Father/s

I don't like being a drama queen, but if I posted an entry yesterday about father, that side of me would've shown. *lol* Yeah, he's one of my soft spots even if it's been like 13 years since his passing. And even though I'm fully aware that I'd be classified as a "NBSB" (no boyfriend since birth) girl if he were still alive today, I won't mind, really. *i'd just sneak and pray never to get caught haha*

Anyways, this entry is just to remember how lucky I was to have spent time with him. And although it didn't last as long as I wished it to be, it was more than enough to make me feel loved for a lifetime. Thank you, father. *omg, no kleenex, please!!!*

Happy father's day to all the dads!

On A (H1N1)

I blogged about A (H1N1) more than a week ago (see here). A few hours ago, I just got off the phone with a friend who has tested positive and currently on quarantine. She contracted it while attending the birthday party of her boyfriend's kid brother who's a gradeschooler in Ateneo.

After the party, she felt she was coming down with a flu. She was alarmed considering the current A(H1N1) pandemic and so she went to the hospital to have herself checked. At the time she went, however, since the carrier (kid) has not yet been brought to the hospital, there's still no "carrier" to point to when the doctor asked my friend to whom she has been exposed to; hence, no swab test was conducted. She was just diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). A few days after, however, the kid (carrier) was brought to the hospital and tested positive for A (H1N1). She then went again to the hospital (Makati Med) and took a swab test (the test costs P5,000.00 at Makati Med; probably on a cheaper rate at Lung Center), the result of which came back after 3 1/2 days. During the 3-1/2-day interim, she was placed under medication (antibiotics). After that period, it was confirmed, she's positive of A (H1N1).

As she recounted, the symptoms included cough, colds, throat inflammation, muscle/joint pains and fever. She was prescribed with Tamiflu, to be taken for five (5) days, twice per day. The meds cost P200 each. She also told me that there's no Tamiflu available in Mercury drugstore outlets as DOH already got hold of these medicines to give to the public for free (maximum of 5 Tamiflu capsules per person and to be given only IF you have tested positive). Since you will be prescribed to take 10 capsules of Tamiflu, you must find the other 5 on your own (lucky you if you know someone working at the hospital/pharmacy who can buy them for you).

For prevention), she told me that the doctor recommended the following:
- taking Vit C, Vit A and Zinc-fortified vitamins
- drinking sprite (yes, the soda; no conclusive studies)
- drinking lots of water
- wearing a respirator mask when you go out
- disinfecting when you get home
- (as much as possible) avoiding crowded places in the meantime
- disinfecting using isopropyl alcohol
- bringing your own toiletries when you head out of the house

Like what I said in my previous entry on A (H1N1), if you think it can't happen to you, pray that you're right. But I suggest that you try to be safe especially since there are rumors on a new Brazilian H1N1 strain. These rumors were denied by the WHO and our very own DOH, but still, whether or not there's a new strain, A (H1N1) is as real as it can get (344 cases and counting). Protect yourself and that of your family by being aware. It doesn't cost a cent.

You may want to read on the DOH advisory here [includes the designated DOH hospitals for A (H1N1) cases].

One last thing, if you have friends and relatives who are working in an Airline company, it's best to ask them which is the WORST airline to fly with on your travels vis-a-vis the current pandemic.

Please do your homework.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Got notices from Mango (MNG) and Technomarine (TM).

The sale at MNG started yesterday, while that of TM's will start today (up to 30% off on selected lines/father's day sale).

Zara, no word yet. I called last week and they're yet to announce when will theirs be.

Ladies, go, splurge, and enjoy!...while I sit on the corner in the meantime. :lol:

How To Kill A Fly: Obama vs. Nowitzki

Here's the Obama way of killing a fly -




And here's Nowitzki's -




So, Swat or Squish? :lol:

While we're on the subject, here's a funny ad by Ameriquest (which demonstrated another way of killing a fly) -

Jupiter Rx

Jupiter went retrograde last Monday and I'm still trying to adjust to the shift. I didn't have any idea actually of this recent movement, but I had to research because I felt I was sort of feeling different when I jumped into the workweek. Nothing bad naman. Think of it this way - for the longest time I've been eating apples and now I'm kinda into oranges.

Retrograde is always about re-tracing. Jupiter is about expansion, protection, adventure, and limitless possibilities. Since Jupiter rules Sag and Pisces, whatever house in your natal chart these two touch is the focus of this Jupiter Rx.

Jupiter is in stationary retrograde at 28deg Aquarius (more or less, my date of birth is on that degree). There are other signs directly affected, too (hello, google. lol).

Let's see how the current Jupiter Rx will affect the different [astrological] signs, but I feel that it's all good. Just don't resist the push you feel within you. So, I'll just flow with it in the meantime.

New Macbook Pro

Another notice I got this week from Apple: they will be releasing the new Macbook Pro (13-inch/15-inch/17-inch). The price range is Php68,990.00 - Php139,990.00.

Not interested. My laptop's still working, thank you. BUT I would love to have the iBook *it's discontinued in 2006* in orange *exactly like that of Elle Woods'!*


I know it's an old model, but it's always going to be a classic on my list. I think it costs about a hundred USD in Ebay. I'm going to get me that one after I'm done with all the "necessities" *IF i get done with them! lol*

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Lucky Purse

I've never had a lucky purse until this one -

This was given as a pasalubong and I can't be too sure now if this is from Thailand, China or HK.

Anyways, when it comes to mini-purses, I follow the rule "if it's still usable, there's no need to replace it," so this one went directly to the closet where I keep all the gifts given to me throughout the years and which I have no use for in the meantime.

One day, The BF handed me one of those 100-peso UP Centennial Notes.

He got it from the help and handed it to me, in turn. Since I was never there to participate in the centennial, I was more than glad to keep the bill to remember by my alma mater's 100th year. BUT unfortunately, I lost that bill. I was so heartbroken that when he gave me another one *he's one lucky guy to keep on accidentally stumbling on these notes*, I made sure to keep it somewhere safe -


Since then, the bill has multiplied to FOUR! - all acquired accidentally. I'm P400.00 richer or, if I sell the notes, P1000.00 - P4,000.00 richer. *these notes are being sold within the range of P250.00 - P1,000.00 depending on how profit-oriented the seller is*. (I don't have plans of selling them though)

I don't know what made the mini-purse lucky - the exterior color (yellow)? the print (chinese woman playing the flute. have you guys seen this figure before?)? or the color of the interior lining (red)?, but bottomline, it's a lucky purse! *if only I could place pairs of shoes or bags in there, i would have done it by now!*

I feel though that this mini-purse has rules I should follow *i know it sounds crazy haha give me this much leeway because it's my first time*:

- i can only place money inside the purse *no pieces of jewelry*
- if i try to place something that is not a bank note or a coin in the purse, the luck will disappear *getting weirder? lol*
- i can only place money accidentally stumbled upon *my salary I cannot place there. hmp.*
- the money should be mine and not someone else's *i'm the purse's aladdin*

What?!? I'm serious! Haha!

Ever had a lucky purse?

Chinese Restaurants

Of the number of times I've eaten at Gloria Maris (The Block, SM North EDSA), I always get dizzy/sleepy and I get a slow-down on my reflexes. Are they using MSG *or too much of it*? I give you my word though that they serve great food and big servings *not to mention that the price is reasonable* so much so that I'm willing to take another dizzy spell. If only Panciteria San Jacinto is nearer! (this one i highly recommend)

I confess I love Chinese cuisine and I can practically live happily with pancit everyday *yes, even just the cup noodles*. I haven't scoured Metro Manila that much for the best-chinese-restaurant hunt, but I've tried -

Shangri-La at West Ave., QC
Wai Ying at Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila
North Park at Banawe, QC
Mann Hann
Tong Yang, Quezon Ave., QC *is it still there?*
Jade Garden, Pasong Tamo, Makati
Ma Mon Luk, Quezon Ave., QC


The first 6 on the list have been all worth the trip, but Ma Mon Luk disappointed me. It wasn't as great as it used to be.

I have yet to try -

Causeway
Hap Chan
Jade Garden
Chinatown's Best
Luk Yuen
Emerald Garden *we were a little early when we went there; they weren't ready to serve guests just yet*
Le Ching
Luk Foo
Good Earth
Mr. Choi's Kitchen
The President
Summer Palace

Still a long list noh? If you can recommend other Chinese restos that you've tried, go ahead, whet my appetite! *lol*

A (H1N1)

If you think it can't happen to you, pray that you're right. Last I've heard *and which stirred a sense of panic in me* (a) the number of A (H1N1) case in the Philippines is on the rise; and (b) it has hit the malls.

Today, in the dailies, 3 Ateneo high school students and 6 more from De La Salle University were found to be infected with the flu. The other day, it was 46, so that's a total of 55 as of June 10. Not looking so good for us.

Another tidbit - if you're heading out-of-the-country, take note that there's already a 10-day mandatory quarantine in foreign countries *best to call their embassy* Factor that in into your plans so you can make the necessary adjustments to your schedule.

Other information I've picked over the world wide web: the drugs used to treat A (H1N1) are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zenamivir (Relenza). Due to the risk of Reye Syndrome, aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be administered to persons aged 18 and below. Read more here and here. For the DOH advisory on A (H1N1), read here. As for the global statistics -

Australia: 1,051 (as of June 8)
Japan: 410
China: 134
South Korea: 47
Singapore: 15
New Zealand: 17
Vietnam: 5
Malaysia: 5

Beon the lookout if you're traveling to these countries.

And although how effective wearing a facemask is is still unconfirmed, it doesn't hurt to try wearing one before stepping out of the house.

Photo Source

Why I Can't Die This Week: June 7-13

Because it's PAMPER WEEK!:

- facial
- body scrub
- body wrap
- body massage
- foot spa
- foot callous gel mask
- manicure
- pedicure

The facial I'm having tomorrow night and the rest, well, thank heavens for the June 12 holiday.

WHAT'S STAPLE
Every week is not like this week because if it were, I'd be a pauper by the end of the month. Normally, the facial is on a every-3-weeks basis; the manicure & pedicure is every 10 days. I also go for threading and waxing, the interval of which is beyond my control. Normally, they're every 3 weeks, also. If things doesn't go smoothly *okay, fine, we're talking of hair growth*, I have them every 2 weeks.

The massage, I usually go for home service if I want one *so I can directly go to sleep*, but to go to the spa is a real treat (because of the special oils, etc.), so this week is really exceptional.

Home service massage, by the way, is P250/hour and I only go for one when I'm really, really extra-tired OR when I feel like I'm coming down with a flu. lol A friend has recommended a company that does home service massages *the name of which escapes me at the moment* for the same rate I'm paying, but I'm hesitant because I have issues with letting strangers into our home. She swears though that they can be trusted.

WHAT'S NEW
The rest -body scrub, body wrap, foot spa, and foot callous gel mask - I'm just starting this week and I'm not sure if I'd wish I'd get good skin results because that would mean more maintainance to pay for from my end. haha The foot spa, I normally do it myself, but you see, there are times when doing it yourself is no fun. *no pun intended*

I've noticed that we, girls, have gotten...er...more vain *at least, the girls in my circle* but this is one vanity a woman should never forego even when they've settled down.

And even if you don't get something done at the spa, at least remember this basic DAILY regimen:

- at least 8 glasses of water
- Vitamin C in the morning
- Vitamin E in the evening
- 8 hours of sleep
- brisk walking 30 minutes a day
- wash your face before going to sleep

...and then there's smiling, letting go of worries, and having a happy disposition in life.

iPhone 3G S

My cousin texted me last night about the release of Apple iPhone 3G S next week (read: if i'm planning to buy iPhone 3G, I should wait by next week for the price drop).

This morning, Apple has sent me an e-mail about the new iPhone 3G S (comes in 16GB and 32 GB) which boasts of improved performance, 3MP autofocus camera, video recording, voice control, digital compass, cut-copy-and-paste feature, mms, spotlight search, landscape keyboard, and voice memos.

I wasn't so keen on buying iPhone 3G *and still not so keen with 3G S either* or making a switch to it because

(a) I couldn't be happier with Samsung D880 Duos that I purchased May last year (2008). It's dual sim *i have a smart gmt post-paid and a pldt landline plus in one phone which makes this phone so convenient and cost-effective*, has an expandable memory *i bought a 2gb mini-sd card and it's more than enough*, and most of all (and I swear to this) it's the most durable mobile I've ever had!

(b) To compensate what the D880 lacks, I have an iPod classic 120gb.

So what would I need the iPhone for? For iPhone 3G's release price vis-a-vis its functionality, to purchase one is more of making a fashion statement, I suppose. 3G's current price is 99USD but only because they had a tie-up with AT&T. If it weren't for that lock-in, 99USD is not so bad a price for it, BUT...nah, not really. I'd rather save that 99USD for one of the Blackberry Curve Smartphone series or for the Blackberry Storm Touch Phone to make the fashion statement I want *the QWERTY still appeals to me* without compromising the utility I'm looking for.

Hopefully by Christmas 2009, one of the Blackberry babies already has my name written all over it! *but i'm still not letting go of my D880, by the way hehe*

Anyways, for you Apple fans, check out this comparison of 3G and 3G S. I'm not sure of the exact release date of the iPhone 3G S. Go google and goodluck for the upcoming purchase.

Who Knows

Maybe It's Bad, Maybe It's Good
- author unknown -

"Many years ago a wise peasant lived in China. He had a son who was the gleam in his eyes and a white stallion which was his favourite belonging. One day his horse escaped from his grounds and disappeared. The villagers came to him one by one and said: You are such an unlucky man. It is so bad about the horse. The peasant responded: Who knows. Maybe it’s bad, maybe it’s good.

"The next day the stallion returned followed by 12 wild horses. The neighbours visited him again and congratulated him for his luck. He just said: Who knows. Maybe it’s good, maybe it’s bad. As it happens, the next day his son was attempting to break in one of the wild horses when he fell down and broke his leg. Once more everyone came with their condolences: It’s terrible. Again he replied: Who knows. Maybe it’s bad, maybe it’s good.

"A few days passed and his poor son was limping around the village with his broken leg, when the emperor’s army entered the village announcing that a war was starting and they conscripted all the young men of the village. However, they left the peasant’s son since he had a broken leg. Once more, everyone was so jealous of the peasant. They talked about his sheer luck. He just muttered: Who knows. Maybe it’s good, maybe it’s bad."

* * * * *

I have read a different version of this story, but just the same, I love the message it conveys and how easily it can be applied to even the most trivial of things like missing the 50% sale of your favorite clothing line *lol* or getting up in the morning 5 minutes late. Who knows. Maybe it's good, maybe it's bad.

On that note, I hope that everyone will find the time to live a little and laugh a little this week.

Separated at Birth: Lucy Torres-Gomez and Emily Blunt

The Willie & Jacq Yu Incident

If Willie over-reacted, you be the judge.




The girl may have shown what she lacks, but Willie went overboard in castigating her, don't you think?

This is really humiliating. *i'm all flushed after watching*

Enigma No More (Yey!)

This is the part where I try to sound profound.

The whole day I was trying to figure out Resolution No. 1109. My question wasn't so much about the validity of the now questioned Resolution, but rather this:

Why a Con-Ass (Constituent Assembly) when -
(1) the ultimate aim is to revise the constitution, and
(2) it's too late in the game (a new set of leaders will be put in place even before the desired revisions can be approved)

It's pretty late and I have to be at the office 7 hours away from now, so I hope you can follow this brief explanation:

Ultimate End: stay in power
How: shift to a parliamentary form of government (not an amendment but a revision of the constitution)
To shift: Con-Con (Constitutional Convention is necessary as the Con-Ass can only introduce amendments)
So why a Con-Ass if what is desired is a revision and not an amendment? Because once Congress has constituted itself into a Con-Ass, it can, as a body, constitute itself into a Con-Con. *holding back in discussing numbers game/voting requirement in Congress*

A few of the missing pieces of the puzzle were supplied by Atty. Adel Tamano's entry at Victorina. Supporting his theory is this news article.

How is it possible for PGMA to become the PM when a shift in the form of the government is in place? The answer has been milling around: PGMA will run as congresswoman in the 2nd Dist of Pampanga.

And why the eagerness to become the PM? Immunity from suit, for one. Etc. etc.

I must admit, sometimes I bore myself with my thoughts, as well. *my feet aching from high heels is more bearable, actually* lol

Anywho, I can go to sleep now and leave the weaving of the whole story into your hands....

What's This

I slept at midnight, awoke thrice within a span of 4 hours, and was up by 4:30 A.M.

This is so...old people! No, really. They automatically wake up at 4:00 *or maybe even earlier* no matter what time they sleep. This is especially true in the provinces where the radio is on - and the kitchen busy - at the break of dawn.

I wonder if I'd get through from 8 to 5 with eyes wide open. *or will i swivel my chair to face the wall and pretend to intently read something and get a shuteye?*

Long day ahead.

Toasted bread & brewed coffee, anyone?

Taking Too Much Vitamin C Supplements

I took a leave from work today.

Over the weekend until today, I have mouth sores (singaw) on each end of my lips. They aren't that bad, but still noticeable. Other complaints that I have since Saturday are (1) faint itching on my lips and (2) few intermittent small rashes.

I have a feeling that this is due to over-ingestion of Vitamin C.

It was last Monday when I began popping 1000mg Vit C capsules. Prior to that, I've been taking 500mg only for my daily dose. The switch to a higher dosage wasn't something I planned. I forgot to grab a new box of Fern-C at the drugstore the night before, so come Monday morning, I had no choice but to take Kirkland's 1000mg Vit C capsules (which are humongous, btw) I have stashed away in my room.

Anyways, I noticed that I had more energy than usual and that I still had energy to burn at the end of the day. This newfound vigor I loved! and attributed to the 1000mg Vit C, so the following day, I popped another pill again. This went on until Saturday when the sore and the itch began. By then, I have taken a total of 6000mg of Vit C.

It's only today that I had the sense to read up whether too much Vit C has drawbacks. This was what I found:

Some Side Effects of taking too much Vit C supplement
- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Irritation of the esophagus

- Intestinal cramps

- Fatigue

- Flushing (redness of the skin)

- Headaches

- Insomnia

- Drowsiness

- Diarrhea

- Allergic reaction which includes unexplained rash, itching, hives, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, and difficulty breathing

Of these, I remember experiencing flushing (just a faint flush so it didn't worry me at all); vomiting (I thought this was because the red flag's up); and the allergic reaction I've complained of.

I didn't take any Vit C today to see if the culprit is really taking too much of it. If it is, then I've learned from my carelessness. At any rate, starting tomorrow, I'm going back to my usual 500mg daily dose of Vit C.

Bottomline: Too much of anything - even vitamins - isn't good. Perhaps I skipped class when that basic rule was taught.

Btw, for the mouth sore, don't use powdered allum as a remedy. Aside from being painful, it's no good. I tried using it Saturday night and come Sunday morning, the sore grew worse. Use Betadine Antiseptic Wound Remedy (10% Solution). Don't worry, it's painless (non-sting). And no, it didn't burn my skin. This is for external use so make sure you do not ingest after application. I applied last night and when I woke up this morning, the sore's about 50% dried up already. Hopefully, tomorrow morning, I'm good to go again.

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