John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Gives STRENGTH to all

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name."

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

Our business is not doing well. I think this is only the Christmas that we can really say we’re broke. We weren’t able to buy new clothes to wear and presents but we realized that there are still so much things to be thankful for.

I watch TV Patrol World almost everyday. I always update myself on the things happening around the country. last night, it was in the news the fire happened in Makati and Pasay. Burned the houses of almost 700 families. People living near mayon volcano evacuated because ashes and lava are going out from its mouth.

It help us understand that there are a lot of people suffering more than we’re feeling right now. Good for us we have still a place to live and we can still eat 3 times a day.

Life itself is a miracle to be thankful for.

Thank you very much Bro. We know you have good reasons for letting everything happen. We entrust everything in Your good hands. We love you so much.

Happy natal day Bro!

JOSHUA 1:9

The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun:
"Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath,
and I myself will be with you."
Deuteronomy 31:23

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be

discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. "
Joshua 1:9

tasty Spaghetti

I do have a passion in cooking plus I also love to eat. But this was my first time to cook spaghetti. It tasted good in fact, kids liked it so much. I’m going to share this to everyone.

You will need:

1 kg Spaghetti, cooked per package

Garlic

Onion

1 big pouch Italian spaghetti sauce

3 cans El Rancho spaghetti w/meatballs sauce

1 small pouch tomato paste

Cheese

½ kg ground pork/beef

Salt

Here’s how:

Sauté onion then garlic, add ground beef/pork. Stir until color changes. Add El Rancho spaghetti sauce, Italian spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, little cheese in cubes and salt. Mix and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour over cooked spaghetti. Top with grated cheese.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year with this tasty spaghetti.

Christmas Lanterns

Christmas is not complete without lanterns. Its always part of the celebration. Some make them throughout the year. Others are decorating and putting it already first day of September. Everywhere we can see them.

I was amazed by this lanterns displayed at 2^nd floor Limketkai Center. Unique and recycled, its made of straws and used wrappers of foods. Filipinos are truly artistic and initiative. Once again, this makes me proud to be PINOY!

my signature

I feel so inclined using my signature. I bump into mommy darlz’s blogspot and I find her mark amusing so I just click it, I was directed to live signatures. I registered and got an account, started to make mine. I heart it!!! I had a hard time putting it in my blogspot so I googled it. There are two steps but I chose the easy one. Now, I’m using it!!!

celebration of LIFE

ANDREI EMMANUEL GALPO ARCILLAS

8.58 lbs/normal delivery

December 21, 2005

5:31 AM

Madona&Child Hospital

OB-Gyne : Dr. Reuben B. Sedigo

Happy Birthday! We love you so much.

We had no plans at all but kids were asking about the happy meal in McDonalds with an avatar toy. Every time commercial of happy meal is on tv, they kept on shouting and fighting about which toys they’ll be picking.

When dada arrived from work place, they were so happy and excited because dada promised them to bring them to Ronald McDonalds’ place. We dropped by Limketkai mall for them to play at Worlds of Fun. There is a new ride worth P10.00 each kid, they were the ones who drove it that was why smiles on their faces were painted.

We bought a family size cheesy overload pizza in Greenwhich and brought them to Ronald’s place. Sad to say happy meal toys were not available, out of stock since last week. OMG!!! It was hard to give explanations to kids because they were so eager to own one. Thank you Bro, they’ve understand it.

We went to their granny’s hauz (side of dada) for a little celebration. Mommy Abet bought a cake from Steven’s bakeshop located in Gaisano mall. It was good, not too sweet. The kids enjoyed it because there were little cars on top of it. They had presents too, we were joking them that a snake and an eagle were on it. They kept on asking as to open it for them, maybe they were afraid of it. Andrei got a batman shirt while Aj had a superman shirt. They love it, Andrei even wore it.

Children are easy to please then grown ups, easy to make their day such a beautiful one and worth remembering. It’s normal granting request from kids as long as it has limitations, convenientand just affordable by your pockets.

Now, we’ll be saving for them because we’re pretty sure each year they’ll demand more and expensive ones (hehehehe).

2010 beauty supplies

I' fond of gathering things from blouses, shoes, bags, and beauty products. I usually but my things in an UK store (ukay-ukay) and some are heartily given as "pasalubongs" from my cousins/aunts/friends base in abroad.

Recently, I’ve been receiving beauty products as presents. And I super duper love it! Products from Victoria’s Secret are one of my favorites. I also enjoy Bath &Body Works. I even bought a bag with complete set of beauty products which includes a body spray, body lotion, shower gel and body wash.

My cousins in Ireland shelled out some Mark&Spencer over the years. Now, she forwarded products from Primark. I haven’t used any of it because I still have to empty some old stocks before using a new one. But I relish the fragrance especially the VSIP shimmering body cream; it has glitters on it perfect for partying all night long.

BFF also gave me a hand & body lotion from her aunt in Taiwan with a name R Series. I still have to try it but I like the scent.

Thank you very much to all of you. Sa uulitin!!! =)

OMG...

first facebook status update that shocked me was this :

Jeez... she just joined this year's death toll! :( (AYEN)

Coroner: Brittany Murphy Dead At 32 - omg! news on Yahoo!

ohmygad!!! i enjoyed her performances in Clueless and Just Married with Ashton Kutcher (her former boyfriend). She also lent her voice in animated works including Happy Feet.

rip BRIT...

syndromes in Failon Ngayon

I’m an avid fan of Ted Failon ever since, a very outspoken broadcaster. Not afraid of anyone even influential people. I kept track of him when his wife died. I didn’t believe the accusations of the Quezon City policemen, I even got angry when he was arrested.

Now that he has a new show, I’ve been watching Failon Ngayon every Saturday after FPJ Cinema. I enjoy each episode especially when he flies a kiss from his heart. I’ve been teaching my kids of that (hehehehe).

One more thing I like about his show is the episode where he gives presents and gift for the special needy. I’ve learned about Tourette Syndrome (featured in MMK starred Gerarld Anderson) and Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome. I’ll share some information about this two syndromes.

Tourette Syndrome

Is named for the French doctor Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the condition in 1885. It is thought that in most cases it is a genetic condition that's inherited, or passed on from parent to child.

It occurs when there's a problem with how nerves communicate in the brain. A disturbance in the balance of neurotransmitters — chemicals in the brain that carry nerve signals from cell to cell — may play a role in this. Tourette syndrome is not contagious.

Symptoms of Tourette syndrome usually emerge in childhood or in the teenage years. This isn't common — only one person in every 1,000 to 2,000 people has the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

The main symptoms of TS are motor tics (sudden, apparently uncontrollable movements like exaggerated blinking of the eyes) or vocal tics (such as when a person repeatedly clears his or her throat).

Treatment

No cure for TS. It is not a psychological condition, but doctors sometimes refer kids and teens with TS to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Seeing a therapist won't stop tics, but it can help kids and teens to talk to someone about their problems, cope with stress better, and learn relaxation techniques.

Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Is an inheritable disorder that affects how the body builds and breaks down purines. Purines are a normal part of human tissue and help make up the body's genetic blueprint. They are also found in many different foods.

Causes

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is inherited as an X-linked trait. It mostly occurs in boys. Persons with this syndrome are missing or are severely lacking an enzyme called hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HGP). The body needs this enzyme to recycle purines. Without it, abnormally high levels of uris acid build up in the body.

Symptoms

The excess uric acid levels cause children to develop gout-like swelling in some of their joints. In some cases, kidney and bladder stones develop because of the high uric acid levels.

Males with Lesch-Nyhan have delayed motor development followed by bizarre, sinuous movements and increased deep tendon reflexes. A striking feature of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is self-destructive behavior characterized by chewing off fingertips and lips, if not restrained. It is unknown how the enzyme deficiency causes these problems.

Treatment

No specific treatment exists for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The gout medication, allopurinol, successfully decreases uric acid levels, but does not improve the neurological outcome.

source: http://kidshealth.org

Pasko'ng Pakig-ambit: An Alternative Christmas with the Street Children

As we celebrate the coming of our savior Jesus Christ this Christmas, let us reflect on the present situation in our society - especially street children begging for money, and asking for food. How do we respond to this brokenness of our brothers and sisters in the street?

On December 22, 2009, 6:30 - 8:00pm at the Magsaysay Park, Divisoria, CdO, we will be having a Christmas celebration with the street children.For this, we can show our love and share our little blessings to them.

Together, let us celebrate Christmas with an abundant love as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

If you are interested to join or give donations, please contact me Jett Torres @09062266926 or e-mail jett.torres@gmail.com

Please tell your friends, classmates, relatives, family, and others.

COME AND JOIN US! VOLUNTEER NOW!

Thank you and Merry Christmas :-)

Jett Torres-KKP faculty (Xavier University)

Bridging Volunteers, Touching Lives

I would like to share this to all especially KAGAY-ANONS. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-8pm, volunteers gather together at Magsaysay Park, Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City.

Bridging Volunteers, Touching Lives

Our Story

It was 10 o’clock in the evening when we were hanging out with my friends, Sheena and Philip at the Magsaysay Park after a long and tiring preparation of the SK activities.

A little boy came to us and asked for “usa ka piso”. As I gave him the coin, I asked him what is the English word of “usa ka piso”? – a long breathe before he answered my question. He said one! Wow! Very good… I asked him again. How about “dos”? The boy paused for a while and thinking what would it be the right answer. Without a doubt, he shouted two! Whooaa! Very good and then I gave him the 5 peso coin.

I can really see his eagerness to learn – learning the Basic English and Mathematics. It is wonderful if we share our knowledge to others especially the boy we met at the park. It is also a venue for us to promote peace in the city.

And so, after our discussion concerning street children – crossing confidently in the street, begging for coins and food. However, they are also the park attendant who will take care of your car – they find ways to get money for their food.

However, these children are also prone to drugs – some of them smelling or inhaling “rugby” as an alternative for their food. I really don’t know the effect of this toxic material, but it is evidently caused brain damage.

Friends, as we try to figure it out on how could we really help these children despite of their struggle in the street – their willingness to acquire and to learn something invoked our hearts to take the actions – as brothers and sisters in Christ we are called to share our blessings, our knowledge and our time to others especially the street children.

My friends Philip, Sheena and I decided to initiate street tutorial. Philip suggested that he would celebrate his birthday with the street children at the same time we will conduct tutorial first. And so, that was the first time we had our street tutorial. Philip invited his classmates, friends, club members and even his family. Sheena invited her classmates, SK leaders, youth leaders and other volunteers. I also invited my friends, my volunteers, and office mates.

It was a good opportunity for us to touch lives and bridging the volunteers. I realized that there are volunteers, youth and even professional people who are willing to render and share their time and knowledge to the street children. Our motivation to continue bridging the volunteers in order for them to touch lives especially the street children manifested their response to take the actions.

After 12 tutorial sessions, we have gathered volunteers to render their time in the tutorial – coming from different schools, youth organizations, institutions and individuals. We also gathered several sponsors to give bread and juice for our snacks. I really appreciate for their kind heart and generosity.

Generous people

I would like to acknowledge all generous people who have helped us in continuing our street tutorial. They have touched many street children through their generosity in giving the educational materials, foods and their money. Several generous people that I would like to thank. These are the following sponsors: Damie Emata, Chissan Carmelotes, Mellany Hugo, Jose Emmanuel Patrimonio, Juelemer Aying, Franco Justo Lacandalo, Fra-and Quimpo, Camillia Bollozos, Isabel Macaibay, Gay Go, Kristine Galarrita, Carla Vergara – Gonzales, Marise Mahuyop, Menmen Pangan, Jong Pimentel, Debra Perez, Rey Rafael Dayrit, Paolo Elmaga, Alexis Baldea, Merridy Akiat, Jhecyl Paragoso, Chique Balaga, Edward Salilig, Reeno Febrero, SK Chairperson Joy of Brgy 35, Reeno Febrero, Rosario Lei Pasimio.

Our Vision

Last October 14, 2009, we decided to create a name for our initiative. Sheena Lim, Philip Flores, Christine Eduave, Danikka Fabela, Jett Torres and Isamael Salarda as our facilitator. We named our initiative as Youth Advocates for Alternative Volunteerism “Bridging the Volunteers, Touching Lives”.

What are the objectives of this initiative? We aim to gather various groups of volunteers to respond to the present situation of our country. And, as one goal we render our time to teach street children on Basic English, Mathematics and Art Skills Enhancement.

We believe that we can support the Millennium Development Goal 2, which is to Achieve Universal Primary Education. Our effort to educate the young is our manifestation to give hope to our motherland.

I hope that this initiative would give us hope, improve and change our country. Let us continue our struggle, our journey, our pride, and our love of our country. Together let us make a difference and embrace change. This is an alternative way of volunteerism. Support us and be involved.

Jett Torres-KKP faculty (Xavier University)

4 kinds of concentrated scents

Confuse of the different scents of a perfume/cologne? Read this so you’ll know what to use in a party or date.

1. PERFUME. The strongest fragrance available. Use sparingly because its fragrance lasts longer-typically up to six hours, depending on the skin type.
2. EAU DE PARFUM. Lighter than perfume, with an 8-15 % concentration. This kind is less expensive and fragrance lasts from 3-5 hours.
3. EAU DE TOILETTE. Thus fragrance is most suitable for everyday use. It’s lighter and can last up to 4 hours.
4. EAU DE COLOGNE. Often referred to as cologne, this kind has the greatest dilution of fragrances. With a concentration of 3-5 %, it lasts for up to 2 hours.

Source: FHM 2007

When cheap is no good

Scouting for price-cuts is a smart habit. But when are you truly saving or when are you just throwing away precious peso? Here are tips on how to discern those discounts.

CLOTHING. Watch out for discounted items with uneven stitching an prone to small holes when used or stretched. They simple won’t last long: they lose their original shape and colors after a few washings and get easily ripped. In the end, it is still a waste of money.

FOOD. Watch out for sales of food items that are about to expire or old stock, or with slightly damaged packaging. Refrain from purchasing cans that appear misshapen or bloated. Keeping items for just a few days longer from the time you bought it may rob them of all the nutritional and health benefits.

MEDICATION. Watch for unbranded medicines. Beware of fake drugs.

COSMETICS. Watch out for the ingredients used and the texture. Cheaper brands don’t usually do not blend well and do not look natural on the skin. Worst of all theycan cause irritation.

SHOES. Watch out for the brand. Best way to test a shoe? Put it on. If it feels stiff and its shape doesn’t really fit the contour of your feet, walk away. Shoes of poor quality are known to cause pains and calluses, and don’t last as long as their more expensive counterparts.

JEWELRY. Watch out for the metal used. Those prone to skin allergies should be careful when buying pieces made of metal.

Source: Good Housekeeping 2005

Helping Hands

17 ways to get your kids to pitch in with household chores

1. Start early. Teaching kids about cleanliness at an early age makes the task more a habit than a chore.
2. Be specific. Show kids how a task is done before assigning them.
3. Work with their personality. It’s not difficult to get kids to help if the chore appeals to them. E.g. if your kid likes water, ask him to wash the dishes.
4. Make it a habit. Let your kids make their beds every day, and to set the table for lunch and dinner.
5. Rotate. Give every child the chance to do different chores to prevent boredom.
6. Make it fun. When your kid puts away her toys, put some music. Pretend that you’re neighbors and that he also has his own house to clean up and dust off.
7. Give points. Let your kids receive stamps for every 5 points, and every 20 stamps gets them a monetary fund.
8. Provide positive reinforcement. Reward your kids for a great job with certificates.
9. Make chore time bonding time. Exchange stories while folding and putting clothes in the closet.
10. Don’t nag. Nagging turns them off. Sometimes the more you nag, the more that they won’t do it.
11. Set an example. Of course you must do your chores too. Children are more inclined to help when they see you working around the house.
12. Teach them how to delay gratification. Teach your kids to work before playing.
13. Give them their own cleaning tools. Child will be delighted and takes every opportunity to utilize them.
14. Give rewards. Prizes for doing chores vary depending on the age and wants or needs of the child. Monetary rewards should be accompanied by lessons on saving.
15. But don’t bribe them. Instead reward them in loving ways. For instance you can say, “when you finish your bed., I will read you a story.”
16. Don’t lose your cool. Screaming may get you what you want, but be careful. You don’t want your children thinking they need to yell to get their way, too, right?
17. Clean together, stay together. Make a Saturday as a family shore day. It’s fun to see everyone making a concerted effort to keep the house clean.

Source: Good Housekeeping 2005

Why We Should Read Food Labels

Is this product good for me and my family? What nutritional benefits will I get from it? What ingredients make it up? Will some of the ingredients trigger allergies? How many servings will I get out of this pack?

More and more consumers ask these questions when faced with the many product choices

In supermarket shelves. The key to getting the answers and making informed choices is reading and understanding the labels on product packs.

What Labels Tell Us

The food labels that you see on products should indicate the following basic information:

Type of Product. Is it a cereal drink or a milk powder? Is it full cream or filled milks? Is it tonic food drink or chocolate milk?

Net Weight. This refers to the quantity inside the packages so the consumer will know how much she is paying for. For example, a 150g full cream milk makes 5-6 servings.

Contact Details. If consumers want to give feedback, how can the manufacturer be contacted?

Ingredients List. This provides a list of ingredients used in the manufacture of the product. Ingredients are usually listed from the most to the least amount. So if sugar is number one on the list, this tells us that the product contains mostly sugar.

Best Before Date. Before buying a product, always look for the Best Before date. The consumer will get the most out of the nutrients in the product before the date indicated in the Best Before.

Nutritional Claims. Descriptions such as low fat, fat-free, non-fat, cholesterol-free, lite, good source and excellent source are often found on product labels. But what do these terms mean?

- Low fat means the product has 3 grams or less fat.

- Non-fat or Fat-free means less than .5grams of fat per serving

- Cholesterol-free means less than 2 grams of cholesterol per serving

- Lite means 30% less calories than the original product

- Good Source means the specific nutrient it contains fulfils 10%-19% of the daily RENI (Recommended Energy and nutrient Intake)

- Excellent Source means the specific nutrient fulfils 20% or more of the daily RENI.

Health Claims. What are the potential health benefits of the product?

Function Claims. These describe the way a nutrient or food substance maintains or supports a normal body function.

Nutritional Information. This is a guide on how much nutrients are contributed by the product per serving based on the recommended requirement for the day (RENI). A good Nutrition Information table should have the RENI column that indicates the percentage of nutrients that the product contains per serving.

Source: Nestle magazine

shop-stress free

List down meal ideas for the week. Keep in mind which days you’ll have time to cook, and which days you’ll be pressed for time to put dinner on the table. When time is short, opt for vegetable salads, steamed greens, and ready-to-eat fortified food with low fat, cholesterol, and sodium or salt.

Organize the list. Check your menu options to ensure that you have a variety of foods that will provides all nutritional needs.

Don’t forget snacks. Everyone enjoys a little boost between meals. Choose nutritious, great-tasting snacks such as low-fat nuts, popcorn, and fruits.

Avoid going to the supermarket when you’re hungry. It’s easier to stick to the list if you have a full stomach.

Set a routine. Establish a day and a time when it’s easy for you to move quickly and easily through the supermarket.

Save money. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season because these are cheaper.

Source: Good Housekeeping 2005