the food will absorb oil and become soggy.

• Oven Frying: This is similar to baking or roasting except fat is added. Food may be oven fried with or without breading.

• Stir-frying: Cut chicken, or beef, and vegetables into thin strips, lightly coat pan with oil and cook over high heat, stirring, and tossing.

• Deep-fat frying: This is done by completely immersing the meat in heated deep fat and allowing it to remain in the fat until it is done.

At an Early Age

My eldest son just turned six last January 1st, but he already knows how to play the "Star craft" game. He doesn't just know it, but he even loves it!! He can win games whether alone or with his father as his team mate. Imagine that for a six-year old child!! I am proud of him. I don't even know how to paly it. I mean, i get confused just looking at it. I can't remember every term and necessary moves. Even his father got amazed on how fast he can memorize and learn important moves. Amazing thinking!

He also belongs to the top 3 students of his class. He did not take nursery but he excells in his academics. For us, he is the top 1, though the teacher used to tell me that he is the best academically but not in P.E class and behavior. What a reason!! What a critereon!! For us, our son is one of the best at his early age...and we're looking forward to seeing him successful in the future..:P

The movie " NEXT "

Last night my husband and I watched this movie of Nicholas Cage. We liked it. It is an interesting movie with an interesting twist. Though i can say that its title sum it all. For some reviews that i've read, this film wasn't able to stick on how Dick's novel projected the story....there could have been more suspense and not just action. They said the casting was bad. Hmmmm...i can say that's true. There is no chemistry between Cage and Biel. I would rather choose Moore to be his partner. Anyway, this movie is a sci-fi thriller that compared to others will hardly overwhelm, but the storyline kept me and my husband engaged from start to finish.

My rate for this movie: 3 out of 4 stars..***

Imagine if you knew someone who had the ability to see into the future for the next two minutes. What would you do?

15th Travel Tour Expo 2008

The purpose of this event is to call the attention of travel and tourism industry. The atmosphere stimulates the desire to travel among visitors. The event offers expanded product and service offerings for every target group in this industry, from national tourism organizations, airlines, cruises, hotels and resorts, to outbound and inbound travel packages. Its target audience are:

· Travel and Tourism Trade Practitioners

• Corporate and Business Travelers
• Holiday Travelers
• Incentive and Convention Planners
• Government and Business Leaders
• Direct Buyers and Investors

I find their marketing materials effective enough to attract visitors from traveling. I, myself, suddenly felt the urge of traveling after I saw their advertisements. Also, I saw a lot of people came there. There are also a lot of exhibiting companies who participated and they all seemed to get buyer participants. I saw a lot of visitors and they seemed very much interested. The place was not boring. It was actually a very lively event with their entertainment, games and presentations. Their ads are colorful enough and nice to look at and read. From the picture I took beside their promo ads, it is proven that it is clear, big enough and inviting. Even though there were a lot of booths, the directions were made very clear thru the color division they made. It is very informative and clear. Also, from the entrance, with the “Mabuhay” sign and warm greetings from a person wearing a face mascot and smiling people, made me feel very much welcome. Overall, I can say that the event is another successful industry event in town.

Hotels with Allergy-Friendly Rooms

A Timely Product Innovation

I have heard a lot of new discoveries or innovations to make a hotel more inviting, but this was my first time to hear about allergy-friendly rooms. As I read the article from this site: http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/159178340.html, the concept sounds good to me. I have a sensitive skin and so this kind of idea seems very good to someone like me. The article mentioned about the rate of people getting allergies and I truly believe to that. The environment nowadays are getting polluted that is why a lot of people are getting allergies. Allergies are on the increase. There are chemicals in everything and it is now almost impossible to avoid all the things that make us cough, sneeze, itch, or have skin, lung, stomach, and even brain problems. And so, customers might think that is better to stay in a room where they will be protected against any kind of allergies and deseases. I know that It is more expensive to have medications and buy medicines when you get sick. So, I guess it is better to be in a safe place or room. With many as travelers coughing, sneezing and wheezing their way through the day, or night, the thought crossed a few minds to develop hotel rooms that are free of all the nasty stuff that causes guests to feel as if their airways are clogging. Not that many didn't feel that way before checking in. But to find relief in a hotel room, what a surprise. Whether the environmentally friendly rooms become as prevalent as non-smoking rooms and floors in lodging establishments is another matter. Any relief from bad air and bacteria-ridden rooms is a Godsend to travelers with serious asthmatic conditions. For me, this is really a brilliant idea! The concept is just timely for the needs of many people. These rooms are in-demand nowadays and people will surely look for it. And speaking of people looking for these kind of rooms, advertisment and effective websites are needed in order to inform the people about this. I believe, there are still a lot of people who do not know about this. Just like me, I would not bother asking about it since this kind of rooms are not ordinary rooms. So, a special advertisment is needed in order to make this offer noticeable to customers. This rooms are invented because situations of a lot of people demand for it. An investment is needed but I think it is worth the effort and money. This is about the health of people and all of us regard health highly. Rooms are where we sleep and should feel comfortable. Specially during vacation, people would want to stay in a place where they can truly rest without worrying about allergies or deseases due to airborne effect. This is also an example of how addressing a health risk can increase business. If customers with allergies cannot enter a hotel for any reason, then they are lost revenue. So, this is one way hotels are sorting out this kind of peoblem. So, if allergy sufferers, who don’t go to hotels because of reactions to all sorts of factors, would suddenly find a hotel that caters to their problem. Straightforward niche marketing and sound business sense. This reducing of allergens can definetely create more business on hotels.

I love Cell Phones!!!!

I love cell phones!!!! But I am not an impulsive buyer. I think first things first...

In buying a cell phone I consider:

• how I want to represent myself to people who see me
• Be yourself and don't imitate other people. If you like pink and be cool eventhough you are already a mother, then go for it and feel young.
• phone specifications
• Be knowledgeable about different kinds of specs and weigh its importance to you.
• price
• It could be brand new or second-hand phones, just make sure that it would fit your budget.
  
• quality
• Brand names, reviews and comments should be read from different sites. Compare them carefully. www.gsmarena.com has been a big and reliable help.
  
• new release cell phones
• Be updated. It doesn't mean that you will buy the latest and most expensive cell phone in town, but atleast you can watch for it and compare it to your target model.
• stores (actual or internet)
• Browse the net. Text the sellers. Visit possible stores. Check their prices and warranties. Compare!
  

Changing or buying a new cell phone when you already have one or two could be considered as a "want" but it depends on your personal "needs", may it be for your business or for boosting your self-esteem. Just be sure that after buying, you still have the budget for other important things and that you would feel happy (and not regretful) after the purchase.

Last week, I changed my cell phone from Sony Ericsson Z610i(pink) to Sony ericsson P990i. I had the pink phone because of its color without changing the features i love like 3g, video calling and 2mp camera. I actually felt contented until i realized that i need a "wi-fi" feature. We had a router at home but only have 1 desktop and 1 laptop (just for my husband). Sometimes, i couldn't use the computer because of my sons. But now, i could check my emails and even do chatting on my phone. I feel great about it! Though i'm missing the pink color, i just put a pink-color theme on my phone and use pink accessories on it.

Another thing, I thought of SE P1 and it's really good, slim and cool because ot its 3.2mp camera. But P990i and P1 almost have the same features. I'd rather have my p990i price and keypad.

By the way, it's a second-hand cellphone but it looks great! I bought it almost new, complete with 2gb mem, for only Php10,500.00 at www.sulit.com. Isn't it a great buy?! It pays all the hardwork of searching!!

Till next buy!!!

Unforgettable E-mail For Parents and Children

I have received this e-mail a long time. I had it printed right after I had read it. I still keep the old paper in my wallet coz i don't want to forget about it. My purpose.......i want my children to read it and remember me the way the story goes:


A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the tree top, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow...He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him. Time went by...the little boy had grown up and he no longer play around the tree everyday. One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad. "Come and play with me," the tree asked the boy. "I am no longer a kid, I don't play around trees anymore." the boy replied, " I want toys. I need money to buy them."
"Sorry, but I don't have money...but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money." The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples.

The tree was sad. One day, the boy returned and the tree was so excited. "Come and play with me" the tree said. "I don't have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?"
"Sorry but I don't have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house." So the boy cut all the branches of the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad. One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. "Come and play with me!" the tree said. "I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?" "Use my truck to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy." So the boy cut the tree truck to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.

Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years. "Sorry,my boy. But I don't have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you..." the tree said. "I don't have teeth to bite" the boy replied. " No more truck for you to climb". "I am too old for that now" the boy said. "I really can't give you anything...the only thing left is my dying roots" the tree said with tears. "I don't need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these yeas." The boy replied. "Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, come sit down with me and rest." The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears....


I know..my babies(used to be) will soon be grown up kids, but they will always stay babies in my heart...babies whom i am willing to give everything- no matter what- just to make them happy.

This could also be me and everyone else..When we ere young, we loved to play with mom and dad. When we grow up, we leave them and only come to them when we need something or when we are in trouble. But, it's not yet too late. While your parents are still alive, show them how much you appreciate them.

My father died when i was in high school but his memories will remain in me forever. He was like the tree who's always willing to give everything he could to make me happy. I always thank God because he had given me the best father i could ever known in this world. I always tell God that my father had done his duties well. And, I want my children to remember me the way i remember my father. I want to show them the true meaning of the story, parent's UNCONDITIONAL LOVE...

My Personal Mission Statement

My core values are essential and enduring beliefs of my wholeness. It should stand the test of time. It should not be changed due to changes around me, but rather change things and remain loyal to my values. To find success, I will strive hard and never give up. To find contentment, I should be worthy of the respect and admiration of my family, friends and, as much as possible, all the people I have contact with.

Core Values: My Guiding Principles for life

Integrity

I want to mold my integrity by comprising my personal inner sense of “wholeness” deriving from honesty and consistent uprightness of character. I want to have a positive effect on all people I come in contact with.

Excellence:

I will strive to emulate people who have proven excellence in their fields. I will constantly seek high quality performance that produces outstanding results of lasting value.

Responsibility:

I must not violate the trust placed in me by family members, friends, and business associates. I will learn to delegate responsibility and trust more effectively.

Ambition:

I believe that ambition is a passion for achieving, an unquenchable thirst for more and better. I will live life with ambition to be fulfilled. I will make my dreams come true.

Intelligence:

I believe that aside from knowledge learned, intelligence can also be assessed through the innate ability to perceive relationships and identify co-relationships. I will utilize my talents effectively and strategically. I will use all my mental and physical capacity to overcome hindrances in my chosen path and I will succeed.

The Sign of Danger in Relationships

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world. We are made out of love. And all of us want to experience great love in our lives. In a relationship, two people are involved. And not just people but two different people. So, the danger of breaking up is always a possible reality. But before it could happen there are signs that can help us prevent this thing from happening. In my own experience, I have already gone through a relationship. Those were the times I was not yet aware of the signs of danger in relationship. Now, I have come to realize the importance of these signs because it may correct and address problems. The increased negative feelings, criticism, defensiveness, contempt, invalidation and withdrawal are the signs of danger which may lead to couple’s separation. These signs are very common to almost all couples if not all. These are usually the stages we experience and even see to other couples. I realize that these are all about selfishness. We only think about how we feel, and always think that we are right. We do not try to understand our partner’s feelings because we are overwhelmed of our own selfish feelings. We become self-centered people. We pity ourselves. We no more fight for the love we used to have because of selfish reasons. Though these feelings are hard to beat, still we can now be aware before it comes to a point of giving up the relationship. I believe all break ups hurt no matter how it ended. Therefore, it is important to take care of a worthy relationship. When any of these characteristics or signs begins to appear, it is time to do something. It is better to do something early than waste your time to a relationship that is going nowhere.

Poem about discrimination

He feels alone, he feels being annoyed

Because of the color that is being hate by the world.

He left his home because of his dream

But what he finds is someone to lower his self-esteem.

Why do we have to choose friends by the looks?

Why can't we just accept someone no matter how he looks?

There is only one God who created us all.

Therefore, we should be children of one God who loves us all.

We are all equal in the eyes of God

So it's not right for someone unusual to be judged

If we keep on doing discrimination

Then we are not children of God and not part of his dominion.

Forget about the race. Forget about the colors.

Don’t let someone feel down. Don’t let someone feel alone.

May we all realize that we are made equal.

We are brothers and sisters in the eyes of God.

The Five Languages of Love

Everybody wants to love and be loved. But not everyone has a happy ending simply because love is a complicated thing. It is not just about feelings and emotions. First, I have learned about the five languages of love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Different people have different perspective about love. People think differently. And so it is important to remember that the love language is different for everyone. Therefore, it is important to know your partner needs and basis of appreciation. In this way, one will be able to express his love for his partner. Before, I used to show love in a way I know I can feel loved. But now I have learned that my partner may not feel loved by the way I do it because it is not his language of love. The five languages of love show people that in order to express love; we have to focus in giving time and effort in order to know the person well. It could be words of affirmation which is about verbal compliments and encouragement; or quality time which is spending focused time to your partner; or receiving gifts which is about giving materials even not expensive or just the gift of self; or acts of service which is helping the other wholeheartedly; or physical touch which is another way of communication through touch. Love is not being selfish. Love is something we do for someone else. It is not only about our own feelings and needs. Usually couples or partners do not have the same language of love. Therefore, the best way to fill our partner’s love tank is to express love in their love language. This type of communication is about the importance of being able to express love to your partner in a way that your partner can understand. The five languages of love can help partners to connect with one another. Now, I know that even tough loving someone is risky; it can still be beautiful and lasting.