In light of the recent tragedy that was brought by #YolandaPH or Super Typhoon Haiyan, I would like to express how my heart cries out for our kababayans over at Tacloban, Leyte and some other parts of Visayas which were badly hit.

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I sometimes couldn't bear to watch the news and see how a father cries on TV with his dead child in his arms or a mother who is in search of her three other children while the first three she found were already covered with black bags right next to each other.  Our brothers and sisters there are hungry, thirsty, cold, traumatized, feeling hopeless, and of course stressed witnessing their homes and loved ones wiped out by the storm surge.

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Before and After shots of Tacloban City

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I've shared this on my Facebook status, that I know deep in all of our hearts, we do want to help, we each have our opinions about the government's pace of action regarding the relief operations and distribution of the goods to the Yolanda victims.  Most people express their disgust over Pnoy's leadership, or lack of it, in the trying times of our country.  That he could have done this and that, that they felt ashamed of his replies during an interview made by an international news crew.  We all have something to say.  But the government has already admitted they fell short and that they too didn't want all this to happen.  I'm sure they are doing all they can in their capacity.  Let's give them a break.  As one nation, let's just do what we can to help, in our own little way, small or big, it all counts.

There are a lot of government and non-government organizations, private companies and TV/media networks who are spearheading their own relief operations.  There are so many to choose from in case you do want to help.  I encourage you to help.  Here are three ways to help:

• Donate - Donations may come in kind or in cash.  Items to be donated may be classified to food and non-food items.  Food items should be something that are ready to eat and would not need water to cook it.  Noodles are not encouraged.  Water bottles, canned goods and biscuits are more recommended.  Other non-food items such as clothes, medicines, toiletries, slippers and blankets are recommended.  

Should you donate in cash, make sure you donate to reputable institutions.  Did you know that you could also donate prepaid load?  Smart offers that option.  Some companies, give up their Christmas party budget to donate it to #YolandaPH victims.  I'll share some infographics I got online for your references.

If you are breastfeeding, breast milk could also be donated!  You may refer to Chronicles of a Nursing Mom's blog on complete infomation how to donate your milk.  You will be helping a lot of hungry babies in Visayas.

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• Volunteer - You could also volunteer in repacking relief goods.  Some companies like ours ask for volunteers to repack items for donation.  You may also opt to go to other organizations in dire need of volunteers.  Let's all help each other this way.  

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• Share Information on Social Media - Use #YolandPH #PrayForThePhilippines #RescuePH #TracingPH hashtags.  Use Social Media wisely.  Use it to inform not to be negative about the whole thing.  Be a source of information to help or to inspire.  Re-tweet or share content which you think will uplift the hearts of people with families in Tacloban.  Let's refrain from blaming, pointing fingers or bickering, because it won't help.

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• Pray - Lastly, let's include our kababayans in our daily prayers, special intentions for masses.  May the parents who lost their children and children who lost their parents, people who lost their relatives and friends, find consolation and peace in their hearts.  That the pain, grief, regrets, burden, sadness, rage in their hearts be lifted up to God and may be taken away from them.  It's a process we all know because the trauma that YolandaPH brought to their lives are unimaginable and the depths of depression are immeasurable.  May the Lord guide them and keep them stronger.  Together let's pray that they will all rise above this all.  May the misery end and may the rebuilding of Visayas be soon done.  Let's pray that they may all still find hope amidst Yolanda.  In Jesus name, we pray.

Are you a newbie or a tenured blogger?  If you are, then you must have heard of Nuffnang Philippines!  And if you have, you must be a Nuffie, like me!

Since I started blogging last year I seriously self-studied the ins and outs of blogging, comments exchange groups, blog community, social media, SEOs and also blog advertising.  Having heard of the beauty of blog advertising, I immediately affiliated Mommy Practicality with Nuffnang Philippines, the World's Leading Blog Advertising Community.  Why?  Because when you talk about monetizing your blog through advertising, Nuffnang is a household name.  Nuffnang Philippines and you could be the best of friends.

I've been a Nuffie for more than a year now and I am enjoying the fruits of my hard work for my blog and Nuffnang has helped me a lot in getting projects.  With that, I'll forever be thankful to the Nuffnang Team that I've already met in person (trust me they are all pretty and good-looking,) for trusting in me and my blog.

Last year, they had their very first Blogopolis which focused on engaging and educating bloggers in attendance about the four pillars of blogging - content, marketing, monetization and advocacy.  It helped bloggers further their skill set and knowledge about blogging.  I unfortunately wasn't able to attend because of an emergency situation at home, which of course needed to be prioritized.

This year, they are covering topics which will level up bloggers' knowledge with social media and other online platforms.  Nuffnang wants to help you make sense of the digital world.   Nuffnang brings you Blogopolis #IntoTheWild - Weaving Information For The Leaders Of The Digital World.

Blogopolis 2013 #IntoTheWild

Key speakers will be discussing social media know-how and digital marketing and advertising trends. Blogopolis 2013 is a day-long event starting with plenary sessions in the afternoon, and a post-conference party at night where key influencers in the industry will be awarded. This event is open to everyone - bloggers, social media influencers, students, digital marketing officers, and advertisers, and anyone who is interested in the world of digital, particularly social media.

Here’s a list of speakers who will be sharing relevant digital marketing and social media insights:

• Abe Olandres for The Cycle of Ads: How to Make Social Media Advertising Effective
• Aisa Ipac, Ana Gonzales for Taking your Readers Offline: Successful Ways to Mount a Blog Event
• Christine Dychiao for Blog Fund: 10 Ways to Guide Back Traffic to Your Blog Using Social Media
• Googly Gooeys (Tippy & Pong Go) for The Media Kit: Creating a Compelling Blog and Social Media Proposal
• Jeff Lo for Blog Thy Neighbor 
• Jim Paredes for The New Nation 2.0
• Josh Villanueva for Youtube: The Next Frontier
• Lori Baltazar for Podcasting 2.0: The Podcast is Alive
• Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus for The Ultimate Selfie: How to Manage your Social Media Accounts
• Aris Olea (Creator of ConjuRain), Macky Lopez (Gwiyomi “Nasaan na si Mikay?”), Claire Custodio (National University, Cheerquadron) for Going Viral

Nuffnang will also hold its first Nuffie Awards to recognize the contributions of selected online influencers. To vote, you may visit this link: http://bit.ly/NuffieAwards2013

If you are ready to take your blog to the next level, attend Nuffnang's Blogopolis 2013 #IntoTheWild.  You should invest in something that you love.  And I know, like me, You LOVE Blogging!

Each musician has his dream venues where he'd like to perform.  Top of mind would be Smart Araneta Coliseum.  Personally, it would be a fantasy (level up sa dream!) come true if I speak these words "Good Evening Araneta," in front of a huge crazy crowd before a concert starts!   But after some slaps on the face and pinches on my kili-kili, realistically speaking, I know that's far from happening.  Hence I stick to dreaming of performing in some popular and well-established bars in the metro, such as Moomba Bar in Mother Ignacia St., QC.

This dream came true last weekend when I stepped foot on Moomba, not as a customer, but as a performer!  Mababaw for some I know, but what the hell.  Hehehe!  I love this place and I love the crowd going there.  Plus, some of the bands performing there at night are popular groups you hear on radio or even see on TV.  So in my fantasy world, feeling levelz ko sila.

We weren't hired as a regular performer in Moomba but as a special performer in a private party held there.  For me that's already an awesome experience.  As agreed with the organizer, we're only supposed to play three sets, but we were given an enormous amount of love that we were requested to perform an extra set!

In my mind I heard myself asking the crowd, "You want MORE???!"  But I didn't say that, na-shy ako.  So we did extend for another 45 minutes or 10 more songs for our energized and ecstatic audience.  I loved every minute spent singing for them.  I didn't mind singing my heart out with already aching feet and legs due to dancing in four-inch high heels.  It's nothing compared to the fulfillment I felt making those people happy that night.

Whew!  All I can say is, we had a blast!  It truly fattens my heart with the abundance of joy seeing happy faces and receiving humbling praises.  I totally love singing!  Thank God lumabas ako ng bahay nung nagpasabog ng talents si Lord!  Nakasalo ako ng ilan!  For that, I'm humbled.

Here's my #OOTD pala that night! :)

The Inception
Let me give you a little background about our band.  Macky and I started in 2006 as an acoustic duo called Euphony Band.  Euphony is a noun which means, "the quality of being pleasing to the ear."  Back then, we were very good friends, until it blossomed into a beautiful relationship the year after that.  Cliche as it may sound but I guess, we made good music together.  In 2008, our guitarist Uriel, joined us, to complete an acoustic trio.  Since then, we've performed actively in bars, hotels, private parties and corporate events.   (Should you be interested to know more about our band, you make view our band profile on our Facebook page over here.)

My Thoughts On Developing and Monetizing Your Talents
Singing is an extra-curricular semi-professional activity I love doing.  Music is what bonds me and Macky and it's something we both do to express our passion for the craft.  Earning from it becomes secondary, just like how blogging is to me.  It starts with the passion and a purpose to inspire and affect others positively.  Once these two are recognized by people who follow you or listen to you, then brands or clients start to trust and work with you.  That's where the monetizing part comes in.

I've always believed that if you have a talent or a skill, you shouldn't be shy about it.  You should be proud because it's a blessing.  You should know that you were given that gift to be able to share it and give joy yo others and do something good about it.  Plus, it's also a way of giving back to our Creator.  Using your talents to give joy to others make you praise our Creator.  So if you have it, flaunt it is what they say.  Use it for your good and the good of others!  You'll be blessed a hundredfold if you do!  Go, SHARE! :)

P.S.  Shameless plugging - should you have a private party or corporate event in need of a live entertainment, contact me immediately!  Let's discuss how we can help you make your event more fun!  =) 

Don't we all love beauty products that we know is good inside having natural ingredients, that it's effective and best of all has an irresistible scent?  I do!  I get all that in the body lotion that I currently use and have fallen in love with, the Moringa-O2 Malunggay body lotion.  But just recently, I was invited at the media launch of Ardent Natural Skin Care Line's newest addition to their Moringa-O2 family, the Moringa-O2 Herbal Oil.

Here are some highlights of the event held at the Island Spa at the Resorts World Manila:

With the pretty ladies Nica Nayre and NJ Torres of Ardent World

Tea Party served by TWG, sosyal to the highest levelz.  I love the gold tea pot!

Fruity choco muffin

Cupcake giveaways

I super loved this healthy Fruit Cone (has Kiwi, Apple, Grapes, and Pineapple in it!)

The STAR of the event: Moringa-O2 Herbal Oil

Endorser Ms. Gelli de Belen with host Ms. Issa Litton - both super sexy and beautiful!  PEG!

This personalized bundle of fresh flowers welcomed us in our spa rooms for an hour of massage after the media launch

I had an hour of foot and back massage in the Island Spa of Resorts World Manila.

Moringa-O2 Herbal Oil 
Moringa-O2 Herbal Oil helps keep the hair, skin and scalp healthier than ever.  It's  made use of the power of three natural anti-oxidants—Moringa (Malunggay), Omega and Olive Oil—the anti-aging miracles of nature to produce quality skin care products.  These natural components are natural cleansers, soothing and smoothening the skin with antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that provides a healthier, gentler and skin-hair-scalp compatible product. Covering a lot of benefits, Moringa-O2 Herbal Oil is compatible for babies to the more mature individuals.

For the Scalp
The Vitamins A, B Complex, C, E, plus squalene and the anti-oxidants of Moringa oil, together gives a healthy and moisturized scalp. It helps minimize hair irritations caused by dandruff, itchy scalp and falling hair. It also reduces brittle hair keeping our crowning glory radiantly beautiful.

For the Skin
Aside from the hair and scalp, Moringa-O2 Herbal oil is deep cleansing and deeply moisturizing to the skin. It is light, can be easily spread and absorbs quickly. It has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory property that help address minor skin complaints like cuts, bruises, burns, insect bites and rashes. It also has an antibacterial property, which helps minimize pimples, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Moringa-O2 Herbal Oil can reduce pores; helps relieve irritated and dry itchy skin while controlling rough conditions on the lips, hands, cuticles and cracked heels. Moreover, it helps reduce stretch marks and minor scars, keeping your whole body flawlessly beautiful.

Ms. Gelli de Belen is Moringa-O2's celebrity endorser.  It was my first time to see her in person and  I was at awe when I was observing how young-looking and smooth her skin was and how fit she was.  She was wearing a white body hugging and peeping dress.  I can't believe she's already 40!  I would like to look like her when I'm 40, the body and skin.  I still have few more years to work on it.  Look at her in these photos.

Ms. Gelli de Belen, looking good at 40, uses and endorses Moringa-O2 Skincare Products

Ms. Gelli de Belen for Moringa-O2 Malunggay products

There's no mistaking that at 40, Gelli is looking better than ever. When asked about her beauty regimen, Gelli does not hesitate to share. "Kadalasan, naghuhugas muna ako ng mukha, tapos nagto-toner, pagkatapos mage-exfoliate.  And of course, importante, kailangan palambutin ang skin kaya magmo-moisturize.”  She uses Morionga-O2 Malunggay products, which she swears by, the local skincare line she's endorsing right now.

Since I was introduced to the Moringa-O2 skin care products, I have not stopped using them, specifically the Moringa-O2 Body Lotion.  It leaves your skin moisturized, plus it really smells good.  It has a green-tea scent which I truly would pick over other flowery or fruity scents.

Try them now!  Quality products that are very easy on the pocket.  True value for money.  Moringa-O2 Malunggay products are available in leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores nationwide.  For more information, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter

Recommended for you:
Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Skin Care Products and Skin Care Tips

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Hello loves!  As I write this, I'm still shocked at a very recent life/work event which happened the other night.

I shared this on my personal Facebook account and it received quite a number of likes and a thread of comments from close friends.  Here's a screenshot of my Facebook status:

Yes, you read that right!  I almost bumped into The MVP!  For those of you who doesn't know, he's the owner companies such as: Smart, PLDT, Meralco and some known hospitals, to name a few.  We breath and live with MVP group of companies.  Nakakaloka my encounter!

My face was half foot and a half close to his.  I was staring at him at around 3 seconds and was brought back to reality at a snap when he just smiled at me.  The guard of course frowned at me!  Kakainis, I should have extended my hand for a handshake and a proud introduction of myself.. or sana I handed my resume!  LOL!

But I won't forget this short but memorable experience because it's not everyday that I get to see up close the owner of the company I work for.  In that short encounter, I sensed a down-to-earth, no-non-sense and a real gentleman in him.

In other news, Have you been reading these statuses on your Facebook news feed from friends of families?



I've been in 42 relationships

I think I like someone, what should I do?

My mom arranged me for a blind date

Someone invited me to be a prostitute, what should I do? 

I forgot to wear my underwear today.

I am going to confess something, support me.

I still love my ex.

We are getting married in a few days.

Hehehe!  Silly noh and if you read that from let's say a friend who's with a long-time boyfriend that they're getting married in a few days or read from a friend who recently broke his/her heart that he/she likes someone, you'll get curious right away and will care to LIKE or COMMENT diba?

Well,.if you do like or comment, you'll be tagged in this new Facebook status game going around.  Just like changing your profile picture to a photo of a giraffe because you answered the given riddle wrongly.  This time, if you comment of like, you will have to choose from any of those statuses to post on your timeline for at least a day, if you are game and not a KJ. :P

So there's my short kwento for the day.  How about you?  Was there something extraordinary that happened to you recently?  Share niyo naman! :)

Hello loves!  As I write this, I'm just counting the hours until it's back to reality, back to work.  But before that happens, which is just a few moments from now, let me share with you the Trick or Treat my kids experienced during the last day of October.

Wait!  What?!  It's already November!  I cannot believe it!  2013 is almost done!  I have two more awaited events this year until it's done - my Birthday and of course, Christmas!

Anyway, I posted before a long list of Halloween Trick or Treat events around the metro.  If I would categorize them by place, they are mostly at malls or hotels.  It could be a bit crazy to attend events at the malls and a bit pricey naman in hotels.  Last year, we went to three Trick or Treat events and the result, pagoda lotion to its highest levelz.

This year, I opted to go to just one, an organized office Trick or Treat.  Around 20 floors fully decorated with different child-friendly themes.  Each floor had activities, games and treats for all visiting children.  I brought my kids to the office and they had a blast.  My older child had a reunion with children of my colleagues whom he sees every office parties or activities such as this.  This year naman was my younger one's third time in the office.

Let me share some highlights with you:

Wes as Buzz Lightyear

Brothers in costume.  Kuya as Super Basketball Hero and Wes as Buzz Lightyear

A very creative Pocoyo Puppet Show

Wessie borlog right at the Trick or Treat program start

While little one was sleeping, I went around with Kuya first

Back on his wide awake rhythm, Wessie starts to go around for his treats

Aminin niyo, kilala niyo to!  None other than SHAIDER!  That's my cosplayer officemate Glenmark!

My little one with the BEAR-y cure gigantic Teddy Bear!

Picture with the two before the little one gets cranky!

Cute photobooth at our office floor!

Takeaways from the Halloween Trick or Treat:

1. Always wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  You will be going around with the kids and will be carrying their treats or the little one will ask to be carried by you.  You don't want to carry heavy load in heels right?  No poise.
2. Make sure your kids like their costume and are comfortable in it too! 
3. Let your kids be kids.  They can never be too old or too big to join Trick or Treat events.  My 10-year old is not embarrassed to be in costume and ask for treats.  He enjoyed a lot as he does every year and still look forward to next year's events.
4. If you have a toddler, make sure they get enough naps or rest in the morning.  He/She needs the energy for the loaded Halloween event.  Mine didn't take a nap, hence, he's borlog right at the program start!  Waah!
5. Aside from their pumpkin pail, bring an extra eco-bag with you.  Empty their pumpkin pails by transferring the treats into your bag.  This way, they don't have to be burdened carrying the heavy pail.  This will also mean, more space for all those treats!
6. Always bring drinking water with you.  The activities could wear the kids down and hydration is important in between the busy trick or treating.
7. Bring extra clothes. powder and towel.  Our kids could get hyperactive during the activities and perspire a lot.  Just in case their backs get wet due to pawis, you don't have to go all the way back to your starting point.  You can change them in dry and comfortable clothes.
8. Don't ever forget your camera or phones!  Document their fun, excitement, amazement, laughter and unexpected moments!

So there you have it, our fun Trick or Treat this year!  How about you?  Where did you go this year and how was your experience?

Recommended for you:

• What To Do With All That Treats From The Halloween
• Our 2012 Halloween Trick or Treat Experience