Financial literacy is something I learned the hard way. You see, it took me so long to actually know if the change I got from the canteen of my elementary school was correct. I remember when I was in Grade 2 and 3, I pretend to count the change, but really, I had no idea if I got the right amount or not.
Now that I'm a mom, this is something I want my daughter to learn and understand early on. Sadly, financial literacy is something most schools do not teach the students. That is why I am glad that Pru-Life came up with this project called Cha-Ching.
Developed by Prudential, CHA-CHING is a programme about six band members whose exciting adventures teach them about key money concepts: Earn, Save, Spend and Donate. Kids can learn how to make money-smart choices by watching the music videos on Cartoon Network or the Cha-Ching website - which also has games, apps and at home activities for the whole family.
My husband, who works for the Department of Education was the one who introduced us to this programme, as he is in close contact with the people behind this project. I am glad my daughter is enjoying the videos, though I have yet to go through the manual with her. But for a start, she is now familiar with the characters of the said programme.
Pepper is the shopaholic who constantly spends money. Zui is sensible and knows he needs to learn about saving to achieve his race car driver dream. Charity (my daughter's fave) is generous and is always looking for ways to help out hose in need. Justin is a natural entrepreneur and has lots of great ideas to make money. Bobby doesn't plan ahead financially and often spends all of his money while Prudence is a meticulous money-saver who learnt to save from her parents.
Prudential developed Cha-Ching inresponse to a growing need for financial literary education in Asia. Research showed that only 13% of parents in Asia think their children possess good money management skills but almost all consider thse skills important. Agree!
To know more about this genius project, go to
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Doc McStuffins
So these past few months my daughter is so into Doc McStuffins, Disney Jr's new cartoon character. I myself am happy about this because she learns a lot from the show and has been consistently claiming that she wants to be a doctor. Being the supportive mom that I am (ahem!), I make sure she gets to get her doze of Doc McStuffins during the weekends and I allow her to play doctor with me. In fact, today I bought another Doc McStuffins toy without her asking me for it.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Lauat Shampoo vs Pantene Hair Fall Defense vs Ilog Maria Shampoo
So what do the three shampoos have in common? They all promise to minimize hair fall. And I've tried all of them, given all of them a chance, and now I'm writing about what I think.
I first tried the Ilog Maria Shampoo that my husband bought for me from one of his travels. The bottle's label is very promising as it lists all the benefits of said shampoo. My verdict: It only made my hair stiff. Hair fall remained the same.
Then I learned from my yahoogroup of mommies about Lauat Shampoo, and was able to find one at SM Hypermart. It costs a little less than P200, which is expensive for its size. My verdict: It dried out my hair, it made my hair feel like rubber, but yes, it helped minimize the amount of hair fall... but only for about 3 months. I also had to use conditioner right after washing my hair with Lauat because if I don't my hair'd look really rubbery.
Pantene Hair Fall Defense, which costs around P49 for the small bottle and around P100+ for the bigger one. My verdict: Smells really good but not as effective as Lauat.
Now, I am still on a search for the shampoo that'd help me with this problem of mine. Sigh.
I first tried the Ilog Maria Shampoo that my husband bought for me from one of his travels. The bottle's label is very promising as it lists all the benefits of said shampoo. My verdict: It only made my hair stiff. Hair fall remained the same.
Then I learned from my yahoogroup of mommies about Lauat Shampoo, and was able to find one at SM Hypermart. It costs a little less than P200, which is expensive for its size. My verdict: It dried out my hair, it made my hair feel like rubber, but yes, it helped minimize the amount of hair fall... but only for about 3 months. I also had to use conditioner right after washing my hair with Lauat because if I don't my hair'd look really rubbery.
Pantene Hair Fall Defense, which costs around P49 for the small bottle and around P100+ for the bigger one. My verdict: Smells really good but not as effective as Lauat.
Now, I am still on a search for the shampoo that'd help me with this problem of mine. Sigh.
The Power of Music
Once again, I am reminded about something I've read before to not underestimate what kids can remember. You see, when my daughter went home a few weeks back and I learned about their upcoming unit test, I felt daunted by the number of pages she has to study in preparation for the said test. One of the subjects that stood out was Social Science, because there were just so much to memorize! I was doubtful if we'd be able to study, much more make her remember all the National Symbols.
But lo and behold, two days after, she came home singing a song with a melody I haven't heard before. I knew it was just a made-up tune by the teacher, in an effort to make memorizing for the students easier. And yes, indeed, it was effective. My 6 year old was able to memorize all the national symbols as well as the contributions made by our heroes, such as Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang, Emilio Aguinaldo, Sultan Kudarat, among others.
I am thankful for the way the teacher used music to help the kids recall and enjoy the process of memorization. I am also amazed at how fast my daughter remembers and understands her lessons, making me decide to come up with tunes to make her Bible memory verses easier, too.
But lo and behold, two days after, she came home singing a song with a melody I haven't heard before. I knew it was just a made-up tune by the teacher, in an effort to make memorizing for the students easier. And yes, indeed, it was effective. My 6 year old was able to memorize all the national symbols as well as the contributions made by our heroes, such as Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang, Emilio Aguinaldo, Sultan Kudarat, among others.
I am thankful for the way the teacher used music to help the kids recall and enjoy the process of memorization. I am also amazed at how fast my daughter remembers and understands her lessons, making me decide to come up with tunes to make her Bible memory verses easier, too.
The Noah's Ark Project
My husband had been recently invited to attend a full day seminar on Corporate Network For Disaster Response (CNDR) which was held at The Shangri-La Hotel in Makati. I myself am interested in this and I made sure he bring home brochures so I can read up on this project, especially about The Noah's Ark Project.
Let me share to you my take-aways from the brochure he gave me:
VISION - Business sector prepared to deal with disasters affecting their company and the community at large.
MISSION - Help build the capacities of the business sector and Filipino communities to effectively prepare for and deal with disasters.
So what is the CNDR in the first place? The CNDR started in 1990 as a group coordinating the responses of the business sector for the Luzon earthquake (sidenote: I was a freshman student of UP Baguio during this earthquake and I know how daunting and traumatic it is to be at the center of this horrific event). Today, the network has evolved from an institution merely rendering community disaster response to delivering a more comprehensive disaster risk management approach to all its members and target communities.
One of their community-based disaster risk management projects is the Noah's Ark Project, a community-based flood preparedness project initiated by the Our Lighthouse Alliance. Noah's Ark aims to find a safe spot in a high risk area and develop it into an evacuation center where people will be safe and secure, and develop capacities of vulnerable communities to prepare for flooding.
In partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc and habitat for Humanity Philippines, the project was implemented on a pilot scale during a 4-month period in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City in 2010. As of 2012, the project has been implemented in 9 barangays and 1 city.
Personally, I am thankful for projects like this and for the people behind these endeavors. Natural calamities are getting more frequent and scarier these past years and to have awareness and preparedness is something we can at least do, even before disasters hit.
But then, we all need to pray more not only for our families, but for our nation. God is the ultimate source of protection and the only antidote to fear.
Let me share to you my take-aways from the brochure he gave me:
VISION - Business sector prepared to deal with disasters affecting their company and the community at large.
MISSION - Help build the capacities of the business sector and Filipino communities to effectively prepare for and deal with disasters.
So what is the CNDR in the first place? The CNDR started in 1990 as a group coordinating the responses of the business sector for the Luzon earthquake (sidenote: I was a freshman student of UP Baguio during this earthquake and I know how daunting and traumatic it is to be at the center of this horrific event). Today, the network has evolved from an institution merely rendering community disaster response to delivering a more comprehensive disaster risk management approach to all its members and target communities.
One of their community-based disaster risk management projects is the Noah's Ark Project, a community-based flood preparedness project initiated by the Our Lighthouse Alliance. Noah's Ark aims to find a safe spot in a high risk area and develop it into an evacuation center where people will be safe and secure, and develop capacities of vulnerable communities to prepare for flooding.
In partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc and habitat for Humanity Philippines, the project was implemented on a pilot scale during a 4-month period in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City in 2010. As of 2012, the project has been implemented in 9 barangays and 1 city.
Personally, I am thankful for projects like this and for the people behind these endeavors. Natural calamities are getting more frequent and scarier these past years and to have awareness and preparedness is something we can at least do, even before disasters hit.
But then, we all need to pray more not only for our families, but for our nation. God is the ultimate source of protection and the only antidote to fear.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Time In Perspective
A few months ago, I mentioned that I was reading John C. Maxwell's book, "Today Matters." The first time I saw it in Bestsellers at The Podium, I knew I wanted to have a copy of it, for it is one of those books that I know I will read and go back to and refer to over and over again. And for my birthday last year, that was one of the things in my wishlist. Guess what, that was one of the things my husband got for me as a present. Teehee.
I've been reading it on a popcorn basis, as I have been simultaneously gorging on various books, too. Multitasking as usual, that's why.
Anyway, today I went to it again and I just want to share what I read this morning. Hope this helps us in our perspective about time.
"To know the value of one year... ask the student who failed the final exam.
To know the value of one month... ask the mother of a premature baby.
To know the value of one week... ask the editor of a weekly newsmagazine.
To know the value of one day... ask the wage earner who has six children.
To know the value of one minute... ask the person who missed the plane.
To know the value of one second... ask the person who survived the accident.
To know the value of one millisecond... ask the Olympic silver medalist."
"Your time is priceless. As Raplh Waldo Emerson advised, 'Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life."
I've been reading it on a popcorn basis, as I have been simultaneously gorging on various books, too. Multitasking as usual, that's why.
Anyway, today I went to it again and I just want to share what I read this morning. Hope this helps us in our perspective about time.
"To know the value of one year... ask the student who failed the final exam.
To know the value of one month... ask the mother of a premature baby.
To know the value of one week... ask the editor of a weekly newsmagazine.
To know the value of one day... ask the wage earner who has six children.
To know the value of one minute... ask the person who missed the plane.
To know the value of one second... ask the person who survived the accident.
To know the value of one millisecond... ask the Olympic silver medalist."
"Your time is priceless. As Raplh Waldo Emerson advised, 'Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life."
Monday, July 21, 2014
Flood Safety Tips
I have never been scared of flooding until Ondoy hit the country around 6 years ago. After Ondoy, I have not looked at the rainy season the same way again. I used to be cool and calm during typhoons but when our house got flooded up to the second step of our stairs, paranoia hits me each time Kuya Kim (Atienza of TV Patrol) announces the weather updates. If I'm not mistaken, a couple of years after Ondoy, a habagat caused so much flooding in the country again. Thank God we didn't get flooded inside the house, but the effect in other areas was just as much, or even worse than Ondoy's.
So because of this paranoia, I believe the Filipinos have become more vigilant. Terms like LPA or Low-Pressure Area and ITCZ or Inter Tropical Convergence Zone have become almost household phrases and enough to make most of us get up and start preparing our houses, our properties and our families.
As for our household, here are the standard steps we make in making sure, or at least trying to minimize the stress and damage in case a storm and flooding come our way.
1. Stock up on groceries especially canned goods, easy to prepare meals, snacks, drinks, milk for my daughter, toiletries, bread and rice.
2. Have extra gallons of drinking water delivered.
3. Make sure candles, matches, extra batteries come in handy.
4. Charge all gadgets such as cellphones, tablets, powerbanks, lamps and rechargeable fans, laptops, pocket wifi and transistor radios.
5. Check that roofing, fences, windows and doors are secure.
6. Place dogs and other pets in dry, safe areas.
7. Know when and where to park your vehicles. In our case, we bring the car to the nearest mall. A friend parks her car somewhere uphill.
8. Secure important documents in water-proof containers such as plastic bags or waterproof bags.
9. Bring all important stuff to the second floor, if one is available.
10. You may want to prepare an emergency bag in case evacuation is necessary. Let the family know where to go in such cases and how to get there as well.
11. Most importantly, pray, pray pray. Pray that the LOrd will spare not only our families, but our village, our town, our countrymen, and the Philippines as well.
So because of this paranoia, I believe the Filipinos have become more vigilant. Terms like LPA or Low-Pressure Area and ITCZ or Inter Tropical Convergence Zone have become almost household phrases and enough to make most of us get up and start preparing our houses, our properties and our families.
As for our household, here are the standard steps we make in making sure, or at least trying to minimize the stress and damage in case a storm and flooding come our way.
1. Stock up on groceries especially canned goods, easy to prepare meals, snacks, drinks, milk for my daughter, toiletries, bread and rice.
2. Have extra gallons of drinking water delivered.
3. Make sure candles, matches, extra batteries come in handy.
4. Charge all gadgets such as cellphones, tablets, powerbanks, lamps and rechargeable fans, laptops, pocket wifi and transistor radios.
5. Check that roofing, fences, windows and doors are secure.
6. Place dogs and other pets in dry, safe areas.
7. Know when and where to park your vehicles. In our case, we bring the car to the nearest mall. A friend parks her car somewhere uphill.
8. Secure important documents in water-proof containers such as plastic bags or waterproof bags.
9. Bring all important stuff to the second floor, if one is available.
10. You may want to prepare an emergency bag in case evacuation is necessary. Let the family know where to go in such cases and how to get there as well.
11. Most importantly, pray, pray pray. Pray that the LOrd will spare not only our families, but our village, our town, our countrymen, and the Philippines as well.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Travel Scrapbook
For my daughter's Social Studies project, they were asked to come up with a Travel Scrapbook. Eventhough they were given 2 weeks to prepare it, we found ourselves cramming over the weekend due to the power interruption that happened last week and lasted for 5 days in our subdivision. Glad we were able to beat the deadline. Here are some of the pages...
Cover Page:
The Table of Contents:
Of course, some of her growing up pics:
We decided to start with our trip to Hongkong, my daughter's first trip out of the country:
Then off to Singapore...
A few pages for our Universal Studios visit...
A couple of pages for our Malaysia trip...
And a few of our Philippine rendezvous...
The whole task of sorting out the photos and choosing which ones to print, as well as the process of pasting, embellishing and laying out the whole thing was in itself a blessing. For this project reminded me how good, gracious, and faithful the Lord is. He has caused us to afford these vacations and He has blessed us with wonderful memories. For sure, the same sweet Jesus will allow us to prosper and travel more and live long, healthy and abundant lives. To God be the Glory!
Cover Page:
The Table of Contents:
Of course, some of her growing up pics:
We decided to start with our trip to Hongkong, my daughter's first trip out of the country:
Then off to Singapore...
A few pages for our Universal Studios visit...
A couple of pages for our Malaysia trip...
And a few of our Philippine rendezvous...
The whole task of sorting out the photos and choosing which ones to print, as well as the process of pasting, embellishing and laying out the whole thing was in itself a blessing. For this project reminded me how good, gracious, and faithful the Lord is. He has caused us to afford these vacations and He has blessed us with wonderful memories. For sure, the same sweet Jesus will allow us to prosper and travel more and live long, healthy and abundant lives. To God be the Glory!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Prayer for Protection
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2
Dear Lord, as a strong typhoon is about to enter the Philippines, we ask for your unfailing love and supernatural protection over our country and our countrymen. May your hand of divine protection surround us and keep us away from all forms of harm and danger. Protect each person, each animal, each property, each vehicle. Bless us and may we not be subjected to any trouble.
May our faith remain strong and may fear not overtake us. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Dear Lord, as a strong typhoon is about to enter the Philippines, we ask for your unfailing love and supernatural protection over our country and our countrymen. May your hand of divine protection surround us and keep us away from all forms of harm and danger. Protect each person, each animal, each property, each vehicle. Bless us and may we not be subjected to any trouble.
May our faith remain strong and may fear not overtake us. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Cooking Up A Creative Genius
If there is one person who is much aware of my passion to teach and nurture my daughter in all of life's aspects, that would be my husband. So recently, he gave me a book titled "Cooking Up A Creative Genius" by Henry Tenedero.
I haven't taken the time to read it but was able to browse it a couple of times.
The book and its insights seem interesting. Me being a sucker of learning and multi-intelligence is excited to get to read said book. Its tagline says, "Homemade Teaching Styles to enhance your child's learning styles, emotional and multiple intelligences."
Uhm, the tagline, for me isn't perfectly constructed, but I hope the book is. As they say, don't judge the book by its cover.
Will update you once I've found the time to read at least a few chapters of it.
I haven't taken the time to read it but was able to browse it a couple of times.
The book and its insights seem interesting. Me being a sucker of learning and multi-intelligence is excited to get to read said book. Its tagline says, "Homemade Teaching Styles to enhance your child's learning styles, emotional and multiple intelligences."
Uhm, the tagline, for me isn't perfectly constructed, but I hope the book is. As they say, don't judge the book by its cover.
Will update you once I've found the time to read at least a few chapters of it.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
The Past Week's Learning
The past week had been quite stressful for us because my daughter had fever and cough. Only a parent will really really understand it when someone says "It's so hard if it's your child who's sick. If only I could feel ill instead of him."
Only when I became a mom did I understand that. But compared to what we went through in late April of this year, when my daughter had fever, cough, chest pains, tummy troubles and infection, this week's testing was bearable and manageable. We have stronger faith now and I was calmer. I knew that God is going to heal my daughter, and it is not because of how persistent my prayers are, (but of course we are called to pray without ceasing), but because God is a big God and He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Thank God because she only had continuous fever for about half a day, then it was only fatigue and the dry cough that hindered her from going to school. In my heart, I was okay with her not going to school even if it was her Unit Test week, because for me, health is more important than academic excellence or perfect attendance. I also wanted to let her know that how she feels is my priority, and not the pressures of school. Don't get me wrong, I am all for school and was a geek as a student, but perhaps, emotional and spiritual maturity have gotten into me and told me that I should know when to insist my child go to school and when not.
It feels good that I respected her decision to still not attend class on Tuesday (her second day of being absent) because I know it will help her rest more, we can spend more time bonding and a few hours of reviewing. I know that as much as I am teaching her the value of health, I am teaching myself not to sweat the small stuff in life as well.
Only when I became a mom did I understand that. But compared to what we went through in late April of this year, when my daughter had fever, cough, chest pains, tummy troubles and infection, this week's testing was bearable and manageable. We have stronger faith now and I was calmer. I knew that God is going to heal my daughter, and it is not because of how persistent my prayers are, (but of course we are called to pray without ceasing), but because God is a big God and He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Thank God because she only had continuous fever for about half a day, then it was only fatigue and the dry cough that hindered her from going to school. In my heart, I was okay with her not going to school even if it was her Unit Test week, because for me, health is more important than academic excellence or perfect attendance. I also wanted to let her know that how she feels is my priority, and not the pressures of school. Don't get me wrong, I am all for school and was a geek as a student, but perhaps, emotional and spiritual maturity have gotten into me and told me that I should know when to insist my child go to school and when not.
It feels good that I respected her decision to still not attend class on Tuesday (her second day of being absent) because I know it will help her rest more, we can spend more time bonding and a few hours of reviewing. I know that as much as I am teaching her the value of health, I am teaching myself not to sweat the small stuff in life as well.
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
The Triangle of Life
I came across this article around a couple of years ago but I was doubtful at first with regards to the reliability of this theory. I found this on my facebook newsfeed today and read it all over again. Thought maybe I should post it here as I can see the logic behind what's being said by the writer. Here goes...
Queue etiquettes, morals, politics and Commercial Queuers »
Safe TRIANGLE during earthquakes
Subject: Save your life with “The Triangle of Life”
1. Thinking about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway?
2.Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI ), the world’s most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene — unnecessary.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse:
1.the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects,
2.leaving a space or void next to them -
3.NOT under them.
This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life’.
1.The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact.
2.The less the object compacts,
3.the larger the void,
4.the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured.
The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the ‘triangles’ you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
A) Most everyone who simply
1.‘ducks and covers’ when building collapse
2.are crushed to death.
3.People who get under objects,
4.like desks or cars, are crushed.
B) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position.
5.You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct.
6.You can survive in a smaller void.
7.Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
C) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake.
8.Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake.
9.If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created.
10.Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight.
11.Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
D) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed.
12.A safe void will exist around the bed.
13.Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
E) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
F) Most or everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed.
14.How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
G) Never go to the stairs.
15.The stairs have a different ‘moment of frequency’
16.(they swing separately from the main part of the building).
17.The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place.
18.The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads – horribly mutilated.
19.Even if the building doesn’t collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged.
20.Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people.
21.They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
H) Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible -
22.It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior.
23.The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
I) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway.
24.The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed.
25.They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles.
26.Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them.
27.All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.
J) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact.
28.Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
Spread the word and save someone’s life…
The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!
‘We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly’
Subject: Save your life with “The Triangle of Life”
Queue etiquettes, morals, politics and Commercial Queuers »
Safe TRIANGLE during earthquakes
Subject: Save your life with “The Triangle of Life”
1. Thinking about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway?
2.Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI ), the world’s most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene — unnecessary.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse:
1.the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects,
2.leaving a space or void next to them -
3.NOT under them.
This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life’.
1.The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact.
2.The less the object compacts,
3.the larger the void,
4.the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured.
The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the ‘triangles’ you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
A) Most everyone who simply
1.‘ducks and covers’ when building collapse
2.are crushed to death.
3.People who get under objects,
4.like desks or cars, are crushed.
B) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position.
5.You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct.
6.You can survive in a smaller void.
7.Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
C) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake.
8.Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake.
9.If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created.
10.Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight.
11.Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
D) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed.
12.A safe void will exist around the bed.
13.Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
E) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
F) Most or everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed.
14.How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
G) Never go to the stairs.
15.The stairs have a different ‘moment of frequency’
16.(they swing separately from the main part of the building).
17.The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place.
18.The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads – horribly mutilated.
19.Even if the building doesn’t collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged.
20.Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people.
21.They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
H) Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible -
22.It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior.
23.The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
I) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway.
24.The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed.
25.They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles.
26.Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them.
27.All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.
J) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact.
28.Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
Spread the word and save someone’s life…
The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!
‘We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly’
Subject: Save your life with “The Triangle of Life”
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Product Review: Expandable Garden Hose
I first saw this being marketed over Home TV Shopping about a month ago. It caught my attention because I know how tedious it is to unroll and untangle and hurl a heavy and bulky garden hose around, much more to clean an SUV with it. I've only cleaned the family car around twice alone, but it is always my husband who does this time-consuming task (not complaining owning a car, though). When I saw the ad about the expandable garden hose that shrinks and weight less than a kilo and expands and extends, I knew I just got to buy one. However, I find the price too steep for a hose. If I'm not mistaken, it was around less than a thousand pesos then.
Groupon sites recently started selling these wonder hoses at around less than P500, then at less than P400. Still, I knew it will be soon that the prices will go down, considering the popularity and the competition.
When I went to Daiso Japan in Metroeast last week, I chanced upon this kind of hose and it was being sold for only P288! Of course I bought it and knew my hubby will be very happy - he likes surprised and he likes things that make work easier and faster.
That afternoon, we tried using the hose and we were satisfied. There are adjustments and controls by the spout and it extends and expands indeed. Very convenient and affordable! So for those looking into this product, I'd recommend buying the ones in Daiso or Saizen as they're of the same quality and are way cheaper, too.
Groupon sites recently started selling these wonder hoses at around less than P500, then at less than P400. Still, I knew it will be soon that the prices will go down, considering the popularity and the competition.
When I went to Daiso Japan in Metroeast last week, I chanced upon this kind of hose and it was being sold for only P288! Of course I bought it and knew my hubby will be very happy - he likes surprised and he likes things that make work easier and faster.
That afternoon, we tried using the hose and we were satisfied. There are adjustments and controls by the spout and it extends and expands indeed. Very convenient and affordable! So for those looking into this product, I'd recommend buying the ones in Daiso or Saizen as they're of the same quality and are way cheaper, too.
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
MY TOP TEN LIST OF JUNK FOOD
There are days when I just want to give in to my craving for junk foods. Never mind the cholesterol they’d be giving me. The following is a list of what I usually buy whenever I need that unhealthy-food-fix.
10. Piattos Sour Cream Flavor by Jack and Jill- cheaper than Lay''s Sour Cream
9. Moby Chocolate Puff- puffy and airy sensation in the mouth
8. Dingdong Mixed Nuts by JBC Food- whenever I crave for something salty
7. Curly Tops by Ricoa- brings back childhood memories
6. Goya Dark Chocolate- inexpensive alternative to the imported dark ones
5. Chocolate Sponge by Oishi- melts in your mouth goodness
4. Oishi Marty’s Cracklin’ Salt ‘n Vinegar Flavor- satisfies craving for real chicharon
3. Clover Cheese Flavor by Leslie’s- the thinner and cheesier, the better
2. Chippy Barbecue Flavor by Jack ‘n Jill - best with Coke
1. Chiz Curls by Jack ‘n Jill - my all time favorite!
10. Piattos Sour Cream Flavor by Jack and Jill- cheaper than Lay''s Sour Cream
9. Moby Chocolate Puff- puffy and airy sensation in the mouth
8. Dingdong Mixed Nuts by JBC Food- whenever I crave for something salty
7. Curly Tops by Ricoa- brings back childhood memories
6. Goya Dark Chocolate- inexpensive alternative to the imported dark ones
5. Chocolate Sponge by Oishi- melts in your mouth goodness
4. Oishi Marty’s Cracklin’ Salt ‘n Vinegar Flavor- satisfies craving for real chicharon
3. Clover Cheese Flavor by Leslie’s- the thinner and cheesier, the better
2. Chippy Barbecue Flavor by Jack ‘n Jill - best with Coke
1. Chiz Curls by Jack ‘n Jill - my all time favorite!
On Schooldays and Rainy Days
To debate whether it is a good idea or not to still start the school year in the Philippines in the month of June is not wise, for now. Sure, we can consider moving the beginning of classes by the fourth quarter of the year when there are less rains and typhoons, but for now, I guess what we all have to do is to be prepared for the rainy days.
The rains and typhoon season should not come as a surprise to Filipinos anymore, as this is how our country is situated. To say that we are not prepared is not an excuse. But again, like a lot of other conditions, to prepare for the typhoons is easier said than done.
I myself is guilty of not preparing an emergency bag, yet. I used to have a packed luggage for the family in case we need to evacuate, but after a year I decided to remove the contents as we needed the extra luggage for an out of the country trip. Since then, I haven’t gotten around to coming up with an emergency bag.
As of this writing, it is the beginning of July and the sun outside is high and mighty. If my estimate is correct, it is about 33 degrees in Manila right now. I am thankful for the sun, but I also know that the rainy season is soon to make itself felt in the country. Meaning, I have to get up and start preparing an emergency bag… which I prayerfully claim our family will never have to use. The thought of having to evacuate stresses and worries me, but that is another story.
So what exactly should go into the emergency bag? Here is a list I’ve come up with based on some quick research and my own personal discernment, based on my family’s needs and lifestyle.
Clothes for each member of the family – and this means at least 3 shirts, 3 underwear, 3 jeans or leggings, shorts for my daughter.
One bath towel for each member of the family – or the girls can share, since bath towels can be very bulky.
Face towels for hand washing, face washing, and to wipe off perspiration.
Hats or bonnets
Medicines – maintenance meds, paracetamol, cough and colds medicine, allergy meds, multi-vitamins both for kids and adult members of the family.
First aid kit – bandage, cotton balls and cotton swabs, Bactidol, Betadine, alcohol, agua oxinada, digital thermometer, ointment for insect bites.
Extra contact lenses and contact lens cleaner/solution – if applicable
Hair brush or comb
Toothbrush for each member of the family
Medium-sized toothpaste or toothpaste sachets (at least 3 sachets for each family member)
Tweezers and shavers (for eyebrows and underarm hair)
Sanitary napkins and panty liners
Diapers – if applicable
Travel sized lotion (the variety that’s safe for all family members) and loose powder (to keep dry from perspiration)
Shampoo and soap for the adults
Johnson’s Top to Toe Wash for the kids – this one always goes with us even during family vacays
Dipper or tabo – for Pinoys like us, bathing and washing is close to impossible without our tabo! Hehe.
Extra sneakers or sandals – I would recommend rubberized ones or crocs since they don’t easily slip.
Socks – at least two for each family member. These will also be helpful to ward off cold weather.
Shawl and a light-weight blanket
Flashlight with extra batteries. Tip: To prevent the flashlight’s switch from accidentally getting turned on inside the bag causing the batteries to get used up and empty, make sure you insert the batteries the wrong way (positive side goes to the negative pole and vice versa). Just fix them when ready to use. Another tip: pack smaller flashlights for the kids, too.
Holy Bible
Small notebook and around 3 pens.
Activity books, crayons, pencils, small puzzles, travel-sized board games, play cards for the kids.
A stuffed toy or a small bolster pillow for the little ones to hug and draw comfort from.
Hair clips and scrunchies
Photocopy of Important Documents – passport, insurance policies, bank statements, land titles, property titles, ID cards.
ATM card of your emergency fund.
Outdoor tent – one that’s recommended both for sun and rain. Get one that will not only fit the whole family, but even your luggages, too.
Foldable umbrellas, at least one for two family members.
Canned goods – get the easy-open cans. If you can’t find those, or you find them more expensive, pack along a can opener.
Instant noodle – I personally prefer the ones that come in cups already.
Spoons, forks and a knife – stay away from the plastic disposable ones. Utensils don’t get too much space in your bag so it wont hurt if you bring your stainless utensils. One spoon and fork set for each family member
Chips and chocolates – times spent outside the home become less stressful when there are chips and sweets around.
At least three kilos of rice
Instant juices – okay, not healthy. But for me these times can be an exemption. Besides, you can’t pack fresh fruits in the emergency bag anyway.
3-in-1 Coffee
Abaniko or fan
Cash!
Garbage bags.
There, I’m sure there are more stuff I should include in the list. But it all depends on the size of the family, if there are infants or family members with special needs, and on the lifestyle of your family.
Just the same, let’s all be prepared but also pray that we will never have to evacuate and that the Lord will spare the Philippines from any more deadly calamities this year and the coming ones.
The rains and typhoon season should not come as a surprise to Filipinos anymore, as this is how our country is situated. To say that we are not prepared is not an excuse. But again, like a lot of other conditions, to prepare for the typhoons is easier said than done.
I myself is guilty of not preparing an emergency bag, yet. I used to have a packed luggage for the family in case we need to evacuate, but after a year I decided to remove the contents as we needed the extra luggage for an out of the country trip. Since then, I haven’t gotten around to coming up with an emergency bag.
As of this writing, it is the beginning of July and the sun outside is high and mighty. If my estimate is correct, it is about 33 degrees in Manila right now. I am thankful for the sun, but I also know that the rainy season is soon to make itself felt in the country. Meaning, I have to get up and start preparing an emergency bag… which I prayerfully claim our family will never have to use. The thought of having to evacuate stresses and worries me, but that is another story.
So what exactly should go into the emergency bag? Here is a list I’ve come up with based on some quick research and my own personal discernment, based on my family’s needs and lifestyle.
Clothes for each member of the family – and this means at least 3 shirts, 3 underwear, 3 jeans or leggings, shorts for my daughter.
One bath towel for each member of the family – or the girls can share, since bath towels can be very bulky.
Face towels for hand washing, face washing, and to wipe off perspiration.
Hats or bonnets
Medicines – maintenance meds, paracetamol, cough and colds medicine, allergy meds, multi-vitamins both for kids and adult members of the family.
First aid kit – bandage, cotton balls and cotton swabs, Bactidol, Betadine, alcohol, agua oxinada, digital thermometer, ointment for insect bites.
Extra contact lenses and contact lens cleaner/solution – if applicable
Hair brush or comb
Toothbrush for each member of the family
Medium-sized toothpaste or toothpaste sachets (at least 3 sachets for each family member)
Tweezers and shavers (for eyebrows and underarm hair)
Sanitary napkins and panty liners
Diapers – if applicable
Travel sized lotion (the variety that’s safe for all family members) and loose powder (to keep dry from perspiration)
Shampoo and soap for the adults
Johnson’s Top to Toe Wash for the kids – this one always goes with us even during family vacays
Dipper or tabo – for Pinoys like us, bathing and washing is close to impossible without our tabo! Hehe.
Extra sneakers or sandals – I would recommend rubberized ones or crocs since they don’t easily slip.
Socks – at least two for each family member. These will also be helpful to ward off cold weather.
Shawl and a light-weight blanket
Flashlight with extra batteries. Tip: To prevent the flashlight’s switch from accidentally getting turned on inside the bag causing the batteries to get used up and empty, make sure you insert the batteries the wrong way (positive side goes to the negative pole and vice versa). Just fix them when ready to use. Another tip: pack smaller flashlights for the kids, too.
Holy Bible
Small notebook and around 3 pens.
Activity books, crayons, pencils, small puzzles, travel-sized board games, play cards for the kids.
A stuffed toy or a small bolster pillow for the little ones to hug and draw comfort from.
Hair clips and scrunchies
Photocopy of Important Documents – passport, insurance policies, bank statements, land titles, property titles, ID cards.
ATM card of your emergency fund.
Outdoor tent – one that’s recommended both for sun and rain. Get one that will not only fit the whole family, but even your luggages, too.
Foldable umbrellas, at least one for two family members.
Canned goods – get the easy-open cans. If you can’t find those, or you find them more expensive, pack along a can opener.
Instant noodle – I personally prefer the ones that come in cups already.
Spoons, forks and a knife – stay away from the plastic disposable ones. Utensils don’t get too much space in your bag so it wont hurt if you bring your stainless utensils. One spoon and fork set for each family member
Chips and chocolates – times spent outside the home become less stressful when there are chips and sweets around.
At least three kilos of rice
Instant juices – okay, not healthy. But for me these times can be an exemption. Besides, you can’t pack fresh fruits in the emergency bag anyway.
3-in-1 Coffee
Abaniko or fan
Cash!
Garbage bags.
There, I’m sure there are more stuff I should include in the list. But it all depends on the size of the family, if there are infants or family members with special needs, and on the lifestyle of your family.
Just the same, let’s all be prepared but also pray that we will never have to evacuate and that the Lord will spare the Philippines from any more deadly calamities this year and the coming ones.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Dementia
According to Wikipedia, Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause long term loss of the ability to think and reason clearly that is severe enough to affect a person's daily functioning. For the diagnosis to be present it must be a change from how the person was previously.[1]
I've heard of the condition before but never really understood what it was. The Philippines' superstar Nora Aunor in fact, just finished filming this interesting and brilliant (haven't watched it but certainly will) film titled Dementia but that was the closest (haha, closest? not even!) encounter I've had with the condition.
Until last Sunday, our family went to visit an aunt in Bacoor, Cavite who, all the while I thought was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Auntie Lety suffered a stroke just a few months back and from then, started losing her memory, acting like a child, and talking about her younger years. Only when I got to chat with her daughter, one of my favorite cousins Ate Annie did I learn that it was actually Dementia that hit my aunt. She said it was a result of the stroke. Something ticked in her brain that caused the loss of memory.
We stayed in her house from 930am till around 130pm and her mood swings were sadly erratic. She'd cry one minute then laugh like a little bubbly girl the next. She'd talk about the time she was a gradeschooler, then she'd shift to giving out a graduation speech to a class who, she said is graduating that day. My cousin said there were times that my aunt would yell that there are robbers in the house, or there's a fire going on, or there are policemen around. The worst time was when there were just the two of them, my aunt and her older daughter, and it was already around 3am, and all the lights in the bedroom were out, and my aunt kept saying that my dead uncle is standing beside my cousin! It was creepy because my aunt was so makulit, saying that my uncle was indeed in the room. Not only did she claim dead uncles and grandfathers and other dead people in the room, but she also sometimes points to the corner of the room, saying that a headless man in a green (sometimes blue) outfit is standing there.
Whew! I am not very close to my aunt but seeing her like that breaks my heart. I also feel for my cousins who have to take care of her. They need all the strength and patience to keep up with taking care of someone in her situation. Makes me wonder how it would be like when I am already old and gray. Makes me remember to eat more healthily and make sure that I exercise regularly to ward off stroke, heart attacks and other diseases.
I've heard of the condition before but never really understood what it was. The Philippines' superstar Nora Aunor in fact, just finished filming this interesting and brilliant (haven't watched it but certainly will) film titled Dementia but that was the closest (haha, closest? not even!) encounter I've had with the condition.
Until last Sunday, our family went to visit an aunt in Bacoor, Cavite who, all the while I thought was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Auntie Lety suffered a stroke just a few months back and from then, started losing her memory, acting like a child, and talking about her younger years. Only when I got to chat with her daughter, one of my favorite cousins Ate Annie did I learn that it was actually Dementia that hit my aunt. She said it was a result of the stroke. Something ticked in her brain that caused the loss of memory.
We stayed in her house from 930am till around 130pm and her mood swings were sadly erratic. She'd cry one minute then laugh like a little bubbly girl the next. She'd talk about the time she was a gradeschooler, then she'd shift to giving out a graduation speech to a class who, she said is graduating that day. My cousin said there were times that my aunt would yell that there are robbers in the house, or there's a fire going on, or there are policemen around. The worst time was when there were just the two of them, my aunt and her older daughter, and it was already around 3am, and all the lights in the bedroom were out, and my aunt kept saying that my dead uncle is standing beside my cousin! It was creepy because my aunt was so makulit, saying that my uncle was indeed in the room. Not only did she claim dead uncles and grandfathers and other dead people in the room, but she also sometimes points to the corner of the room, saying that a headless man in a green (sometimes blue) outfit is standing there.
Whew! I am not very close to my aunt but seeing her like that breaks my heart. I also feel for my cousins who have to take care of her. They need all the strength and patience to keep up with taking care of someone in her situation. Makes me wonder how it would be like when I am already old and gray. Makes me remember to eat more healthily and make sure that I exercise regularly to ward off stroke, heart attacks and other diseases.
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