A trun for the worse? Try triple lockdown

 Solutions are a-plenty, especially if you listen to advise. But, there is a lot of advice flying about, and ultimately, it will dictate your life. During these times, our pandemic days and night, we are, in more ways than one, on a lockdown. 

An intense discussion with those who are poor reveals more about the lockdown that many will understand. Some get bored, some want their routine back, others bewail their misfortune, while there are those that thrive. There are those who survive, and then, what was highlighted, during a discussion, was hunger. 

It is ok if the children are kept at home as long as they have food. 

I often think of the good old days in the terms of pre-pandemic. It was the time that we could travel without concerns about getting ill and how my grandchild used to attend events with me. It was fun, how I would go out and made a strong circle of blogging friends. 

Convo recalled:

You hang out and gossip? 
We don't have time to gossip as we are busy at the event and looking for more events. 
You mean you don't discuss such things, like about your neighbors, family, and friends? 
Sometimes, when it is very important, just to vent. 
So what do you talk about? 
Food, blogging, our tokens, next event. 
You don't talk about other people?
Of course, we do, but it is information sharing, not gossip. 

That was not so long ago, but it seem so long ago. 
Moving forward, moving on. Move on. 

The stagnant days though lovely, were tasked to be a routine. A routine that has fulfillment, yet the time spend was golden, in many ways, such as treasured memories. However, there has to be progress? Nope... there has to be no regress? Maybe. There are moments that to try to reach out in understanding makes it sad to think about the mess, the sadness, the insecurity, and the hurt left behind... but then again, it might be a figment of imagination or wishful thinking, or perhaps, the limitations. We make excuses. 

Love makes excuses. 
Love is forgiving. 
Love does not seek to hurt. 

So much falls into the category of love, try a triple lockdown. 

Sacrifice so others can stand. That lockdown the budget. 
Stay at home, voluntarily. That is the anti-virus lockdown. 
Make a commitment. Another lockdown. 
So what is so wrong about being locked down? 

Freedom. Lack of freedom. But take note, even when there is freedom and there is that hunger, then, it is a lockdown on its own. 

Here I go again, writing to make myself cry. As the index cards of my mind have files that fly, joining the bits and pieces, the warmth of this hoodie during this cool January morning and the quiet makes me like the lockdown, as I am a writer. 

So there are unpublished books that I have, and what to do with them, I do not know. The net is flooded with books. Applied for work, got approved for one while waiting for other responses. Is that really what I want? I need to earn. 

What did I get myself into? Do I not learn from the past? It wiped me out then, and now. I didn't need a crisis, I didn't need a pandemic, I didn't need for a lockdown to happen to get into the point in time of yesterday. It's ok to be locked down as long as there is food. The choices I had to make, to budget, while listening. What makes my life change? What made my life change? Decisions. 

There can be no... kindness. That is the part that hurts. A plea to a blank wall is not heeded at all. So, it goes on, and on, and on, and forgiveness is a must. Yet, it is a triple lockdown. Coming to the point of being alone, afraid, and cold, what is there to hold on to? It's like... a little bit of this and that. Squat. It's what the squat and yes, I ain't falling for those lines again, but live through it, even if it hurts. 

We all have our moments that we throw in the towel. I have, I have, before Christmas. It comes with not the realization, as that is already there, but the acceptance that... they really don't care. So the memories become kind, eliminating the hurtful parts, as I walk around the room, thinking, it is but a sigh. 

Who am I?

Perhaps, I delude myself that I am vital in their lives, and maybe a dog would have better and more consistent care, surely I would prefer to be a dog. Neglect, it is that. It is the holding out. I know, but then, as I assess whatever it is that troubles me, it is... not a lack of trust but knowing that things are just the way they are. 

Let me put you on hold. 
The operator is still busy on the other line. 

So I lay down ill. Quiet. Went through it./My pants are so loose, it's the Filipino pandemic weight-loss program wherein we are one, trying to save on food. 

Trust me. 

One of the most difficult things is to dwindle. To ever think that it could be killing me, and so it had happened. I had to stand up and it was difficult, as I was getting pulled down. I could not handle it. So, there are long-term effects. Yet, we move on, forgive, and go on and on and on. 

Life is like that. Things happen. 

The drudgery that is a tradgedy: life-changing is not going to happen, right?

We live for certain days when all is nice and perfect but during these pandemic times, those days are few and far between. Still, there are good days that happen and there are moments that take our breath away, and we become overwhelmed with delight and gratitude. 

Don't ask as the answer will be no 

Perhaps during the various stages of this crisis, the worst has happened when I simply followed. There is no one to blame but myself as we do have uncertain times and nothing is written in stone. Faith, hope, and believing all meltdown into one fabulous package. Still, the trust is there, no matter what the fails. Releasing such things brings about a lightness of feeling and as much as we have experienced also being rejected and scorned when we are down and out, other people can feel that also. So, just be nice and steady, as that is the way the cookie crumbles. 

Yet, in turning around and being stuck in a situation, beseeching for help is difficult. There are some that are easy to talk to while others that we dare not even ask. At what point in time does it turn into a demand? At what point in time will a person become a nag?

When needs are not met, it is natural to look somewhere else. 

Why is it like that? I guess... I triggered off someone by saying, hello, I don't see the sacrifice. Why does it have to be me to sacrifice.. so I have wonderful Facebook posts and seem like it is a grand life, and yet I withered away, dragging myself up from self-pity as there is hardly any pity left in the hearts of those who must be there but aren't really there. It pains me, yet, do not ask as the answer will be no, as truly, there is minimal care, and it's like a bad joke, you know, and no one is laughing. 

The past two days have brought about a rise in... shall I say, interest? Why is it like that? Is it the cold weather with Valentine's just around the corner? I get a message demanding my reason... Bump into someone and get a play... Please, not my cup of tea, not him, and not with me. I would rather watch CNN. The most hilarious was the evasive move of a bee-factor, in a hurried attempt not to cross my path. Why, what did I do? I am not guilty or whatever is going through the radical mind, it doesn't matter coz I am not interested, either. 

Haven't been going to that area, but I had to do so today. The last time I went there it was much more pleasant, as I got to talk to the ones that I wanted to, and it was pleasant exchanges. Geez, this New Year seems to throw a wrench in things, but then, I step back and breathe. It has been difficult, far more difficult than I have ever experienced before. There are limitations that I have such as my arm aching, and I simply accepted the change and move my thumb, and cringed in pain. I was clogged up with a bad amount of phlegm, as it has been cold, and didn't tell a soul until I pulled myself out. I couldn't lie down on my back, and that has changed after a grueling sleepless night. 

Pleasant days 

Then, those pleasant days that could be as simple as my grandchild dropping by, and my dog learning how to poop on the bathroom floor and finally eating dog food, coz it was gourmet, and she only likes gourmet dog food. oh yes... simple thing and wonderful things and more, that keep me going. 

As I contemplate on going to a utility company tomorrow, it is not easy to decide. Budget wise, I would be hanging on a limb, but my concern that I have to fix is making me hang on a noose. I dread the cold morning and the time that I would have to leave. I dread it yet dread the consequences, even more, still I hesitate. 

With the acceptance that all things hoped for are just that, and those rose-colored glasses have already fallen to the bottom of a river, there are still pleasant days, and I am grateful. Life-changing isn't going to happen until we release whatever restrictions we have in our mind, and actually see that the limitations that are not physical is what we bind as our limitations. 

There is no transalation of the word 'pahamak'

 

Mindfulness and what breaks the camel's back. 

It isn't the straw, but the number of straws piled on top. At what point is it too much? Lay it on with inconsideration while their lives get better in their narcissistic ways.

This is the point when it is too much. 

When I drop and make the statement, and already know that I have been used again. I guess love will constantly make excuses and go on to forgive when no forgiveness is asked. 

Perhaps the painful lessons that we learn in life include caring for others. In the various roles that we play, some entail sacrifice. Asking for what the needs are, demanding for fairness, is ignored, in mindless ways due to entitlement. To make it more difficult, the path leads to more difficulty, and when the person saves themselves, it's an RPG game of left for dead. |

The bitterness turns into letting go. Throwing the towel in, have a good life. Go and pursue your dreams, and I will not be part of it, as there is that ever-present feeling and knowing that na-pahamak ako. 

Pahamak has no direct translation in the English language. It is not sabotage, nor all the other translated words. The closest that it could mean is that a person got in trouble due to another one by following them or rescuing them. Such is the stuff that heroes are made of, in saving others, they lose their life. Such is what builds character, as deliberate or not, when stepping on others to uplift themselves, the golden rule is ignored. 

There are concerns, and all have them. Unkindness is the thing that happens when others need help. But mindfulness is necessary to keep in mind that perhaps, without pride, with all humility, the reason why a person is in trouble could be our fault. It reminds me of this mother that fed her child cake and Coke to fatten her up and the child developed juvenile diabetes. 

For all the good that we do, it does work. When the person is able to be in a better position, just throw in the towel, ask for nothing, do nothing, as it is useless. They could have done so out of desperation, could have kept themselves entertained, and lack mindfulness. Will it happen again? 

Like the child that ate the cake and Coke her mother gave her, it is due to trust. One thing that we can trust is that people will fail us, but God never fails. It could be an echo of guilt, of fond remembrance, perhaps even pity for the person that they trampled on as they turn to be there during their better days, and it is with disdain, advice, and all those things that are not nice.

It hurts. It hurts to be here. I don't hope, as today, it is clear. 

Growing more than plants during this the pandemic year of my life

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It has nearly been a year since the lockdown. Time has passed by with moments filled with one chat mate having nearly 5 thousand messages. I was taken aback. Then, the days are filled with gardening and the nights include observing how cuttings grow. 

Only during the crisis did I ever pay attention to our yucca plants. And, a lot of changes have happened in the year past, like my grandchildren moving out, and I feel a lot older, sometimes sadder, at times, happier. But, the ever-present danger of contracting the virus bears heavily on my mind. 

As today I venture back into writing, it is the right thing to do. Gardening does have benefits and makes me earn, and so does cooking and baking, but writing does hurt my arm. As I looked for writing samples, I stumbled upon a completed e-book of mine, and a few more, well a lot more articles and ebooks that are tucked away in my yahoo mail. 

Growing plants is not an overnight thing and nor is writing. I have neglected my blog, seldom posting my thoughts as sometimes it affects people adversely. But, it is writing... just thoughts, emotions, feelings, all in words to weave the pattern.. 

Here I go again drifting. Today started off with worries, as usual. It is not very easy on me but I am trying. God provides yet, I do have to go back to writing as I cannot burden others, and even if I will use a brace again, during this pandemic mess, life leaves us limited choices. 

Today I was given plants and overwhelmingly wonderful ones. Gardening is one thing I like doing, and yes, will continue... writing is one thing I love and it is what I am, aside from the many hats that I wear, on various occasions. Woke up at dawn. Had a long nap, and now, it is back to the drudgery of creating web content which is vital in today's world, which is mostly online. 

The pandemic strife and wanting the samgyup life back

As the prices of fresh food escalate in the groceries, I make it a point to go to the market as often as possible. It's a bit further from home and entails quite a bit of a trek for me to get to buy my other requirements like medicine, but with the savings obtained from buying meat like beef, and basic essentials like onions, it is well worth it. The prices at the grocery make fresh fruits burn a hole in the pocket and rather than spend exorbitant amounts on a bunch of bananas, I prefer not to buy there. But the comfort level of going to the grocery is surely an advantage for me but trained to be frugal by default, it is off to the market for me. 

A trip to the market 

It was the day after Christmas. I watched as a lonely calamansi rolls off the vendor's stand, and walk by to see the overflowing produce, left unsold even if it is late in the afternoon. It's a frogger game to move about in the sidewalk, evading potential virus-laden people who might be positive but we have come to the point of not caring at all. Moving on with a mask and a face shield that is propped up on the head like a cap, unbreathable air quality, not due to the usual market smell but because of the virus. 

Where is the fear? 

It does not exist. Driven by hunger, and yes, that is the reason. It's a common sight, those pandemic sad eyes, the no staring at the face, the slow walk, and then, when even the fat has visibly lost weight. So many thin people, haggard, as the sword of Damocles hangs over our head and then the impending electricity bills that have made the whole country become more upset when the bills were computed incorrectly. So, it is January, and the bills have to be paid, and good news comes that there is a refund based on overcharging since 2017 - which is then swept away and brings us down much lower to find out that the evilness of the Meralco includes us having to pay for being undercharged for another section and it will cost more. 

Driven by hunger. 

Driven by cravings. Strife brings about wanting to eat well. It is ridiculous to think that we can eat a fiesta daily or that rich food is to be served on the table always. The pandemic has brought about the option to give up buying our favorite brands for the less expensive brand, or the same brand with the less expensive options. I did a line reduction from Gardenia classic to their NueBake, but it did not have the thickness I prefer, so I changed to buying their soft pandesal. Exploring other options suchs as from Purefoods to their Star brand is not for me, as I am accustomed to the distinct taste of Purefoods. However, it made me try Swifts, and it turned out to be quite good. 

Driven by cravings. 

Oh, what the samguypsal of the Koreans has done to us. It's the dream indulgence during the pandemic life. For that divine unlimited meal, samguyp is king. Hence, many a table had a cooker in the middle during Christmas and New Year, with their own version of DIY samgyup, and so did I and my daughter, who discovered that nearly all the veggies of samguyp have the same basic marinade which is composed of garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and soy, so she made kangkong into a samgyup side dish. 

Driven by stock. 

This is, for me, the worst part of the pandemic life. Those summer days were the worst, and even now that it is crunch time, it is surely a horrible experience. When it was difficult to go into the grocery coz of the long lines and the limited capacity, it became not just panic buying but buying to not go back. Panic buying turned into another peg, like completing all that was on the list. Learning how to do without, maybe bread and opting for crackers instead was my adjustment, as the bread shelves would be either empty or you would be stuck with having to buy the most expensive kinds or brands that you don't want to eat.

Since before Christmas, with the difficulties that I have encountered, my kitchen has been driven by stock and I don't like it. Practicality has its limits and it's been too long since I have been alleviated from the rabbit hole I went into. So, I didn't buy ordinary soy sauces coz I have teriyaki, Korean soy, oyster sauce, and another kind of Korean sauce.. Adobo has changed its dimension? No, I didn't cook that. With a whole load of butter, I didn't buy oil but that also does not work for cooking some food items, so I use the grill, however, that also becomes lame. Turning again to making the undisputable major changes that drove me into a deep depression, so deep that I sold my Christmas tree and it made it become a pain relief, the changes addressed the survival mode, and my fitting into my favorite pair of pants again. 

How I wish there was a hotel event that I could go to. How I wish there was a tech event. How I wish that I could blog about restos again. So, I made my own food bit then, practicality and cooking for one made it an overflow that is impossible for me to like. From a pack of macaroni, I made two dishes, and ate that five times. I now hate macaroni. I bought ramen, and ate one pack three times, and now I balk at ramen. I have fish, and up to now, I am down to the last piece, same with hotdogs. Variety cost and I have to make it through until I find another source of income because I think I have been royally ripped off, but then, how can I squeeze blood from a stone?

This morning addresses a backtrack into the endearing days of my life. I woke up at dawn. In letting go, I do not turn rancid nor bitter. Having high expectations amounts to nothing but disappointment. Expecting value and fair treatment will ensure that it will not happen from no maintenance, especially from those who seek their luxurious level of life. Being meek is the solution, downtrodden as it may seem, even comparing the misfortune of others to mine provides no solace at all. Divine hurt is something that is placed in an index card of my mind, and as the illusion that there is not enough is waved, then I realize, that there will never be enough as even return is not possible when I am in need. 

Comes to light during this pandemic strife are the offerings that are made, some are real, some are delayed. Perhaps the truest one is from that one who has nothing at all, is wiped out, in the worst situation, and sacrificed to give me my Christmas. Then, there is the one that is there, who has the readiness peppered with curt advice and makes sure I don't drop. Then, the attorney that makes the effort to call me out of my stupor, knock on the door for me to move, and, yes, saved me from the major problems I am facing, and it isn't over yet.

Such is life, and taking the good with the bad in stride makes up for it, as my love makes excuses for others in my mind, making their failing me a matter of allowing them to do so, and accepting that it is the way it is. Everyone has their own beat and keeping expectations low means that there is no disappointment. Do the drop, it's a dance step in this rigodon of society that makes it necessary for many to have the utmost comforts of life, and achieving their peg for their own goals that means their success. 

As I will defrost the last piece of fish later, knowing that what I have on hand is from the value of a couple of people who struggle, it brings it all down to mindfulness. It's my best friend that tells me off and forcing me to accept a gift. It is my arm pain that is gone that I will bring back again. It's this blog post to drive me back to writing, as I have finished books that I have left unpublished, weighing if my life work of the culinary dictionary is to be a website, and if my guide to learning Tagalog should be an app. It's mindfulness, and I have been said to overthink, but it's the little things that count that make me go on from day to day. In my life, have closed a lot of doors, and in the lockdown mode, want sometimes to close more, except that there are some who need me in their lives.

When my depression hit, I wondered, is this being bipolar? Or is it the cutting edge of a knife? Stoic, only forcing myself to eat because of my dog who is accustomed to eating when I do. Turn and justifiably, I can point the blame, but it is useless to do so. Up to now, the many facets of pain, it still lingers in my mind. Will it be addressed by repeated words? Will it be addressed by strife? Will this pandemic ever be over? What I want... what I need. What do I have? 

A can of sardines that I refuse to open. I do not want to eat that. Ran out of dried fish in stock. A few eggs and my new recipe for flan. Some frozen food, and it is food stock. Too much ground coffee I do not drink, more tea than I will ever drink, and half a bottle of Soju. A lot of worries, so I started deep skin peeling my face, much to the horror of one daughter, but I reminded her that I had a skin peeling clinic before. Skin peeling is perfect during the pandemic, as I can wear a mask. Removing the wrinkles from my face, the open pores, the fine lines, and the sign of aging, as I cannot have my usual diamond peel done. 

Pandemic life. It's the world of DIY. It's budgeting, bartering, and smart purchasing. And, it is, right now, horrible life of strife, and I want my samguyp life back. 

Better IT career opportunities, win cash prizes while learning enterprise computing

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Forrester research found that careers in enterprise computing offer better salaries and more rewarding than other careers in information technology. Large enterprises are looking to hire students who can bring their own innovative ideas and passion while leveraging the company’s existing technological investments.

"71% of Fortune 500 companies use IBM Z mainframes, 90% of credit card transactions globally are processed through mainframes, and 92 of the top 100 banks use mainframe technology," according to Pat Toole, System Z General Manager at IBM.

Master the Mainframe is a virtual coding competition designed for students ages 13 years old and above at any experience level to learn the foundations of mainframe programming. Powered by IBM, it is one of the world's largest student competitions where participants can practice their new set of coding skills, implement it in a real-world challenge, connect with employers, earn recognized digital badges, scholarships, t-shirts, travel, and mentorship from mainframe professionals at industry events.
 
The program let students win amazing prizes, while developing critical skills which are in hot demand by the world’s largest and most respected companies. There is no experience required and it can help them land a career in Fortune 500 companies, and just requires a desire to expand skillset! This is the easiest way to provide students hands-on experience with this industry critical technology and earn open badges along the way which they can add to their resume and differentiate themselves among the rest.

Through three interactive levels, students will have access to a mainframe and get skilled up on the foundations of mainframe, including JCL, Ansible, Python, Unix, COBOL, and REXX, all through Visual Studio Code. Round it all out with a grand challenge where students can craft their own fully-equipped mainframe creation.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for technology students to try something different, and explore a potential career path," Julie Gauthier, Director of Technology Business Development at AngelHack said.

IBM shall feed two children in the Share the Meal program of the United Nations World Food Programme for every student finishing level one.

Get started today at bit.ly/MastertheMainframeAPAC and open doors to new opportunities with Fortune 500 companies. Contest deadline is on Sunday, January 17, 2021. Non-students are also eligible to earn digital badges.

Unifinity: The most sophisticated remote learning platform powered by Blockchain Technology

We are currently experiencing an unprecedented shift toward the virtualization of education. Catalyzed by the ongoing pandemic, educational institutions, teachers, students, and parents are forced to adapt to a new norm. Unfortunately, this change poses a big challenge for everyone. Many schools simply do not have the existing systems, infrastructure, expertise, time, and budget to transition towards online learning. The same can be said with parents and students who are already struggling financially.

Unifinity seeks to ease this transition by offering a fully functional and integrated “Virtual Academy” for schools, universities, training centers, and any other learning institutions. It is the first education management system powered by blockchain and smart contracts, making it one of the most advanced educational apps out in the market today. The Unifinity system is entirely web-based without the need to buy expensive software or run costly application servers, enabling schools to deploy their customized Virtual Academy within minutes.

With its minimalistic cost-saving approach, Parents and students will be happy to know that no additional equipment is required to use Unifinity’s Virtual Academy. It is 100% mobile device friendly, allowing them to use their existing smartphone to participate in the virtual classes. Virtual classrooms were carefully designed to give the students a simple yet useful user interface, minimizing the time required to learn the platform. To help defray the cost of online learning of students and provide an alternative source of funding Unifinity integrated a blockchain-enhanced performance rewards mechanism.

Ms. Veronica Andrino, the founder, and CEO at Unifinity calls this mechanism EdTech 2.0— Tokenization and Gamification of the Education System©. It is one of the many features of the platform that utilizes blockchain technology and smart contracts making them secure, irreversible, and immutable. This provides teachers a more accurate and efficient way to monitor students’ performance and subsequently reward them, keeping them interested and engaged. The smart contract automates the recording of scores and activities and distributes rewards based on the criteria set by the teacher. 

Additionally, Unifinity offers blockchain-based identity verification and certificate issuance. It also offers a direct payment gateway that supports fiat and virtual currency conversions. With all these powerful features, combined with ease of use and superb after-sales support, it is strongly positioned to take the lion’s share of the remote learning market. Without a doubt, it is one of the most sophisticated online learning systems that has graced our pages for a very long time. 

OWTO Signs Exclusive Partnership With Advance To Give Drivers Their Earnings On-Demand

OWTO drivers no longer have to wait to receive their earnings, thanks to a partnership between OWTO and Advance.

The deal comes after a successful four-month pilot with Advance, who issued on-demand earnings services to OWTO’s shuttle drivers while servicing a BPO company.

OWTO and Advance Signing Ceremony: Joel Gayod, the CEO of Owto App at the left side and and the one in the right is Addi Guevara,Co-Founder of Advance

OWTO drivers typically have to wait up to 45 days for their compensation to be released by the partner BPO, but many of them need to get paid on the day of service. This is what makes the partnership with Advance so ideal.

Each time a driver completes a trip for OWTO’s partners, their earnings will be registered in OWTO’s app and made available to withdraw anytime. This flexible payment scheme aims to help cover the drivers’ needs between paychecks, which typically come every 30th of the month.

“OWTO’s partnership with Advance is a formidable alliance that positions both companies to dominate their respective markets. We are very excited to work with Advance in creating opportunities, surpassing key targets & achieving common goals in service of a wider consumer base,” said OWTO CEO Joel Gayod. “With OWTO’s proven market resilience and Advance’s core capabilities, there is no way but up.”

On-demand earnings services will be extended to even more drivers under OWTO’s shuttle service operations as they expand their footprint to other companies. This is a huge win for the OWTO drivers who now have the flexibility to access their earnings as needed.

“These drivers are part of our front liners in today’s reality,” said Addi Guevara, Advance Co-founder. “They make it possible for others to continue making a living during these uncertain times. Through Advance’s salary on-demand service, we hope to make life a little easier for them as well.”

About OWTO

OWTO is owned and operated by iPARA Technologies and Solutions, Inc., a Philippine-based company specializing in transport innovations. It promises a fairer and safer experience for both drivers and riders.

About Advance

Advance believes that life shouldn’t revolve around payday. As the first and only on-demand wage access provider in the Philippines, they provide flexible financial services to Filipino workers through their employers and partners.

Advance aims to simplify finance to elevate lives, empowering Filipino workers to take control of their finances and establishing partner companies as advocates of worker wellbeing.

Of Decisions

The mind is what makes us want to hold on and let go, be considerate, and so on.  There are factors like if it is physically impossible to stay apart, in pain... But, it is the mind that binds or breaks those unseen chains. 

A conversation 

Love is a feeling.

Me: Feelings change. 

So if love is not a feeling, what is it to you? 

Me: It's a decision. 

You mean love isn't passion? 

Me: Passion can turn into hate. 

You don't feel love? 

Me: I do. I mean to love is a decision. 

Aha. So you feel love. What do you decide?

Me: I don't know. It's not easy to make a decision. 

Choose. Tilapia or Bangus. 

Me: Bangus. 

Why bangus? It's got lots of small spines. 

Me: I love bangus. 

So you love bangus and can decide. 

Me: It's just fish. 

But what if tilapia was the only fish available?

Me: Then I have no choice. 

So what do you decide? 

Me: Not to buy fish. 

Will you make a decision? 

Me: No, I have to think. 

A flood of memories goes through my mind. Then, decisions are made. It all takes a commitment and to accept the challenges and hardships with the choices that we make. And, when I did make a decision, the offer was only valid based on feelings. It spurred again, however, as wonderful and as perfect as was, it is the internal conflict that makes it not possible, as I see the conflict, and until that time, it does not make sense to be more serious. It is difficult to entertain an offer when there is nothing more than feelings of passion and all the glory of romance, as the internal conflict will still be there. Feelings change. Love is a decision. It can change into indifference when the heart and mind decide together. The pursuit of happiness is not in the verification that someone loves you but in loving oneself. Letting go is easy. All it takes is a decision. People go insane because they hold on. We all have memories of beautiful times that turn into painful memories which can make us miss someone. However, we cannot live with a ghost. Neither can I be bitter, downplay a person, or talk about the past with extolling what was wrong with the other one, as it is wrong to do so. The new normal has brought about several changes in our lives. In mine, the realization that it is a lot more difficult to be content with scrimping and saving for the daily fare, so I let go of more things by bartering to have more delicious food. The pandemic brings about the thoughts of how little we need in this life, hence we declutter, not only things but also our relationships by keeping social distance from the ones who cannot add joy to our lives. It spurs relationships with people that bring about more than needing us in their lives but wanting us in their lives. Even with social distancing, we have support in more ways than one. It is sad, in a way. I never want to inflict pain on anyone, but things have to be done to provide closure for the mind to accept that it is no longer going to be me. Closure for those moments that will never be. In this life, I have learned that if someone wants to be in your life, they will knock and nearly break down the door, and do everything to be with you. And, in understanding, we all have our limitations, and I have had enough. Romance fills in the blanks, but love isn't a movie scene, it is a decision.

NOVUHAIR Petite: Less is More

The reality of adhering to the different pandemic-related health protocols until this global health crisis is under control while slowly relaxing the expansive social restrictions to bootup the economy refers to our “new normal”. 

ADP Pharma Corporation introduces to the island of Luzon the new NOVUHAIR Petite, the fit and clear-cut choice to meet the ever-changing needs and essentials in facing the challenges and the impact of the new normal.

Read more: https://bit.ly/37Iar5U

But why choose NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion?

• Formulated with 19 of nature’s finest and standardized herbal extracts and essential oils that work in synergy to help prevent and reduce the progression of hair loss
• Clinically proven safe and effective by a clinical trial designed by and for Filipinos 
• No harmful chemicals such as parabens and sulfates 
• Proudly Philippine-made, FDA-registered, compliant to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and USA Cosmetic Guidelines
• Comes in a 200mL bottle good for about 4 months use 
  
  

NOVUHAIR Petite will be available online and offline soon for the special price of ₱1,990 good for 2 months, highly recommended to those experiencing excessive hair shedding, and to those who have been clamoring for a smaller pack for trial purposes. Sounds good? 

NOVUHAIR products are available at all Mercury Drug stores and other leading drugstores nationwide and online at Lazada, Shopee, and regaloservice.com.

May this new offer help you feel secured and happy despite the woes of hair loss during this pandemic crisis and gain so much more value in your life. 

Choose natural. Nothing to lose.

For more updates about NOVUHAIR® Petite, follow the Novuhair Facebook page and Instagram account @NovuhairOfficial.

 

5 Reasons Why Your Hair Might Be Falling Out

Losing up to 100 strands of hair every day is normal. If your hair starts to shed more significant than usual, or if they do not grow back as they should, it can be a source of concern. Once the cause is detected, hair fall remedy or baldness cure for hair loss treatment can be easier. 

While genetic condition like male pattern baldness is the main culprit for hair loss in the Philippines, the causes widely vary genetic or hereditary hair loss, alopecia areata, male pattern hair loss, and reactive hair loss. 

What are the possible reasons why your hair is excessively shedding? 

Find out the 5 reasons why your hair might be falling out. 

Read more: https://bit.ly/35xfuDA 

How do you remedy or prevent excessive hair fall? 

Unlike other treatments, using natural ingredients for your hair is exceptionally safe. In the Philippines, NOVUHAIR® has sustained its market leadership and bagged as the leading hair loss treatment in 2019 (Euromonitor Passport Data 2019). 

NOVUHAIR® contains only natural ingredients and essential oils to prevent and reduce hair loss such as ginger, moringa, Indian Pennywort, Virgin Coconut Oil, Panax Ginseng, Indian Gooseberry, Aloe Vera, black pepper, Biotin, Vitamin B5, Shikakai, lemongrass, peppermint, safflower, lavender, rosemary and more. NOVUHAIR’s 19 natural ingredients work in synergy to help prevent and remedy the early warning signs of hair loss – excessive hair fall, thinning hair, and bald patches. 

Save P1,100 with NOVUHAIR® 3-in-1 VIP Promo Kit available at Mercury Drug stores nationwide. 

Checkout: https://bit.ly/31NszaI 

To know more about NOVUHAIR®, visit @NovuhairOfficial on Facebook or www.novuhair.com.

NOVUHAIR Celebrates 10.10

2020 marks the 10th successful year of NOVUHAIR in the Philippines and what a better way to celebrate this milestone by launching the NOVU VIP CLUB.

The NOVU VIP CLUB is designed to guide, inspire, and take the journey together with its members a wholistic approach in managing hair loss, especially during this global health crisis. Supported by a pool of 10 VIP Coaches, the members are given the opportunity to engage directly with the experts and at the same time enjoy the exciting monthly perks.

The Philippines’ Health, Beauty & Wellness guru Ms. Cory Quirino joins NOVUHAIR® and completes the list of high-caliber professionals from different fields of expertise tagged “VIP Coaches”: Fanny Serrano (Salon & Beauty VIP Coach), Hon. Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (Leadership VIP Coach), Jim Saret (Fitness VIP Coach), Toni Saret (Fitness & Nutrition VIP Coach), Dr. Cecile Catapang (Aesthetic & Rejuvenation VIP Coach), Dr. Risa Caldoza-De Leon (Dermatology & Beauty VIP Coach), Dr. Harris Acero (Wellness & Nutrition VIP Coach), Alopecia Warrior Abby Asistio (Inspirational VIP Coach), Master Hans Cua (Feng Shui VIP Coach) and finally, the addition of Ms. Cory Quirino (Health, Beauty & Wellness VIP Coach).

Discover how to become an exclusive member and enjoy the monthly perks.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/2HFGNTM

 

FREE Extra NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo Exclusive at Watsons

 

Along with the ongoing threat of this pandemic health crisis comes, one has to adapt to the new normal that affects everything and everyone. Despite the urgency of reopening businesses for economic reasons, the majority of the Filipinos are still forced to stay at home with uncertainty. 

Apparently, these endless quarantines have taken emotional and mental tolls in the household affecting Filipino women, most of whom work from home and work at home. They have to take care of the entire family and household while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

For some women, such trying times are something to lose their hair over, literally. Not many know this, but stress can actually cause hair loss. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can also contribute to hair loss. Discover some of the 5 reasons why your hair might be falling out. Read more: https://bit.ly/35xfuDA

Understanding the root cause of hair loss can greatly help you choose a safe and effective anti-hair loss product. If you want to experience nature’s answer to hair loss, avail of the NOVUHAIR® 3-in-1 promo pack exclusively available at participating Watsons stores. Checkout the list below:

Watsons Ali Mall

Watsons Ayala Fairview Terraces

Watsons Cubao

Watsons Eastwood 1800

Watsons Festival Mall 

Watsons SM City Fairview

Watsons Greenbelt

Watsons Las Pinas Supercenter

Watsons SM City Manila

Watsons Market! Market!

Watsons SM Megamall

Watsons SM Mall of Asia

Watsons SM City North Edsa Main

Watsons SM City North Edsa Annex

Watsons SM City Novaliches 

Watsons Podium

Watsons Robinsons Galleria

Watsons SM City San Lazaro

Watsons SM Aura Premiere

Watsons SVI Aura Premiere

Watsons SM City East Ortigas

Watsons SM Southmall

Watsons The Medical City

Watsons Tutuban

Watsons UP Town Center Phase 2

Watsons Virra Mall Greenhills

Watsons Vista Mall Taguig

Watsons SM City Bacoor

Watsons SM City Dasmarinas

Watsons Waltermart Dasmarinas

Watsons SM City Trece Martires

Watsons SM City San Fernando Pampanga

Watsons SM City San Mateo

The NOVUHAIR® 3-in-1 promo pack contains one 200mL bottle each of the Topical Scalp Lotion, Herbal Shampoo, Herbal Condition plus another 200mL Herbal Shampoo worth ₱1,100 for FREE! 

Choose natural. You’ve got nothing to lose. 

DOH-FDA-CCRR Permit No. 0632 s. 2020

Promo duration: August 25, 2020 to February 24, 2021

Acculab MNL Swab Testing Center Now Open in Manila!

It's good to know that there are new swab testing centers that opened, to accommodate as many. With Acculab MNL, we can now have our test taken for an affordable price and for faster results accurately.

The global COVID 19 pandemic continues its onslaught worldwide as infections have spread rapidly over the vast population, leaving a trail of devastation in both social and commercial fronts. 

Due to the increase in COVID cases in the Philippines, the lack of medical and testing capacity, and as the period of uncertainty lingers while we wait for the development of a working vaccine, AccuLab MNL, a privately-owned swabbing facility for personal and occupational COVID-19 testing and certification officially opened last Thursday.

Hon. Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso graced the Grand Launch and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last Oct 22, 2020. In support of the Manila government’s action plan dubbed as CODE-COVID-19 (Contain and Delay), 200 Antigen Rapid Testing Kits were donated to the Hon. Mayor that same day. Mayor Isko, who’s celebrating his birthday personally received the gift vouchers.

AccuLab MNL is a team of professional and highly-trained swabbers consisting of medical technologists and nurses operating at the highest standards and is committed to providing efficient and accurate testing with fast and reliable turnaround times.

AccuLab MNL’s swab test ranges from 4500 to 11500 depending on the turnaround time for results. AccuLab MNL’s also offers Antigen Rapid Testing at a very low price of P1,400. We accept walk-in, drive-through and remote collection.

AccuLab MNL mainly offers the gold standard in coronavirus testing, the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This is a highly technical process that not only involves having the right machine and kits, but also the proper safety infrastructure, like a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) laboratory. That is why, AccuLab MNL partnered with PHILIPPINE AIRPORT DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY, a duly licensed and DOH-accredited molecular diagnostic testing facilities, also considered as one of the early responders to the government’s call for unity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

 At AccuLab MNL, we are committed to delivering your COVID-19 test report and certification with Accuracy, Consistency, and Efficiency. We at AccuLab MNL, we ACE in the trace.

For more details, Contact Anne Chico-Vicente and/or visit their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/acculabmnl/

580 P. Ocampo St. 1004 Malate, Philippines

0995 654 2223