How I got inspired with 3 H ~Health, Healing, and Happiness~

The greatest wealth is health. -Virgil

They say life begins at 40, that I am not sure of. But NO I am not turning 40 yet but soon 2 years from now. For me, Life begins the moment I came to the point when my faith was tested in a situation between life and death, an eye-opening and triggers me to really take an action concerning my health. It turned out to be my personal journey to 3 H ~Health, Healing, and Happiness~ has now evolved into my life purpose and calling.

way back 20 years ago when I was in the hype of joining Beauty pageants indeed I was not shy nor hesitant to wear swimwears event those gowns that really shows the shape of my body because I know "I got it" I am proud to flaunt it on stage. But that was 20 years ago until I graduated from college and start to work and be busy with life and other activities, from then on changes happens most especially my lifestyle. 

But then again as I grow older and been very busy I didn't take much concern how my body starts to change so BIG I only noticed it when I turned in my 20's up to '30s especially when I started blogging more than 4 years ago much much bigger change occurs. I came to the point of really feeling depressed about how I look whenever I fit clothes and see myself in the mirror of a fitting room feeling so exhausted having a hard time breathing because the dress won't fit me and I shed tears sometimes asking myself "What did I do to myself". This isn't me. With the depression of feeling so fat, unhealthy and unwell I became even I ate more and I became bigger. I tried to join different gym membership, even tried to drink diet drinks and pills but guilt succumb the hell out of me until I joined some fun run every Sunday from the start yes I was very active but stubbornness attacks my senses again. I went back to eating much without lookin' at what I'm eating and not having much time to sweat sometime.

Just last March something scary happened I thought I'll be dead, yes a life and death situation during an event. I lack enough sleep that day and an early event to attend to I was feeling normal in the morning but when I'm already inside the venue I felt so dizzy and about to throw up so I went to the CR to throw up but its just not happening until I asked the janitress that I will just sit for a while inside the CR but I was surprised when the Janitress came back with a lot of emergency team as if I was about to die. The nurse checked my BP and my 160/120 and I was stunned may dizzyness felt scarier and they let me rest for a bit and forcing me to take me to the nearest hospital but I said I just need to go home and take a rest and sleep. They once check my BP and ow my it went 170/120 so I freaked out and asked to just let me go home immediately before I pass out. I insisted to come and let me signed a waiver that they have no concern once I get home and felt so sad that they did that yet I understand.

The truth is that I didn't have my health card with me and that I need to withdraw money first because I only got a few money in my wallet and my partner is inside the venue already rushed me a ride. I cried when I am trying to sleep that day at home, I badly want to go to the hospital just as what the nurse advised me but my health card wasn't ready yet to be used. Then I came to realized how important a health card is. Been attending events about Sun Lifes offering health card and I told to myself "it's time" moments like that everyone should be prepared because let's face it having a health card is a life-saving.  

After that incident I started my commitment to fitness and my ability to connect with my readers, I am confident that I can help in spreading awareness about health and wellness among millennials, especially among the people in my age. I begin to watch what I eat, get back to joining fun runs, started jogging at BGC once again, and publishing some articles about Sun Life’s advocacy on helping Filipinos live healthier lives. I Miss my old beauty queen body but I want to get back to being healthy not to have that beauty queen body once again but to encourage myself to become healthier, healing is a process and I'm getting there, and live a happier life. I can now breathe much easier wear clothes I thought would be just inside my storage box. It's true that when you feel good you'll really look good its a positive energy that makes you feel confident as well.

I pan to create a group to help people live healthier lives and because for me helping make the health system work better for everyone. When I turn 40 I would want to say life begins when I look back with no regrets and not feeling regretful that I didn't prepare myself for whatever happens to me because I know hat I have my health insurance to support and back me up when an emergency occurs. 

I'm excited to join different runs and try different activities that involve health and wellness programs. One of the most exciting and I'm anticipating to join is the Sunpiology 2019 - Sun Life Resolution Run you can check this LINK for more information. I'll see you all in the gunshot start and int he finishes line. Finishing a race is already a journey that when you look back to where you started its a crowning glory to have it done up to the finish line because you got your own courage to do so.

Always remember that you're the master of your own soul no one should be blame whatever happens concerning your health, it is YOU and YOU alone because you control your own body, mind, and soul. So chose a healthy, healing, and happy life before you experience a life and death situation. The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. 

#LightTheWorld Giving Machines Open During Christmas Season

“Each year, during the holiday season, people around the globe have found countless ways to make a difference in people’s lives. We are excited to offer new opportunities this Christmas to spread joy, hope and love in a world that needs the light of Christ.” ~Elder Brent H. Nielson, a senior leader for the Church

#LightTheWorld from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expanded its efforts last November 23, 2018, at SM Megamall Upper Ground Level Buidling A, EDSA Entrance launched its Light the World Giving Machine by encouraging people to donate items for the needy at special vending machines throughout the world.

The popular #LightTheWorld campaign asks people to take the 25 days leading up to Christmas and turn it into a season of service, lifting and helping others in small and simple ways. As part of this campaign, Giving Machines – essentially large, red vending machines – will be placed in five locations throughout the world to provide a way for people to give an instant act of service.

These machines will be located in Salt Lake City, Utah; Gilbert, Arizona; New York, New York; London, England; and Manila, Philippines. People will be able to purchase a variety of items to donate through partner charities such as CARE, UNICEF, WaterAid, and Water For People.

Items available for purchase include food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, wheelchairs, sporting equipment and livestock.

In Manila, the Giving Machines will be located in SM Megamall Building A, Upper Ground Level, Edsa Entrance and will be available from 23 November to 31 December during mall hours.

The Church is partnering with three local organization which are beneficiaries of the Giving Machines Project. These are Caritas Manila, UNICEF Philippines and The Purple Centers Foundation.

Caritas Manila is a non-profit organization that serves as the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. It is geared towards total human development and poverty alleviation and advocates creating a Christian community with a strong social conscience.

UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations devoted to serving the world's children. UNICEF began providing assistance to the Philippines in November 1948. It aims to provide the best quality of life for every Filipino child through programs that help them survive and flourish. Their programs include education, health and nutrition, disaster risk reduction and emergencies, HIV and AIDS prevention, child protection, communication, and local policy and institutional development.

The Purple Centers Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2003 which provides education, nutrition, healthcare, and social services to underprivileged children and families from the garbage reclamation communities that surround Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, as well as children living in the Navotas public cemetery, the relocation communities of Bulacan and the Irisan dumpsite in Baguio.

Last year’s single Giving Machine in Salt Lake City resulted in more than $550,000 raised for local and global charities.

The Giving Machines will open on the following dates and locations:

• Manila – 23 November (SM Mega Mall A)
• New York – 26 November (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple)
• Salt Lake City – 28 November (Joseph Smith Memorial Building)
• Gilbert: 29 November (Water Tower Plaza)
• London: 30 November (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hyde Park Visitors
• Center)

The machines will be available through the Christmas season. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to partner charities for the purchased item or for items or services of greater need based on their discretion.

One hundred percent (100%) of the donation will be used for the purchased item or for similar items or services of greater need as determined by the applicable charitable organization. Administrative costs for this campaign are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Done shopping for yourself? How about shopping for someone else? Every item you buy goes to someone in need. Head to the Upper Ground Level of SM Megamall Bldg. A, Edsa Entrance during mall hours until December 31. 

Mommy Cheri & Daughter CJ Guerrero Beko's New Cook-Off Cycle 2 Winner!

“We are excited to hold the Eat Like A Pro: Cook-Off for the second time. We hope that parents and their children can show us their cooking skills as they prepare healthy dishes. We want parents to know that it is possible to make their children eat healthy without compromising the taste of the meals they serve. The Eat Like A Pro: Cook-Off is only one of the things we are doing to promote healthy eating, especially among kids.” ~ Mr. Dyeun Zapanta, Assistant General Manager of Beko Philippines

Beko is the international home appliances brand of the Arçelik Group. It is owned by Koç Holding, which — as one of the largest companies in Europe — is ranked in Fortune Global 500 list. They have managed to grow on a global scale thanks to their efficiencies in manufacturing, along with their environmentally friendly and eco-award winning products. The fully respect the environment and understand its critical importance for society.

Beko Philippines, the Official Partner of the Everyday, conducts a non-stop fun filled with prizes and healthy yummy dishes that sums up the second #EatLikeAPro Cook-Off Cycle 2 at Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City. Congratulations to crowned the new champions Mommy Cheri Dacanay & her daughter CJ Guerrero for winning a brand new Beko Kitchen Showcase + P10,000 cash! Their healthy and tasty dishes totally won the hearts of the judges and the crowd.

Mommy Cheri & Daughter CJ's winning menu's

Eggplant Stir-Fried Noodles

Malunggay Pancake

Ampalaya Tuna Patties with Mango Coconut Sauce

The cooking contest for parent-child tandem is in support of Beko’s Eat Like A Pro (ELAP) advocacy, an information dissemination campaign that seeks to help parents provide healthier food choices for their children. This advocacy seeks to raise awareness about the rapidly growing rates of childhood malnutrition due in the Philippines to unhealthy eating habits.

Let me share with you the Cycle 2 journey of the cook-off from day 1, day 2, and day 3.....

DAY 1: November 16, 2018 - Elimination Rounds

The 1st day of delicious battle is on and the eliminations of Eat Like A Pro Cook-Off Cycle 2 at Robinsons Metro East and a family Zumba led by FitKids. Being healthy is the theme of the Cook-Off Cycle 2 and kicking things off with the Dancercise by FitKids that the whole family can enjoy! A day of healthy habits and tasty meals!

Top 4

DAY 2: November 17, 2018 - Semmi-Final Rounds and a cooking demo from the first-ever #EatLikeAPro Cook-Off Champions Mommy Michelle and Ralph Huertas

Beko successfully wrapped up the first leg of the Eat Like A Pro: Cook-Off last August 31 at the Eat Like A Pro: Cook-Off SM Southmall, Activity Center. Michelle Huertas and daughter are the first cycle winner of the contest who took home a Beko kitchen showcase and PHP 10,000-worth of a cash prize. 

The two teams who will be facing off for the right to be crowned the new #EatLikeAPro Cook-Off Champions!

DAY 3: November 18 - Final Round plus a cooking demo by Chef Gerick Manalo

Food Stylist & Celebrity Chef Gerick Manalo - a Brand Ambassador and Lifestyle Influencer, cooked his red-hot meals LIVE on the final day of the #EatLikeAPro Cook-Off Cycle 2 last November 18.

And so the final cooking challenge begins between Team Yellow and Team Green.

Criteria for Judging:

• 35% Quality, Healthiness, and Taste of Dish
• 35% Effectiveness of the Tandem (Teamwork with the child)
• 20% Creativity and Presentation
• 10% Audience Impact

Mommy Cheri & Daughter CJ Guerrero Beko's New Cook-Off Cycle 2 Winner!

To know more about Beko’s #EatLikeAPro advocacy and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit the website at www.beko.ph.

The contest aims to showcase how parents and their children can work together in preparing delicious, budget-friendly, and healthy meals for the whole family.

Equilibrio launches new line of Super-Premium Cat, Dog Food in the Philippines!

“Here in the Philippines, we consider our pets as members of our family. As such, we always want only the best for our cats and dogs, especially when it comes to the food that they eat. At Equilibrio, we believe that our pets deserve the right food for their own unique needs.” ~Johanna Emata, marketing manager of Neovia Philippines

Last November 13, Equilibrio, a super-premium brand of pet foods, was launched its new line of products, formulated with high-quality raw materials and selected ingredients, providing better digestibility and flavor for the satisfaction and feeding of cats and dogs here in the Philippines.

We have 2 male dogs (different breeds) and 1 pregnant cat at the moment, though I'm not the one who feeds them I am concern with what we feed them. I am always open to trying different products that will really suit their taste buds and of course which concerns good nutrition for their health. 

“We are very excited to finally launch Equilibrio, which is known globally as a brand that provides Excellence Nutrition to pets. We also made sure that Equilibrio’s formulation is scientifically proven to help in improving the quality and longevity of their life.” ~Daniel Olivo, marketing director of Neovia Philippines

Each of Equilibrio’s recipes and snacks has high nutrient assimilation, which helps in the reduction in stool volume. They are also specially manufactured with nutraceuticals, such as Yucca schidegera that reduces stool odor, as well as prebiotics and probiotics that improve bowel transit time.

With its updated and modern formula, Equilibrio’s products are compatible with the highest nutritional concepts. Among its offerings are for Small Breed, All Breed, and Large Breed Puppies and Adult Dogs; as well as for Kittens and Adult Cats. Even Veterinary Lines suited for pets that have special needs.

Equilibrio products are now available for Filipino customers in selected credible pet food stores and veterinary clinics. Neovia, makers of Equilibrio products, is a leading player in animal nutrition and health that operates in seven business lines such as complete feed, aquaculture, pet care, premix/firm services, additives & ingredients, animal health, and analysis laboratories.

To know more about Equilibrio, visit Neovia Philippines’ website at www.ph.neovia-group.com.

Dogs and even cats will always be mans best friend and by that, they are considered as a member of our family. 

East-West Seed hosts Vegetable Field Day at Villar Sipag Farm

“We are glad that East-West Seed has chosen this as the venue for the East-West Seed Field Day 2018.” ~Sen. Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food

As the song goes "Magtanim ay di biro maghapong nakayoko di man lang makaupo di man lang makatayo....." makes me appreciate the farmers more, and I am one of a farmers granddaughter myself.

The East-West Seed (EWS) showcases over 100 vegetable varieties to the delegates and media guests which are set-up in a unique ‘Pinoy Fiesta’ format from different varieties of vegetables, fruits, and a lot more than you can see in a farm. Last November 16, 2018, Part of the delegates of the 25th Asian Seed Congress 2018, went on a field demo tour at the East-West Seed (EWS) at the Villar SIPAG Farm in Bacoor, Cavite. As part of its participation to the 25th Asian Seed Congress 2018.

“We are deeply proud of this achievement as it reflects our continued mission to improve the lives of farmers one seed at a time.” ~Henk Hermans, EWS General Manager in the Philippines

#1 in South and Southeast Asia 

This commitment was recently highlighted in a recognition received by East-West Seed at the Asian Seed Congress 2018. The independent organization Access to Seeds revealed EWS to be number 1 out of 24 companies in serving smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia. 

The Access to Seeds Index is measuring and ranking seed companies according to their efforts to improve access to quality seeds of improved varieties to support smallholder farmer productivity.

For over three decades, East-West Seed has served over 18 million smallholder farmers worldwide to increase their productivity and incomes. 

Part of their efforts has been to provide and breed specific needs of their clients, selling seeds in small packages, and providing training to farmers. 

It is this business model that proves and supports the goal of the Access to Seed Index which is to bridge the gap between the world’s leading seed companies and the smallholder farmer.

“Better Seeds for a Better World”
With the theme, “Better Seeds for a Better World,” the field demo features a wide range of vegetable varieties that produce a better yield, thrive in changing conditions, and have traits that are attractive to vegetable consumers.

It also boasts unique varieties including rounded eggplant, butternut pumpkin, purple waxy-sweet corn, and purple yardlong bean. 

This event also has an interactive component with East-West Seed’s catalog app CropWiki which was launched last 2017.

CropWiki contains detailed information on over 900 of East-West Seed’s vegetable varieties. Filled with physical and genetic crop information, the app can help increase farmers’ income because it provides the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in farming.

Different kinds of chilies/Peppers

Different variety of Flowers

Farm-Ready

Oh My Gulay: Tanim sa kinabukasan Garden

Types of equipment and Machines in Farming

What to see inside Villar Sipag Farm

How to make/grow a seed making

East-West Seed also holds Field Days for the public last November 21 to 23 in their demo fields in Villar SIPAG Farm and in the University of the Philippines - Los Banos. Urban gardening workshops, cooking demos, learning sessions with farmers, and a career day for students has been held during those field days and offered FREE to everyone.

It wasn't just a day at the farm learning but as well as just like the seeds growing as well. I've come to my senses and realized why not make 1 or 2 simple pot of vegetable that I can grow at home since we have a lot of sunlight in the morning from our terrace might as well a good start for an urban farming. I could start from a few seeds of tomatoes and pepper, will see once I harvest. ^_^

In reality it is not just the chidrens of today are the needs of the future but our farmers as well especially our local farmers.