I know that you will agree that is feels frustrating to be rejected on different transactions here in the Philippines because every institution or business entity requires you to have a valid primary identification card (ID). 

If you are not working and doesn't have a license like the ones issued by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and Land Transportation Office (LTO), you still need to have a primary ID with you.

Philippine Postal ID or PHLpost ID is considered as a primary ID here in the Philippines. Aside from using it as a primary ID to do your transactions, you can use it to get discounts, freebies, services, and exclusive deals at different partner merchants across the country. 

Applying for Philippine Postal ID is quick and easy! (Courtesy: www.phlpost.gov.ph)

Do you know that it is so quick and easy to get your own? It will only take you less than 20 minutes granted that you bring all the necessary requirements with you when you apply. You can apply it via any PHLpost Branch or Extension Office near you. But I recommend that you apply in SM City Manila (located in 5th Floor) if you are near the place. The transaction there is so fast, easy, and hassle-free. The staff is very nice and accommodating too.

What are the steps and requirements needed?

The following are the basic requirements:

Birth Certificate issued by National Statistics Office (NSO)

Government issued ID like valid passport or driver's license, GSIS or SSS UMID card

Certificate of Marriage (for married female)

Barangay Clearance 

Filled-up Philpost ID Application form downloadable from www.postalidph.com

Application Fee: Php504.00

* When applying for a Barangay Clearance, you have to bring a proof of billing with your name and address written on it or Proof of Residency when you live in a condominium of townhouse. Your Voter's ID is another proof of residency, as long as you vote in the barangay where you live. It only takes you a few minutes to apply for this. I suggest that you go to your Barangay Hall early to finish your transaction quickly. If I remember it right, I only paid Php35.00 for this. 

*Bring the photocopy of proofs of identity/address for submission and original copies  for verification purposes.

Having proofs of your identity with you when you apply is very important. If you don't have the following primary proofs of identity: passport, PRC ID, or Driver's License, you must have a copy of Birth Certificate issued by NSO. If still you don't have a birth certificate or any government issued ID, you have to bring any of the following to prove your address and identity: Baptismal Certificate, Confirmation Certificate, Transcript of Records, Elementary or High School Form, School ID, Alumni ID, Work ID, Credit Card Statement, Water Bill, Electric Bill, or any proof of billing that is named under you.

Why do I recommend downloading, printing, and filling-up the form before you go to any PHLpost Branch or Extension Office and have your requirements photocopied ahead of time? It will save you more time. That's the main reason. 

Applying for Philippine Postal ID is quick and easy! If your requirements are ready, it can take you less than 20 minutes to apply and have your photo and biometrics taken when the line is not that long. The ID is delivered by mail within 10 to 15 working days. In case it doesn't arrive on time, follow it up in your City's PHLpost Central Office only.

Philippine Postal ID is valid for three years. 

Have you experienced applying for a Phlippine Postal ID? If yes, how was it?

I am a pen and paper type of "planerista". The digital age is here and it's advancing hastily. For a non-techie and a sort of "digital phobic", I can use my android phone planner but still, I resort to the old-fashioned planning. 

For this reason, I searched for and wrote about the best planners available in Philippines because I was looking for the best for my own perusal. I was eyeing for a Moonleaf Planner due to the outstanding planning experience that it gave me in 2015. It would cost me Php399 for it to land on my hands. At the back of my mind, I was willing to purchase it but still hoping that someone would give me that planner or any planner to use so that I wouldn't spend anymore. That happened for the last two years and again this year. Paps got me a present for Christmas then it came with a free planner. 

I will tell you more about that gift soon but for now, I just want to make chika about the "waging-waging" planner that I decided to use this year. This planner reminded me so much about Moonleaf 2015 Planner and its format was the one that I would like to have for this year. Visualizing really works! Yay! I love it!

What makes me love my O Shopping 2018 Planner?

- It has a thick vinyl cover with card slots inside.

- It has annual calendars from 2018 to 2019 making it easier for me to look for dates at a glance.

- Every month is thematic that makes the planner more attractive and fun to write on.

- The monthly and daily calendars have ample spaces making detailed planning so convenient.

- There's a page for notes per week perfect for drafting articles.

- Planner pages are made of high quality paper that is thick, smooth, and easy to write on.

- A voucher code can be used to purchase selected items on the official O Shopping website that is valid for the given month.

- Two bookmarks are included. The first one is attached to the notebook itself while the other one is magnetic. 

To sum it all up, the O Shopping Planner is very simple yet functional and beautiful. Like me, anyone can be motivated to use it as his planning partner this year.

I am so glad that it's the freebie when Paps shopped in O Shopping a few days before Christmas. I really love my O Shopping 2018 Planner! 

Stay tuned on Paps' O Shopping experience. 

Do you also use an O Shopping 2018 Planner and loving it? 

Since time immemorial, men in particular have sought to express their presence and power through various means. Our tribal warriors in the past show their prominence and prowess through various tattoos on their bodies which act as proof of their mettle and degree of influence, such fashion statements were regarded as a proof of power. In every age of our history, fashion statements worn by men have been geared towards the expression of their sphere of influence or degree of stability. Unlike women, who have a wide variety of sources and choices when it comes to their fashion expression, men's repertoire of choices when it comes to self-expression is still simply very conservative. On one hand, men usually cannot over dress since it may send the wrong impression. On the other hand, down-dressing may also send a negative message. That is why for the most part, men seek to show their social status, financial standing, power, and dominance in a very unassuming but prominent way. Such criteria are best expressed on what they wear on their wrist. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, time pieces are an integral part of men's fashion, expression, and way of life. On such time piece that encapsulates everything that men want to express is offered by Jord Watches. Their time pieces cater to various types of expression, They exude elegance, fashionability, exclusivity, and power. Their designs are created to fit men's modern lifestyle without sacrificing functionality and versatility.

Jord Watches are exquisitely designed to cater every man's fashion taste and lifestyle. They are made of wood like Acacia, Bamboo, Ebony, Golden Camphor, Koa, Cosso, Maple, Olive, Purpleheart, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Walnut, and Cedarwood which promotes sustainability and eco-friendliness. Their movements are basically self-winding automatic mechanical battery powered movement, or battery powered chronograph, depending on the models or series. The face of the watches is made of Sapphire glass, a synthetic crystal (aluminum oxide) that is known in the luxury watch world as the definitive material for transparency and durability and second to diamond as the hardest and most scratch resistant material on earth. The sapphire glass's high modulus of elasticity and tensile strength makes all Jord watches extremely versatile, durable, and impact/abrasion resistant.

Furthermore, Jord as a company is being ran by artists, designers, marketers, and minders with a common goal of creating timepieces that are modeled after a modern lifestyle. It values sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living. Jord makes timepieces for men (and also women) who are passionate and driven, those who value time and what it brings. 

In line with this, my eldest son, who is now in his teenage years, is now seeking for his own identity. As a mom, I give him the liberty to choose what he wants to do and that includes the apparel that he wants to wear. In every choice that he makes, my husband and I make sure that his choices must be based on our values and needs as a family but would never loose his own identity. Just in time that he needs a new watch that would help him catch up with his busy schedule in school and extra curricular activities while telling a statement and expressing himself as a goal-driven young man, Jord has sent him a DARK SANDALWOOD & BLUE CARBON worth $159 (Delmar Series) that he has chosen for himself.

Isn't it beautiful? My son loved it at first sight!

Included in the kit are the following: 

*Jord Preserve Finishing Oil- It is a custom-formulated cleaning oil, 100% natural with no artificial chemicals, made specifically for the care of wood watches.

*Jord Polishing Cloth (thin and thick)- The thin cloth is intended for polishing the sapphire glass while the thick one is for polishing the watch's body.

*Comprehensive User's Manual- All you need to know about the watch and how to maintain it are written there.

*Jord Wooden Logo- It's a guarantee that you are receiving an original Jord Watch. It also makes the whole package prettier.

*Portion of the bracelet that was removed because upon ordering, Jord lets you measure your wrist  to make your watched tailored-fit for you (Free Sizing).

There is also a thin magnetic drawer under the box where you can store all the add-ons. When you flip the box upside-down or sideways, the contents are not going to fall down. Amazing, isn't it?

Jord Dark Sandalwood & Blue Carbon set

Since a Jord Watch is not just great for personal use, it can be a perfect gift choice for a friend or a loved one. The company offers Engraving Services to make any watch of your choice personalized.

I was asked by Wendy Dessler of altitudebranding.com a few days ago about my morning routines that was included in her published article, The Morning Routine of Successful Professionals.

Yes, I do it daily for the last four years since Bunso, my seven year old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder, started attending school. My morning routine may be the same in context but always unique depending on Bunso's mood. Sometimes his rigidity in routines can cause unforeseen circumstances that affect his mood or punctuality in school which requires more patience and understanding on my part. Sickness in the family may also hinder in the smooth flow of my morning routines since as a family we don't have a helper to depend on. To keep my sanity intact and avoid being in the state of panic that is very, very tiring, the following are the things that I do to start the day right.

I start my day right! (Courtesy: Pixabay)

I prepare the things that my family needs the night before. 

It saves time when the apparel, food to eat or cook, and things to bring to work or school are in place for the following day.

I say a little prayer. 

Starting the day with the heart full of gratitude fills the entire day with joy and purpose.

I face the day with a positive mind set. 

According to the book, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, "Positive thoughts attract positive things. Negative thoughts attract negative things. What you think you will attract." I am practicing the teachings of The Secret and it gives a great impact on how my day begins and ends.

I never whine over trivial things.

There are circumstances that I can't control. The things I have planned may not happen as I want them to be but there is no reason for me to whine. Based on experience, whining keeps me away from thinking rationally. What I do is to look at the brighter side of the situation, keep going, and be flexible.

I focus on my priorities. 

I go for quality versus quantity. I take care of what my family needs over what I have to do for myself first. When they are in their respective schools and work, that's the time when I can focus on my personal goals. In that way, I can cover everything without sacrificing the things that truly matter. 

How about you? How do you start your day?

In between doing mom duties, I also do my responsibilities as a freelancer. I manage a family crafting business, started a small home based food business with my husband (I will share this to you soon.), write for an online magazine, and maintain a website. I do all these with my family's support and help. We don't have a helper and we're used to it. Each member of our family does his or her share to keep everything in place. These are the reasons why all of us are very busy but we never cease to give time for one another. We are not rich but we live decently. We don't have much but we get what we need. We live to be contented but we never stop dreaming and making things happen. We never forget to be always grateful and thankful for our blessings. Focusing on our triumphs and learning from our mistakes keep us moving forward. Paps and I practice positive mind-setting which, we believe, is a means to attract more positive things. 

I love life despite the challenges it gives because I am surrounded with loving, supportive, and good people. If you love yourself, you can attract love and give it back. What a wonderful feeling! Good morning! ❤❤❤ . START FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF http://www.psst.ph/start-feeling-good-about-yourself/ . 12 BEST ARTICLES ABOUT LOVING ONE'S SELF http://www.psst.ph/12-best-articles-loving-ones-self/ (Thanks for the inspiring articles, @snappedandscribbled, @purpleplumfairy , @momiberlin, @vinzeusala, and @mskathykenny. 😍😘) . . #psstph #partofthestory #aapmwrites #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #nothingbutanokia #nokialumia630 . 📷 Martin Cross

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Feb 16, 2018 at 3:41pm PST

It's inevitable that trials and challenges come, but we do our very best to take them as opportunities to be better. Seeing the good over the bad in a very unpleasant circumstance makes us think properly. Whining or complaining happens sometimes because we are human beings. We feel, get frustrated, and think that the world is so unfair. But it should not end that way. We have to work hard to make the world we live in fair for our selves and our family. The world may not be in our favor sometimes, even most of the time, but it's not a valid reason for us to forget our values. Like what we always tell Kuya, we don't have luxuries to give him and his younger brother but what we can promise is to give them a good name, best education, and most of all, a loving family.

I have a wondeful family. What more can I ask for?

The reason why I am sharing this is I remember an incident that happened a few weeks ago. 

While Loley (my mom), now in her senior years, is beadworking for Faithshoppe PH, our humble family crafting business, I take responsibility in doing printing stuff and some accessories too, and also the legwork. I carry heavy huge bags while commuting. I do purchasing, delivery, merchandising, and inventory. While I was doing the inventory in one of our partner outlets, I was fortunate to see someone who was part of my college days. We had a brief catching-up. In the middle of the conversation, he asked me what I was doing and here was our conversation.

Sir M: "Kumusta ka na pala? Ano'ng trabaho mo ngayon?" ("How are you? What do you do?")

I: "Heto po may maliit na negosyo at full time housewife po ako. Nag-i-inventory po ako ngayon." ("I am managing a small business and a full time housewife. I am now doing my inventory.")

It was very obvious on his face that he couldn't believe what I said. Based on his facial expression, he was somewhat disappointed.

Sir M: "Ha? Akala ko duktor ka?" ("What? I thought you're a doctor?")

I: "Hindi po ako tumuloy kasi nagkaproblema po kami sa family. I have to stop attending medical school to give way for my brother's college education. Karamihan po ng batch mates ko doctors na."

("It didn't push through due to family problems. I had to stop attending medical school to give way for my brother's college education, Most of my batch mates are doctors now.")

Sir M: "Sayang naman. Sana duktor ka na rin ngayon. Well, kanya-kanya naman 'yan. May nag-concentrate sa career pero nasira naman ang family. Pero ako career person ako. Dito na ako tumanda." ("It was such a waste. I was hoping that you were practicing as a doctor. Well, it depends on the situation. There were people who concentrated on their careers but ended up with broken families. But me, I am a career person. I grew old here.")

I: "Okay lang po. Masaya naman po ako sa ginagawa ko ngayon and you are doing such a good job. The institution is so blessed to have you for years." (It's okay. I am happy with what I do and you are doing such a good job. The institution is so blessed to have you for years.")

I didn't have to explain. Why would I? I just sealed the conversation with a smile.

After my last response, I could see on his face that he was convinced with my answer. But there was this strange feeling deep inside me that on one hand, maybe he felt sad and sorry for me for not becoming a doctor. On the other hand, he might be disappointed because for him, I ended up as an "ordinary" citizen, based on his standards. Well, with all sincerity, I didn't feel offended. A moment like that would always tell me that people measure success differently and it is based on their definition of personal success.

First and foremost, I live my life based on my own decision. I decide to act and live accordingly on what is good, beneficial, healthy, and happy for myself, the people that I love, acquaintances, and for others that I don't even know. I am a good citizen. I don't demean anyone. I don't cause harm in all aspects to anyone. I choose my battles. I have known my purpose and I focus on practicing it at my very best joyfully and willingly. I remember what my best friend, Alena, once said, "Siguro na-meet mo na ang Maslov's Hierarchy of Needs mo." ("Maybe you already met your Maslov's Hierarchy of Needs.") Maybe yes. Maybe not yet. Maybe I am almost there. But one thing is for sure. At the end of the day, I am always convinced that I am happy. I am happy with who I am and what I have.

Courtesy: https://unsplash.com/photos/IqHuJ_Ceq60

It is never too late to instill healthy nutritional values to your children. In the United States, we have just finished Easter celebrations. As with most celebrations and holidays, the event was a reason to overload our kids with sugary sweets. As we deal with tummy aches, children on sugar-rushes followed by the dreaded sugar-crashes, we think there must be a better way,

Consider the following:

A child has limited space in their stomach. Excessive treats loaded with sugar leave no room for foods with nutritional values. 

Sugar-filled treats stick to a child's teeth. It is difficult to brush a toddler's teeth effectively. If they fall asleep after eating sugar, the sugar eats away at their teeth for an extended period of time. This leads to long-term dental health issues.

Sugar causes your child's insulin levels to rise too quickly to process sugar in their blood. The rise can cause hyperactivity and discomfort. This is followed by a fast and hard drop in the insulin levels once the sugar has been distributed. A high blood-sugar count followed by a sugar-crash makes even seasoned adults feel ill. 

When you eat sugar, your body craves more sugar. A child who is allowed to consume sugar at will can quickly become obese. Sugar affects the brain, and the body craves the “feel-good hormone” it initiates. 

Why would any parent want to allow these medical problems in their young child? Sure, the child is temporarily happy to have their sugar fix, but a smart parent weighs it out and soon decides that omitting sugar is much easier on their child than do damage control.

Courtesy: https://unsplash.com/photos/eo11MS0FSnk

Changing your lifestyle

We all agree that we should do better. But, some of us have the feeling that we are somehow depriving our kids if we cut out all the sweet treats that the other kids get. While this is a misplaced concern, we feel it, so it is valid. Perhaps we should use the rule of quality over quantity. For example, a child that receives an Easter basket that is filled with books, small toys, and activities is just as exciting as a basket that is filled with candy. If you include a small Ghiradelli candy treat, the child is perfectly happy. They got a reasonable and quality treat and will have the thrill of their toys long after the sugar filled baskets are empty. 

You are not putting your children on a diet. You are teaching them the proper way to eat. You must have open conversations with them about your food rules. You will have to share these instructions with other adults in their lives. Your child will not have one bad side-effect of living without sugar. They can have reasonable treats, but they do not have to contain sugar. Keep treats for their special days and parties. Your child will be just as excited to have a sugar-free candy as they would be if it contained sugar. Keep a stash at your parents or caregivers homes. If they are tempted to treat the child, they have an acceptable option. 

Talk to your children. Have them help you make a list of their favorite foods that are healthy They will soon see there are many foods that they like that they can have. 

Let your children help make treats for holidays as part of the fun. There are tins of DIY treats available online that are made from fruits, veggies, and berries. Get creative and conquer the sugar beast in your home. 

As your child grows, they will branch out and try different things. However, by then, they will have developed a taste for good and healthy food. They will have been taught to recognize the health effects they experience when they eat sugar and they will opt on their own to stay with what they know. It will not be difficult for them. You will have effectively taught them that they eat to live. They do not live to eat. What a wonderful gift to them that is. 

Here are some other tips:

Keep a sugar-free home.

Set a good example. This is a family lifestyle.

Have foods that they like and that they can eat, on hand.

Have sugar-free candy on hand for treats you want to give them.

Use natural products like honey to sweeten baked goods.

Select your battles. Do not make a big deal out of a small issue. If you have to address an issue, address it with the adults in the situation, not the child. 

Written by:

Wendy Dessler

Finding it difficult to find the perfect anti-wrinkle cream? With hundreds or thousands of these products on the market, one would think finding the ideal cream would be the easiest thing ever, but that’s not the case. Most brands promise same things and it can be difficult to determine what’s right for you without learning more about each product. To help you out, we’ve evaluated all sorts of anti-wrinkle creams and in this post, we discuss Stemuderm, one of the most popular items of this kind on the market. Scroll down to learn more about it.

What is Stemuderm?

Stemuderm is an anti-aging product that is specifically formulated to address the most common problems of the aging skin. Not only does it minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but it also slows the formation of new ones. At the same time, Stemuderm provides many other benefits that women seek to look youthful and radiant. Honestly, this product is one of a kind due to the fact it can do what many other anti-wrinkle treatments can’t accomplish. The cream is said to provide effects similar to those of Botox but without needless and trips to a dermatologist’s office.

Who makes Stemuderm?

Stemuderm is one of many products made by Solvaderm and chances are high you’ve already heard about this brand on numerous occasions. Solvaderm is one of the most reputable skincare brands on the market mainly because they bring professional strength products to “regular” consumers. The company works with dermatologists and researchers to formulate their creams and other treatments in a way that they will work without providing unwanted effects. Besides anti-wrinkle cream, they also have other products under their belt including eye treatment, moisturizer with SPF, serums, acne treatments, you name it. As this Stemuderm review will show, Solvaderm has a perfectionist approach toward development of their products to ensure they are suitable for everyone.

Who is Stemuderm for?

While many anti-wrinkle creams are suitable for a specific group of women only, Stemuderm stands out as a product that everyone can use. According to the official website, women of all ages can use Stemuderm. The cream is suitable for skin of women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and mature skin. In addition, the anti-aging treatment works perfectly regardless of the skin type. Regardless of your skin, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive or combination, Stemuderm can still exhibit its effects. Yet another proof why it is one of the unique products on the market, Stemuderm also benefits women whose skin is prone to redness. 

How does Stemuderm work?

If you run a Google search to get informed about Stemuderm chances are you’ll come across multiple media websites calling it the best anti-wrinkle cream on the market. That is not a marketing strategy of the brand, but a fact resulting from potent mechanisms this cream takes to help users appear younger. Stemuderm works by targeting facial structures to decrease repetitive contractions and movements that would lead to wrinkles. Regular use of the cream promotes the refortification of extracellular matrix to make your skin firm, smooth, and visibly fuller. Pampers and nourishes the skin in order to minimize the appearance of forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines, fine lines around eyes, and laugh lines.

Stemuderm ingredients

While evaluating the cream itself and learning more about it, we were positively surprised to see that Solvaderm provided evidence to support their claims regarding the efficacy of Stemuderm. The evidence is available on the product page under the Clinical Research section. The effectiveness of this anti-aging treatment isn’t a happy accident, but a result of a potent formula containing potent peptides and other active compounds. The formula contains:

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 – disrupts specific pathways to inhibit muscle contractions to reduce the appearance of wrinkles 

Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate – acts in a similar fashion like snake venom, but it is entirely safe and contains no poison whatsoever. Reduces appearance and formation of wrinkles that are generally caused by repetitive movements

Acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-1 – disrupts the proteins that carry messages and interrupt the pathways that lead to muscle contractions

Palmitoyl oligopeptide – improves skin’s elasticity

Matrixyl 3000 – stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and elastin 

Malus domestica fruit cell culture – the vital component of Stemuderm, protects stem cells found in your skin, extends cell cycle, rejuvenates skin

Jojoba seed oil – acts as a nourishing moisturizer, curbs excess sebum production 

Apricot kernel oil – promotes optimal moisture balance

Squalane – improves texture and appearance of skin

Hyaluronic acid – hydrates your skin

Stemuderm side effects

What makes Stemuderm stand out from other anti-wrinkle creams and skincare products is the fact it is safe to use. The cream doesn’t induce side effects and is perfectly safe for daily use. What’s more, even women who use the product regularly praise it for its safety. 

How to apply Stemuderm

Stemuderm, like other anti-wrinkle creams, is easy to apply. Cleanse your face with a powerful, but gentle cleanser and pat it dry with a towel (don’t rub). Apply Stemuderm on your face, neck, and décolletage by lightly massaging the skin with circular motions. Make the cream a part of your daily skincare regimen by applying it in the morning and before bedtime. Bearing in mind that skin needs some time to adjust to new products, Solvaderm recommends using it every other day for a week, then on a daily basis from the week two. 

Where to buy Stemuderm

While you may stumble upon some websites that claim they sell Stemuderm, the safest way to purchase is to get it from the official website. That way, you’re confident the product is real and not fake. The product comes at a price of $79.99, but buying from the official website of Solvaderm also allows you to get it for 20% lower price with a discount code SAVE20. Another perk of buying Stemuderm from the official site is that you are eligible for a refund if you happen not to like the product. Solvaderm provides a 60-day money back guarantee. 

Final verdict

After a thorough evaluation of the product, it is easy to conclude that Stemuderm is a reliable and effective product. Regular use of the cream can make you appear youthful without side effects and expensive treatments. It’s wonderful that women have the option to get Botox-like effects without, actually, getting Botox. The efficacy of the cream is a result of a scientific approach to skincare, which is always a plus.


Written by:
Evlin Symon