The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most." - John Ruskin

With the love of colours and a thoughtful spirit in mind, SM Megamall delighted shoppers with dreamy and magical #ChristmasSMoments at the launch of its Dreamagination: A Magical Holiday Spectacle celebration last November 8, held at the Mega Fashion Hall. It was indeed a wonderful feeling to see a dreamy and magical ambience of unicorns, rainbows, and candy-colored displays.

Develop a childlike fascination with life and people." - Jim Rohn

"Every year we challenge ourselves to come up with a theme that surpasses the grandness of the previous year. We are very excited about this holiday season because we know our customers would love this year's colorful and magical theme," said Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations. Indeed, people from all walks of life will have a chance to rekindle their wonderful Christmas moments as a child and shall delight their childlike fascination as they visit Dreamagination.

During the media launch hosted by Tim Yap and Karla Aguas, the mall unveiled its 45-foot Christmas centerpiece, adorned with candy-colored jewels, rainbows, and iconic unicorn and you soldiers dolls.


SM Megamall welcomed the holidays with whimsical performances by local and international acrobats, such as the Twin Ballerinas Annika and Tisha; Eric Aranas as Toy Soldier and parkour stunts by member of Ninja Academy as Elf Jumpers; the awe-inspiring acts of global Vertical and Trapeze Dancers; and spiral pole and rope dancer Kristel De Catalina of Pilipinas Got Talent season 6.

I invite you to watch snipets of the Dreamagination: A Holiday Spectacle launch (Video Credit: Miss Reylen Castro of Made It Through Mum blog):

I became an active blogger in 2013. My sole purpose then was to write as a diversionary activity to survive the ups and downs of motherhood and anything in between. Aside from coherence and grammar, I was also very particular with photos that I would use for every blog post.

As a visual learner, I always believe that photographs speak more than words can express. They justify what the writer wants to imply without the use of explicit words that's why picture books not only cater to very young kids and the young at heart but to adults as well.

As always, I want my readers to read my blog post like they are reading their old picture books when they were still young. I want every word that I write to go hand-in-hand with the photographs that I provide. With the limited time and no patience in reading thick manuals and tinkering the features of my mobile phone and digital camera, I always opt to use them as point and shoot cameras. I always use their default features. Obviously, I love photography, but honestly, I want to do the endeavor as easy as possible. I am so lazy, am I not?

Well, before I learned the basic food photography workshop from Miss Joy Gurtiza of Joy Bites Blog, I wasn't satisfied with how I took photographs and how the output turned out. My friends would say that I could be very good in executing flat-lays and right angles. However, I felt the need to learn from an expert that's why I joined the workshop. After attending Joy's workshop, I was able to improve my photography skills even just a little because I learned that "Good lighting is needed to have the best results when you do photography." In that workshop, we were also taught about making our own diffuser and reflector, and of course, food styling.  After that workshop, I learned how to appreciate photography more.

Photo Credit: Manila Workshops

The eye should learn to listen before it looks.” - Robert Frank

The best images are the ones that retain their strength and impact over the years,regardless of the number of times they are viewed.” - Anne Geddes

Wherever there is light, one can photograph." - Alfred Stieglitz

In photography, there are no shadows that cannot be illuminated." - August Sander

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Who says that #Nutralac Moringa Oleifera (Malunggay) Leaf Food Supplement is only good for lactating moms? It's one of the best food supplements for adults to boost their immune system. Each 350 mg capsule is made with 100% Moringa Oleifera leaves and seeds, a very nutrient-rich vegetable that has been traditionally used for its therapeutic and health benefits due to its Vitamin A, Calcium, Protein, Essential Amino Acid and Phytonutrients content that aids in boosting the immune system. Nutralac is a whole food vegetable powder with no additives and preservatives. 😍 . Nutralac is proudly processed here in Philippines, manufactured by Northfield Laboratories, Inc. in Malolos, Bulacan. . Thanks, @uberliciousph and @launch_verbatim of #TrendspottingPH for sending these over! This sickly mama needs them now! 😍 . You too can have a chance to get a box of Nutralac Food Supplement with 30 capsules inside. It's one of the items added in the curry gift pack that I will be giving away to one lucky #AAPMReaderoftheMonth of #March. Haven't you joined yet? You may go to this link and follow the simple mechanics to gain entries. Thank you! 💚💚💚 . http://www.allaroundpinaymama.com/2018/03/vermont-java-kokumaro-curry.html?m=1 . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmrecommends #health #wellness #allnatural #momblogger #mommybloggersph

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez | AAPM (@allaroundpinaymama) on Mar 23, 2018 at 2:09am PDT

No matter how sophisticated the camera, the photographer is still the one that makes the picture." - Doug Bartlow

Courtesy: Manila Workshops

This is a very long post, my dear friends. Para ito sa mga batch mates and schoolmates ko sa Philippine College of Health Sciences, Inc., who worked hard to be the best and finest nurses not just in the Philippines but abroad. Para ito sa mga professors and clinical instructors namin who guided and taught us. Para ito sa mga nanay tulad ko na gumagawa ng paraan para i-improve ang sarili amidst their very demanding job as a homemaker, mother, and wife. Para ito sa mga kakilala ko at ibang tao na hindi ko kakilala na hindi nagtapos sa "top' or "prestigious" universities or colleges in the country na underestimated and discriminated.

I will always be proud to be a mom, teacher, BSN graduate, Thomasian, PNUan, and most of all, PCHSian! 

**************************

October 29, 2018- 1:30 PM: This date will be etched in my mind and heart forever. I am writing this piece and going to share this to the entire world to serve as a reminder for all moms and the people who didn't graduate from "prestigious" universities or colleges to never stop dreaming even if you are tied with our responsibilities, never stop believing in your capabilities even if there are people who underestimate you, and never doubt in the power of your mind and body no matter how many obstacles you are facing. 

My hands are tied and as you all know, I am a full-time mom with no helper or someone to depend on to look after my child with special needs. I do freelance work, do blogging, manage my social media accounts, maintain a mom community with my mom blogger friends, and help my mom in our home-based business while homemaking. Well, It's the start of the semestral break and this is the only time that I can acquire important documents or inquire/apply for something including requirements for further studies because Hubby's at home to look after the kids. Yes, after nine years, I feel that it's about time for me to go back to school again because aside from the love for learning, I am doing this for Bunso, my autism angel, and for my professional and personal growth as well. I want to be equipped with strategies and knowledge for me to extend at home what his teachers teach him in school. For me, education is the pinnacle of human evolution. Why? Because the intrinsic urge of the human race to learn and explore and go beyond the limits of our current self is what makes us evolve into better beings.

So, I took note all the universities and colleges where Bunso's teachers graduated because all of them were good in what they do. Then yesterday, with all necessary requirements on hand, I hurriedly went to this college in the university belt who is claiming to be the top college for teacher excellence. The secretary of the dean was on leave so the dean herself accommodated me. She handed me the application form for the graduate school entrance test and the list of fees. While I was about to fill up the form, she asked for my Transcript of Records (TOR). The document that was in front of the file was my certificate of honorable dismissal and under it were three pages of my Transcript of Records when I handed them to her.

She said, "Wait, don't fill up the form yet. You graduated from Philippine College of Health Sciences (PCHS). It is a diploma mill school. Did you check the reputation of this school before you enrolled? Then why did you attend so many universities? I couldn't think of words to say this nicely but tatapatin kita, I can't accept you because I don't want our school to be tainted with a school with a bad reputation. We don't want our school to be associated with PCHS. Here in the university belt, we know each other. Tatapatin kita ha? I don't want you to waste your time and money na pakukuhanin kita ng entrance test 'tapos you will not be accepted here."

After hearing this, I was actually in shock because it was my very first time to hear a "Teacher" discriminating someone because of her last school attended and saying degrading words against a school. She didn't even check my TOR to know the answer why I attended so many universities. She didn't even ask me about how we were taught in PCHS. Then I explained, "Ma'am, I finished my degree in Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Santo Tomas. While teaching (I didn't mention that I taught in Xavier School for five years because I thought, "Is it necessary?"), I took up Certificate in Teaching Program from Philippine Normal University. I didn't just take 18 units as a prerequisite to taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers but finished the entire course including the practicum. In PCHS, I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduated with honors in 2009. When I was a student, I wasn't mediocre, Ma'am. I gave my all. I studied hard." Actually, I felt uncomfortable mentioning to her that I graduated with honors because again for me, "Is it necessary?". But due to my situation that time, I thought it might help. Pero sana hindi ko na lang sinabi. In my opinion, what I achieved was just a bonus or reward for enjoying learning. For me, honors or awards are just titles. They can be celebrated but they don't define who a person is. 

When was about to defend my BSN alma mater that she considered a "diploma mill" which I found very unfair, she said, "Bakit doon ka pumasok kasi madalian lahat? Bakit nag-St. Jude ka then you transferred in PCHS?" I answered, "Ma'am, PCHS was the only institution who catered for working individuals and moms like me who wanted to do further studies in nursing that's why I transferred. The curriculum was designed for working individuals and people who couldn't do further studies at daytime during weekdays."

Unfortunately, because I was in the state of shock, I wasn't able to tell these to her because I could see that there was no point in doing it after all which I regretted the most. I should have told her, "In PCHS, we were taught by the best professors and clinical instructors, we did our Related Learning Experience (RLE) in the top public hospitals in the country and different health centers and communities in Metro Manila. We had to pass the one-on-one revalida of all the major subjects that we took before we would be allowed to graduate. We had our thesis writing. We did our research-based work. We were encouraged by the institution to keep going despite our own personal concerns. Our professors were considerate but firm. The institution wasn't mediocre. It might be a flaw for PCHS to accept anyone but it shows that EDUCATION IS ACCORDED TO EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF THE STUDENT'S CIRCUMSTANCES AND MOTIVATION TO LEARN. The responsibility of our teachers there was to provide the avenue for learning and to give unbiased inspiration for the students to grasp their aspirations."

Then she didn't even checked the requirements that I provided but rather wrote her cell phone number directly on the brown envelope and said, "I will show your transcript of records to someone higher than me. Give me a call after two days to know if you will be considered or not." Then I told her while returning the application form, "I already wrote my name on the application form, Ma'am. I hope you'll give me a chance. Try me. I can handle pressure. Ma'am, if I need to take the basic subjects, I am very much willing to do it." Then she let me keep the form. I courteously said goodbye and left her office. While riding the jeepney going home, with all honesty, I felt so low but eventually what happened made me more motivated to keep going. 

What am I feeling right now? I have mixed emotions. I feel sad because I wasn't given a chance by the dean to even take the entrance test much less fill-up the form. That if I pass the entrance test, I can enhance myself through education in that institution but rather making me feel that my current situation is a hindrance for my growth. She repeatedly told me, "Hindi mabilisan dito. Baka hindi mo kayanin ang pressure. Hilaw ang background mo para kayanin mo dito. Here in our college, our undergraduate students are equipped with basic knowledge. Ikaw, worry ko lang baka hindi mo kayanin dito. Your CTP units are not enough." She didn't answer back after I asked, "Will you not consider my teaching experience?" 

I may be feeling sad but I also feel motivated because I believe that there is a college or university out there who is very much willing to accept me for who I am without any prejudice.

Will I call her to check if I will be given a chance or not? I still don't know because this keeps playing in my head, "Why MA Sped? Kasi very lucrative ang course? Malaki ang kita lalo na when you go abroad? Actually, you are the 18th person whom I declined because we don't want our school to be associated with a diploma mill school (I wasn't sure if she was referring to PCHS graduates only.). 'Yong iba nga doctoral degree pa." "I want to take MA Sped because I want to help my son with autism. He is my motivation for doing this. I have no plans of going abroad at the moment," I replied.

If you are in my position, what will you do? How would you feel?


**********
October 30, 2018 at 4:20 PM

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama once said, "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." Yes, women can do so much. They are innately driven and passionate. The journey towards their goal may be difficult and challenging at times due to wearing so many hats at the same time but nobody can put good women down. As long as their spirits are high, their minds and hearts are inspired, no obstacles can get their way. 

I am one of those women who believe that learning is a lifelong process. There is no retirement in learning. The learning process itself leads to a better version of one's self. Learning, like goal-setting, should be definite, clear, and concise in such a way that a person does not find it confusing and difficult to achieve. Moreover, learning is definitely more worthwhile and exciting if it's being done with like-minded women. More so, it is always great to be with passion-driven women.

Learning and goal-setting may be two different words and have two different meanings but they go hand-in-hand. How can individuals set their goals if they don't have the knowledge to do it properly?

That notion made me motivated to join The Fulfilled Women's Dreamer's Unite: Sisterhood of Ambitious Women Pursuing Their Goals. It was held in the afternoon of October 13, 2018 at GreatWork Business Campus in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. 

We watched the film, "Sing" (na may pa-popcorn pa ha?), which gave us a dose of inspiration to never give up against all odds at nadagdagan pa ang inspiration na 'yan by listening to Miss Ellie Tablada a.k.a. Practicallie Mom, when she shared the importance of being brave enough to pursue your dreams and looking for a support group like The Fulfilled Women that would motivate and believe in you while you're gearing towards your dreams and aspirations. 

Miss Karen Esmundo discussed insights about the importance and steps in making our very own mission and vision statements. With all honesty, I thought that it was very easy to compose my own mission and vision statements. But Miss Karen was able to guide us effectively and the mere fact that we were asked first to delve deeper into our own selves by doing the "Definition of You", mas naging clear ang process.

All that we are, the things that we can't live without, what gives our lives meaning, our core values, our strengths/skills, our past successes, and contributions make up our future. By listing down all these things, we can already define our mission statement (what you can do now to achieve your goals in the future or vision) and vision statement (what you ultimately want to become in the future).

Then Miss Viviene Bigornia facilitated the Visual Board Making where we used old magazines, cutting and pasting materials to put into something concrete and "visual" the things that we want to be or what we want to have. Tuwang-tuwa ako sa part na ito kasi dito lumabas lahat ng mga bagay na gusto kong mangyari sa buhay ko at ng buo kong family at ang sarap palang makita kapag sama-sama na sila sa iiisang board. This endeavor also helps us to become more motivated and inspired to fulfill our mission to achieve our vision. Ang galing! Naging swak ang talk ni Miss Ellie at Miss Karen sa vision board making!

Everyone's productive! Sa totoo lang sa sobrang saya ng workshop namin, bitin pa sa oras.

Simple lang naman ang pangarap ko sa family ko. I want us to spend more quality time together despite our very busy schedule. When my Bunso is matured enough (He is a child with autism.), I want our family to travel into different places both locally and abroad. I also want my kids to finish their studies in the best schools. I also dream of having our own vacation house na may malaking farm at magkaroon kami ng sarili naming sasakyan kasama ng brother ko at ng family niya sa USA.  Pangarap kasi ng Mommy ko na magkasama na kami ng brother ko in the future. Of course, health is wealth. As a family, we should never forget to practice good eating habits and maintain a regular exercise regimen to keep our body fit and healthy. 

Going back to school to finish a masteral degree in Special Education, learning martial arts na hindi ko nagawa noong dalaga pa ako, going back to baking, giving time to learn photography, magbasa ng marami pang books, more ways to earn and save for my family, being the best in what I do,  and spending more me time without feeling guilty ang aking personal dreams.

Siyempre, hindi mawawala ang raffling off ng goodies from the generous sponsors and showcasing of businesses of inspiring The Fulfilled Women Mompreneur community members.

The spirit of openness and camaraderie was evident na binagayan ng cozy atmosphere ng very functional na venue ng GreatWork.

I already told my female friends that this workshop could really bring out the best in a person. Kaya nanghihinayang sila na hindi sila nakapunta. I hope that The Fulfilled Women can have a re-run of this workshop. 

For more updates about The Fulfilled Women's workshops and to get a daily dose of inspiration, Mars, like its page or join its community on Facebook. Also follow @thefulfilledwomen on Instagram. Miss Viviene and the rest of the community members will embrace you wholeheartedly and will help you pursue your dreams and aspirations. Ang sayang makasama ang mga kababaihang hihilahin ka pataas. 

I know that you agree that there is some point in your life when you feel lost. You tend to ask yourself, "Am I on the right track? Am I doing the right things to achieve my goals? Do I really know what I want to be?" It is normal to feel that way sometimes because it shows that you are aware that you want to be successful and you want to be happier and fulfilled not just for yourself but for your loved ones as well. 

You are not alone in finding meaning and purpose in life. That's why after three successful runs of Game Plan for Success, The Fulfilled Women Community will be doing another inspiring workshop for all the ambitious, driven, and purposeful women like you to help you achieve your goals and aspirations! 

On October 13, 2018 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, "Dreamers Unite: Sisterhood of Ambitious Women Pursuing their Goals" will be held in GreatWork Business Campus in 3rd Floor Main Building, Ben-Lor IT Center, 1184 Quezon Avenue to empower the other go-getter, driven, and passionate women in The Fulfilled Women Community. 

These are the things that you can expect from the workshop:

 

• Meet like-minded women who will support you with your dreams and goals 
• An opportunity to partner up or collaborate with other women in business 
• Be inspired to relive the dreams that you have buried in the ground long ago 

The following are the topics to be discussed:

 

• How to tap your inner giant and be empowered to reach your goals
• How to make a personal mission-vision statement and why you need one 
• How to create a VISION BOARD and why it works

The whole afternoon will be filled with fun learning experiences. Magiging sulit ang Php600 learning fee ninyo! Just a reminder that walk-in participants will not be accommodated anymore so please register before seats run out. 

You may register here: https://goo.gl/forms/mP6cjzUI5xDJns1J3

The learning includes materials, worksheet, snacks, and of course, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw na learning and inspiration! Wagi! 

By the way, all participants are required to bring old magazines and newspapers, a pair of scissors, and glue. 

The organizer will send further instructions once you are done with online registration and payment of the learning fee.

Kita-kits!

Herbs are not only great additions to recipes and dishes, but they also hold major health benefits. In fact, some herbs are so good for you that many dietary supplements and medications consist largely of these natural ingredients. The healing power of these herbs is so great, that sites such as Mommy Authority write about them as topics of discussion. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top herbs and their health benefits.

Cinnamon 

This spice is made from the bark of several types of trees that belong to the Cinnamomum species. Mainly used in recipes and products as an aromatic condiment, this herb lends itself to sweet and savory. On top of being a delicious condiment for pancakes and pastries, cinnamon also has a wide variety of health benefits. 

Cinnamon contains a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol that helps the body fight free radicals. This spice also has anti-inflammatory properties, can protect and decrease the risk of heart disease, improves your sensitivity to hormone insulin and lowers blood sugar levels, which makes it a great anti-diabetic herb. 

Turmeric 

Mostly used in eastern cuisine, this bright yellow or orange powder is derived from the flowering plant Zingiberaceae and forms part of the ginger family. Normally used to give curry its distinctive color and add earthiness to a dish, this herb has long been used for its healing characteristics. 

Containing curcuminoids, a powerful medicinal element, turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This compound found in turmeric has also been associated with improved cognitive function and decreasing the risk of brain diseases. As such, many studies have explored the preventative effects of turmeric could have on Alzheimer's Disease.

Holy Basil 

Also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum, Holy Basil is an aromatic plant that is mostly cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and in the Southeast Asian tropics. Grown for its use in many religious and traditional medicinal applications and for the essential oil that can be made from its leaves, Holy Basil is also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a herbal tea. 

This herb is a great immune booster and can help the body fight against infection. It has a long list of known health benefits including its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and pain killing capabilities. 

Cayenne

This pepper is a moderately hot chili that is used to add heat and flavor to dishes. The powder which is most commonly used across the world is made from a skinny red pepper that is dried and ground. While it is most frequently used in cuisine - cayenne is also used as a herbal and health supplement. 

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can greatly improve digestive health and speed up a person’s metabolism. This herb also has the ability to curb hunger, reduce pain and improve blood pressure levels. 

Ginger

Ginger is the root of a flowering plant that is used in many recipes as well as herbal remedies across the globe in many cultures. This herb is jammed packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that make it one of the healthiest herbs around. 

Ginger contains a compound called Gingerol which contributes to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb has also been used to treat nausea and the various types of reasons you would become sick, like morning sickness. 

Garlic 

This herb not only keeps vampires at bay but boasts a range of health benefits. A great taste addition to most savory dishes, garlic is part of the onion genus, Allium and has been consumed by humans for many thousands of years. 

Garlic is rich in minerals that help to boost the immune system. This is why garlic has been said to help combat the common cold and flu. This herb also helps curb blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as plays a positive role in the development and health of the brain. 

If you are trying to improve your health, why not investigate the world of benefits that natural herbs can offer. A pill or medication may be the quickest solution, but is it the healthiest? By increasing your intake of one or more of the herbs on the list, you could reap the rewards yourself. 

Gone are the days of bulky and monochromatic mobile phones. Compact and sleek phones are now considered the norm, thanks to smartphone brands that design products with the consumers’ need in mind. Aside from a smartphone’s key functions, its appearance attracts customers since they are more mindful of trends and it’s also an avenue to fully express their artistic preferences. Thus, Vivo fused art and technology together in their latest flagship phone through their two trendsetting fusion color selections.

Starry Night

Deep in the night, billions of stars cast luminous, mystifying lights across the sky. This is where V11 drew the inspiration for their new trend-setting fusion color – Starry Night. The mysterious black and striking blue blend together perfectly, invoking the far-flung corners of the universe and exuding premium quality and style. The color selection represents one’s hopes and dreams, an affirmation that anything is within reach. This design is reminiscent of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh’s painting: the “Starry Night Over the Rhone”, as it integrates the night sky, the stars, and the glistening blue water. It conveys that the stars will always guide you home. 

Nebula

The luminescence of glistening stars in distant galaxies make up nebula’s elegant blue and purple hues. V11 has recreated the ethereal beauty on Nebula, putting the wonders of the universe in the palm of your hand. It signifies the sense of adventure and discovery, a yearning for something magical and more. It embodies the celestial tone of the award-winning science fiction film, “Gravity” by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron. Its riveting galactic appeal pulls you to the infinite abyss of everlasting possibilities.

The illuminated color selections of V11 are accompanied by a 6.41-inch Super AMOLED display and Halo Notch Fullview™ Display for clarity and uninterrupted viewing experience. While the 3D curved body and ultra-thin 1.76mm side bezels provide maximum grip and comfort. 

Do you want the universe in the palm of your hands through this state-of-the-art smartphone? You can pre-order the Vivo V11 in two ways: on ground and online. It is available in all participating Vivo concept and multi-brand stores. It will come with exciting freebies—a gift set (bluetooth speaker and earpiece with selfie stick), as well as 6 months extended warranty. Fans may also pre-order the Vivo V11 on shopping websites such as Lazada, Shopee, Argomall, and Akulaku. Freebies such 10,000 mAh game power bank, a gift set (bluetooth speaker and earpiece with selfie stick), as well as 6 months extended warranty, will be included.