White water rafting - Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Summer of 2008, Julie’s Franchise Corporation held its semi-annual franchise conference for Vis-Min area in Cagayan de Oro City. On our last day of stay in Cagayan, the group decided to try water rafting before jumping into the plane for Cebu.




Getting ready for the adventure.




The final briefing. There were other groups when we arrived. The person-in-charge briefed us of the do’s and don’ts. We were told to have a buddy just in case something happens. Each raft will have a minimum of 4 people and maximum of 6 people excluding the guide. There were cases of accidents and deaths due to non-compliance of the rules and regulations. I was having a second thought of joining after he mentioned of accidents. I got a bit scared because I don’t know how to (ehem) swim. Thing is, I don’t have any choice but to join the group otherwise I will be left behind.


Let the adventure begin.




You can never get enough of the screaming, the joy when our raft successfully passed through a wild rapid. “Easy paddle, hard paddle, forward paddle” “Stop”, “Brace”, these were the instructions shouted to us by our captain (guide) depending on the level of the rapid. After that we shout, high-five and raise all our paddles with relief.



There were wild rapids that I thought my spirit went off my body and had her time somewhere in the universe while I was having a heart attack. But our guide maneuvered our raft skillfully. Other rafts flipped over. Our guide suggested that we should try this even for once, for experience purposes. Our group shouted, NO WAY. (I guess only the women shouted no way, not the men)


This is the washing machine area. They call it washing machine because the water will spin you here and there to the max.


See how this raft flipped over? Far right is our raft, the yellow one. We requested our guide to avoid the washing machine area.


See the empty raft? If a raft capsizes, other rafts will then go ahead to rescue the people and help them get back to their respective rafts.


There were persons-in-charge of our cameras to capture the highlights of our adventure.




One of the guides in our raft was so talkative. Maybe he did that so to ease the tensions crawling in on our nerves and spines. I asked the guide, how far are we going to do this? the guide answered, 25 raffage. A what? Raffage? I turned to my office mate and asked, what did he said, raffage? She just shrugged her shoulder and smiled, maybe she also did not understand. So I asked the guide again, what is it that you said? He again repeated the line, we will have to do 25 raffage. Confused but I just nod and said ”I see, raffage”. But honestly, I really did not get what he was trying to tell me, maybe because I don’t know the terms used and I did not get what he meant by it.

Anyways, when I got home, I proudly told everyone that I did water rafting and it was fun. We did 25 raffage. An eyebrow arched and asked what? Oh well, oh boy! I then sprint to open my computer and check what the heck is this term raffage in water rafting. After I opened a site, OMG as in Oh My Gulay (gulay is vegetable in english). Can you relate the embarrassment I felt at that very moment? I was so embarrassed that I wanted to hide under the table.


There were areas where the water is calm and we had time to compose ourselves and prepare for the next roller coaster rides.


Snack time. We were served juice and pastel (a soft bread with yema filling). Tired, exhausted and hungry.


There was one stop where one can just lie there and be carried by the flow of the water.






After the 25 rapids under the blazing heat of the sun, all headed to have a quick shower, a sumptuous lunch then off to the airport back to Cebu. All of us were not spared from sunburn. The adventure was worth it. An experience I think one should at least have done in his lifetime.

I love milk, he hates milk. I don’t know how to cook, he is a master chef. Are we compatible?

Opposite attracts, is this true?

I guess it’s how you define opposite. In a relationship, we usually want to find “Mr. right”, “The one”, My soul mate” or whatever you call it that is complementary to us. The one whom you can say your strength when you are weak, who can help us learn things and, to grow old with. But thing is, we end up with “Mr. opposite”.

Have you wondered why two persons hate each other but end up being a couple and lived a happy life together? Or say have withstood the adversities of marriage life and are still in each other’s arms? My parents are one of them. My mama hates my dad specially when he pester her after his radio program. (My dad was a disc jockey before and my mother was the secretary of the radio station they both worked). But, they have been together for 40 years now. Not a perfect marriage though, but they have overcome the test of time.

I have had my piece of cake when it comes to this one. Lot’s of it. After the long search, I can finally say, I have found “The one”, Mr, right” ” my soul mate”, “my best friend”, “my lover”, “the other end of my intestine” and “Mr. opposite”. But we have differences also. I love milk, he doesn’t even take a drop of milk. I love my halohalo with lots of milk on it, but he orders halohalo without milk. (You heard it right).

 

I love to eat raisins, but he collects raisins out from the food and put it aside. He is a good cook, well, I am good at eating (compatible though).

                    He loves sports

                                                      I love dancing.

We have different religion, does that matter at all?

When you are young, what attracts you is the physical aspect of the person. But when you come of age, it’s the character of the person that attracts you more than the physical side. Having a common interest is somewhat appealing to a person. Because we try to identify ourselves with the opposite sex. And we thought that everything will be fine and all will end happily ever after. Do you think so? Don’t you think that having the same interest and awfully have lots in common doesn’t bore you to death? Isn’t it that having differences add spices to your relationship? That there is something to discuss and argue a bit rather than always agreeing on everything?

We thought that we have fallen in love with the person. But isn’t it that we have fallen for him because he complements our needs more than the physical attraction? For me, bottom line is, it’s not really the question of “are we compatible or not” but rather, do we have the same goal in life? Despite the differences we have, can we settle things out in a civil way and come up with a conclusion that is to the best interest of both parties?

I am in love, attracted to a person with interests I am not interested with. But we tried to meet half way and is focused more on our goals rather than the differences. We may argue on some things, but as what I have said earlier, it is the spice that adds flavor to the relationship – that certain amount of strangeness.

So, are we compatible? Yes, we are.

Skype has stopped working

Again, I got annoyed when I tried to log in to my Skype but cannot get through. And it always shows“skype has stopped working” and then whooop, gone. I tried several options like quitting skype, restarting my laptop, rebooting but nothing worked. I borrowed the laptop of my housemate and I was able to open skype from her laptop. So, I roam around the internet for solution until I found one that is so simple.


How to do:

1) Go to run
2) on the search box type C:\Users\my-user-name\AppData\Roaming
3) find the skype folder and rename it to anyting you want e.g. skype123
4) go back to skype and log in

Viola, you are now logged in. It worked for me, I hope it works for you too.

If you find this article helpful, kindly tick on the choices and share this to your friends on FB or any social network.  Thank you.

Lactose intolerance. But I love my milk.

I love milk. I love drinking hot and cold milk, on my oatmeal, on my coffee as a creamer, lots of milk on my halo-halo,etc. But thing is after I have my glass of milk, my tummy starts to rumble and grumble. During my younger years (ehem, I am still young), I used to gulp a can of chilled evaporated milk every morning before going to school. But as we add years to our age, I observed that after drinking a glass of milk, I feel abdominal pain, bloated tummy and flatulence.

Milk and milk products are a major source of our calcium needs and other nutrients. We need calcium for our bones to prevent us having osteoporosis, a condition that makes our bones fragile if not prevented. Sometimes, I buy lactose-free milk or Soy milk instead of fresh milk or yogurt drink with lactobacillus. Since I love milk and all that has milk, I surfed the internet for some answers to my questions.

What is Lactose intolerance?


Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products.


What causes lactose intolerance?


Lactose intolerance is caused by reduced or absent activity of lactase that prevents the splitting of lactose (lactase deficiency).


Symptoms of lactose intolerance.


People with lactose intolerance may feel uncomfortable 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk and milk products. Symptoms range from mild to severe, based on the amount of lactose consumed and the amount a person can tolerate.


Common symptoms include:


abdominal pain
abdominal bloating
gas
diarrhea
nausea


How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?


Two tests are commonly used to measure the digestion of lactose.


Hydrogen Breath Test. The person drinks a lactose-loaded beverage and then the breath is analyzed at regular intervals to measure the amount of hydrogen. Normally, very little hydrogen is detectable in the breath, but undigested lactose produces high levels of hydrogen. Smoking and some foods and medications may affect the accuracy of the results. People should check with their doctor about foods and medications that may interfere with test results.


Stool Acidity Test. The stool acidity test is used for infants and young children to measure the amount of acid in the stool. Undigested lactose creates lactic acid and other fatty acids that can be detected in a stool sample. Glucose may also be present in the stool as a result of undigested lactose.


Because lactose intolerance is uncommon in infants and children younger than 2, a health professional should take special care in determining the cause of a child’s digestive symptoms.

Most food products that I am eating contain a small amount of lactose like bread, pancake, cookies, ice cream (this is not small amount, I can consume a pint of ice cream in one sitting, yum yum), cakes (ehem, no comment), pastries, my beloved breakfast cereal, my coffee creamer, biscuits, sweet rolls, and a lot more.

My doctor had me take Vitamin D and Calcium supplements everyday. But I still love my milk, so I just drink once in a while just to satisfy the craving of drinking milk, after which I pay the price of having a trip to the comfort room every now and then. And the feeling of bloated stomach and flatulence. ;-)

Source:  NDDIC

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55

I have used sunblock and sunscreen since 10 years ago. Before, I just buy moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher on it and I’m set to go out under the sun. Sunblock is a bit expensive to add to our kikay’s kit but it’s worth investing though. Sun damage is more expensive to treat than preventing it.

These days, exposing ones skin to the damaging rays of the sun can lead to premature aging, sunburn and worst, skin cancer. Even for a sprint to the store can add damage to your skin. However, most beauty products like face powder, lipstick, lip shiner, lip balm, lotion and recently, clothes and liquid detergent have incorporated in their ingredients SPF for added sun protection.

When buying products with sun protection, I stay for sometime at the beauty aisle just reading labels and comparing a product to another, not to mention the price also. Before, I am confused of the difference between sunblock and sunscreen. What is the difference and what should we choose then?

Sunscreen - gives protection to the skin by absorbing the sun’s UV rays. Sunscreen comes in a gel, lotion, spray or some other topical product that contains various chemicals and agents that absorb the sun’s UV radiation, which helps prevent sun burnt skin and future skin problems.  It is made of chemicals which can cause side effects for some people who have sensitive skin may be allergic to some of the ingredients which can cause skin problems. Sunscreen blocks UVB rays, but it does not protect the skin from UVA. For maximum protection, you’ll probably want to make sure that you can block as much UV rays as you can. Remember, in order to get the full benefit of the product, sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours.
It has been found that the sunscreen is the best product that helps in protecting the skin from sun burns.

Sunblock - blocks the UV rays of the sun from penetrating the skin. Sunblock reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them. Sunblock does not contain the same harsh chemicals that are in sunscreen. Sunblock is generally going to be a better option when choosing sunscreen or sunblock. It reflects UV rays versus absorb them. Sunblock is much safe for babies and children since it contains fewer potentially harmful ingredients and it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Generally, one does not need reapply once you applied the first and only layer of sunblock.

I am a Neutrogena user from facial wash, soap, body oil to sunblock. Let’s check the product description of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION



Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 is a revolutionary, dermatologist-tested formula that contains Helioplex® technology, the latest breakthrough in UV protection.


Helioplex® delivers unbeatable UVA protection. It works better to help prevent damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under skin’s surface. Dry-Touch technology absorbs excess sunscreen oils, leaving a clean, lightweight, non-shiny finish.

Serious sun protection never felt this light on your skin.

This product features Helioplex®, a breadth of stabilized sunscreen technologies that delivers superior protection from the sun.


•Waterproof
•Sweatproof
•PABA-free
•Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)


What is Helioplex?


SPF (Sun Protection Factor) helps measure how long you can stay in the sun with sunscreen before getting burned. SPF measures protection from sunburn caused primarily by UVB rays, but it does not adequately measure how well a sunscreen protects from UVA rays. UVA rays persist year-round and can lead to signs of premature skin aging, including fine lines, deep wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It is important to select a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection. However, in some sunscreens, UVA protection begins to break down the moment your skin is exposed to the sun.


There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Both can harm your skin.


UVB rays:
•Penetrate the outer layer of skin, causing damage to skin cells
•Are the primary cause of sunburn
•May be directly linked to skin cancer


UVA rays:
•Can pass through window glass and penetrate deep into the layers of the skin
•Contribute to premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles
•Too much exposure can play a part in the formation of skin cancer.


Avobenzone is one of the best UVA blockers approved by the FDA, but it is highly unstable when exposed to sunlight. Neutrogena was the first in the US market to introduce sun protection in which Avobenzone was stabilized using Oxybenzone and DEHN, effectively providing better, longer protection from harmful UVA rays. This breakthrough technology was called Helioplex®. With time, and as science has progressed, the Helioplex® name has come to encompass additional technologies and ingredients beyond DEHN but which still provide the same benefits of stabilized sun protection.


Today Helioplex® represents a breadth of stabilized sunscreen technologies that deliver superior protection from the sun. When you choose a sunblock with the name Helioplex®, you can be certain that you are using one that was specifically engineered to deliver superior UV protection that is broad spectrum and photostable. (from Neutrogena site)


From the description we have, Neutrogena is not only a sunblock but also a sunscreen. I love it because it’s non-comedogenic, meaning to won’t clog pores and is safe for oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy formula and no thick opaque white consistency which other brands have. I only use this on my face (because it’s expensive hahaha) when going to work but applies it over exposed skin when going out of the house, specially now that summer is oven hot in Saudi Arabia. I am using a body lotion of another brand with SPF for my body.


Please note that I am not paid in any way to give my opinion for this product.

DFA passport tracking system for delayed passport in the Philippines

I have followed news about the too much delay in processing and releasing of passport in the Philippines due to a lot of reasons. One, the machine broke down. Two, that passport applicants have surge in numbers compared to the previous years (this is just another blah, blah, blah of the government). Three, other technicalities (this include manpower shortage).


I am very much concerned on this matter because me, mama and my daughter will travel to Hong Kong on June 19. Supposedly, their passports will be released on June 3. I frequently visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to get updates on this issue.

On May 4, 2011, they released an announcement on their website that "The DFA advises the public to file for their passport applications at least 12 weeks before their intended date of travel." They released this statement after we have filed on April 12, 2011. They should have announced this earlier on or have advised the public more of the delay issues on TV, radio and newspaper and not only on their website. Another advisory was released on May 6, 2011 about the addition of 500 appointment slots to accommodate applicants at DFA-OCA.

I have heard and read of so much complaints about the delay of the release of the passports that some OFWs were not able to travel on time and lost opportunity of working abroad. Those who were so super excited of their travel for holidays and maybe their first time to go out of the country were dismayed because of a cancelled trip.

Before, regular passport will just take 25 days and 15 days for overtime. Now, with this e-passport which I thought is more efficient and fast. Unfortunately, the supposed 25 days is now 35 days and more waiting time due to all the delays in the world.

DFA has launched passport tracking system exclusive for passport delayed. I tried to track the status of my daughter's passport but thing is, this tracking system is not applicable to regional applicants for now as this is not yet included in the system.

Anyhow, those who are itching of the status of their passport can track it here http://www.dfa.gov.ph/app/passport_tracking/.

Are you agreeing with me? Give your opinion here. If you think this is a good post share it with your friends by Facebook and other social networks.


UPDATE:

The travel agency phoned us on June 14, 2011 that the passports of my daughter and mother were already available. Said passports were on our hand on June 16, 2011. We sent letter of request to DFA on June 6 requesting the release of the passports on or before June 17, 2011 as our travel will be on June 19, 2011. We received the passports just in time.

Thank you DFA.

God, is there any hotline to heaven?

Down and out, so empty and so alone.  Nobody to talk to with, nobody to share your thoughts, your ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Everybody are just so busy attending their own lives. Their own struggles in life.

Have you ever felt this way? I do. So many times I just cry at the comfort of my room, wishing someone is there to talk to with when I feel so down and out. So many times I talk to God, whining, asking things that are beyond my limited understanding of what was happening to my life. Not that I am complaining really because if I look back and see things around me, I am still very lucky and blessed by my God.  But why is it that when I needed someone to talk with and no one is around and the only one who is available is God, that I started to ask so many why's? why? why? why?

Why are you not talking to me face to face God? Well, I know, it's because of what Adam and Eve did that we have this wall between man and God now. But yhy do I have to wait for the answers that many times I am not sure if what I got are the answer to the  many favor (yes, favors and please don't tell me you don't ask a lot for favor from God) I have been pestering God with, questions and all the stuff. Why not answer me now?

I know that in this chaotic world, all of us are asking favors and, litany of questions that I sometimes wonder, does God really hear all our prayers and requests? Maybe, His angels are the ones bringing our pleas and plights to God in queue and replying to them accordinlgy to His will.

One night, I was soooo emoting and crying my heart out and asked God, if we have this problem or question that needs urgent reply or attention from you, how can you reply when you are not talking to us face to face ? Why can't you talk to us God and just give your instant reply or encouragement? Why do we have to wait and sometimes wait forever for your answer? Can't you just make a line to heaven for our queries?


But you know what? Analyzing what I just asked God, a line (hotline) to heaven, I just realized that the hotline to heaven was what I was doing, PRAYER. A heartfelt prayer, sincere talking to God. Not just whining and complaining but even just a chitchat with Him is already more than a line to heaven, it's a line to God's heart.

So many times I received answers to my prayers in so many ways by just sincerely talking to God, like a child talking to his heavenly Father. Many times my requests were granted instantly, some within few days, weeks, months or sometimes years but all were according to His great plans. Tendency is, human as we are, we tend to be so impatient and want instant answers.

Answers from God are not like the fad that is happening in this world we live in. Instant noodles for eating, instant coffee for a caffeine's dose, SMS for instant messaging in communication, instant face lift, etc. etc.

Many times while praying and pouring to my God my heartaches, I visualized that God is hugging me, wiping my tears out and comforting me silently the way a loving father does to his child. With just that, I felt relief and comfort and the assurance that God loves me, regardless of how big or small my sins are because I am His child.

The answers to our prayers are also so simple. It's just only one of these : Yes, No, Maybe (maybe need to storm heaven with more prayer), Later or just wait.

Is there really a line to heaven? Yes, there is. And the only way to an instant hotline to heaven is very simple though, just bend your knees, bow your head and sincerely talk to God and PRAY.

Catholic Churches, Monasteries and Shrines in Cebu – Part 1

 Cebu City or Dakbayan sa Sugbu in Cebuano is also known as the Queen City of the South.  Here, we will visit some churches and shrine in the northern part of Cebu.  On my vacation in  2010, I had the chance to join Photographer’s Club of Cebu in their North Safari Photo shoot on April 17, 2010 .

Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church) Established in 1595

Constructed in 1755 by Fr. Manuel de Santa Barbara, this church was made up of materials from sugar cane and rocks from the sea. In the 1800′s the crucero of the church was built . During the World War II in 1942, a fire partial gutted the building including some religious items and other important materials. Only the solid stones from the original construction of the church were spared from the fire. It was reconstructed in 1946. In 1981, another renovation of the building was made, this time almost a complete overhaul was done and only 30% of the original structure was preserved. The renovation was completed in 1985.

Facts about the famous bells of Sto. Tomas De Villanueva Parish:

They named the bells according to saints. The San Alipio bell, cast in 1845 and weighing 45 kilos, is the oldest. Two others, cast in 1917 were added and these were the Villanueva bell (630 kilos) and the Sagrado Corazon bell (249 kilos).

St. Benedict’s Monastery is home of the Benedictine monks and one of the tourist attractions inthe mountain side of Corte, Carmen, Cebu.

I doze off on the bus everytime we jumped in as we started the day very early, call time was at 4 am, so was very sleepy. When we alighted the bus, I was amazed by the serenity and tranquility of the place. I felt so much peace inside of me and engrossed in taking pictures that I did not bother on taking pictures of the models we have with us but of the place only.
After few days, I went back to this place with my family.

 One of the famous attraction in Carmen is the famous bat cave facing the church of St. Benedict. Millions of rice-bats come out and can be seen together from this cave  in the in evening (we arrived almost 6 pm with my family).

Truly a Mother Nature’s beauty, this monastery is located in a panoramic natural landscape surrounded by high hills and creeks.

This is the rosary center of the monastery. A big building almost like the church and it contains 20 life-size paintings of the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. 

 As per history, St. Benedict’s Monastery, has St. Benedict, the great father and founder of monasticism, as it’s Patron Saint. The monastery started with very humble and pure origins. Three monks of South Indian origin were sent from Rome by the Abbot General Rt. Dev. Andrea Pantaloni, OSB to begin a monastery in the Central Visayas of the Philippines,particularly in Carmen, Cebu.  The three monks from Kerala, India are: Rev. Frs. Thomas Thekkumthottam OSB, Bernard Devasia Kallakavunkal OSB and Joseph John Manjadyil OSB.  On February 10, 1999, which is the feast day of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, the monks started their journey.

Next stop was the Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer in Bogo, Cebu.

 Bogo, Cebu is where we’ll find the Shrine of  San Vicente de Ferrer, established as a Parish on May 31, 1850.  The church was  named  in honor of the parish’s patron saint,  St. Vincent de Ferrer.  It’s old church is described as  having walls of tabique pampango, posts of wood and a roof of thatch cogon is located near the town plaza.  The present church of Bogo was built in the post-war era.

 

A relic of St. Vincent de Ferrer is kept safe inside the church. 

 The signage leading to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal.

This is the Shrine of Our Lady or Miraculous Medal.  On the highway, one can see the shrine above the mountain during day time with its hand stretched-wide open, such a breath-taking view.

At first, I was so hesitant to join the group in climbing up the hill as I was already tired and wanted to stay in the bus but thinking twice, I thought I might not be able to come back again so might as well grab the chance.


On foot, one will have to go climb 163 steps before you reach the top of the hill where the statue and chapel of the Lady of the Miraculous Medal is nestled. It was a tiring climb but worth the steps. Cool wind blowing and caressing the face not to mention the breath-taking view is worth the climb. Took some time to pray and meditate at the chapel.

The altar of the chapel. A large number of devotees and pilgrims of the Blessed Virgin Mary flock to this hill-side during the Holy week.

Until then, see you on the part 2 of churches, monasteries and shrines in Cebu.