Missing my father and mother in law this All Saints day!

We are going to visit my in laws tomorrow at the South Cemetery, oh, I am really missing them so much! My mother in law died 4 months before our scheduled wedding last year 2004.  While my father in law who dearly loved his wife followed next after a year (2005).  My mom and dad in law are really kind to me and don't tell me I am saying that because I didn't lived with them since they passed away when I got married, oh no... they are really kind people and my brother and sister in law whom they have lived with for a very long time can attest to that.

I was not that surprised that on the day of their funeral, I saw lots of unfamiliar faces who bid farewell and thanked them since they really touched most people's life.

Their place at South Cemetery is not that spacious and that the area they were buried is not like the ones in Loyola Park in Paranaque, where it's all green and clean.  Well, I hope in time we can get them a more spacious place.

Last year, my husband and I were thinking of changing their existing plaque to a more personalized and great brass plaques with their pictures on it, but unfortunately, we forgot about it until now, a year after.  I am so sorry mom and dad we were so busy with personal things that we forgot of getting you a bronze plaques on your place.  I promised that we will make this a priority when we will have another financial blessing.

Christmas Bazaar Schedule 2011

Even tough we don't have Black Friday here in the Philippines, just like I have posted in my other blog, we still have various Bazaars here and there that shoppers and Christmas bazaar organizers can check out.

(arranged from the earliest)

Grand Bazaar ’11 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive, Don Antonio Commonweath, Quezon City
November 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23, 28-30

SuperSale Bazaar
World Trade Center, Metro Manila, Pasay City
November 4-6
Email: supersalebazaar@yahoo.com

Weekend Christmas Baratillo Bazaar at the Treehouse
Holy Spirit Drive Don Antonio Heights, Commonwealth, Quezon city
November 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23
Email: Chay_abulad@yahoo.comjavascript:void(0)

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011
Rockwell Tent, Makati City
November 5-6, 2011
Email: bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com


SIA “Bazaar for a Cause”
Cuenca Communtiy Center Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City
November 5-6, 2011
Email: imf_cuencabazaar@yahoo.com

Wow Warehouse Sale
Ayala Life FGU Center, Ayala Ave., Makati City
November 7-26
December 12-29
Email: jocelynmsaulog@yahoo.com
Patikim 2011
Nodes @ Festival Mall, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
November 8-14 (near Savemore)
November 25 to December 1 (near Shopwise)
December 3-16 (near Savemore)
Email: jocelynmsaulog@yahoo.com

Foodport Bazaar
Christ the King Parish Multipurpose Hall
November 12-13

Paskuhan sa Busco
St. John Bosco Parish Gym, A. Arnaiz Ave. cor Amorsolo St., Makati City
November 12-13
November 19-20
Email: paskuhansabusko@yahoo.com

Nightshift Bazaar
Fastbytes Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest, Alabang
November 15-18
December 13-16
Email: jocelynmsaulog@yahoo.com

Grand International Advanced Christmas Bazaar
World Trade Center, Metro Manila, Pasay City – Hall A
November 11–17 / 11am – 10pm
November 18–19 / 10am – 10pm
November 20 / 10am – 9pm
Email: Ms. Kris de Guzman @ cbbeventsmgt@gmail.com

Christmas Outdoor Bazaar in Fairview
Across SM Fairview, Quezon City
November 15, 2011 to January 15, 2012
Email: dseller888@yahoo.com.au
Noel Discovery Bazaar 2011
World Trade Center & PICC Forum, Metro Manila
November 18-27 (WTC)
December 9-18 (PICC), 21-23 (WTC)

Agora Weekend Lifestyle and Organic Market
Brentville International Community, Binan, Laguna
November 18-20
December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-24, 28-30
Email: jocelynmsaulog@yahoo.com

Bazaar for all Seasons 3: Christmas Wishes Bazaar
UP Ang Bahay ng Alumni, R. Magsaysay Ave., UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
November 18-19
December 2-3
Email: Jenn Maravillo-Tabios, jenn.tabs@gmail.com

Dahlia Mania Pre-Christmas Bazaar
#20 Dahlia Ave., West Fairview, Quezon City
November 18-20, 25-27
December 9-11, 16-18

Mommy Mundo Bazaar 2011
Narra Park & Basketball Court, Greenwoods Ave., Phase 1
Greenwoods Executive Village, Pasig City
November 18-20, 26-30
December 9-11, 15-23
Email: jas_heartsdesire7@yahoo.com

Fashion Rev Manila: A Fashion & Lifestyle Bazaar
The Megatent, Meralco Avenue, Ortigas City
November 19-20, 2011

Pre-Christmas Fashion Fair Bazaar
Foodcourt Level 4, Tower 1, Ayala Avenue cor Paseo de Roxas
November 23-25
Email: asianmetroph@yahoo.com.ph / info@asianmetroph.com

Holiday Sugar Rush Dessert Festival
The Beaufort, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
November 26-27, 2011
Corinthian Hills Clubhouse, Quezon City and;
December 10-11, 17-18
Email: iorganizemanila.events@gmail.com

The Holidays Bazaar! @ Valle Verde 5
Valle Verde 5, Ortigas, Pasig City
November 26-27
December 17-18
Email: redgoldenevents@yahoo.com

Vintage Market: A Pre-Christmas Bazaar @ The Acropolis Clubhouse
The Acropolis Clubhouse
Atlas Street, Acropolis Subdivision, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Quezon City
November 26-27
Email: cadconcepts@hotmail.com

Sophiemagical Christmas Bazaar
North Fairview, Quezon City
November 27, 2011
Email: camyl.caballa@yahoo.com

A Day of Treats: HerWord.com’s 10th Anniversary Fair
Eastwood Central Plaza, E. Rodriguez, Jr. Avenue (C5), Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City
November 30, 2011
Email: marcom@bworld.com.ph

Night Market Park and Sell @ Boom na Boom
Boom na Boom Grounds CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd. Pasay City
December 2-23, 2011 / 4pm – 12am
Email: boomparkandsell@gmail.com

Dear Santa Christmas Bazaar
The Megatent, Meralco Avenue, Ortigas City
December 2-4
Email: dancingjuiceph@gmail.com

World Bazaar Festival 2011
World Trade Center, Metro Manila
December 2-18

Holiday Rush Year 3 Bazaar
Tower 3, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City
December 3-4 / 10:30am – 8:30pm
Email: holidayrushbazaar@yahoo.com

Triple Treat Tiangge
UP Ang Bahay ng Alumni, R. Magsaysay Ave., UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
December 4, 2011
Email: benjaminsbeltran@gmail.com

Secret Santa Bazaar
The Tents @ Alphaland Southgate Tower, Chino Roces cor EDSA
December 8-9, 2011
Email: secretsantabazaar2011@yahoo.com 

Brown Bag Vintage and Crafts Market
Filipinas Heritage Library
Ayala Triangle Makati Ave. Makati City (infront of Manila Peninsula)
December 9, 2011
Email: brownbageventsmgmt@yahoo.com.ph

PORT 88: Ready, Set, SALE!
The Megatent Events Venue, Pasig City
December 10–11
Email: port88bazaar@gmail.com


Santa’s Christmas Bazaar @ La Vista, Year 6
La Vista Clubhouse & Basketball Court, Quezon City
December 10-11
Email: claudbaron@yahoo.com

Christmas Gift Bazaar @ BF Homes
Basketball Covered Courts, Phase I
Pilar Banzon Street Phase I, BF Homes, Paranaque City
December 11-12, 17-18 / 10:30am to 7:30pm
Email: cadconcepts@hotmail.com

Zonta Alabang, Christmas Carnivale Bazaar
Cuenca Court, Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City
December 16, 5pm
December 17-18
Email: zontabazaar2011@gmail.com

Greenmeadows Christmas Rush Bazaar, Year 5
Greenmeadows Clubhouse & Basketball Court, Quezon City
December 17-18
Email: claudbaron@yahoo.com

Grand Christmas Bazaar featuring Phil Young Entrepreneur
Megatent, #30 Meralco Ave. Brgy Ugong, Pasig City
December 20-22, 2011
Email: denvir.comeda@philevents.com

If you have kids who love toys like Mega Blocks, Barbie, Thomas, Hot Wheels, Bakugan, Tech deck etc. Then for a while do not visit Toys R us because they are not having a sale as far as I know. you can go to Richwell instead, because they will be having a warehouse sale.  You can find branded toys, apparels and shoes there are as low as 80% off.  Unfortunately you can only pay in cash.

Schedule: November 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 / December 2-4, 9-11, 16-20
Time: 9AM- 6PM (Saturday and Sundays) 1PM-6PM (Weekdays and Fridays)

I am not familiar with the place ( Address: #34 Scout Torillo Cor. Scout Limbaga Quezon City), but there is a map in the flyers above so just check it out.

If only I will earn extra before the holiday comes then I will be the first one in line to these various bazaars.

Oh and by the way, if you have upcoming bazaars that is not listed here, just leave a comment here and I will just update my list.

Ascof made me WOW!

Since I have a cough yesterday, I tried to drink Ascof syrup to fight it.

Why did I chose Ascof? It is because as an advocate of green living, I am trying my best to use only natural products, and Ascof is the first organic cough medicine in the market. It is the safer choice since it is made from 100-percent Lagundi leaves, and it is proven to be an effective alternative to chemical based cough medicines. (check out the place where Lagundi leaves of Ascof came from- HERE)

Whenever Ren had a cough especially if it just starting up, I let him take Ascof and drink lots of water. Since Ren has asthma, by taking Ascof, his bronchial tubes opens up to facilitate airflow which help him breath. It also dissolves mucus which makes it easier to expel. Ascof has been clinically proven in treating not just cough but also bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis. Lagundi leaves also contains chrysoplenol D, a smooth muscle relaxant with anti-histamine properties.

Ren love Ascof because of it's fruity flavor, he like the strawberry flavor best. I on the other hand prefer menthol flavor since it is cold and minty. Oh yes! I prefer the syrup variant than the tablet or capsule since I feel that I get cured faster.

Since chemical based cough products have some side effects, Ascof being all natural has no known adverse side effects which makes me confident to give and recommend it to my family and friends. Ascof is also cheaper than other leading chemical brands in the market.

Using and choosing natural products will also help our Earth greener. Buying Ascof instead of chemical based products is one of the things I know to make Mother Earth happy.

I still want Ren to live in a greener environment, and I know other moms out there would want that too for their child. You can post your experiences on how to live green in the comment section of this post or through the following natural moms network:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalmomsbyascof
Twitter: www.twitter.com/naturalmomsPH
Blog: http://naturalmomsph.blogspot.com

My new found partner in washing dirty clothes- Surf Liquid Detergent!

It's a shame, that even though I grew up in a poor family, I haven't had the chance to wash my dirty clothes because my mom always does it for us. I just tried to learn to wash my dirty clothes when I was already 23 years old and that was when I was already married. I hate washing dirty clothes, I even prefer ironing than washing. My husband knew that I hate washing clothes that is why he even bought a washing machine to make life easier for me. Unfortunately, I realized that the frequent use of washing machine can tore and make the colors of the clothes fade so I decided to stop using it. There are times that I send our dirty clothes to the laundry shop so that it will lessen my work since it will come back smelling good and already folded, but some of the stains are not completely removed compared if you do the cleaning yourself.

So, I have no choice but to do the laundry myself since I want to have clean and fresh smelling clothes. I've tried a lot of detergents (powders and bars) but I kept changing brands since my hand is so sensitive to the detergent and I need to look for a brand that my hand will agree to. When I found one that is good with my hands, I stuck to it and never bought anything else. Until last time, when my neighbor gave me this Surf Liquid Detergent that she asked me to try. I am hesitant to use it at first, but since she said that it's good and because I am curious I tried it yesterday.

Here are my observations:
1. It is easily dissolved in the water and it makes a lot of bubbles.
2. This calamansi variant really smells good. I prefer it's smell than any other detergent powder that I have tried.

3. It can easily remove tough stains. I used it on this towel with food stains (can't remember what was it) and then viola! after a few scrubbing, it looks like it is still brand new.

before

after

It makes my washing an enjoyable experience. And the best thing is that when I was done early, I got to watch " the walking dead" afterwards.

I really love this product and I highly recommend it.

Will you show your breast in public?

I breastfed my son for only 4 months since I need to go back to work as soon as possible and my supply of milk stopped because I can't express it well at the office. Before I gave birth, I originally planned to breastfed my son for a maximum of 2 years since I believe that is the best gift I can give to him (I'm so sad I did not fulfill that plan).

A while ago, I saw a mom breastfed her son at a public utility vehicle (in a jeep). I can see in the faces of some passengers their disappointment and feeling of uncomfort looking at her while breastfeeding her child. Me, with all honesty I felt ashamed since she is showing her breast to everybody and I felt that she is not taking good care of ones own private part of the body.

But, in the end, I realized that her intention was good which is to fed his son who is hungry that very moment and that she can't find a private place since the jeep is on the go. I know she is also shy to do it but maybe the mother's instinct of feeding a hungry baby was stronger, so she needed to swallow her pride and show part of her breast to the public eye.  I want to commend her for breastfeeding her son whatever it takes and to not care of what others might think of her.

Breastfeeding Ren even for just 4 months is the best thing that I have experienced being a mom. I felt more closer to him than anyone else. Smelling his fresh breath is what I want to do again and again.

I am glad that now there are breastfeeding stations inside the malls (I just hope all malls have it). I also hope offices will provide a small space for breastfeeding employees who wanted to continue to express their milk from their breasts and then store it in a refrigerator so that they can bring it home after office hours.

The government should be serious in promoting breastfeeding, I hope they will educate the public more about the benefits of breast milk to ones child.

If I will have a second baby and since I am already a stay at home mom I promise to breastfed him or her for at least a year or two.

How about you, did you try to breastfed your child?

Ren has asthma?

My son was diagnosed to have asthma when he was only 1 and a half years old. His doctor advised us to buy a baby haler and give Ren a puff of Seretide (from Glaxo Smith) twice in the morning and twice at night everyday. After 6 months she lessened the dosage to 1 puff in the morning and 2 puff at night, which lasted for another 6 months.

After a year, Ren did not encounter any asthma attack so I decided to stop it.

Last time, Ren had a viral infection and he needs to take an antibiotic, every 4 hours we needed to nebulize him and the pediatrician asked me to bring back the inhaler.

I don't know if I will follow it or not. Don't get me wrong, of course I know doctors are professional and they know what they are doing but my sister in law told me before that his son was misdiagnosed to have asthma and that they took the inhaler for 8 months then when they had a second opinion to an allergologist (A scientist who studies allergology) he said that her son does not have asthma at all.

Maybe to help me decide I will ask for a second opinion, what do you think?

My son's first United Nations parade at school!

This year is my son's first time to experience to be a part of the United Nations parade at school. The teachers did not assigned any particular country that the kids will represent on the parade. It's a good news since Ren can wear what I think he will feel comfortable at and be happy.



The UN parade at his school will be held on October 21, and yet as early as now, I am already thinking of national costumes that will be best with Ren. Since they will walk outside the classroom, he needs a cloth that is light so that he will not sweat to death. He doesn't like to wear any accessories so it should looks very simple.



With this in mind, I thought of getting him a flowery/summer costume and represent the country of FIJI



This kind of costume is cheap, because a flowery polo is all that he needs since he already has a white sando, a brown shorts, and flip flops. Maybe just like this one:

photo via: partydomain.co.uk

I am really excited in this event and I hope it will not rain that day since putting a jacket in a summer costume will look awkward :)



How about you, what will kids going to wear on their UN activity in their school?

We love Vikingtoys!

Last time, I posted here that I regretted buying toys that were sold for P20.00 only and yet they are easily broken (click here).  Which is why now, I prefer a durable, safe but still very affordable toys and that is when I discovered the VIKINGTOYS.

My son really loves any kind of vehicle toys. We have dozens of toy cars in his toy box, some are already broken and yet his vikingtoy car is still together and in good shape. 

Vikingtoy car has a very simple design, one thing I noticed is that there are no sharp edges on the toy design, so I have no worries that it might hurt my son while he is playing it.

It is so soft because the plastic used is very flexible and yet it's very strong and safe. I allow my son to play it anywhere, even in our wooden table because even it's tires are so soft that I know will not damage our floors and furnitures.

Ren's vikingtoy is with us for almost 10 months now, and he already fell it so many times and yet it is still intact and it looks like it is still brand new. He plays with it inside the house, outdoors and even in the water while he takes a bath in a tub.

Oh yes, these toys are okay to put in the water, and they are even dishwasher proof. If you have toddlers who always bite their toys, then this vikingtoy is one of the safest toy you can ever give them.

I know that this toy will last for a very long time with us, so it's price that ranges around P79.00- P149.00 is really really cheap.

Also, I am glad that vikingtoy also has a playmat that I'm sure your kids will love to pretend play with it.

the mat can also be a toy box!

You can buy vikingtoys at any ToysRus stores, Toy Kingdom, at Landmark and any other toy stores nationwide. 

Sir, you can have your own house!

Achieving life goals and plans sometimes necessitate borrowing funds to make them a reality. Buying a home is just of the many goals almost all people seek to accomplish. Because of the amount involved however, not everyone is able to purchase a house without taking out a loan.

Active duty and retired military personnel are not exempt from this reality. The positive side of it is that those having existing home loans can benefit from refinancing programs through lower loan rates. The current lending climate is especially influenced by serious efforts to revive the economy. The VA refinance program allows borrowers to avail of substantial savings in their mortgage payments.

The military lifestyle presents its own demands and challenges particularly in managing finances. Not all loan providers cater to military personnel but there are excellent agencies among those who do. A prospective borrower just needs to find the right one that can ensure the best deals for the borrowers, a checklist for a typical VA mortgage loan would include pay stubs, W-2, bank statements, original VA Certificate of Eligibility, copy of DD214, as well as address and telephone number of employers and landlords.

Depending on applicability, loan applicants may also be required to provide tax returns, explanation of derogatory credit findings, and other documents pertaining to bankruptcy, discharge, and divorce settlements. Loan applications are processed without delay as long as the required documents are complete.

To be able to obtain swift approval, borrowers need to comply with the requirements to get a loan. Eligibility of the applicant as well as the loan purpose are the primary considerations for loan approval although there are other factors taken into account such as credit standing, combined income of applicant and spouse, and the intent to actually occupy the property being purchased. A VA Loan Specialist is the most appropriate person to deal with for any inquiry or clarification.

Trick or Treat event 2011 at the SM Malls!

Since it's already October, Halloween is really just around the scary corner. Here in the Philippines back then, trick or treating was just for the elite areas like villages and subdivisions. But last year, our compound planned to have our very own Trick or Treating for the little ones! It was Ren's first time to wear scary costume and he really did not like it, but it's a good thing that there were lots of candies and lollipops in his basket which made his whining stop.

Now, I have no idea if our compound will still plan any Halloween Party but since I want Ren to experience Trick or Treat, I will bring him to some malls that have that activity.

Check this out:

1. NICKELODEON Planet Scream- October 31, 2011 (MONDAY) 4:00-9:00 PM at SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds

How to get Tickets? From October 1-31, 2011 Get two (2) FREE Tickets for a minimum single receipt purchase of P1,000 of any toy (inclusive of Halloween items) at participating Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom express stores. ONE TICKET PER PERSON

or you can join this contest at nick-asia.com to have a chance to win 4 tickets to the said event.

2. Cartoon Network Halloween Party- October 30, 2011 (SUNDAY) 11:00AM -6:00 PM at SM Megamall Event Center

How to get Tickets? Spend a minimum of P500.00 (single receipt) at participating Toy Kingdom stores from October 1-31, 2011.  Purchase must include at least 1 Halloween and/or Cartoon Network item.  One Ticket admits two guests.

You can choose to bring your child either on Sunday or Monday at these stores, see you there!!!