GOLDEN SHOWER TREE IN DAVAO

I remember I had a blogging friend from Thailand, she used to blog this park in Thailand with all of these Golden Shower Trees in full bloom - I was really stunned by the beauty.....

And then one time on summer, it was accidental, I passed by Lacson St. in Obrero here in Davao - then I saw this tree, at first I wasn't able to bring my camera, but I promised  myself to return to get some snaps.

I didn't know its the same golden tree Nice A from Thailand has been blogging about - the lone national tree of Thailand, bloomed beautifully in this road less traveled in Davao ... just beautiful. I hope there would be someone with a wide are to grow this tree... for sure I'll be their frequent visitor every summer.. Splendid beauty!

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Gummies from Walgreens

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

We don’t have in Davao, I hope one day there would be one too, but I’m an avid user of their products – thanks to our ever caring relatives in the United States who send us huge boxes of health and over the counter Walgreens medicines from time to time.

Most of the Walgreens products that were sent to us are huge bottles of multivitamins and health supplements. My kids had just consumed a bottle of this Gummies a month back, they love the taste and they had fun chomping on, of course mom has to chew one first before the kids will do, It’s actually great tasting, no wonder why kids love it too. The last gum was finally out of the bottle and I hope there would more coming.  I just pray economy in the US would kick back again so we would be recipient of more blessings too.

Anyway, Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are the labels my aunts and cousins prefer to hoard to send back here home, not only that it’s relatively cheaper compared to other name brands, their stores are also  very accessible in the area where they live in Chicago.

I heard Walgreens give back to the community where they operate, thus for every item or pharmacy product you purchase from Walgreens part of it is being poured in to Walgreens Way to Well Fund™, it’s a community program that is supported by Walgreens to provide free and preventive wellness services and education to the local community. Walgreens commit to donate $3 million every year to continue this worthwhile program.

Right now and up to June 30, there are several bloggers that runs giveaways, check it out and who knows you will one of those lucky guys to receive Walgreens Gift Cards. So check it out.

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SURVIVING STANDING

I used to work in a department store shortly after graduation, I was luckier at that time I did not land a job standing my day out in high heels in the selling area, but instead was hired as an advertising and promotions officer, the sad part was that after realizing I need to wander around the whole four story and every department in the selling area, I thought I was the unluckiest - it’s was more tiring than stationed in just one area smiling and standing the whole time.

Another sad part was that you have to tread around in heels, can’t do away with heels during that time, the owner was misogynist, and that after the days over, you can feel your whole flesh numb, tired and worn-out.

But I actually survived with some commercially yet medically approved body add-ons during that time, I always use compression stockings, it really helps reduce swelling, in fact it’s a very good support to lessen if not eliminate varicose veins.

I always have a heart for these ladies standing in the selling area because I know how it is to be standing there in heels, thus, during my time I actually proposed to the management to supply all these ladies with support hose, fortunately the management wasn’t blind and has taken into consideration the plight of their workers, so since then, the ladies got to wear jobst compression stockings and was loving it, besides the fact that it protects their legs from forged cold in the area.

And for those ladies out there who are into this kind of job or anybody who often wear high heels, getting yourself medical stockings really helps.

(Image not mine)

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FIND THE 'KAPRE'

I found this photo in my archives, I remember I took this in a monastery somewhere in Tacunan here in Davao some months back. It's an old, old, huge, huge mango tree that shades the convent, gosh I had goosebumps when we were there. Our guide said there were 'Kapres' in here. It was daylight when I took this photo though, but maybe if you're gifted with the third eye, you might see this puffing fella somewhere in these branches. Dang, sorry about some crazy imaginations, I'm past hours my lunch...hahaha!

"What is a Kapre? (related to the Agta in the Visayan dialect) is a Philippine mythical creature that could be characterized as a tree demon, but with more human characteristics. It is described as being a tall (7 to 9 ft), brown, hairy male with a beard. Kapres are normally described as smoking a big tobacco pipe, whose strong smell would attract human attention. The term kapre comes from the Arabic "kaffir" meaning a non-believer in Islam. The early Arabs and the Moors used it to refer to the non-Muslim Dravidians who were dark-skinned. The term was later brought to the Philippines by the Spanish who had previous contact with the Moors. Some historians speculate that the legend was propagated by the Spanish to prevent Filipinos from assisting any escaped African slaves. (more info at Wikipedia)"

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GETTING AN ONLINE DEGREE

Traditionally, getting to school requires much from a student, one should be physically present in her or his chosen school to enroll and do all the requirements to pass but not until recently – and I call it one of the conveniences of modern living - practically everything can now be accessed at the comforts of ours homes anytime, anywhere even with education.

Did you know that there are now Online Degree Programs that allows you to finish school even without getting into physical school? Yes, in fact these are all accredited universities and colleges that offer various practical courses that leading industries demands now; there are online degree programs in graphic design, web, programming, aviation, engineering, education, art, humanities, health related and etc. you can check out www.findyoureducation.com to see if there are courses that suit you or check if there are online colleges or universities near your area.

One of the practical reasons why online education is successful is because of its flexibility feature, if you’re working, a stay-at-home mother who wants to pursue an education without disrupting your current post, getting an online education is the best option one can get.

If you worry about rocketing tuition fees, well, online programs are tagged to be way cheaper than enrolling in physical school, in fact getting Free Application For Federal Student Aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ is also accepted.

So, don’t be left out, start working on your future today, start it online!

(Image not mine)

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CLOUDY TODAY!

Nothing much happening on this side of town, except that it has been raining every night for the last two days. Last night it rained hard again, but it wasn't just an ordinary rain, it comes with it giants fighting over a piece of something, geezzz.. Sorry about that theory, thing with old folks before they will tell you stories just about anything when thunder and lightning strikes. lol.

Anyway, my air-station mal-functioned after a killer lightning strike last night, I mean I can feel it was close, it was so loud, but I must be luckier it passed by our roof.. waahhh! There weren’t any media ruckus of someone stricken by lightning this morning so maybe it was bolted somewhere in the open sea, hmmmm not sure about the science of lightning… lol.

But the sad part is that I misplaced my wi-fi gadget receipt, I can't exchange the item for a new one as it’s still under warranty. I didn’t know wi-fi gadgets are afraid of thunder and lightning too. …

Anyway, thanks guys for dropping by.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYCE!

I was late to the virtual party, hosted by Bisdak Bloggers, I think I just have to pocket my reasons because it’s this pretty lady from Cagayan de Oros Birthday!

To Kayce, Blessed to have known you, God bless you always. Hugs and all the best!

Bringing to the party ….

Animations provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

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8 Must-Follow Twitter Accounts For Social Work Advice

When you are looking for social work advice, you can find it on Twitter. This advice will come in a number of different forms but if you look for it then you will find it. Here are 8 must-follow Twitter accounts for social work advice and some of the forms that this advice comes in. Sometimes the best advice comes when someone isn't even trying to give advice.

Sharing Experiences

The experiences shared on Twitter by social workers can help to inform your own experiences. By seeing what other people are going through and how they are handling the challenges of their cases you can reconsider your own approach to handling yours. If you're lucky then you may even get to see how their choices play out so that you can really understand the possible outcomes of handling a case in a certain way. You can learn what to do and what not to do as well as what ways of looking at your job in social work would appear to be the most helpful.

Meaningful Quotes

Quotes are wonderful little nuggets of wisdom that can say a lot to anyone willing to listen. The quotes provided by these social workers on Twitter can provide much needed inspiration and advice. Sometimes you can get so lost in the details of a situation that you forget the simple truths of life that can clear up all the confusion that you have around a case. The right meaningful quote can help to lift the fog so that you can proceed with confidence.

Informational Articles

There are often links to longer articles in Tweets and this is always a great place to find social work advice. These articles can shed light on all manner of social work topics and the information they provide can be clear advice on how to act when you face those issues in your own work. You always feel more confident about dealing with issues when you are well informed and reading these articles is a great way to be well informed.

Direct Advice

Sometimes you are lucky enough to get some direct advice in a Tweet. It may be one of those individuals who likes to Tweet direct advice all the time or it may be just anyone who has one of those moments of clarity that everyone gets in life who decides to share their epiphany via Twitter. The advice that you find may not often come in this form but when it does you want to pay close attention. The level of insight that comes with someone who has managed to surrender and make peace with a difficult situation can be awe inspiring.

8 Must-Follow Twitter Accounts For Social Work Advice

1. NPSW
2. AnonymousSW
3. SimplySW
4. Mentalhealth
5. JenMSW
6. social_worker
7. socialworkdiary
8. crazyworldofSW

Social work advice can be found in abundance in these 8 Twitter accounts if you can see it in its many forms. Everything is a learning experience so you can learn something every time these individuals post a new Tweet. Just remember that the advice that you find may not always be good advice.

T. Rheinecker writes extensively on choosing the right program for a masters degree in social work.

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FLOR DE LUNA PAVED

Flor de Luna on my walkway, isn’t it romantic? It’s supposed to be …

I actually love this sight every early in the morning in my MIL’s yard, they call this vine Flor de Luna it clung to the two jackfruit trees, see the trunk? But sadly the help at the other house is fast as lightning at sweeping and dusting them to garbage. She’s always cautious her madam would open her mouth so early in the morning and strafe her like someone born with no name, really, it’s such and awful sound to hear on tender morns. So before everybody on this compound could see the beauty, it’s all cleaned and sweeped up.

Post your whites every Wednesday and see white beauty all around you.
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113 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

In celebration of her 

113 years of Independence!

Mabuhay ka PILIPINAS!

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RESTORE THE LUSTER OF YOUR MARBLE FLOOR

This is our marble floor, I mean my mother-in-law’s house marble floor, there’s nobody around this house that do all the maintenance of this floor except me – meaning I do all the scrubbing, the waxing, the mopping and all.

Unlike tile floors, marble floors can be very porous, so any kind of acid even the common consumer household cleaning agent we buy on the shelves can damage the floor, no wonder why when I first use a bleaching acid mixed with soap and water to mop it, it became dull and lost its luster.

I later learned that it doesn’t take any expensive stuff to clean it, you just need warm water and a little drop of ammonia and you’re done.

But if you really want a stately and elegant look of your marble floor, there are professional MARBLE CLEANING SERVICES MIAMI that can do this for you. Forget about mopping and scrubbing let the pro restore the luster of your marble floors into splendid and gleaming clean look.

TERRAZZO RESTORATION AVENTURA is a trusted name in this field, they’re composed of professional, skilled natural stone technicians that would do all the cleaning, restoring, sealing and polishing your marble floors leaving it like new.

I think I should start saving now so I can call them anytime soon or if you want to have a free estimate call Toll Free (866) 578-3600.

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MARKETRIDERS: HELPS YOU TO INVEST RIGHT

When my father retired from his tree-job, we call it that since he was a forester for a logging company all his life, he was faced with this money glitch on how and where he would put his retirement pay to grow a little bigger other than the bank.

But since his exposure was not on business, he found it hard to decide on which investment track he would pour in his hard-earned retirement money. It took him quiet a while to decide to finally put-up a plant nursery of his own. His story actually is just one of the usual setbacks our retirees are faced especially when they are not bent towards business.

Had that dilemma happen in today’s space and time it could have been easier to decide. Why? Because of modern business infrastructure that helps people like my father decide which business track to stride.

MarketRiders is web-based Portfolio rebalancing software that helps retirees, like my father, make a decision and be directed on the right asset allocation that would bring in greater results at a lesser investment cost. MarketRiders boasts it’s efficient and fast, accurate calculations based only on five simple variables;

• Your age
• How soon you will need the money?
• Your investment experience level
• How much risk you can handle on this investment?
• How much money you are going to shell out?

With these factors MarketRiders can already generate comprehensive result as to where you are fitted to invest your money. That fast and easy, hence, this Do It Yourself portfolio management feature is highly recommended to brokers to give an objective advise to their clients, although at times brokers are bent towards their interest too, not MarketRiders as it is 100% independent, thereby, you can be sure of it’s credibility.

MarketRiders can also serve as an Online Portfolio Manager for those who are actively engaged into brokerage, as this can be accessed anywhere around the world 24/7.

Reliability cannot be questioned since this system adopts the methodology developed by Nobel Laureates and patterned after the best business practices of the world’s business elites.

So, if you’re interested try their 30-day trial for free, and decide it from there.

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WRITINGS ON THE BOX

I came across this little store that sells twirled potato on a stick. It’s a fresh potato loaded on this little machine and is cut across the attendant then would stretch the cut potato and deep fry it. There were several flavorings lined but I chose to dust mine with sour cream powder. 

I was just actually feeding my disappointment, just testing the novelty of this food fad, ‘way lami’. I was about to throw away the box when …..

Hmmm. .. interesting, not the usual. recycle, reuse .. bla, bla thing. I was wondering even finding connection between  fried potato and being a peacemaker... lol...

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OF NURSES AND KIDS

I recently have hypothesized some things relating to my daughter and nurses.

You know, I often have this dilemma of bringing my daughter to her Pediatrician, she’s always intimidated and hostile towards nurses in white uniforms, I assume she’s upset seeing ladies in white because her first experience with painful needles was with someone in white.

But lately I was trying to figure out why she’s not unfriendly to nurses anymore, I’ve observed she’s more responsive to nurses in Hello Kitty nursing scrubs uniforms, in fact she ask for a pair and Oh, well, the meek mom in me brought her to the mall and bought a pair of Hello Kitty scrubs too.

With our last visit, I was amazed to see that all of her pedia's secretary, they are just three of them actually, were all dressed in Spongebob scrubs, it’s really nice and kids we’re flocking around them pointing and tracing the characters on their uniforms. Such a great strategy to appease kids. Awesome!

If you’re interested to get one of that cute cartoon printed medical scrubs you can actually buy scrubs online, visit http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/ and place your order now!

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EAT ALL WE CAN

I would suppose you notice signage of this kind when you enter an ‘eat-all-you-can’ restos. I would suppose too you just ignore it like, why do I care, it’s just some crap tarp reminding me to stuff hard and not share anyway.

Maybe I’m just some geek thinker or what, but analyzing the words made me actually think – this type of marketing strategy makes one essentially commit without knowing it, one of the seven cardinal sins which is gluttony. Well, I don’t mean to demean those who have oversized tummies who really have that liberal appetite to devour anything edible, but admittedly, I’m too is guilty.

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WEDNESDAY WHITES WITH RAYA

A peacock window shopping for sarong.. hmmm.. interesting… lol… this is just one the many peacocks unreservedly roaming around Eden Nature Park here in Davao. Apparently there wasn't any reason to flaunt his tail. Sad!

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URBAN BIKE SHEDS

For most urban bike enthusiasts finding bike sheds can sometimes be stressing, for the reason that urban living is often constrained with small spaces and limited area. Another reason would be that leaving our valuable belongings, like mountain bikes, our children’s bike unattended might tempt lurkers to cart it away.

But did you know that Asgard, a leading company that specialized in bike protection solution offers prime measures to this kind of urban dilemma?

Yeah! So if you’re thinking of protecting your bike, your motorized bike against harsh weather or think about top defense security against might-be intruders, then Asgard’s bike sheds are highly recommended.

With a variety of product styles, features and sizes, there should be one that would surely fit in your requirements.

I suggest you visit http://www.asgardsss.co.uk/ for more offers and details about how to purchase and install their products. Their friendly customer service is always on stand by to take your call whenever you have questions.

Make it a project this month, have an Asgard bike shed installed in your yard.

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THE BIGGEST LOSER

I always have this unarticulated FAQ in mind, when did the trend of being anoxeric started? Victorian period? Where women were dressed taut with breath-gasping corsets, the era of high-fashion? Where models stride the runway in skin and bones, the era of skinny jeans? Where you dang need someone to pull your pants for you? Or the era of the rise of the fashion gurus that dictates the sizes available off the rack, which by the way so disappointing for me. The style looks so cool on photo, but I felt like I’m not giving any justice to the clothing piece having so much love handles on the side ;)

But seriously, if your personal aim is to get rid of those love handles fast, an appetite suppressant, phentermine can be of great help for you. This weight loss pill has been proven safe and effective by millions around the world.

On the other hand, over the last decade obesity has been increasingly alarming that affects roughly 500 million people around the world and statistics ticks faster than a minute, this modern health problem is brought about my many factors that comes along with contemporary living. More than physically sexy, I think thinking about ones health is also sexy.

So let loose of those flabs, Phentermine 37.5 mg tablet is readily available online to help you accomplish that body weight you wanted.

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MOM SHOULD WATCH LESS TV TOO!

These are my son’s books and I just finished covering them with cellophane of course for protection so it will last till March.

I had a little conversation with my son last night while taping on the plastic;

Me: Son, you should study well, you know you have all these books and you should feel lucky because you see, some kids out there aren’t as lucky, they even can’t buy a decent meal, and had no chance of going to school, and if they can they have to share books with their seatmate.

Son: Oh, mom it’s the same story you told me last year, and the other year, and the year before that year, and it’s the same people telling us they’re doing something about letting these kids go to school and in no time have seats and books on each of these kids desk. I guess you’ve watch TV a lot last night, stop that habit, it drains me…..

Me: mouth zipped! Waaahhhh!

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PUTO-MAYA

A popular, (not really sure if it’s originally from Visayas or wherever, apologies I’m quiet poor with food geography a reason why I had my food blog adopted. Hahaha!) pinoy food, made of glutinous rice and cooked in coco milk.

This is best eaten in the morning with hot choco on the side. But it’s equally great when eaten anytime of the day. It’s actually my popular choice, being it not messy forking while typing. (hahaha)

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HELP!

Ok, this move might be anti-SEO or whatever you call this thing, but techy passers by out there, would you know how to revert this process?

I’m currently using NetworkedBlog to syndicate my blog to Facebook, but for some reasons I won’t disclose, lol. I want to abort or stop sending my blog feeds to FB via NetworkedBlogs.

Question, how do I stop this process; it’s not that I’m coercing you to answer; it’s just that you might know how. I would really appreciate it if you can share a little of what you know and I’ll take it from there. (I’ve tried asking google this, but .. wait, what’s google’s gender? Lol! His or her, it answered me vaguely. Waahhhh.

Tenk u!

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MORNING AT SCHOOL

Not so busy tender morn at my daughter's school ground. We've started tutorial two week's before the official classes will start to let her review little life concepts before hitting the real macoy on Monday.

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HELLO KITTY SCRUBS

I’m a hundred and ninety nine pesos poorer today; I spent it to buy Cherokee scrubs for my daughter, Liea. She has been insisting to buy her a pair because she wanted to look like their aunt in scrub going to work.

I call it proximity influence, we’re surrounded by medical pros around here hence her desire to wore one. You might ask why the kid is so persistent, these Medical scrubs issued by the hospital where their aunt is working actually comes in Hello Kitty and Winnie the Pooh prints, the very reason why she wanted to be a nurse in due time. She hated nurses in whites maybe because her first painful needle experience was administered by ladies in whites. But when asked and approached by ladies in cartoon printed scrubs, she actually doesn’t show any hostile reaction.

Although this is not scientifically proven yet, I would assume that nurses who are into these styles of uniform are less intimidating to children. Resistance comes in less thus patient-nurse relation is very comfortable.

The Hello Kitty scrubs I scored looks so dainty on Liea, the fit was just right, but it’s on the washer right now, I’ll have it modeled once dried and permed.

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WHAT IF IT'S REALLY A BOMB?

Weeeh, I’m back to the virtual world, after several days of plying this route everyday I’m back to my swivel again, though I blog without obligation, except for opp deadlines, I feel so left out leaving this blog unupdated, geez, why the guilt!

Anyway, this is one of my drive-by photos, my son said ‘mom, it looks like an atomic bomb has exploded at the end of this road, should we go on?’, gosh, had it been true, I actually don’t know what to do. ;(.

Thanks for dropping by.

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