Likke on Homeschooling + Family Friendly Fun

Unilab Ideas Positive First National Grand Winner Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:27:03 PDT

We've following through with the story of Unilab Ideas Positive Project since last year and we are glad to know that they have a grand winner announced.

A team of nursing students from Iloilo bagged the Grand Prize Award in the first national run of Unilab Ideas Positive on its third year. Team W.A.Y.A.’s “Tahong For Life” project reduced the cases of diarrhea due to mishandling of tahong shells at Sitio Pang-pang, Dumangas, Iloilo City. W.A.Y.A. stands for Women and Men of Achievements and Youth Advocates. Joining them in the photo are: Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Executive Director of Unilab Foundation Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi (extreme left), Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Director of Unilab Foundation Jose Antonio Mapa (third from right) and Unilab Ideas Positive Project Lead Barry Barrientos (extreme right); and panelist and former dean of the College of Social Work and Community Development in UP Dr. Angelito Manalili (second from right).

-----------------------------
Press Release

ILONGGO YOUTH TEAM SOLVES DIARRHEAL CASES WITH SOCIAL MARKETING PROJECT; EMERGES AS UNILAB IDEAS POSITIVE FIRST NATIONAL GRAND WINNER

A group of nursing students from West Visayas State University in Iloilo called Team WAYA was named the first national grand prize winner of Unilab Ideas Positive, a nationwide social marketing competition for college students that enables them to address health and wellness concerns in communities.

Team WAYA was named the winner after successfully bringing down the incidence of diarrheal diseases in Sitio Pang-pang in Dumangas, Iloilo from 75 cases when they started in May 2012 to zero incidence in the first quarter of 2013, after completing the implementation of their social marketing project called “Tahong for Life.”

“Tahong for Life” focused on proper hygiene and sanitation practices for families engaged in “pagtatala” or mussel deshelling, which is the main livelihood of families in the sitio. Mishandling of the mussels was identified as one of the causes of diarrheal diseases in the area.

Not only did the team teach residents proper food handling practices, but they also built four deshelling centers made of nipa hut and provided residents with sanitary equipment like hair nets and aprons to reinforce the proper sanitary behavior.

They also successfully mobilized the community to practice Bayanihan spirit through a series of cleanup drives that transformed the community from a smelly and filthy repository of mussel shells into a clean community complete with concrete pathways made from crushed mussel shells mixed with sand and cement.

Team WAYA used the P100,000 seed money from Unilab to implement their social marketing project. They are one of 12 teams chosen nationwide by Unilab to receive training on social marketing, as well as seed money to help them turn their idea into actual solutions for communities.

The winning team is composed of Charibel de Pedro, Michael dela Peña, Alfred Dicto, Hanna Dolduco, and Rexell Ela. They took home P60, 000 in cash, individual medals, and a team trophy. They will also be attending a social marketing training courtesy of Unilab.

The runner up winner is a team from University of the Philippines Visayas called Kabataang Katipuneros who successfully treated the malnourished children in Bgy. La Paz in Guimaras through their multi-factorial health and nutrition project. As a result, Bgy. La Paz lowered its rank from the number one barangay with most number of malnourished children to number 20 in the whole of Guimaras.

The other runner up winner is a youth team from University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao called Team Green Label who also successfully treated malnourished children in a public elementary school by turning an idle lot into an organic vegetable garden that became the source of food for the school’s feeding program. They also taught proper sanitation practices to children and integrated a health and sanitation teaching module in the school’s curriculum.

“Unilab Ideas Positive is about positive ideas and positive outcomes. The winning teams are living examples of how small youth teams with big ideas can make a long-lasting, sustainable difference in local communities. Their creativity, resourcefulness, passion and energy inspire all of us. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with them, enabling them to turn their ideas into reality, working towards a healthier Philippines, one community at a time,” said Unilab Foundation Executive Director Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi.

Palomar-Fresnedi sat in the Board of Judges together with Human Heart Nature founder Anna Meloto-Wilk, Hapinoy founder Mark Ruiz, former dean of UP College of Social Work and Development Dr. Angelito Manalili, UP Manila public health professor Gayline Manalang Jr., and Undersecretary for Presidential Communications Office and Head of Philippine Information Agency Mari Oquinena.

More updates on the completed projects of the 12 youth groups can be seen in Facebook.com/ UnilabIdeasPositive. To date, Unilab has reached out to 20 communities in three years to make a positive, healthy change happen through the youth of Unilab Ideas Positive.

Visit our website at www.unilabideaspositive.com. For live and frequent updates about the teams and the program, subscribe to our Facebook page at Facebook.com/UnilabIdeasPositive or follow us on Twitter at @ideaspositive.

Globe Telecom launches 2nd Cebu Media Excellence Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:29:48 PDT

Got invited to the presscon of the 2nd CMEA or Cebu Media Excellence Award. In a nutshell, they have two new categories:

Photo Journalist of the Year, which will be given to the photographer with the entry that best captures an identified social concern
Social Media Advocate of the Year, which will be awarded to the entry with the most relevant and successful advocacy in the social media.

Press Release:

Two years ago, Globe Telecom took the initiative in promoting and supporting media excellence and press freedom, giving fruition to Cebu Media Excellence Awards, which gives recognition to print, broadcast and digital media practitioners who excel in the profession.

Globe Telecom’s 2nd Cebu Media Excellence Awards will coincide with Cebu Press Freedom Week celebrations usually held in the third week of September to commemorate the dark days of martial law, when the basic right of press freedom was curtailed. The Cebu Media Excellence Awards aims to encourage media excellence in civic, investigative and explanatory journalism.

The leading telecommunication company’s advocacy for media excellence and press freedom stems from its own experience of oppression when its operations were interrupted twice in its 85-year history by World War II and declaration of martial law.

“We cannot overemphasize the critical role of the media not only in their daily coverage of events but also in shaping the minds of the society on important issues. The Cebu Media Excellence Award seeks to further enhance active participation of the press in pushing for social and civic concerns as our country moves towards economic development,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Telecom’s Corporate Communications head.

The Globe-led media awards is open to all Cebu-based journalists and they may submit entries for the following categories—Reporter of the Year for Print, Feature Story of the Year for Print, Feature Story of the Year for TV, Columnist of the Year, Reporter of the Year for TV, Reporter of the Year for Radio and Blogger of the Year.

Two additional categories have been added this year. These are the Photo Journalist of the Year, which will be given to the photographer with the entry that best captures an identified social concern and Social Media Advocate of the Year, which will be awarded to the entry with the most relevant and successful advocacy in the social media.

As in the previous year, entries shall explore and promote the following advocacies: business and entrepreneurship, information and communications technology, environment and disaster response, governance and social progress and youth and education.

Search period for the entries, which may be in English or Visayan language, will be from September 2012 to July 2013 while Deadline for submission of entries will be on July 26, 2013.

Participants must complete 2 entry forms with his/her entry. Entries may be sent to Globe Media Excellence Awards c/o Jerry Yntig, Globe Telecom, Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City. Further inquiries may be sent to globecmea@gmail.com or call (02)730-4617 or (02)7302630 in Manila and (032) 4167159 in Cebu.

Last year, Cebu Media Excellence Awards winners include Alan Domingo, of GMA 7 Cebu/ Balitang Resbak who won as Reporter of the Year for Television; Astra Zina Logarta as Reporter of the Year for Radio; Atty. Alan Piloton and Aida Tampus of DZHP RMN who won the Feature Story of the Year for Radio.; Atty. Ruphil Banoc as Radio Broadcaster of the Year; Nancy Cudis as Blogger of the Year.

Winners as Reporters of the Year for print and their respective categories were Katlene Cacho (Sun Star Cebu), Business and Entrepreneurship; Mia Abellana-Aznar (Sun Star Cebu) Information and Communications Technology; Marian Christie (Cebu Daily News), Environment and Disaster Response; Princess Dawn Felicitas (Sun Star Cebu) , Governance and Social Progress; Rebelander Basilan (Sun Star Cebu), Youth and Education; Linette Ramos, Bernadette Parco and Cherry Ann Lim bagged the Feature Story of the Year award while Juan Mercado was named Columnist of the Year.

For more information, please contact:

Yoly C. Crisanto Head, Corporate Communications Globe Telecom, Inc. Tel. No. 7302627 │ Fax. No. 7393075 Email Address: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com Globe Press Room: www.globe.com.ph/press-room Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: www.facebook.com/globeph

Opening of Gabii sa Kabilin 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:51:57 PDT

We have been huge fans of Gabii sa Kabilin in fact, we even joined the QR Code Hunt from SMART and Innopub Media last year. You can check out the fun we had here:

http://likke.info/2012/05/why-my-gabii-sa-kabilin-was-just-like.html

Would like to help spread the word of the next run for 2013. Check out the press release we received about the event below.

Press release

------------------------------------

RAFI's Culture and Heritage Unit and its partners will hold the seventh run of the Anvil-awarded event, Gabii sa Kabilin, on May 31 from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

This year, the heritage event features 34 destinations--surpassing last year's 22--in four of the biggest cities of Metro Cebu: Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

Participants will be treated to cultural performances, culinary experience, art fairs, and special exhibits in all destinations of the event.

In 2012, due to the success of the previous runs, Cebu City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod passed City Ordinance 2327, declaring the last Friday of May of every year as Gabii sa Kabilin or Night of Heritage.

The implementation of the event is made possible through the partnership with participating museums and administrators of heritage sites and collaboration with local government units of Cebu Province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Talisay City; government agencies, which includes Department of Tourism 7, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Cebu City Traffic Operations Management, Cebu City Police Office, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission, Naval Central Forces of the Philippine Navy, and the Santo Niño de Cebu–Augustinian Social Development Foundation.

The Gabii sa Kabilin ticket worth PhP150 is an admission ticket for all destinations, unlimited Gabii sa Kabilin-designated bus rides, and one tartanilla (horse-drawn carriage) trip within the city’s old district. Admission is free for children aged seven and below.

We hope to meet you and/or representatives during this endeavor to create pride of heritage among Cebuanos.

For inquiries and/or confirmation, please contact me at (032) 418-7234 local 520, or through mobile number 0942-805-9423, or e-mail at Nancy.Cudis@rafi.org.ph.

Gratitude to Unilab for the Women of GBG Cebu event giveaways!

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:47:34 PDT

It was supposed to be a lazy weekend where I wake up late and do random work that needs to be done. Usually, me and my boys would go somewhere cool to ward off the summer heat. But not on this day though.

We had an awesome meetup with Cebuanas on the Web for GBG Cebu Google Business Group last April 27, 2013. It was a meetup of women on the web who are newbies or are already using the internet for their business or for personal advocacies. And I would say, it was a success. :)

What I loved about the meetup though is that we got the support of Unilab for the giveaways for the ladies joining and for 8 speakers. They were very generous to do so and for that, we at GBG Cebu organizing team are very grateful for all the support.

We teased it out to the members before and I would say it is very effective for enticing some women to give up their lazy Saturdays and join us for the event! :)

Our ladies at the panel discussion got pumped up by our very "Ms. Universe" - like questions for them. Although very intriguing, it was an eye-opener for some on the challenges of being a woman in each of our respective niche and industry.

Our JCI co-organizers were also present to help out with the introduction. Ms. Jonah of Saturday Dress is also loving our Unilab speakers pack too. :)

Stephanie Tumulak of Virtual Staff Finder also shares a photo of her loot from Unilab speakers pack. The pack is definitely useful for the ladies!

Much thanks again Unilab for the kindness in supporting our events. We are hoping to have more women gatherings soon!

Feel Better! Carbs without the worry with CarbTrim.

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:25:46 PDT

It was a fine Valentines day. People were already posting their woes and plans for Valentines over all the social media sites that they know. I was just watching their updates and reminiscing how fun it was when I was younger to have Valentines day lurk around the corner.

But we were done celebrating the day before. We wanted to stay away from the consumerism that happens during Feb 14th. True enough when we visited the mall, it was filled with shoppers doing rush purchases of chocolates and flowers for their loved ones hoping to get a piece of Valentines for the the day after.

I had so much fun taking photos of all the guys bringing bouquet of flowers and jokingly said to the hubby that those guys were just going to get laid tomorrow. And I'm sure they did. :D

Kidding aside, we just planned to have a simple celebration at home. What celebration it was when I received a package at the doorstep from Unilab itself. I got Carbtrims for Valentines! And the message on the bag was spot on: Carbs without the worry for Valentines day.

It was just in time when hubby and I were gearing up to gobble more carbs for the day! We were off to celebrate. But was this a reminder that we should take it slow? It definitely was.

There it were the three boxes of CarbTrim in all its glory. It came in a pretty pink bag and had two flavors: Lemon and Apple flavors. Each box contains 6 sachets that you can use before gobbling up the carbs.

From their website:

CarbTrim is a carb-blocking product in a refreshing iced tea drink. It contains Phase 2 white kidney bean, a natural extract clinically-proven to block up to 66% of carbs you eat.

So there I was watching the kiddo eat sweets totally guilt-free! That's a mango cake and it was definitely finished up by the kiddo and me since the hubby does not like sweets (which is a good thing given their family history).

After a month of using, finally finished up the boxes of CarbTrims. The hubby likes the lemon flavor and I like the Apple flavor iced tea of CarbTrim.

I have visited the grocery and found it to be Php 144 per box with 6 sachets inside. I understood it would be pretty much effective especially if you consistently use it for a month. Will be trying that out soon!

For those who are interested, you can see more details below.

View more details about CarbTrim here

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarbTrim
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarbTrim

Fun Learning with Snapatoonies for the Little Kiddos

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:11:53 PST

My friend Andrew on Facebook is an awesome technical director of Snapatoonies and I asked him if he could send over some of his DVDs here in Cebu for review. He astonishingly sent me some! Here's his note over email on what was sent over:

"I thought it best to send you 2 of the more recent Australian releases instead coz the packaging was a lot better than the old US ones.
There's also a third dvd in there with all of US season one rough renders as well, which includes the two episodes on the original dvds, so really you don't even need to open the cellophane wrapper on them at all, and you can easily give them away as birthday gifts to someone else."

After 3 weeks of waiting over snail mail, here it is!! The Snapatoonies DVDs are ready for busting. Unfortunately, we really opened the DVDs

The little kiddo got excited to have these DVDs and when I asked - Would you like to watch it? - of course, he said yes without any hesitation.

Here are some photos of our unboxing!

Thank you Tito Andrew!

Popped open one DVD

Immediately watched the Magic Colour Caller

Snapatoonies!

The package contents we got from Andrew

The brochure and two brand new DVDs

We did a second round of watching the DVDs a week after and I found D and the hubby huddled in front of the PC having a contest. They're answering all the questions and saying the words together.

Now for a quick review:

I will mention the following:

Photos and images
Did you know
Humor

I love how the DVDs are using real, clear images to emphasize concepts. For example, the Abby Apple and Fruit Friends DVD show photos of real kids holding the fruits. It makes for an engaging episode seeing real kids in the episode. Sooner or later, you are going to hear your kiddo answering the questions and saying words together.

Another +1 for having real photos because for us, we barely recognize which tree the fruits come from because we barely see the real trees here. But after the episode, you can see which tree apples or oranges actually come from.

Aside from the photos, I enjoyed the 'Did You Know' parts of the narration. On one episode, I found the hubby explaining how birds actually fly (how they use gravity and air dynamics, gliding, etc) to actually do the flying.

Personally, I learned from Snapatoonies that there are red and brown pear. Whooo! It was fun learning it from Snapatoonies!

The humor is really enjoyable. Talking animations. The conversations. The questions. They meld together for a funny mix of questions and introductions of the characters - I am Pear. I love talking about pears. (*hahahh!*)

For the prices of the DVDs, they run around $16 per DVD on Amazon. Snapatoonies is award winning Toddler DVD Series by the way so that is great proof that you are getting a bang for the buck.

This series is best for toddlers. D is a bit older for it but still we learned a whole lot from it! Going to enjoy the rest of the episodes while you check it out.

You can check out their website at: http://www.snapatoonies.com/ to check out their DVDs and of course order them.

Fun Times at Otakufest VI History of Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:15:07 PST

Saturday was truly memorable. We joined the Otakufest VI History of Magic as geeky outsiders joining the event. The Php60 each was worth it because we had uber fun times at the fair.

Rating? 5 stars. Family friendly event. Will join again next year.

Memorable bits

Free sticker from a shop owner
5-peso hulbot2 to win prizes. We didn't win but still fun.
Got chibi commissioned drawing of D
Wallowed in mana potion and health potion to revive the senses (seriously cool concept)

Check out our photos on the Facebook album:

The Challenges of Staying Connected with Loved Ones

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:14:56 PST

My mom has been an OFW for a decade already and nothing could be ever more important that having a means of communicating with her. We needed to connect with her and let her know how we're doing, ask how she is, and most recently, ask her what to do since both me and my son got very sick.

It is her reassuring voice that told us everything's gonna be OK and that she will always be with us even if she was miles away.

With the rise of the internet, options available such as Skype or Viber have proven to be reliable. But what if you don't have an internet connection? The only option you have would be to use the local telcos and that would require mobile airtime credits and thus the need to do a mobile recharge.

In the case of my mom, she has to contact some relatives in Siquijor and nothing could be more reliable than using local telcos. How does she top up credits for my cousin who's running her local accommodations business?

Simple. She can use the Swissclear Global. This is a platform where she can gift prepaid credits and do mobile recharge for her family here in the Philippines. Very easily accessible and quite easy to use.

She can easily do the following.

1. Access https://www.swissclearglobal.com/

2. Enter the mobile number of the recipient, the mobile operator, and choose the package.

3. Create an account if you haven't created one yet. You can register beforehand.

4. Enter your credit card details.

Once it's done, she can top up the family's mobile numbers anytime she needs to talk to someone and won't worry anymore of having barriers to communication.

Organized Mom is an Organized Family

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 04:25:55 PST

I was not surprised when I saw this calendar on the wall of another homeschooling one. It's a very helpful calendar. Not that it gives you more days to wallow on (who doesn't want that?) but actually is so pretty that you want to fill it up with activites.

An organized mommy is an organized family.

Yep, I made that quote up. A very colorful calendar from Sandra Boynton will certainly give you the courage to stick reminders on the pages (with the stickers that came with it) and make sure everyone is on the same page with your schedule.

With our schedules actually balancing work, school, and play, do note though that this is not the only calendar that a working mom and dad like us would need. We also have digital calendars on our phones and on the laptop.

Try this calendar out for this year, or next year. Where did I purchase it? BookDepository.com. Try it.

Questions questions

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 05:53:03 PST

We got this sticker from a promo person at Ayala and now David used it on paper and told me to 'make a website' out of it. I guess he means I should post this. So here it is. The title is questions questions. Enjoy.

Chatime at Ebloc 2 I.T. Park Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:00:02 PST

The first time we bought our first Chatime tea was at Hong Kong International Airport on our way to home to Cebu. It was unforgettable. Why? It's one of the reasons why we almost didn't catch our flight on time. LOL.

This photo below was taken at the Hong Kong International Airport branch of Chatime.

Thankfully, we can relive that first time moment over and over again here in Cebu. They have a Chatime branch located at Ebloc 2 I.T. Park Cebu.

Here is their Foursquare venue link for a map and more details with reviews and ratings from other customers: https://foursquare.com/v/chatime/503cd9dbe4b0daf257b7816d

Here's our to buy list whenever we visit Chatime at Ebloc 2 I.T. Park Cebu.

Chocolate Mousse Regular Sweetness with pearls for the hubby - Php110

Mango Green Tea for the little boy - Php80

Pearl Milk Tea with add-on pudding for me - Php110

Mango Curry Chicken from Spice Fusion

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 06:26:38 PST

If you find yourself spending the first day of the year in SM Cebu and magically got a table for you at Spice Fusion, try asking for their Mango Curry Chicken.

For about Php 288, you will get to experience Cebu's special mango on your chicken.. with mild curry!

Thank me later when you get this dish on your plate and have the taste of Cebu in your mouth.

Budget and Luxury at The Center Suites in Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:36:30 PST

Disclaimer: Post sponsored from the Digital Influencers Summit. All thoughts and views are mine.

When I helped organize the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit in Cebu, I realized that traveling to and from Mactan on the summit date was going to pose as a challenge for me. The week before that, we had another learning event and I had to endure an hour of traffic from Mactan Island to Mandaue alone. So staying somewhere in city was the way to go.

I was just thankful that Johnn Mendoza was open to hosting both me and Ms. Janette Toral for two days stay at his place - The Center Suites. It is a new pensionne house located Cebu City. Known for its tagline "Budget meets Luxury", it promises a stay that will make you wonder if it is even for travellers on a budget when they offer more than your money's worth.

Friendly hotel staff ready to accommodate your needs 24/7

One thing I liked about the place is the add-ons and options that you can avail to make your stay more comfortable than it already is. Hence, they have a menu of items and services that you can avail of that doesn't make you break the bank.

They have flatscreen LCD television that includes Digibox that makes you watch all your favorite shows. It's strategically mounted on the wall so you have lots of space to occupy instead of having another table in your room.

David checking out the menu. They have a lounge where you can order food in case you get hungry while staying at the suites.

Floor plan and reminders. Please be guided!

Spaces galore for your stuff and pasalubongs!

Comfy beds for you and your companion. For us, since we are a family of two adults, one child, we put the beds together to make it more comfy for us. :)

And last mention, but certainly my favorite - the have UBER FAST internet connection via WIFI. If you are a blogger, backpacker, traveller on a budget, this will certainly be helpful as you navigate Cebu and harness the power of the internet to update your itinerary. It is certainly very fast that you can even torrent (hehe) as much as you want!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to torrent as I got very busy preparing things for the summit. When I get back, I will definitely do that. :)

It is also worth noting that they have function rooms, an upper roofdeck for meet ups. Johnn was very kind to accommodate us for the GBG Cebu tea party and meet up and thus where we got to first see The Center Suites.

They also have their very own chapel where they hold masses once a month. Imagine that - a chapel in a suites! First I've seen so far in our accommodations.

What I also liked about the place is that it is strategically located with just one ride to major malls in Cebu - Ayala and SM Cebu. You just walk to the right of the suites and wait for your ride at the end of block. Quite accessible! If you prefer taking taxi, it's not a problem since lots of taxis use the access road where The Center Suites is located.

If you need information about the suites, their rates, and other information, you can check out their website (created by Johnn!) at http://thecentersuites.com/. You can also check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheCenterSuites

Cebu Emergency Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:12:24 PST

Numbers collected from online sources. For personal use.

Philippine Red Cross hotline - 143, (02) 911-1876; HQ - 527-0856

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) - (02) 911-1406/912-2665/9125668

OCD Region 7
Camp Sergio Osmena Sr
Cebu City, Cebu
Tel: +63.32.4165025

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) - (02) 911-1406/911-1873/911-1906

* Cebu Fire Departments: (63) 32-2560541, 160
* Police: Mobile Patrol (Carbon, Cebu City)-(63) 32-2548635, LapuLapu Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation-(63) 32-3402994, 166
* Mactan-Cebu International Airport: +6332 340-2486

* Ambulance: 161
* Rescue: 117
* Cebu Car Hire: (+6332) 341-5797

In case of health emergency, one can call at the following health care centers for quick assistance:

* Cebu Doctors Hospital: +6332 253-7511; +6332 253-7516
* St. Vincent General Hospital: +032 254-4206/ 253-8296
* Mactan Community Hospital: +6332 340-3721; +6332 340-3728
* Sacred Heart Hospital-Cebu: +032 254-1841
* Cebu Velez General Hospital: +6332 253-1871; +6332 253-1879
* Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center: +6332 255-1591
* Chong Hua Hospital: +6332 254-1416

CEBU FIRE DEPARTMENT(Cebu City)

hot line - 160

(63) 32-2560541

(6332) 340-0252

EMERGENCY RESCUE UNIT FOUNDATION

hot line – 161

(63) 32-3402994

AMBULANCE - 161

RESCUE (hot line)- 117

Argao -(6332) 367-7680

Mandaue -(6332) 344-4747 / 344 – 3364

Mandaue (hot line)-(6332) 344-3364

Minglanilla -(6332) 273-2830

Naga -(6332) 272-6410

Talamban - (6332) 344-9200

Talisay City - (6332) 272-8277

Lapu-Lapu City - (6332) 340-0252

****Cebu City Health Care Agency‘s****

HOSPITALS

CEBU DOCTORS HOSPITAL

(6332) 253-7511

(6332) 253-7516

(6332) 255-5555

Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City

ST. VINCENT GENERAL HOSPITAL

6332 254-4206 / 253-8296

210-D Jones Avenue, Cebu City

MACTAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

(6332) 340-3721 , (6332) 340-3728

Basak, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL-CEBU

(6332)254-1841 ,(6332) 254-8821

Villa Asnar Urgello Private Rd. Cebu City

CEBU VELEZ GENERAL HOSPITAL

(6332) 253-1871 , (6332) 253-1879

F. Ramos St., Cebu City

VICENTE SOTTO MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

(6332) 255-1591,(6332) 253-9891

B Rodriguez Cebu City

CHONG HUA HOSPITAL

(6332) 254-1461

(6332) 254-3228

(6332) 353-9409

Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City

Doctors Specialty Reactive Medical & Diagnostic

(6332) 253-6865

2/F F Suarez Bldg. Osmena Blvd. Cor. Llorente St.Cebu City

Cebu City Medical Center

(6332) 255-7141

N Bacalso Avenue ,Cebu City

Lapu-lapu District Hospital

(6332) 340-0248

Mandaue City District Hospital

(6332) 345-9739 to 42

Don Andres Soriano Avenue , Cebu City

Philippine National Red Cross

(6332) 253-4611

South General Hospital

(6332) 272-2020

Tuyan , Naga Cebu

Talisay City District Hospital

(6332) 273-8785

San Isidro , Talisay Cebu City

Mactan Doctor’s Hospital

(6332) 341-0000

Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan

Perpetual Soccour Hospital

(6332 232-2411; +6332 232-2418

(6332) 233-8620

Gerordo Ave., Cebu City

Miller Sanitarium & Hospital

(6332) 261-2100,262-1974

400 Tres de Abril Street , San Nicolas

Vicente Gullas Memorial Hospital

(6332) 346-9293 – 92

Banilad, Mandaue City

Tojong Hospital

(6332) 340-8101

Mactan

Metro -cebu community Hospital

(6332) 253-1901; +6332 253-1902

Jones Ave., Cebu City

Visayas Community Medical Center

(6332) 253-6399; +6332 253-1901

Osmena Blvd., Cebu City

North General Hospital Inc.

(6332) 343-7777

Kauswagan Road, Talamban, Cebu City

Cortes General Hospital

(6332) 345 – 1486

C Ouano Mandaue City

Dr. Ignacio M. Cortes General Hospital Inc.

346 – 7850; 346 – 7859

Rizal Mandaue City

****Cebu City Police department Contact Numbers****

POLICE MOBILE PATROL (CARBON CEBU CITY)

(63) 32-2548635;166

Lapu-Lapu Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation

(6332) 340-2994

(6332) 261-9788

MANDAUE CITY

(6332) 344-1200

NAGA

(6332) 272-6640

CONSOLACION

(6332) 346-2847

PARDO

(6332) 273- 3642

FUENTE OSMEÑA

(6332) 253-5636 / 255-7350

Guadalupe

(6332) 256-2193 / 254 -3214

Mambaling

(6332) 261-9804

Mandaue City

(6332) 344-1200

ACERT

(6332) 420-2868

Minglanilla

(6332) 272-6662

Naga

(6332) 489-8808

Pardo

(6332) 273-3642

Punta Princesa

(6332) 261-7507

San Nicolas

(6332) 261-9788 / 341 – 1311

Talamban

(6332) 244-7400

Talisay

(6332) 273-3636

Waterfront

(6332) 254-6968

Mabolo Police Station

(6332) 233-6793

Mobile Patrol Group

(6332) 233-2178

Theft & Robbery Section

(6332) 234-0361

Security & Service Group

(6332) 233-0202

SWAT

(6332) 235-9666

Mactan Police Station

(6332) 341-1311

Mobile Patrol Group

(6332) 341-4847

Theft & Robbery Section

(6332) 341-1311

SWAT

(6332) 341-1311

Lapulapu City

In case of emergency during typhoon Pablo you may call these numbers:

Network for Early Response on the Verge of Emergency (NERVE)

341-3771

Association of Barangay Council

341-5562

City Health Office

340-2584

Lapu-Lapu City Hospital

340-0248/340-0249

City Social Welfare and Development Office

341-0741/340-5369

Lapu-Lapu City Police

341-1311

City Fire Department

340-0252/342-8509

Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation

340-2994

Philippine Red Cross

495-4770

City Traffic Management System

341-1955

City Mayor’s Office

340-0656

Story of the week - The Kite

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:23:46 PST

Kiddo's working on the page for the Kite and demonstrating the story's beginning, middle, and end.

Lunch at Iliganon Restobar - Beef Randang and Durian Shake FTW!

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 06:37:03 PDT

Many of the cafes I visit are purely based on recommendations from friends online - Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter. I believe my list of contacts or friends online would only go for the most notable locations around the country.

Iliganon Restobar is one of those places that get mentioned around too much that you can't help but wonder how it's really like. It gets so much buzz and it's mainly because they offer the best durian shake in town. That was enough to convince us to finally visit the place for lunch.

The restaurant / restobar is located in Pala-o. A few minutes walk from The Strip would lead you to a place that greets you with lots of "stuff" that is purely Mindanao and so Iligan. We saw their decorations of wooden tables and chairs. Since the outside part was not airconditioned, we decided to go in the restobar part where they're supposedly serving coffee too.

Walking around with two hungry boys would require immediate refreshments so we ordered drinks first. They ordered their usual juice and tea (as we are staying away from soda).

I, of course, ordered their famous Durian shake. It's so refreshing and tastes like Davao. ;) My only remorse was that the after taste is so strong that I have to find way to diminish the taste.

Checking Foursquare, the tips left by previous customers showed me that they are also famous for Beef Randang. Of course, I had no idea what it is so I ordered one. It turned out to be too spicy for my taste so I ended up giving the course to my husband who finished it with gusto.

I ordered another plate of the yummiest Bistek Tagalog that I have tasted. Too bad the serving was too small but of course, it is because the price was also affordable. I would suggest them to increase the price of the dish for a larger serving of the delish bistek. It would be super worth it.

Another shot of the randang which turned out to be a fave of my friends who commented and liked when I posted about my lunch on Facebook.

Let me know if you have visited this place too. ;)

Starting 3rd Year of Homeschooling with Calvert's Grade One Curriculum

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:21:54 PDT

We're 11 lessons so far with Calvert's Grade One Curriculum and struggling to get in with a rhythm for our schedule for school and work. Currently, we are aiming for about 16 lessons every month.

Last month, we ordered the Calvert Classic w/ ATS for $1,473. We received the package for Calvert's Grade One Curriculum and learned that we have 160 lessons to work on within one year. Much like the same as his Kindergarten curriculum.

Curriculum details can be found here.

This is D with his school materials including a Calvert cap and tshirt.

Plants vs Zombies Live! A Musical Show at Ayala Center Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 22:30:25 PDT

Yes, I was one of those who loved playing Plants vs Zombies before. I had a version my iPhone and my iPad and, thanks to this, just might as well get one for my laptop.

It was pretty easy to play it and I actually missed the time when I would spend an hour just touching those falling suns (or stars??) on my phone's screen.

But now, they have a musical show!

It's Plants vs Zombies Live! and it's going to be at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu.

Dates:

August 17-18 - 1PM, 4PM, 7PM

August 19 - 1PM, 3PM, 6PM

How to see the show?

Just visit or call the Privileges Desk at 232 0380 for details on how to get a pass. You can start redeeming on Aug 1, 2012. A free pass each for the first 50 A-Card members and first 50 VIPinoy members who will present their cards too.

Worth checking out for the family. :)

Mactan Newtown by Megaworld Soon to Rise in Cebu [Photos]

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:58:03 PDT

CBSi's Board of Trustees Meeting for this month of July 2012 was hosted by Mactan Newtown. I was able to meet the old and new members of the group and talk about the latest news from the org. But it wouldn't have been made possible if not for the sponsorship of Mactan Newtown for our awesome snack buffet and the location.

The Mactan Newtown is the latest township in Lapulapu City by Megaworld which was molded after the famous Eastwood City.

With this new location soon to rise in the island of Mactan, expect busier streets and congested traffic in your trips. But progress is all for the best right?

Mr. Harold Geronimo mentioned that it is a place not only for those who seek a place to live in condominiums or residential areas. There will also be a hub for BPO companies as well.

Other notes collated about the place:

It will have the biggest McDonald's outlet.
It will have a special economic zone similar to Eastwood.
It will have PUJ loading/unloading area.
Entertainment such as concerts and other activities will be expected when it's open.
There will be a Mango festival for the community.
There will be a resort.
A mall will also be created.

Coffeeworks at Highway 30, Iligan City [Photos]

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:23:14 PDT

In the span of our recent 1 week stay in Iligan, there is only one place that made me feel at "home" with regards to coffee shops. It's no other than Coffeeworks at Highway 30, Iligan City.

Love the place because:

There's free wifi
Wifi speed is decent
They're open until 12AM except Mondays
Coffee is just like the ones we have here in Cebu. :)

Price of their coffee is definitely affordable at around Php 140 for the most expensive glass.

It's not saying that the other coffee shops are not at par but having stayed there 3 times in a span of a week tells that it's definitely a place worth checking if you feel like hanging out and working from home.

Below are pics from one of our visits.

A Day with Swish Breath Spray [Product Review]

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 05:45:14 PDT

I was left in awe at what I received in the mail from Unilab. Instead of getting just the breath sprays for a product review, I actually received a sample of other products including the Swish Mouthwash from Unilab. It was a generous move from the company that's very much admirable in their efforts in getting honest feedback from consumers.

My husband is huge user of mouthwash and the inclusion of the 2 items were interesting for him. Had him review the Swish mouth wash and here are his thoughts:

1. Compared to Listerene, Swish Mouth Wash is alcohol-free which lets you gargle the mouthwash without getting that stinging sensation in your mouth.

2. On the other hand, Swish Mouthwash had sort of a bitter after taste.

Inside the package, I noticed a very interesting cup included. It's a foldable cup! Forgive me for the ignorance but I was amazed that it existed.

So back to the Swish Breath Spray. The spray containers came in a small box with two variations of the breath spray:

Swish Breath Spray Artic Chill
Swish Breath Spray Peppermint

How much is it? The suggested retail price is Php 105.

What I like about Swish Breath Spray

It was very handy. You can bring it anywhere and stick it in your pouch when traveling for an instant fresh breath.
It lasts 100 sprays. That's about 1 month and 20 days of use for someone who consumes one spray per use, twice a day.
Just like the mouthwash, it's alcohol-free. No stinging unlike what I experienced with Listerine.
It's sugar-free. No bacteria accumulating.

Some comments on the product:

Here are some things that I think can be improved on the product:

Clunky container. I think they can use better dispenser for it since you get varied amount of spray based on how hard you push. You know what I mean?
You'll easily lose the cover. Since it's so tiny, you might find it challenging to put the cover on and off and would easily lose it.

Other reviews from bloggers:

http://www.cebumd.com/2012/06/swish-breath-spray-product-review.html
http://www.xyzaspeaks.com/may-swish-be-with-you/#
http://rncn-adventuresinlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/swish-breath-spray.html
http://acoffeestorytotell.blogspot.com/2012/06/instant-fresh-breath.html
http://lovettejam.blogspot.com/2012/06/product-review-swish-breath-spray.html
http://www.jaysee.me/2012/06/swish-breath-spray-for-instant.html
http://laagannacebuana.tumblr.com/post/24465188974/review-swish-breath-spray
http://www.chooseiligancity.com/2012/06/swish-breath-spray-review.html
http://www.vernongo.com/2012/06/reviewing-swish-breath-spray.html

Crispy Pata of Golden Cowrie at SM City Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 04:09:02 PDT

Golden Cowrie or Hukad is a line of native restaurants in Cebu. They are well known for their affordable Pinoy dishes that will leave you impressed of the fact that the quality and affordability can still be combined in a restaurant.

What made them famous though is their version of affordable Crispy Pata - a popular Filipino pork dish made up of deep fried pig feed served with an appetizing sawsawan. It's known for being a great pulutan.

Golden Cowrie has branches in Lahug, SM City, Ayala Terraces, Robinson’s Cybergate and Mactan and now in Cagayan De Oro City. You can view their corresponding contact numbers here: http://www.goldencowrienativerestaurant.com/branches

The Place

Here are some photos of the place of a visit when we still had a yaya last year.

These photos were taken at Golden Cowrie's branch at SM Cebu. They are located at the ground floor beside Tokyo Joe.

Love this awesome puso lights

Customer and waiter in background

Their complimentary sabaw

Kiddo D in sapot mode

The yaya

The Crispy Pata

Their patas are among the most affordable crispy patas throughout Cebu. An order makes you forget your diet, assuming you had one, and gives you that guilty pleasure of tasting chicharon-like delicacy.

Crispy Pata Variations and Prices

Crispy Pata Small - Php259
Crispy Pata Large - Php 305
Crispy Pata Extra Large - Php 345

**This is not a sponsored post. Posted for blogger's reference.

Why My "Gabii sa Kabilin" was Just Like The Hunger Games

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:03:30 PDT

Two media passes for me. Free pass for the kiddos below 7 years old. The family's basically joining the Gabii sa Kabilin for FREE.

The Gabii sa Kabilin is Cebuano for Night of Heritage, and patterned after the long night of museums in Germany and other European countries. It is spearheaded by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and its partners in celebration of both National Heritage Month and International Museums Day. This year, in its sixth run, it was set on May 25, 2012 at 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.. The event features museums, schools, churches, public places, and other sites of historical and cultural significance

In my head, it's going to be an awesome night for our little family. We were to tour around the heritage sites and take dozens of pictures of the places and people all throughout the event. We were to enjoy riding the buses and the designated horse-drawn tartanilyas around the vicinity. All while enjoying a night of walking and eating.

Little did I know that what was set for us was a different route - a route which gives us a different perspective of the Gabii sa Kabilin. You see, we also joined the QR Code Hunt organized by SMART, RAFI, and MyCebu.ph.

QR Code Hunt was to be simultaneously held with the Gabii sa Kabilin event where participants are said to hunt for QR (quick response) codes throughout the vicinity of the heritage sites. That was what I know I signed up for so I got ready. I teamed up with the husband and of course, tagged the kiddo along. I know would add a bit of QR Code hunting. I had crackers, flashlights, 3 QR Code scanners on my iPhone, a pocket wifi with credits ready, extra shirts, water bottle. Our family practically ready to hunt!

We learned the full mechanics on the day of the event. We were stripped off everything we carried and we were only given a SMART-powered Samsung Galaxy Y and Php300 for fare. We had a team marshall carrying emergency materials and water for us.

Right then and there, we were astounded by the rules and knew at that moment, what we imagined to be just a little strolling along the streets of Cebu morphed into a scene of The Hunger Games. Starring me as Katniss Everdeen and my husband as Peeta Mellark. Lay off haters. ;)

Now, it may not be to your taste but I can't help but compare it to the Hunger Games and here's why:

1. The Food was as lavish. Buffet before and after the games.

Food. Food. Food. We had a feast before setting off for the hunt. A buffet at Hannah's Party Place awaited us. It was basically similar to when Katniss and Peeta were given the most extravagant treatment at the Capitol.

During these sessions, we were able to meet the other "tributes" or teams that were formed. We joined the table with the other Cebu bloggers as we awaited the go signal to start the hunt. It was tense when we learned that there were 15 other groups who were vying for Nokia Lumias. At this point, me and my husband learned what we were up against - younger and more active tributes who did not have the disadvantage of bringing a kid in the race. In our case, we did not have a choice. We always do things as a family. We decided hereon to just enjoy the race.

Speaking of food, the tributes were also given a feast after the event. Who wouldn't get so hungry after cruising the whole of Cebu with just Php300, huh?

2. The Tributes are as vicious. They pursue the quest regardless of the obstacles.

The event officially started and every single team rushed through the 11 pitstops designated. At the pitstops, there's a designated pitstop master who will sign your form, check your uploaded photo, ask you to answer a question, give you a letter to form a word at the end of the race.

It was a great challenge for us since we do not know Cebu. We are from Iligan and just migrated to Mactan 5 years ago. Not an inch familiar with the place at all. We were just glad we had a team marshal who knew where to go.

Riding jeepney with other tributes

Scanning the QR Code to get idea of the next pitstop

At the end of Pitstop 6, we dropped out the hunt because we got discouraged with the Pitstop 5 girl forgetting to give us the letter for us.

3. The QR Code Hunt is as challenging as the Hunger Games!

It was really, really challenging. There were tasks at each pitstop. Some tasks we were able to perform:

Catching 8 balls in a cup
Offering flowers at Chu-un Temple
Guessing the Arabic numerals of the capitol and reciting the text
Finding a painting and reciting name of the artist
Finding name of the Museo Sugbo creator and the year it was created
Weaving a puso

We stopped at that point since the traveling is making us weary and it is NOT easy bringing a kid to hunt. If we only knew right? :) But still, it was uber fun!

We set back to the last pitstop which was Casa Gorordo and on the way, we saw what the other people were into. There were shows and people in costume and goods being sold along the way. It was super fun! Here's the pic of the sweaty kiddo from the race with a group of girls in costume.

4. The Media is as unforgiving. Or that's how I pretend it to be.

I kid. There was no media except for those along the streets, before the event, and after the event. I mean why would they race with us right?

We were just glad we were able to take a few pics with the DSLR we brought with us. It was the only other gadget we were allowed to bring aside from the SMART give Samsung phone.

The bonus is that I got to meet a long time friend and elementary classmate who I haven't seen for years! She's Iris Mae Echaves volunteering for RAFI.

A pose of the boys at the RAFI logo.

Some suggestions for improvement:

Place QR Code at a higher portion. Putting them at the bottom of the tarp does not make sense.
Fully illuminated QR codes. We can't scan since there were no lights.
Assistants for the Pitstop Masters. One forgot to give us the letter and it was VERY frustrating.
Labels on which PUJ to take from one place - 01K, 21A, etc. I am not from around and I had no idea where to go.
Water. Water. Water. Please put water at pitstops.

Still, we hope to join the next Gabii sa Kabiliin. And probably not as tributes the next time.

This is an official entry to the 2012 Gabii sa Kabilin Blogging Contest.

H Cafe at Harold's Hotel Review and Recommendations

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Sun, 27 May 2012 18:00:00 PDT

What's in a name?

If you are into Shakespeare, that phrase would summon images of Romeo and Juliet. That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet.

Most of time, I forget names. Maybe it's because I am getting old. Maybe it's because I just need to be reminded. But, what I remember though are moments.

I organized an SEO Workshop and met Ms. Rei Ninal, wife of Insoy Ninal from Missing Filemon. When she contacted me to help organize and contact bloggers for a lunch gathering at Harold Hotel's H Cafe, I had a hint of recognition. Humiliation is what I felt when I texted her the first time. That's when I realized I forgot how to spell her name. Rei, not Ray.

After a few back and forth of text and emails, the blogger lunch gathering day finally came and I was pleased with what I saw, heard, and experienced at H Cafe. Plus, some tidbits of lessons learned in handling a hotel by the General Manager himself.

The decors above the buffet table. They actually look familiar.

Covered dishes.

Desserts.

Sushi counter.

More desserts.

The setting.

The cute lecon that I never really got to taste since I was so full.

The Remarkable(s) and Recommendable(s)

The very dedicated General Manager who relayed his challenged and determination to make a name for the hotel in the 3-star hotel category. Harold's Hotel is a Premiere Business Hotel after all.

It's on the road to become the BEST crispy pata in town. Why? It melts in your mouth. It's sarap to the bones. It doesn't have an after taste. I wanna taste this again!

Chocolate cake from tablea. Talk about pure chocolate!

H Cafe

"H Cafe serves international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its glass-paneled windows provide a sunny, bright atmosphere during the day and lights up the evening with its colorful display of city lights. Open daily from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M."

Prices

Breakfast buffet at Php 250 net
Weekend Buffet at Php 450 net
Lunc and Dinner Set Menu at Php 199 net

Restaurant Details

H Cafe at Harold's Hotel

Gorordo Avenue corner Rosal St., Lahug
Cebu City, Philippines 6000
Tel.: 63.32.505.7777 Fax.: 63.32.505.9888

Website: http://www.haroldshotel.com/

Homeschoolers: FREE PEPT (Phil Educational Placement Test) from DepEd

noreply@blogger.com (Fleire Castro) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:28:11 PDT

Just received this note on from the Pinoy Homeschooling newsletter:

Hello all!

Just found out that DepEd will be giving FREE PEPT (Phil Educational Placement Test) this June 12. In case you are wondering, the PEPT is given to "out-of-school youths for an opportunity to go back to formal education". The PEPT this June will be free as part of the Independence Day celebration. The tests results will determine the grade or year level appropriate for the test taker.

Details:
1. The exam will cover English, Math, Science, Filipino and HEKASI/Araling Panlipunan
2. Registration will be at DepEd division offices nationwide (my son registered at Paranaque Central School)
3. Registration will be until TOMORROW only - May 25, 2012.
4. Requirements: xeroxed copy of Form 137/138, xeroxed copy of birth certificate, 2 1x1 pictures. Just bring the original documents in case they want to verify.
5. The registrant has to go to the division office personally to register. Had to go back twice because my son wasn't with me the first time.

If you have some questions about the PEPT this June, you can call DepEd at 6321361-71 or check out their website for info about the division office in your area.

Happy homeschooling to all!

Lea