Purple Shack

2023-08-19T16:25:00.003-07:00

WHY WALKING IS IMPORTANT

by Venus P. Garcia

Did it ever occur to you why some people are making a fuss over walking? Of course, you won't believe it, yet. People these days are not keen about walking, per se. But if it's about getting perfectly fit and looking smashing in that outfit that you saw online or worn by a favorite celebrity. An outfit that shows a perfectly toned body, where all the right curves fall into place --- that's another story!

Yes, everyone, if not for most of us, want to see ourselves looking great in a wardrobe that flatters not just our best features and hides our flaws, but makes us very attractive! This is the reason why popular online sites show models or would-like-to-be celebrities in their sexiest form, as portrayed through visuals and dances.

Who doesn't want to see pleasing features? I, for one, would like to watch movies where the main characters are pretty and nice-looking or what they say, pleasing to the eye. And how do you attain that? By becoming fit and studying the right grooming techniques! Which we will tackle in another topic in the future.

So, the first step is finding ways to achieve this goal. How do you do it? By setting a time for achieving that goal! So, when you finally decided that this is the right time to start this habit, you start to think where you will do it? Does it have to be in a gym? Not always the time. What if you're broke or you're not broke, but you just need or there's an urge to save money. This is where creativity sets in!

You don't need a gym to get fit. You can be resourceful by using what you already have. During the pre-pandemic times, I already have a pair of dumb bells and some sand weights which I use on a regular basis for my work out, so I don't need new ones. Extra savings on that! I cannot buy a treadmill yet since it will eat so much space and I need to shell out some cash to have one. Practically, I incorporated walking into my regimen, I started exploring the parks and walkways in my area. Yeah, it's nice to use the side walks near large establishments like universities and hotels. I'm so lucky that a local university is just a stone-throw away from my place. But the most interesting part is that I also happen to be close to some local hotels in my area.

Some spots that are conducive to walking or even brisk walking are nearby walkways near hotels in Manila. Check out these pics that I took last night...

And yes, quite interestingly, although I believe that nobody noticed why the newly-installed embedded solar lights in the road during Mayor Isko Moreno's term as mayor of Manila, where already gone! Where have the lights gone?! Yeah, I got these pics to show...more coming on my next...

Not a trace of the solar light can be seen on the road. I'm checking nearby streets soon!

To be continued...

Mindful or Full of Sh__!

2023-05-15T22:05:00.005-07:00

Patience! Patience!

How I wish I could just plan things and let them just unfold every day and let them turn out the way I plan them to be. Oh, it's just a wish that I could think of every day when I'm not that busy. I work because I have this plan that I want to accomplished. And then, as you work towards that goal, you realized that you have to deal with all sorts of personalities, people! It could have been simpler if people behave the way they should decently.

In one of my jobs, because I have another! He he! I intend to finished the tasks early, so that I can still enjoy other things like reading and reviewing for an up and incoming exam. Yes, I finished the tasks, double-checked the details and here comes this newcomer company nurse who projects that she's the best office person there can be! She projects that she's bubbly and with a wholesome personality, with lots of stories to tell. I said to myself, the first time I met her that this person is hiding something. I always catch her smirk at the end of her sentences when she talks to us. Maybe, she doesn't know that I can see her expression even at the side of my eyes.

Let me introduce you to Faker Wan, the lady who fakes her personality to gain leverage at the office. Single mom of two. Supposedly separated, but won't drop the married name and dates DOMs. She tells you the sob story of her life that you will feel uneasy since you will be left with a thought that "why is she telling me all these bad 'realities' of her life"? Is that her way of telling everybody that you should look at her with pitiful eyes? Or are all of her stories real? Or are they truly lies? The Human Resource staff briefed us and tells us that Faker Wan has a BPO background or that she has worked in a call center industry and that she has superb computer skills, but lo and behold, she doesn't know simple Microsoft Excel duh! One time, I would catch the Excel files in shambles! The boxes and columns are not all aligned, colors are different; she doesn't follow the pattern and lots of things that will make your work 'untidy' and misaligned most of the time. Anyway, since I can catch these "things", I would just try to correct and tidy up whatever she misses. Oh, she would "googled" it up most of the times! Haha! And she has this habit of checking on whatever we and the other nurses are doing when we are not around the clinic. She also has this habit of comparing her work with ours. One nurse would tell me that Faker Wan commented about the emails that I sent to patients when I'm making a follow up. She would comment that it's like that and that and she doesn't like it, and she prefers it this way. Oh my God, how can she be foolish enough and recognized that nobody needs her opinion on how I write my emails. Is it really important for her that I should write the way she wants to write hers? It's so silly and annoying at the same time why she reacts this way. Is she really that bored that she will always pick on me? There's another instance when she found out that I am receiving extra for the reliever job I've got from the clinic. Now, she's questioning why I was given such rate. Has she forgotten to grow old, wiser and mature? Of course, it will be different for each and every one of us since we have contracts. Roles, jobs and functions are well defined and would be equated with a certain amount that my employer and I have agreed upon. And then, here comes the Insecures...

The reason behind these uncooperative "attitudes" boil down to the other parties' weird way of channeling their respective "frustrations" in life. Most of the time, they pick someone from their workplace, anybody they encounter on the street, on instances where they order food from fast food restaurants or any where their brains or emotions will remind them how much of a loser they can be! Their brains telling their inadequacies, their vulnerabilities, weaknesses. Result: They create chaos in the workplace, disruption in the flow of things like poor service, incompetence, un-mindfulness, mistakes, incidents and sometimes danger.

TO BE CONTINUED...

My Moonlighting! by Vinz G.

2022-03-29T13:16:00.005-07:00

Just Like Old Times, Again!

After a decision to ease the Level in the Metro - from "MECQ" to "Level 1", we noticed that it's like going back to the pre-Covid period when almost all people are in the streets! Transport like MRTs and LRTs are jammed and overflowing with commuters! I do most of my travel in the early morning in Manila where the LRT is my best and fastest way for me to get to my place of work.

Just like any nurse who works in the city, I rushed and move faster than the usual commuter, since I don't want to waste time and I always want to be in time for my early "endorsement" at the hospital. Those countless trips to the hospital, observing people when they are piling up towards the entrance of the train station has a great effect on me. Understandably, this means that everybody seem to feel that every thing seem to be back to normal again. Oh, that's the thing, we should not feel that way since we already know that the covid virus is really here to stay no matter what! Isn't it obvious that we need to get vaccinated to get that extra protection since nobody, yes nobody is immune to the disease. I can attest to that the I was one of those who personally experienced the dreadful virus and survived due to the completeness of the vaccines I already got before I contacted the disease. Hopefully, it will not affect my future health in the long run since there are also news that the studies are not yet complete to rule out the safety of using the vaccines. Anyway, personally, I don't care if there are side effects as long as I can get most of the beneficial advantages and protection of having these vaccines. And as long as you know the side effects, you will know how to handle them. So far, so good. I've gone from healthy to healthier, being more efficient in my work, physically and mentally and of course, emotionally!

This way of thinking that nothing is impossible because you have a new lease on life and that you have a meaningful purpose is how we want to start this new chapter in our blogging and maybe vlogging adventure! We will talk about so many things like light stuff, movies, people, places, ideas and well, maybe, just maybe how I see life itself - how it becomes ordinary and interesting at the same time;)

Our First Story of the day revolves around some personalities that got to work with me during my "other" jobs. Yes, just like any other working woman or man in the Metro, I also have a "sideline", among others that I still have if I can accommodate them ;)

Okay, this is about Doctor Pim in his mid-50s, divorced and with two grown up children living with him. Still in the middle income bracket even after the pandemic, but juggles work like no other. He has five (5) jobs that he reports to everyday as a doctor. So, in that case, he beats me in that moonlighting category! Haha!

Anyway, yesterday afternoon during our usual clinic hours, as I was preparing for the day's clinic consultations, as he comes inside the clinic, he tells me that he is talking or rather texting somebody who got his kid's cell phone. According to him, that it was an iPhone that his kid left in the Comfort Room and was found by this guy from Bulacan. Well, it seems possible that this guy really stole the phone as I further listen to our good doctor.

This guy said that he has the phone and wants Doctor Pim to pay him P3,500.00 (three thousand five hundred pesos) if Doc Pim wants the phone back because he - this guy from Bulacan had no money. This guy is nuts! It's like "kidnapping" an iPhone and he wanted to collect a ransom money for the kidnapped phone! He also demanded that Doctor Pim pays for the courier service, so that this thief can deliver the iPhone to our clinic. As we started the consultation, Doctor Pim arranges for a courier service and chose Grab. Later on, Doctor Pim tells me that the Grab driver tells him that his car's tire burst and needs to be fixed. Doctor Pim tells the Grab driver that 'okay', he'll shoulder the "vulcanizing" expense just to expedite the phone pickup and delivery. As we talked about the incident, I cannot help but get frustrated how people these days try to juice from other people. How pathetic is this guy! I tell Doc Pim. And he says, yeah, there are people like these who milk money from other people like in this situation.

As we finished the consultations, Doc Pim tells me that it's quite a while and he never heard from the Grab driver again. Doc Pim left the clinic waiting for the driver to text back and give Doc Pim an update. Oh, I'd like to stop Doc Pim from leaving the clinic yet! Tomorrow, we'll see what happened to Doc Pim's iPhone. You see, Doc Pim and I have another clinic consultation tonight. We'll find out if the Grab driver went to pickup the phone in Bulacan and made it back to our clinic. We'll also know if this thief from Bulacan returned the iPhone to Doc Pim after receiving the P3,500.00 ransom money. So, patiently we await the next half of this story.

Four days later...

After a while I thought I'll be having another schedule with Dr. Pim, but I was wrong! I was given another shift to take during the week, and I found a little information from the other nurses that have worked with him. I cannot help but asked them if they found something unusual with Dr. Pim. Nobody seemed to noticed anything until I told them about what happened. One nurse told me that Dr. Pim seemed a bit quiet and always to himself. Now, she understands why. She agrees with me that the phone can never be recovered again, the way Dr. Pim is handling the situation. She said that Dr. Pim is really gullible at this stage. How can he negotiate with a thief?! This is plain and simple extortion! I told her that Dr. Pim wants to play along. Eventually, she told me that the doctor hasn't retrieved the stolen phone yet. It will be a miracle if the thief will ever return the phone after four days! She's pretty sure that the thief has already sold and disposed of the phone. And then came another teleconsultation schedule with Dr. Pim...

As it turned out, Dr. Pim never recovered his daughter's phone nor his money, the payment for the courier to get and deliver his daughter's phone. Moral of the story- one, just don't forget to lock your lockers even in your office, especially if you have valuables inside your bag. Second, don't negotiate with crooks! You will have more sense if you just admit that it was a big mistake for being so careless about your stuff and other people who might be just waiting for opportunities to con other people.

As the days passed, Dr. Pim no longer mentions any of the "incident". We assume that he cannot admit to himself how he underestimated the situation he was in and the thief that took advantage of his daughter. We just hope that this will never happen again to his daughter and to anybody in particular, for nobody wants to be taken advantage of and lose very important stuff like a phone.

Running A Short Errand in Manila

2021-08-17T04:55:00.011-07:00

Errand All The Way!

After a few days of living in "another" ecq in Manila, like trying to do most of your follow ups online, there will eventually come a time when a task seems to be totally satisfying if you can drop by the office you are making the follow up and do it personally. That's what I did this Monday, after several attempts of making a connection with a government institution. Since all my emails are bouncing back to me, most probably because their server can no longer accept emails! Flooded with all sorts of concerns, I guess. So, I went to #manila via LRT and went to the Central Station and walked straight to the nearby mall.

Wow! Several shops are open! Like this one, the National Book Store! Walking more and you'll find almost more than fifty percent are open. Just "take-out" food items at this time of ecq. Oh, but well, yes, I'll buy some later. ;)

I found a few people roaming and checking out the open stores!

Look closer, there are more people farther at the end.

There's a few more people like me when you check out the food shops! Hehehe! And then, I just went to my destination which is just outside of this mall, a local government office which I believe should be open since they're supposed to serve private employees like us, especially in this time of the pandemic. Anyway, I will not so much talk about it --- not at this time, I'll just share it in another time. So, after that trip, I decided to go back to the mall and walked at this nearby park - The Mehan Garden for a breath of #nature fresh air in the city! Yeah!

I #love the walking part of my errands. I make it a point to have them in all my trips, I guess. Kudos to the Mayor of the city and all those fathers of the cities that make their communities nice and with pretty #nature parks like these. It's small, yeah, but at least people can have a pause, sit and enjoy the break whenever they are near the area.

This spot is cute! Ha! Ha! Ha! I bet there'll be someone who will be tempted to sit a little later!

Oh, this lovely bottle trash bin is sooo nice! I want one in my building!

Some people taking breaks!

A meeting of sort eh. Keep your distance, friend!

Aha! Someone got the #cute spot! ;) I #love it!!!

At a nearby university, I've got to see some local e-tryke drivers following a queue! What's happening?! Is there an active vaccination going on? Well, I successfully got to interact with two e-tryke drivers and they told me that the local government is giving away "ayuda" for e-tryke, sidecar and tricycle drivers within Manila. Nice! They even showed me some papers and documents from the barangay like certifications and photos that prove ownership and legitimacy of profession. Good job! Timely at this time of #pandemic, the local government is really helping these service front-liners through this health crisis.

E-trykes and tricycles pile up at the university grounds.

From afar, I can see more drivers following a queue. At a nearby LRT station, e-tryke drivers are having their papers photocopied. So, these two shops are having a blast in terms of profit this day!

While some shops are closed, like this thrift store.

This restaurant is also closed. Although, as part of the service industry, they can choose or they are allowed to be open during ecq, but they can only serve "to go" or "take-out" meals.

#Manilenorestaurant #ManilenoRestaurant #manila

#closedtemporarily #covid

A few more days and this ecq will finally come to a close. I look forward to seeing more shops open and more people can come back to their old jobs to help their families and the whole economy. Yeah, who doesn't want normalcy in life? This ecq is taking its toll on everybody is an understatement! Everyone right now deserves a positive change and it will come eventually. And when it does, it will really be a blast!

Manila Underpass

2021-08-08T13:42:00.026-07:00

Another New: The New Look of Manila City Hall's Under Pass

Yeah! If you haven't gone to Manila, specifically the Manila City Hall and its Under Pass, you can check it out if you happen to cross or visit Intramuros this break. I had a series of #beautiful photos when it first had its make-over and the ones you're going to see here are the latest, which I took last July, 2021. I'm so #happy to see other people are already enjoying this once #love, crowded and almost dilapidated under pass come back to life with interesting murals and photos of #Manila and #Intramuros.

#ManilaUnderPass #underpass

Take two #selfie !!!

#followme

#historicmanila

#selfie #luvmanila #ManilaSmile

Yes, you better enjoy the city while you can still walk, smile, pose and take pictures of the beautiful and historical Manila!

Mga Pasaway Talaga!!!

2021-08-08T13:15:00.033-07:00

Mga Pasaway na Kababayan! Why Covid 19 Will Not Stop?

Haay, judging from how people in the boundaries of Pasay and Manila behave, we believed that the Covid war is not going to go anywhere. As I travel from Manila to Makati, I have to ride across Buendia to get to my office for an important appointment. The trip was smooth and yes, fast! I #love it! Since everybody seems to be working more at home after the declaration of an ecq as a government response to an ever increasing cases of covid 19 sufferers. Again, people are advised to wear mask and a face shield as minimum protocol! When you go out and when you are an APOR (Authorized Persons Outside of Residence), you must also follow the minimum requirement as a protection.

On my way to the office, I observe people that I ride with through the public transport I access, of course. I try to check if they follow the minimum protocol. As a nurse and a front liner, I believe that it is one of my duties to remind people in my immediate space to observe the said protocol, unless they forget. So, to Makati I took a train and went to ride a cab, so no problem. Every body is observing the protocol. That's #love !

In Makati, inside the hospital, everybody observed the minimum protocol! Good job!

In my meeting, no problem. I encountered a few people, but still observing the protocol.

Now, in Buendia, on my way home, I took a jitney and ride toward the LRT station.

Aha! There's a lot who don't mind!

#covid19 #covidwar #covidprotocol #covidviolators #pasay #buendia

#SARS-COV2

#covidpandemic #pandemic #deltavariant #covidscare #lambdavariant

This is the reason why it is so hard to control the spread! ;(

Vaccinated with #AstraZeneca - Anong pakiramdam? (What to Expect?)

2021-03-10T17:43:00.012-08:00

#covid19 #covidscare #pandemic #deltavariant #lambdavariant #covidwar

#AZ #vaccine #health #healthwise #covidisreal

Hi! My name Vinz and I'm a nurse. This shares with you my recent experience vaccination with #AstraZeneca vaccine, which was done last March 9, 2021. Covid - 19 vaccination will help protect you from getting the #Covid-19 virus. After vaccination, according to the brochure I got from my facility, you may experience symptoms indicating that your body is developing immunity to fight the virus. These are the "normal" effects of the #vaccine:

Common Side Effects after Vaccination:

1. Injection site pain or soreness

2. Swelling or redness at the injection site

3. Chills

4. Tiredness

5. Mild fever

6. Headache

7. Muscle and joint pain or soreness

How to Manage These Effects:

For pain or discomfort from fever:

Inquire from your doctor or family clinic, so that they can give you medications like Paracetamol to reduce the pain and discomfort.

You may also apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area of pain and swelling at the injection site. And you can move your arm, as in exercising.

For fever: Remember to drink lots of fluids and dress lightly.

When Do You Need to Go to the Emergency Department:

If you experience any of these:

1. Difficulty of breathing

2. Swelling of the face or throat

3. Fast Heartbeat

4. Dizziness and Weakness

Remember, don't panic! All of these symptoms can be cured right away! Just remember to tell your family members or companion that you had a vaccination, so they can tell the Doctor at the ER in case you can't speak.

Then, start preparing for your second shot. Build your immune system like what you did for your first shot. Eat healthy. Exercise and sleep well. Don't stay up late at night. You have to remember that your body is building its defense against this dreaded virus.

Again, continue observing using fresh face mask everyday, (and please brush your teeth and gargle a mouthwash to freshen your breath!) and disinfect your face shield. Make sure that you wear an extra face mask for high density areas and always sanitize your hands. Do not skip bathing after returning home! Make sure that all outfits are washed after wearing them. Sanitized your shoes. Don't wear them inside your house. If you can wear fresh new pairs everyday, then do.

Again, it's okay to be "maarte"! This will save you in the New Normal! Chop Chop!

Cakes! Cakes! Cakes!

2020-12-15T05:09:00.038-08:00

Just Before the Pandemic

#cakes #dulcedeleche

These cakes are from Bo's Coffee - a slice of carrot cake (in a bar) and Dulce de Leche! I #love it! The carrot bar is your typical carrot cake with cream cheese topping. Delicious and best paired with a hot cup of tea, coffee or cocoa! Such an #instagood feeling, right? The Dulce de Leche cake, on the other hand, is a cream cheese-filled cake with a spread of custardy-nutty flavored icing on top! You can taste the sweetness of the condensed milk from the brown custard topping. Deliciously perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

#mamon #muffin

This is just a plain, but yummy mamon (muffin) from a Korean shop. A favorite snack for break time in a late hot afternoon. Best munch with a cold glass of fresh juice or iced tea.

#sanrival

This cake is from Conti's - a multiple-layered cake! If you love sans rival-types of cakes without the annoying butter, and love chocolate, this cake is for you. You'll instantly love the presentation - it's almost a work-of-art kind of cake for its marvelous plating (!), and the layering, some parts have nuts that you will truly enjoy! We truly adore the chocolate-y explosion in the mouth when you bite this cake.

We want some more..., #like4like and more, and more!

We just can't stop eating this #beautiful cake! Ha ha ha!

#Mernels #Mernelscake #uplb #losbanos #laguna #slex #chocolatecake #chocolate #UPLosbanos

This cake is from Los Banos, Laguna - a yummy chocolate cake. Mernel's Cakes have become famous for its classic clean chocolate cakes. A must in every occasion, an occasion is not complete without a chocolate cake. So, the best to order yours, is to get it from the best cake maker in town - in UPLB, Los Banos, Laguna! We just don't eat cakes from Mernel's when there's an important event, but we order them whenever we missed eating chocolate cakes, 'cause it's the best!

Gomburza

2020-12-15T04:56:00.137-08:00

The Three (3) Martyr Priests of the Philippines

From the historical Intramuros, Manila, along the road going to Manila City Hall, you will find the famous statues of the three (3) martyr priests of the Philippine revolution. The #photooftheday ! So much are written about the Philippine history and Catholicism in the Philippines, but nothing compares to the martyrdom that these priests have shown during the Philippine Revolution. In fact, they are the reasons why the Himagsikan (revolution in Pilipino) started. Their deaths at the garote sparked the call to fight for Philippine independence from the oppression and tyranny of the Spaniards. The death that fueled Andres Bonifacio and all Philippine heroes to fight for freedom.

As all history scholars and Philippine history enthusiasts know the prayles were the influential authorities at that time, and the three priests - Padre Gomez, Padre Burgos and Padre Zamora can no longer bear to see what the authorities (Spaniards) have been doing to their fellow countrymen.

As the three helped fellow Pilipinos, their deed was noticed and noted by the Spaniards authorities that they received the most barbaric and highest capital punishment - death by garote or strangulation by using a metal collar.

#gomburza

#spain #manila

As we (and the world) face another form of oppression and tyranny in the pandemic, lets be brave, remember to equip ourselves for the battle and be the Gomburza - Padre Gomez, Padre Burgos and Padre Zamora, Philippines' first heroes.

Intramuros During The Pandemic!

2020-12-15T04:43:00.016-08:00

Intramuros Revisited #intramuros #manila #mehangarden

It's kind of exciting and an #instagood feeling to check Manila's famous walled city after several months of lock down due to the covid19 pandemic that hit the whole world! After somewhat a truly long-awaited trip to Manila, what a #nice way to check the city be going to its premier walled city - Intramuros.

But before going there, we stop by the city hall and its famous #nature garden, the Mehan Garden which has gone a make over just right before the lock down. Right now, we know that almost every night, people flocked to Mehan Garden to watch the #beautiful fountains and the display of lights being featured there this holiday season. You have to get there really early to get tickets and see what in store for the evening! I #love it sharing with #friends!

At the #Mehan Garden, just a few steps from Manila City Hall.

This one you can also see from my Instagram account, as I travel during the lifting of the lock-down in Manila.

The National Museum.

The famous Gomburza monument facing the National Museum.

The Philippines three (3) martyr priests - Padre Gomez, Padre Burgos and Padre Zamora.

General Luna's monument stands at the Round table near the entrance to the walled city of Intramuros.

#intramuros

To Puerta Real.

Famous monuments and iconic structures within Intramuros.

The San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila.

The Manila Cathedral.

First Quarter of the Year - 2020

2020-12-15T03:15:00.011-08:00

First few shots from the Cultural Center of the Philippines #ccp ;)

From just around the corner of CCP complex this #beautiful monument stands... This is a #cute and favorite spot for hikers, runners and workout enthusiasts since this place is very conducive for running and hiking.

A very #happy and welcoming patron is this white feline who happens to be enjoying the heat of the afternoon sun at the CCP complex. We believe that this feline #love the camera! As you can see, it is #cute smiling and poses so willingly to the camera! He he he!

More so, it becomes another "monument" you might catch when you visit CCP complex at a very humid afternoon.

More #instagood smiles there kitty! It is loving the heat that comes from the slab of stone, as if it was intended to be the cat's bench at the complex.

Kitty leaves the stone to check the pathway this time. Hey, #like4like !

When we came back, kitty just went back to the stone.

Not far from CCP, we stumbled upon a real battle tank; outermost of the CCP complex, serving as an outdoor museum for this armored vehicle.

GOOD NEWS FOR Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)!!!

2020-03-03T14:38:00.001-08:00

FREE Training for PWDs Who Never Say No To Challenges!

From the office of the DSWD of Manila, we saw this great opportunity focused on providing free training for community members that although very much "challenged", are still quite eager to learn more; be trained and become truly productive members of society!
This project which aims to highlight work inclusion and make it as a source of stable income for our challenged members of the community is spearheaded by these two (2) indefatigable Honorable Mayor Isko Moreno and Honorable Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna of Manila.

#jobs #pwds
The project will focus on training members and be ready for BPOs or Call Center jobs. The requirements include that:
1. Participants should be at least 21 years of age
2. Must have completed two (2) years of college education
3. Must possess a great sense of positivism, motivated and a "go-getter"
4. Very much willing to undergo a 15-day training
5. Must be present from 8AM to 5PM everyday.

If you can complete above requirements, you may send or submit the following:
1. 1x1 ID picture
2. Certificate of Indigency and
3. A brief resume

Then, get in touch with Ms. Amalyn Ariola of PDAO City of Manila through these phone numbers: 310-1577, 336-5436 or email at maniladsw@gmail.com.

Come on! What are you waiting for?! Register now and be part of this exciting opportunity!

Manila: The Friendly and Caring City - Part II

2020-02-29T11:18:00.007-08:00

Manila Helps

As we have always done in the past as a media broadcaster, we've #repose , coordinated with institutions that are concerned with the community's welfare. We try to help them by using radio and TV programs to reach a wider audience to relay important public announcements and notices.
These include programs of DSWD which helps families find their missing loved ones. And now that the role of social media has become relevant and has proven to be an effective way of reaching the public, we believe that this is also a useful tool to help reunite families with their lost loved ones.
As we visit Manila and found our way to its center, the Manila City hall, we can't help but notice the DSWD's bulletin board loaded with fosters of people from the community who has gone missing for quite sometime and their families longing to bring them back home.
We appeal to everyone who might have seen them, to call their respective families, so they can coordinate and get them home safely.

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #MissingTeens #MissingGirls #amayauyan #maryjoyuyan #delpanbinondo #binondomanila #binondo

Amaya or Mary Joy Uyan is only 13 years young and may be very naive and trusting. She was last seen last November 30, 2019. She is from 518 Delpan Street, Binondo, Manila.
In case, you have seen her, please call any of these phone numbers: 0935-721-8893 or 0909-311- 5764 immediately.
Her family is very much worried, so, please do not hesitate to relay any information to where they can find her. We hope that we can help Amaya and her family be reunited soon.
Definitely, your help is very much appreciated!

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #MissingTeens #MissingBoys #ejbuenaobra #edgarbuenaobra #bgyadditionhills #mandaluyong

This is EJ or Edgar Bonaobra/Buenaobra, also in his teens. Although, this photo makes him look younger. He has gone missing sometime last year, and he's from Block 37 Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
In case, you have seen him or you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact this phone number: 0950-818-8610 so, that his family can fetch him.
He also might have some special needs that only his family can addressed. We hope that we can help him be reunited with his family soon.

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #MissingTeens #MissingBoys #raymonddelarosa #bgypacoobando #pacoobando #obandobulacan #bulacan

The next missing person is, Raymond Dela Rosa. He is also in his teens and he is a special child. He is from Barangay Paco, Obando, Bulacan. He has gone missing sometime last year.
Raymond has special needs and might have some health conditions that should be addressed.
If ever, you have seen him, please contact his family through this phone number: 0930-890-0407 so, that they can pick him up as soon as possible.

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #ronaldtorregue #pgh #PGHward7

This is Ronald Torregue, around 40 to 45 years old. He was last seen leaving the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Ward No.7 last September 19, 2019. He was wearing a white T-shirt and was clean shaven then, which may not be the case at this time.
Ronald is suffering from a mental disorder or issues and may need immediate medication and medical attention.
Please, if you have seen him, call this phone numbers: 0995-484-3759 and 0965-630-3838 and look for Joyce or Rod.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any information on where to find Ronald.
Let us help the families of Amaya, EJ, Raymond and Ronald be reunited with their respective families as soon as possible.

Check link for: Manila: The Friendly and Caring City - Part I #follow #me
https://venusveronicagreene.blogspot.com/2020/02/manila-friendly-and-caring-city-part-i.html

Manila: The Friendly and Caring City - Part I

2020-02-29T03:34:00.004-08:00

Manila Helps

We actually visited the office which is in-charge of its senior citizens and PWDs which stands for Persons with Disability (or for those who have long-term physical, mental or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others), the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) office at the Manila City hall.
Aside from assisting these members of the community, this office also helps their relatives who are in dire need of assistance like expenses incurred from hospitalization, medical procedures (e.g. dialysis), medicines, burial and linking them to possible government agencies that can help if additional assistance is required.
As we observed the department's traffic, we noticed the bulletin board is filled with fosters with photos and announcements. Such urgency is needed to addressed these announcements such as those under the "Missing Persons" portion that we are also #repost and posting them on our blog in order to help these missing members of the community. We hope that you can also help them be found and posted in your social media accounts. The sooner we can get to them, the faster we can reunite them with their families who can really addressed their special needs.

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #NellieZamora #antipolocity

The lady's name is Nellie Parungao Zamora. She's 84 years old. "Ulyanin" is a Pilipino term for someone who is suffering from dementia. She is from Sitio Payong, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City. She was last seen riding a Cubao-bound jeepney from a jeepney stop in Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City (this is past Pasig City and Taytay, Rizal). Nellie is wearing a floral-printed brown duster and a black jacket.
If you find her, please call or text this phone number: 0921-819-7664 or 0943-286-5175.
Please remember, any information leading to finding Nellie will be greatly appreciated.

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #GustinaFerrer #sanjuancity #sanjuanpolice

The next missing person is, Gustina Bantigue Ferrer of San Juan City. She is in her senior years and might also be suffering from dementia. If you have seen her, please contact this phone number: 0927-358-8662 and look for Mr. Melraldez R. Ferrer, Jr. or notify the San Juan City police station at phone number: 724-2515.
Please remember that she might be having some health conditions that will need prompt attention. Let us help her reunite with her family.

#PublicService #DSWD #MissingPersons #LydiaSantiago #bacoorcavite

She is Lydia Z. Santiago, 64 years old from Bacoor, Cavite. She stands 5'1" and last seen wearing a blue sleeveless blouse, maong shorts and eyeglasses. She was last seen at South Triangle, Quezon City. She was found and unfortunately slipped from Paligsahan Barangay's custody and has gone missing again.
In case you have seen her, please contact this phone number: 0949-998-4294 and look for Mr. Roger B. Santiago.
She might be suffering from a health condition that we are not aware of, so please let us help her family find her.
Please remember, any information leading to finding Nellie, Gustina and Lydia will be greatly appreciated.

Check link for: Manila: The Friendly and Caring City - Part II #follow #me
https://venusveronicagreene.blogspot.com/2020/02/manila-friendly-and-caring-city-part-ii.html

Benjie Paras, Kobe and Andre Paras as Brand Ambassadors for SunSoft

2020-02-08T13:26:00.011-08:00

MSE Launches New Product!

Direct marketing giant MSE's SunSoft introduces its new line of concentrated laundry detergent (in powder form), dish washing liquid and fabric conditioner through a #beautiful and special event with #IdolSaLinis father-and-sons team headed by PBA legend Benjie Paras, sons - actor Andre Paras and UP Mens Basketball Team Varsity player Kobe Paras.

#benjieparas #purpleminds #sunsoft #mse

Benjie Paras with author #me

The #happy father and sons team are flocked by lively and enthusiastic Social Media Influencers headed by the Purpleminds group head, Robbie Ablen in collaboration with MSE (Marikina Shoe Exchange). You can check out our video coverage of the event on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWbFUQIOYiI or you may also #love and check out #idolsalinis posts, also on YouTube.
The event started with a sumptuous lunch at the popular Sentro 1771 Restaurant in Pasig City. This was followed by testimonials from Benjie and sons on how good these new products in delivering high quality cleaning powers as well as making every household chores easy for the busy trio. According to the Paras', endorsing SunSoft products is very much expected since they are all believers of the products before they were even launched in the market.
Another testimonial from our Social Media Influencers (SMIs), these products are worth the try. They are indeed reliable household products: SunSoft concentrated laundry detergent offers great cleaning and whitening powers. SunSoft dish washing liquid cuts the grease and makes dish washing chores nice and easy. SunSoft fabric conditioner softens and leaves a heavenly scent on your clothes that lasts all day.
This is kind of exciting for me since I personally do my laundry, especially on weekends. I also would like to try new laundry and household cleaning products in the market. These days, it's always #nice to discover something new, aside from being quite affordable yet made from high quality ingredients. For interested parties, you must try SunSoft products for your everyday laundry and #instagood household cleaning! SunSoft products can be purchased online via Lazada and MSE websites.
Definitely, a must-try for homebodies like us!

Happy And So Busy This Holiday Season!

2020-01-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, indeed! I am so busy with a very hectic schedule that the word "busy" shares the same meaning with the word "usual" on a regular day.
So, how does my day start? You wake up in the morning. Do some stretches, check the phone for incoming messages. Kick the socks and change your clothes. Head towards the fridge for water and go to the bathroom to pee. Then, brush your teeth and shower while you boil water for your morning cocoa. Hair still wrapped in towel, prepare your breakfast and turn on the TV set for the news. Then, cook your pet's food. Yes, we cook its food. If we're having rice for breakfast, we cook extra if we don't have rice leftover from last night. When we buy our groceries, we make it a point to buy chopped bones for the pet dog since supermarkets don't sell scrap bones. The bones are boiled or cooked as stew. Just in case, we don't have leftover food, there'll be food for the pet.
After breakfast, you brush your teeth and continue prepping. This is the time you put on your make up and dress for the office. I still can afford to be late these days, so I'm just rushing to anticipate the delay I will encounter from the road traffic ;) On an ideal day, a fruit juice is prepared the night before, so I can enjoy them in the morning. Just before going to the office.
After the office work, which happens so late since you can't get a ride that easy when your office is in Manila where commuting is quite hard.

Here, you line up on a queue to get on a train, just like everyone else!

You arrive at the house late and not to forget to buy that daily newspaper from the convenient store located near the entrance of the village, so you can still read the news during TV commercials. You grab a salad and a glass of juice and watch TV briefly. A brief shower after brushing teeth, and then you hit the sack!

Happy To Be In Manila!

2019-12-18T13:09:00.015-08:00

Can't Wait To Enjoy #Manila!

The Southeast Asian Games had just closed and we still can feel others having the hangover from this #beautiful and #memorable event! I can still see my #friends feeling so ecstatic, and yeah, they can't stop talking about the recent Southeast Asian Games held here in the Philippines! If you've failed to come and visit the country for this event, you have missed a lot! He he! Yeah! You'll be left with snippets of what appeared to be phenomenal performances, and a great way to celebrate the opening and closing rites, on social media. The games I enjoyed, which are a lot! One of them is the one I have seen from my #cute window are the famous football games (Vietnam vs. Indonesia; Myanmar vs. Cambodia) held at Rizal Stadium. Foreign guests and supporters for the game flocked at the ticketing area and at the stadium's entrance. A few times, I'm still loaded with work that I have to bring home and just watched from my window.
Just before the Southeast Asian Games, the whole of Manila has been undergoing changes courtesy of the new leadership of the mayor. The Mehan Garden, the Bonifacio Park and the Post Office building and other prominent landmarks near city hall have been dressed up and lighted! It's so nice to see them at night. Even the streets seem noticeably "nicer" with the lights on! Finally, we can see how #beautiful Manila even at night!
This effort of Manila Mayor Isko has not been ignored since we also learned from the news that the country's top business tycoons have made commitments to help bring back the glorious days of Manila.
During the opening event of San Miguel Corporation's (Better World Tondo) Learning Center and food bank facility in Tondo, Manila, businessmen Ricky Razon, Tessie Sy, Lance Gokongwei and Doris Magsaysay-Ho agreed to help the city in monumental ways by bringing bigger investments.
As of this writing, their business proposals are now being studied on how it will impact both business sectors, the community and the overall plan for the city's improvements. Areas that are targeted focuses on #nature tourism, green energy, environment protection and preservation and other relevant industries that will uplift the #quality of life in Manila.
For tourism, the dear Mayor had already started to refurbished Jones' Bridge. He envisions the bridge to capture the ambiance of what it is like to be in the Spanish era when you are standing at the bridge. For those who are keen in Philippine literature and history, the bridges of Manila stand in the famous Pasig River which was mentioned in Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) novel. Rizal even compared the Pasig River to the Rhine River of Germany, while cruising its banks, in one of his European travels.
For us, here in Manila, this is great and #happy news! We can't wait for these #beautiful and exciting improvements, whether its facilities or services, we greatly #like4like welcome them! Right now, we are already enjoying the benefits of these little and simple changes. Even before the Southeast Asian Games, the streets have been regularly cleaned from pesky trash! If you've noticed, there is a large metal collection bin for recyclable rubbish like plastic bottles in every street corner. There's a designated place for them, so you don't have an excuse to throw them anywhere in the streets or dunk in the manholes. Every block is monitored by CCTVs and authorities do the rounds on intervals. It's so nice to hangout or just walk towards the 24-hour gym across the street! I might just go on brisk walking or running along DLSU with #me and my bff to sweat the extra pounds for the #holiday season! He he!

#dlsu #taftavenue #vitocruz #manila

Just look at this photo of Taft Avenue near Vito Cruz St. in front of

De La Salle University, isn't this inviting?

It must be the light!

For me, this is like walking in a movie set! I would like to do some jogging while going towards nearby restaurants and ordering a light snack on my way home. I just have to make sure I sweat real hard for the holiday season! Ha ha!

Just before writing this article, my friend and I are already planning on going to the Night Market this weekend in Divi (Divisoria, Manila). We can't wait to see the Christmas stuffs and sale items we will find in one of Manila's biggest flea markets!

As always, we always make it a point to have several "grand shopping" trips to Divi, especially when you have a lot of kids to treat this Christmas season. As Filipinos, we start Christmas early. And, everyday as the holiday season starts, kids and kids alike sing the Christmas carols at every house in the neighborhood. So it helps when you're prepared and, let the Christmas cheers and season begin! ;) #VivaManila

Having The Best Phenomenal Scent!

2019-09-11T07:52:00.023-07:00

About Scents!
Are you one of those people who crave or #love perfumes? Well, you are not the only one! You share that habit with 90 percent of #beautiful and #happy women in the world. Women in Northern America, Asia and Europe consume one-third of fragrance and perfume products, with an estimated 6% increase by year 2023. People who adore scents, these are ladies like you and #me #like4like eh, who don't feel complete without spritzing a few or just one scent before leaving the house after a bath or just attending to a special occasion.

When did perfume usage came about?
As early as 1200 BC, there is already a woman chemist who has been concocting perfumes for people in Iraq, Turkey, Kuwait and Syria and naturally, much of them were incense-based scents. Women then on, wear perfume to present their beauty. There was a time when perfume was forbidden for public consumption. A sacred perfume made from a blend of myrrh, cinnamon, cane and cassia was exclusively used by priests. Its use is considered a religious duty to the likes of bathing.

Modern scents now is always associated with cleanliness. As long as it is pleasant in aroma and invokes freshness, it will definitely tell anyone that "it is" clean! It can be a hint of citrus lemon or bitter orange blossom, a distinct scent of a rose, a woodsy or an aromatic musk or even an Oriental spice, essential oils here and there -- all works in #happy harmony to make a difference to achieve that #instagood pleasant and appealing fragrance!

Looking good no longer means the "absence" of a scent that connotes appeal and pleasantness. Attractiveness means that you cannot be just pretty, but you also have to smell good.

With a load of different fragrances, colognes and eau de toilettes in the market today, you will never run out of choices that you can choose from and find that favorite #beautiful scent or fragrance that says 'you'! A scent that will suit your personality and style. Scents' descriptions range from mysterious to elegant, vibrant, sporty, fruity and young!

Even fashion designers and icons promote wearing scents since without one means your wardrobe is NOT complete.

What is so nice about scents is that it also improves our memory. Special scents remind us of deeply-seated memories of past events that were memorable and warms the heart. It easily turns back the hands of time and brings us back to our childhood, teenage years, memorable dates, people who have touch our lives in a special way, that special someone we've shared special memories with.
The essence that comes from the scents easily dissipates in the day, so it always help if you bring some during the day. Also, make sure that you put them away from direct sunlight or source of heat to have that long-lasting scent on you. Most ladies would prefer to wear the cologne type during the day. It is light, refreshing and can be applied repeatedly throughout the day. Ideally, in the evening, you may wear something heavier like a perfume and retouching is done sparingly.
It is also known that scents can affect a persons mood. Yeah, scents have mood enhancing power! It can make you feel vibrant and energetic. It can also make the wearer feel mysterious or seductive. This is the reason why some might own several bottles! They wear scents depending on the "mood" they want to have at that particular moment. We, most of the time, assigned a scent that we wear on a daily basis and another for a special occasion or event.

#follow #selfie with my scents

Then, maybe this is the reason why we pay so much for perfumes! We #love to re-live and be #happy with the moment that price is no object! Blah! Why is it so expensive?! Well, the raw materials for making the #beautiful perfumes are quite expensive! Some are #nature -inspired and some are synthetic. There's also the role of packaging and bottling of the fragrances, plus advertising and promotion- which is essential, for how will we discover these scents without knowing anything about them, right? Now, on to my next bottle! ;) #VivaVi

Ongoing Assistance for the Recent Crisis Courtesy of the DSWD

2018-06-15T13:17:00.001-07:00

Andres Bonifacio Concert Choir at UP Diliman

2016-08-09T11:34:00.001-07:00

ABCC at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman...

Follow this link ----- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGivZ4hWaSU&feature=youtu.be

or https://youtu.be/VGivZ4hWaSU and https://www.facebook.com/

ABCC sings selected patriotic songs...some excerpts from the ABCC the Musical, enjoy! :)

New Footbridge At Mindanao Avenue

2016-07-18T12:12:00.001-07:00

Brand New Footbridge

Something is new at Mindanao Avenue! Yes, it was just yesterday when a couple of senior citizens were apprehended by a local traffic aide when they decided to use the newly constructed footbridge. According to the aide, the bridge is not yet open for public usage since the other end is still closed. After the clarification, the seniors decided to just cross the street instead.

But this afternoon, around 4PM, Manila time, a local barker has stopped two men from crossing the street! The men were already halfway the street and were discussing something (as if it's safe to talk while crossing a very busy street!) when they were asked to use the footbridge instead. :)

The two, of course, would question the barker's authority, so he insisted that traffic aides from that area will be waiting for the two when they crossed and they will be served with jaywalking tickets. He raised his hand and pointed at four (4) traffic aides in their uniforms having a break and sitting comfortably inside a fast-food chain. Suddenly from behind, a senior citizen tried to cross and snubbed the barker since she is a senior citizen and she simply doesn't care what the barker has to say! Two women noticed this and grabbed this opportunity to cross and so they rushed to the senior citizen's side who at this time is already crossing the street. While we, were left behind since cars have rushed either way of the street where we are standing. We decided to wait for the traffic light to change so, that we can cross and use this brand new footbridge ;)

Embarrassment and inconvenience, as well as accidents, could have been avoided if these traffic aides have assumed their posts at that time. Well-placed signages can also be utilized to inform the public! Again, a lot of people can benefit from these signages only if these were in the right places.

Article Posted Online

2016-07-16T11:34:00.001-07:00

Pa-Baon Month Launch Post Was Online

A pleasant surprise greeted me this morning after I opened my laptop! After surfing for awhile, I checked on an online magazine that I was excited to see again (for many years) in print. I wasn't really expecting it to be posted online first since I was told that I will see the article in a glossy magazine which I happen to be searching for since last month. The ever elusive July issue of Women's Journal in the Philippines, that at this time I am still searching for in Manila's bookstores and magazine stands. This magazine was so popular in the 70s and it's one the earliest glossy magazines in the country. This is where I read my first ever excerpt of the popular(but not so popular then) The Bourne Identity novel. This magazine has a portion where they'll publish excerpts from the bestsellers at that time. I was very much a kid then and was not so keen on reading long features and novels. Anyway, it got me hooked on reading novels then. So, back to our story, I got the link:

https://www.facebook.com/filipinawomensjournal/

so you can also see the featured article about the event (photos to follow) that we had with our friends last May 28, 2016 at the Lynden Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

X-Ray Machine at LRT Central Station

2016-06-19T12:35:00.003-07:00

A New Welcome Addition

LRT Central station has a new member of the family. Something that will facilitate the checking of passengers' bags, luggage, belongings. Yes, no more Houdini at the table; no more Harry Potter episodes!

This is the new luggage x-ray machine; already in use inside LRT Central Station in Manila. There's one in Balintawak and EDSA Stations.

Passengers are already feeling the ease of using this machine last April 2016. Just remember to watch your steps as you approach the machine since this is located right at the top of the stairs.

Security assists all passengers as they wait for their bags to be checked by the luggage x-ray machine

People here at the station are slowly growing larger. Although, this scene is still considered light since school has not started yet when this photo was taken.

The LRT Central station sign board...

Another additional, saw this last Monday - June 20, 2016, this time at Balintawak Station...

One thing for sure, we're not gonna miss Harry Potter's drumsticks from now on! Ciao! :)

First Press Releases for 2016 Courtesy of Purpleminds!

2016-06-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

We started the campaign late May 2016 with a soft launch at Lynden Suites in Ortigas Center. The launch was well attended by the media, young students, young and seasoned families, career women, stay at home moms and influencers --- youthful and active, and known to have been living a very busy lifestyle. We are very lucky that they found time to graced this important occasion where we both learned a lot of things about them and how a simple 'baon'-making activity can forge lasting memories for each other.
With yours truly at the helm of this activity, I feel very proud to have been a part of this advocacy which we started in cooperation with Lock&Lock.

Here's our first PR for 2016 at Manila Bulletin

Published last June 18, 2016, in the Lifestyle Section of the Philippines' premiere newspaper, Manila Bulletin

This one's from another top-ranking newspaper in the country -- Philippine Star's Lifestyle Section, published last June 21, 2016

Above feature article (half-page size) is from The Standard's Lifestyle section (C3) June 27, 2016's edition.

To watch out for --- the Women's Journal Magazine's July issue, we will also be there ;)

These mark the start of a series of publications and announcements made to inform the public of the Pa-'baon' advocacy to counteract the growing health problems that come with not preparing your own healthy packed food in collaboration with Lock&Lock, a global brand that makes lunch bags, lunch boxes or containers and tumblers from Korea; which incidentally has a new series of designs and offerings which we also would like to watch out for this coming month of July.

The Ayala Triangle Gardens

2016-04-05T11:25:00.001-07:00

Fresh pix from Makati...

Love the park, garden and the restos here!