Touched by An Angel

19Jan 2018

We are #BloggersForFreedom …#DefendPressFreedom

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Those who wish to sign the “Bloggers for Freedom” statement can sign in this form http://bit.ly/bloggersforfreedom

“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. It is an attack on the freedoms over which we stand guard. Understand that we will see things this way. No, you will not be granted the impunity to make such attacks on ANY news outlets in the Freest Press in Asia.” –Alma Anonas-Carpio

The SEC order “revoking Rappler’s license to operate is the first of its kind in history – both for the Commission and for Philippine media.” It is obviously politically motivated. I don’t always agree with Rappler. When Rappler was new in 2012, I had initial misgivings. about their “social media” branding. But we learned along the way , learning to collaborate in social good projects. The recent actions against Rappler is an attack on freedom of the press. Granting Rappler violated the Constitution, where is the due process?

Many of my blogger friends remain vigilant , and stand with Rappler . We are out to defend press freedom.

That is why we are releasing a statement today.

Bloggers for Freedom

We concerned Filipino bloggers stand for the rights to free expression and to free speech. And our first responsibility is to protect these rights.
We thus stand with Rappler, its right to exist, the rights of its working journalists and contributors, and the rights of its community of readers.

We stand against moves to silence and scare journalists, bloggers and media practitioners just because the President and his ardent supporters dislike their news and views.

Now is a time for making choices amid battles between truth and lies, debate and dissonance, democracy and dictatorship.

We sign our names here to tell everyone we have made a choice. We are bloggers for freedom.

1. Noemi Lardizabal-Dado
2. Tonyo Cruz
3. Dale Bacar
4. Marcelle Fabie
5. Myk Mykapalaran Cruz
6. Rod Magaru
7. Ely Valendez
8. Alex Lapa
9. Tess Termulo
10. Zena Bernardo
11. Jover Laurio
12. James Romer V. Velina
13. Ramon Nocon
14. Flow Galindez
15. Helga Weber
16. Mc Richard Viana Paglicawan
17. Raymond Palatino
18. Loi Landicho
19. Saul de Jesus
20. Karlo Mongaya
21. Ricky Rivera
22. Mark Will Mayo Magallanes
23. Eyriche Cortez
24. Julius Mariveles
25. Yusuf Ledesma
26. RJ Barrete
27. Dino Manrique
28. Peachy Tan
29. Rhadem Camlian Morados
30. Julius Rocas
31. Jon Limjap
32. Markku Suguerra
33. Jam Ancheta
34. Estan Cabigas
35. Enrico Dee
36. Acee Vitangcol
37. Stefan Punongbayan
38. Jesus Falcis
39. Hancel Reyes
40. Czarina Maye Noche
41. JM Mariano
42. Reginald Agsalon
43. John Clifford Sibayan
44. Jane Uymatiao
45. Johnn Mendoza
46. Carlos Celdran
47. Christian Melanie
48. Jann Medina
49. Carlo Arvisu
50. Inday Espina Varona
51. Eugene Alvin Villar
52. Melo Villareal
53. Brian Ong
54. Fritz Tentativa
55. Fitz Villafuerte
56. Tina Antonio
57. Mykel Andrada
58. Reynaldo Pagsolingan Jr.
59. Renz Daniel de Vera

Published on January 19, 2018, Black Friday.

Those who wish to sign the statement can sign in this form http://bit.ly/bloggersforfreedom

15Jan 2018

You will be alright: A struggle and journey with depression

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 1 Comment

I admire the courage of TJ Manotoc for sharing his story, his struggle and journey with depression . My heart is full of admiration as I watched him speak from the heart and his willingness to help others that there is hope.

TJ Manotoc shared a significant part of his life through a video. It was a time when he went through depression and anxiety disorders. It took hinm about a year to put this project together with the help of some very close friends and family. He realized it was a bit of a risk to do this because reliving all the horrors might re-open some wounds. The so-called “Social Stigma” may also change the way some people see him.

I don’t think so. As I tweeted and shared on Facebook, I saw interest sparked from my friends. They wanted to know more about this project.

Let’s hear TJ Manotoc’s story first.

27 years ago when I went through my first episode I met a man named Max. He went through hell much worse than I did and yet he survived and eventually lived a happy and normal life.

Max made it part of his life’s mission to share his story and counsel those who were in the dark like he once
was.

As a journalist, I have lost count of how many stories of suicide and depression I have reported. I feel it’s about time it’s talked about not just in the context of someone dying but also in the context of giving hope.
Max gave me hope that I, too, one day could be like him, alive and well. This time, it’s my turn to pay it forward. Sharing my story in a very visual and dramatic manner may seem a bit much for some but I know in
my heart my story can touch some lives.

If I save a life or two in the process, it will be all worth it.

To sum it up, his message is clear, YOU WILL BE ALRIGHT.

Watch his video here:

15Jan 2018

“Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.”

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 11 Comments

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

“One of the best investments we can make in a child’s life is high-quality early education.” —US President Barack Obama in today’s State of the Union Address

“Wasn’t it just yesterday that I held your hand on your first day of school in pre-nursery?”, I kissed my daughter’s cheek on her first day of school. Nine years ago, my daughter went back to school, to take her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing. I hugged her for “good luck” to mark another milestone in her life. How time flies indeed.

If my parents were alive today, they’d crinkle their brows “What? A starving writer?”

Most parents in the 50s and 60s determined the college courses of their children. Just a few examples in my family. My mom decided that I should take Food Technology when I wanted Business Administration. Mom had a bake shop during those days, and having a food technologist could prove to be an asset. My sister, Lorna wanted to take Speech but mom said there is no money in that field so she dictated Hotel and Restaurant Administration. My younger sister, Myrna yearned to be a writer but mom said “take up Architecture”. Guess where we all ended up? I ended up in the field of business. Lorna is in marketing/public relations while Myrna is now the Mayor in a city in Califorina. Our UP education was not wasted, however, because we took along the discipline, determination and hard work in our respective careers.

My husband took up Law because it was expected of him, being the eldest son with three generations of lawyers in his family. Naturally, relatives probe my daughters, “so will you be a lawyer like your dad?”

Maybe my daughter might have the makings of great lawyer but would she be happy enough to sustain a law career in her forties? She could have taken up Law because it is expected of her to do so but ditch it by the time she is forty.

I learned from my parents. When the girls consulted with me on their college degrees, I said “Do whatever you want. Follow your passion. Because if you are happy in the work that you do, there is no need for me to worry if you will be successful. You will be successful if you’re doing something that you love to do.”

Rewind. Before the girls went to college, I instilled four things:

Acquire skills

2. Money Management
We know that the high income earning jobs are usually from Information Technology, Engineering, Business, Economics, Doctors which none of my girls are taking up. I believe that kids need to learn how to manage their money in order to gain financial freedom no matter their chosen careers. So even if they will turn out to be writers or a chef, they will know how to manage their income and expenses. Money management started when they were little kids. It meant that they couldn’t demand to covet the latest gizmos and gadgets. They knew our priorities and often understood our reasons. My kids never acted like spoiled brats when I told them “no, we can’t buy that right now. Maybe some day. Or let me save for it first.”

3. Do your best but also have fun.
Lauren was a gifted child early on and raked honors till her third grade. I am not sure what happened to her but her grades declined. Maybe a large, traditional school was not ideal for a gifted and sensitive child. Maybe I missed out on something in her development, but I told her not to be pressured to cough up high grades just for me. Their grades belonged to them. I believe kids shouldn’t be displayed as trophies to show off to relatives. A relative used to brag to my dad that her daughter raked so many honors, garnered this and that award and asked very tactlessly “So your kids have any honors?”

I did advise my two girls that to enter into a top-notch university, one needed high grades. It was a reality of life. It was their choice to get high, mediocre or low grades. In the end, I often said “just do your best without losing all the fun”. (Fun meant healthy activities, of course)

4. A life of prayer
Prayer is something that cannot be taught. Parents set that example. They have to see it in me. When the going gets rough, I just say to lift their problems and struggles to God.

“Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.” Ernest Dimnet

23Dec 2017

The convenience of quick and delicious meals

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Purefoods Heat and Eat line comes with its two flagship products, and Filipino family favourites, Crispy Pata and Lechon Kawali.

Christmas meals and all the trimmings get to be a burden more than a celebration for the cook. I am sure you know the feeling as well. It’s Christmas day lunch, but rather than catching up with family, you’re cutting up the lettuce, preparing the salad dressing or chopping the ingredients for the Paella. Christmas Day should be relaxed and fun, for the cook as well as everyone else. I take pride in cooking meals for my family and guests but I learned to let go through the years. I pre-cook or cut ingredients of recipes ahead of time and freeze them thus reducing tasks in the immediate run-up to Christmas Day. I learned that having prepared meals in the freezer like pre-cooked food or even “Purefoods Heat and Eat” Crispy Pata and Lechon Kawali, are convenient. That’s the trick for a stress-free Christmas. Plan your meals ahead of time.

I stocked on these Filipino favorites in preparation for sudden arrival of Christmas guests or simply because I don’t want to run out of food. There are days when there are many chores to do at home that there is no more time to prepare meals. Having fully cooked, ready to eat meals, that can be reheated either via Turbo or Pan Fry is very convenient. Not only should it be convenient, but the meals should taste delicious.

I wanted to make sure both variants lived up to the taste of these Pinoy food classics so I cooked them ahead of time and followed the directions of the package.

Just remove from the freezer.
Then turbo broil or pan fry.

The preparation time is pretty fast at 10-20 minutes. I used the pan frying method for the Crispy Pata. It took a total of 20 minutes to attain the right crispiness of the skin.

Crispy Pata

The Crispy Pata is a popular Pinoy dish where a whole pork leg is simmered in spices until tender, refrigerated overnight to dry, and then deep-fried until the meat is moist and the skin golden and crisp. That’s a lot of preparation time but thankfully, one has the option of storing the “Purefoods Heat and Eat” Crispy Pata in the freezer.

I was at first skeptical that the Crispy Pata would not meet my expectations but I was in for a pleasant surprise.

Promise,…the Crispy Pata was delicious. It was crunchy on the outside and moist and succulent on the inside. Even my husband and daughter loved it. Remember, Crispy Pata can be served as a main course but it also goes well as an appetizer dipped in mustard or served as beer food or “pulutan”. You can also serve Crispy Pata with Atchara or vinegar and soy sauce dip.

Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali is a popular Pinoy dish prepared with the pork belly simmered until tender and then deep-fried until golden and crisp. But this Lechon Kawali has been prepared ahead of time so I love the convenience. Then again, will it live up to my expectation?

Just like the Crispy Pata, the directions are straightforward. Just remove from the freezer then turbo broil or pan fry. Using the pan fry method, the Lechon Kawali was done in 15 minutes.

Take a look at those little air bubbles in the skin. The skin had the right amount of saltiness and was extra crispy, while the juicy meat was so moist and tender. Every bite was flavorful. I am very satisfied with the taste of both Filipino family favorites. In as fast as 10 – 20 minutes I get to enjoy the family’s restaurant favorites at the convenience of my own home. It is just a matter of removing the meat from the freezer and frying the already tender meat! I am also assured of crispiness along with scrumptious succulent meat on the inside. The “Purefoods Heat and Eat” will now be a mainstay in my freezer even after the holidays over. You never know when guests arrive.

The Purefoods Heat & Eat line, has two variants: Lechon Kawali with a serving size of 425g per bag good for 3-4 persons and Crispy Pata at 900g per bag for 5-6 persons. These are available in major supermarkets in GMA (Robinsons, Landmark, Puregold, Hi Top, and South Supermarket) and Monterey Meatshops in Luzon.

Visit their Facebook page and Instagram

21Dec 2017

BioBalance: it begins with the science of measured wellness

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

BioBalance, a leading health and wellness institute in the Philippines, has been addressing optimised health for its discerning clientele of health advocates, green living enthusiasts, athletes, and Manila’s cream of the crop, among many others.

I believe you know by now that the first thing about extending youth and preventing illnesses is the fact that it begins from inside then out.

100% me is loving myself first by having my “ me time “ every week.

Each one of us has a unique nutrient profile and gut health, two major factors that affect longevity and overall health. My body’s needs are different from yours especially when I need to perform at its optimum and in tiptop shape. This emphasizes that when it comes to treatments for the skin and body, supplements, and diet recommendations, one size doesn’t fit all.

It is great that advancements in science and medicine allow more people to optimize their health, making it possible for us to not just live longer but look younger, and extending the look and feel of being at their prime.

Optimized health results to many things, from slowing down aging and addressing the effects of aging to boosting immunity.

This is where BioBalance comes in. They are a leading health and wellness institute in the Philippines, addressing for its discerning clientele of health advocates, green living enthusiasts, athletes, and Manila’s cream of the crop, among many others.

Clients like prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, entrepreneur and TV host Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, photographer Sara Black, sports and fitness coach Andy Leuterio, and actor and businessman Albert Martinez have been reaping the benefits of a renewed lifestyle through the help of BioBalance and its Health Optimization Medicine (HOMe) specialists. These doctors help manage their nutrients and gut health, making disease prevention and health optimization a top priority. All of BioBalance’s health solutions are anchored on nutritional science, since it is proven that many chronic symptoms and serious diseases are caused by nutrient deficiencies.

European Double-Board Certified in Nutritional Medicine and Anti-Aging Medicine, Dr. Ted Achacoso is the founder of Health Optimization Medicine (HOMe) which is all about diagnosing and optimizing health rather than disease.

It begins with the science of measured wellness

What BioBalance offers is the option to know and understand your body, from its cells to all the elements that drive its cycles, and from there determine and give you what you need to optimize your health and to prevent illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, psoriasis, gout, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, impotency, allergies, hypertension, and other illnesses.

BioBalance uses advanced tests like nutrient and metabolic profiles, gut health tests, and toxic metals profiles, to allow BioBalance HOMe doctors to personalize the recommendations for you.

BioBalance tested solutions

Among BioBalance’s signature programs is Nutrient Optimization, which measures nutritional deficiencies in your body and provides a personalized nutritional prescription including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and toxic elements. After measuring over 50 unique nutrients and metabolic markers, the program recommends supplements that would help restore nutritional balance in your body, resulting to improved performance, immunity, and optimal health.

Its Gut C.A.R.E program, on the other hand, uses advanced diagnostics to treat gastrointestinal imbalance and bring back a good amount of healthy gut bacteria into what’s now considered one of the most important organs of the body.

And finally, its newest program Weight Loss & Longevity, anchors on one of the oldest but most effective human habits—periodic fasting. With its breakthrough program, your body goes through regenerating and rejuvenating mode, resulting in sustainable weight and fat loss, and improvement of body’s health markers including blood sugar, lipid profile, and inflammation markers.

Age gracefully and prevent illnesses today and start from the inside then out.

From its first location, BioBalance finds its new home at the lower ground level of Shangri-La East Wing Mall in Mandaluyong. This location houses the institute’s health and wellness facilities, doctor’s clinics and client consultation rooms, as well as guest lounge for walk-in customers, where clients may also purchase BioBalance’s signature supplements.

For more information, call +632 650 4858 or visit www.biobalanceinstitute.com.

05Dec 2017

4 ways to prepare for a stress-free Christmas

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Inviting you all to join the Starry Bright Christmas Promo of Sanicare’s Liwanag Box Series. Check the mechanics at the end of my blog post.

Christmas brings out warm fuzzy feeling that glows inside for the entire season. Childhood memories of twinkling lights along with Christmas carols are enough to lift my mood. I am so excited my daughters are coming home for Christmas and I have been preparing for weeks now. Christmas planning is all part of the Christmas preparation so I will have a stress-free holiday season. These are some of the preparations I have been doing around the house and the kitchen.

Tips for a stress free Christmas

Create your Noche Buena, Christmas day menu and grocery list

List down your menu and the ingredients needed for each meal and slowly collect the ingredients needed. I pre-cook or cut ingredients of recipes ahead of time and freeze them thus reducing tasks in the immediate run-up to Christmas Day. Divide your pantry in zones to keep your food organized and to reduce your meal-preparation time.
Have specific areas for baking, snacks and breakfast items. Baking condiments, spices, cereals, pasta, canned items are some of my zones. I also created a kid zone where the kids could just grab cookies, and other snacks from easy-to-reach spots.

Menu planning is a must before the holiday rush. The supermarkets are usually full so I take this opportunity to already shop for the ingredients which cannot be found in one supermarket. You might want to check out my Recipe Ideas for Noche Buena at my Food Blog.

Clean and go is a motto in my kitchen so I make sure I have paper towels nearby for a quick wipe of any spills or simply wiping the splashes off a serving plate, just before serving. Of course , a festive looking Kitchen towels is a nice touch to my red-green holiday theme . I am happy that Sanicare released their special Christmas prints for their Kitchen Towels. The Sanicare Kitchen Towels have moisture locking technology, making it very absorbent.

2. Organize the pantry

Christmas day will be celebrated with my sister’s family so I will be hosting 20 guests. Before Christmas day, I expect a few guests coming in so I need to prepare for such occasion.

Divide your pantry in zones to keep your food organized and to reduce your meal-preparation time. Have specific areas for baking, snacks and breakfast items. Baking condiments, spices, cereals, pasta, canned items are some of my zones. I also created a kid zone where the kids could just grab cookies, and other snacks from easy-to-reach spots.

This is the opportunity to take stock of my inventory: spoons, forks, dishes, glasses, table napkins. Christmas planning involves the table setting aside from the menu so I envision the look for Christmas day. Nothing fancy. I make use of my Christmas decor as a festive accent to my informal table setting.

The table napkins are placed in a holder so anyone can easily get hold of it. I use Sanicare Mood Dinner Napkins . They come in two colors, white and black which has a very luxurious strong but soft feel.

3. Get something new for your Christmas decor

The traditional red-and-green always works for me as it allows me to collect decors through the years. Repeating the color scheme or pattern is essential for that unified look I want in my home.

I always buy something new each year to get me excited of the Holidays. This year, I bought Laser lights instead of a string of Christmas lights. It is less hassle and I don’t need to wire around the fence. Stress-free lighting is what I need and it looks so pretty and magical at night.

The lights make my heart grow tender with warm childhood memories and love of my family. Anything to lift your spirits will relieve you of stress.

4.Take some time for yourself.

On my extra busy mornings, I chill at my working area and just enjoy the view from my chair. I feel it is a waste of time to stress out when stress can be minimized. Stress will also add wrinkles to my face which I want to avoid.

Take a moment to just sit still and enjoy the moment. Dab the sweat away from your forehead. Take frequent breaks.

The Liwanag Series boxes

Speaking of the red Christmas themed box of tissues on my table, take a look at how it adds a new look and holiday touch to my red-green theme. The box comes in white, blue , red and green so it can fit any color scheme of your home.

These specially designed boxes from Sanicare is called Liwanag Christmas Boxes which is centered on parols (lanterns) and stars. The boxes were designed by the artist Alex Eduque, the founder of MovEd.

Alex chose to utilize parols in her design. She believes parols are a symbolic representation that evoke a notion of promise and unification. It also transcends social classes and lights up all Filipino homes. Alex chose to integrate the stars in her design because it is a constant reminder that we share the same sky and despite the stark differences and circumstances in all corners of the world, that each one of us has a star shining brightly within.

Starry Bright Christmas Promo for the Liwanag Series boxes

Christmas is usually a time of joy, not stress. Doing a little planning now will help you relax and enjoy your friends and family during Christmas. To all my readers, I also want to give you the opportunity to enjoy even after the Christmas is over by inviting you to join the Starry Bright Christmas Promo.

Here are the mechanics

1. Post a creative photo on your Facebook account featuring the Sanicare Facial Tissue Liwanag Series Box.

2. The caption should start with the phrase, “My Christmas
is extra bright this year because ____!” and please tag three (3) other friends.

3. Entries also should include the mandatory hashtags #SanicareLiwanagSeries #Sanicare #SCPA

4. Once posted, the participant must go back to the Sanicare PH Facebook promo post and click the link provided in order to submit the entry.

5. The promo will run from November 22 to January 01, 2018. Deadline of submission is on January 01 at 6pm.

6. Winners will be announced on January 15, 2018 on the Sanicare PH
Facebook Page.

Prizes

1. The grand prize winner will be given four (4) all day passes to
Dream Play and Lunch buffet for four (4) at The Café at the Hyatt
City of Dreams Manila.

2. 10 consolation prize winners will also be chosen to each receive a 2,000 peso Sodexo Gift Certificate from Sanicare.

Visit the Sanicare PH Facebook Page for more details about the
promo. DTI Permit No. 18311 Series of 2017

04Dec 2017

Pasko na Sinta Ko, It’s Christmas, my love

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 6 Comments

There is something about Christmas carols sung by children. Their innocence and eager spirit shows the true meaning of the Christmas season.

During my stage mother days, I never tired of listening to my children sing over and over again. Singing is a tradition in my immediate family but sadly, I don’t have the voice yet I can tell if the singing is sharp.

Singing Christmas Carols has been a treasured family tradition. I remember the last Christmas I had with my mom. I was 18 years old then. All the 7 siblings gathered around the Yamaha organ as my late brother, Oscar played festive carols. Sometimes it was mom who accompanied the songs in the piano.

Those were the days when my two girls would readily sing in front of me. Good thing Manila Children’s Choir recorded an album and with that I converted 3 Christmas Carols in mp3 format. L. was 12 while M. was 11 years old with another girl and 2 boys from the Manila Children Choir. The choir conductor chose only 5 children for this recording but with recent technology, it sounds like they are a big group of kids.

1. Hark The Herald Angel Sing (Click here to download– 2.9 MB) – Charles Wesley/Felix Mendelssohn , adapted by Jack North , Arranged by Jack North/John Wilson
2. Christmas in Our Hearts (Click here to download– 3.0 MB)- Jose Mari Chan , arranged by Carmina R. Cuya
3. Pasko Na Sinta Ko (Click here to download– 4.8 MB)- Aurelio Estanislao/Francis Dandan , Arranged by Bernadette de Leon

Pasko na Sinta ko is actually a love song but the melody is very poignant . It reminds me that my love would not have been with me this Christmas , if we didn’t collaborate to make it work. Some of you may find that you can relate to the lyrics.

Pasko na sinta ko

Hanap-hanap kita

Bakit ka nagtampo

Iniwan ako

It’s Christmas, my love

I’m longing for you

What did I do

that made you leave me

Kung mawawala ka

Sa piling ko sinta

Paano ang Pasko

Inulila mo

If you’ll be gone

From my side, my love

What will happen to my Christmas

That you made so lonely

Refrain:

Sayang sinta ang sinumpaan

At pagtitinginang tunay

Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap

Ang ating suyuan at galak

Our promises have gone to waste, my love

And our love that was so true

Do you wish to forget everything

All our affection and joys

Kung mawawala ka

Sa piling ko sinta

Paano ang Paskong

Alay ko sa iyo.

If you’ll be gone

From my side, my love

What will happen to my Christmas

That I offer to you.

There is something about Christmas carols sung by children. Their innocence and eager spirit shows the true meaning of the Christmas season. It has been said that music can open a window to the soul. To anyone with a loss, music may either drive a knife into an already festering wound, or it my begin to soothe and bring comfort to a shattered and broken spirit.

Christmas Carols sang by my children keeps me happy even if my boy is no longer with us.

May you be blessed with peace and love during the Christmas season.

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. Agnes Pharo

24Nov 2017

10 reasons I am thankful for today and everyday of my life #WhatImThankfulFor

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 6 Comments

My three siblings in the US once sent me a Thanksgiving prayer citing our parents for the gifts we continue to receive even after their deaths. There will be one Thanksgiving day that I will surely join in their celebration. In honor of Thanksgiving Day, I have a lot to be thankful for today and everyday of my life.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. I have learned the magical lesson that making the most of what I have turns it into more.

1. I am thankful for the lessons on pain due to my son’s death because it transformed me into a more compassionate person.

2. I am thankful for the marital rift because it has brought me and my husband together for a second wind in marriage. Love is lovelier the second time around, indeed.

3. I am thankful for financial challenges because it taught us discipline that money can be budgeted wisely for basic necessities.

4. I am thankful for loving husband that never gave up on me.

5. I am thankful for my two girls, that despite the turbulent teen years due to their sibling’s death, they never resorted to drugs or alcohol.

6. I am thankful for in-law’s differences because it made me more appreciative of myself without any pretenses.

7. I am thankful for the internet and all my visitors as it is one way of fulfilling my mission in life.

8. I am thankful of negative feedback as I can make an honest assessment of myself without jeopardizing my identity.

9. I am thankful of new and old friendships, a comfortable place to be myself.

10. I am thankful to God who I thought abandoned me but never really left me after all.

Sometimes in life, things just happen too fast. We barely solve one problem then another problem crops up. We feel great in the morning but by nightfall we could be wallowing in misery. Everyday , I face interruptions, delays, changes and challenges. I have learned an important concept to get me through this stressful time and that is gratitude. I learn to say thank you, for all these problems and feelings. I don’t like this experience but Thank You anyway. I had to force gratitude until it became second nature to me. Gratitude helped me stop trying to control outcomes. Gratitude makes things right. It is the key that unlocked positive energy in my life.

I am full of gratitude because today’s pain could be tomorrow’s joy.

22Nov 2017

Dove Self-Esteem project: 9 ways parents help build a girls’ body confidence

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

The mission of the Dove Self-Esteem Project is helping young people all around the world build positive body confidence and self-esteem. Download “A parent’s guide to building girls’ body confidence“

I used to have beauty anxiety when I was a young child up to my early teens. My uncles would often tease how dark I looked. Perhaps the teasing came about because my mother was fair-skinned. I grew up feeling ugly until I reached 14 years old . Looking at the mirror, I smiled at my image said to myself, “I am beautiful” . Well, I looked more beautiful if I smiled because my non-smiling face makes me look angry. The facts and figures surrounding beauty anxiety in young girls and the pressure to squeeze into rigid definitions is a cause of concern. It affects their self-esteem . I should know. During my elementary years, my grades were below average even failing Filipino or Sewing class. It was only in High School that I realized I was smart after all.

My mother didn’t know better and allowed her brothers to tease me. As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child – for them to be happy, healthy and confident individuals. I also failed in this aspect as I didn’t know any better. Thankfully, there are so many resources for parents to consider.

How do you help your daughter or son maintain a positive body image and find their sense of self when their world is filled with unrealistic images of physical ideals; one dimensional, ‘flawless’ beauty, and narrow messages about the ‘perfect’ lifestyle?

How do you help her deal with the pitfalls of teenage life such as appearance related bullying or keep them eating healthily and enjoying exercise (without getting hang-ups about food and body shape)?

Sometimes all these tip are easier said than done, especially during the teen and pre-teen years when their bodies are changing, their self-confidence is fragile and they are trying to make that tricky transition out of childhood.

Because daughters often mirror their mothers’ actions, moms wield the power to mold their children into confident, empowered women. I asked myself if I had somehow mirrored some of my actions to my daughters. Only my daughters can affirm this because I know I made mistakes that I have passed on to them.

But young parents can learn from all the resources available out there and from stories of other parents.

The Dove Self-Esteem Project created Uniquely Me and the expert articles available on our parent’s online hub, to create a resource for parents that is focused on advice and action. (Download “A parent’s guide to building girls’ body confidence“)

There are nine modules. You need to download the guide since each module details action points. Here is a summary of each module.

1. Learning to love yourself
Lead by example – techniques to cut out the self-criticism and feel better about yourself. This is the most important lesson to pass on.

Self-criticism is common among teenage girls – how often have you urged your daughter not to put herself down? But sometimes we have low self-esteem, too, and it’s possible that you could be teaching her bad habits through the example you set by criticising yourself. Have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror and frowning, or moaning about how you look? You may not even realise you’re doing it, but your daughter probably will.

2. Body Talk: Use the power of your words to feel great
Do away with ‘fat talk’ and start a more positive conversation

Talking about our bodies is like an unwritten rule in female friendship – we do it constantly and automatically. You know how it goes: “I feel fat in these jeans”, “I’ve put on so much weight” or “Gosh, my skin looks awful today”. I say this a lot and I am guilty of passing this insecurity to my girls.

3. Is your daughter’s perception of beauty distorted by the media?
Show your daughter the truth behind magazine images

In the world of Instagram, images of women are manipulated so dramatically these days that it can feel like ‘beauty’ is less and less attainable. Help your daughter resist media influence and see the real picture.

4. The Real Me: An activity to celebrate your daughter’s inner beauty
Get creative with this great confidence-boosting activity

I encouraged my girls to hone their talents like singing and writing. Negative body talk can make it feel like it’s not polite to accept a compliment, or that talking about what we’re good at will be seen as boasting or vanity. But recognising your talents and allowing yourself to value these characteristics is important to developing positive self-esteem.

5. Bullying: Is your daughter being teased about her looks?
Help your daughter deal with hurtful teasing and bullying from peers

Bullies are rarely original when it comes to their insults. What were the most common teases or taunts when you were young? Mine was from my crush “thick lips” .

First, we need to understand what we mean by bullying. Girls and boys disagree, fight, tease and banter with their friends. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.”

If the bullying gets worse, know there is an Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10627) especially if the bullying is inside the school premises. This law states that all elementary and high school principals and administrators must craft and adopt policies against bullying and must ensure that they are implemented.

6. Teasing at Home: When does family banter become family bullying?
Watch out for well-meant teasing within the family – it can still hurt

As your daughter becomes a teenager, she will naturally become more sensitive to comments about the way she looks and family members may not realise the impact of their words. Of course, robust discussions and gentle teasing are a part of being a family and can help girls develop and explore their opinions and build resilience to the criticisms that are a part of everyday life. However, it’s worth thinking twice about what builds character – and what diminishes confidence.

7. The Parent Translator: How to improve communication between
parents and daughters
This mini guide will help your teen decode your next communication breakdown

Do you and your daughter seem to argue over the smallest thing? Communicating should be easy. But miscommunication is even easier. You make a simple comment about what your daughter’s wearing and she storms off, slamming the door. You ask what she had for lunch and she assumes it’s an attack about her diet.

8. Attitude to Food: How to encourage your daughter to enjoy
a healthy balanced diet
Foster a healthy relationship with food

The most crucial thing when it comes to our diet is eating a balance of all foods,” explains eating disorder expert and leading UK psychotherapist Dr Susie Orbach. “Getting hung up on labelling certain foods as ‘good’ and others as ‘bad’ isn’t helpful – it creates too many rules that dictate your relationship with food and encourage disordered eating. It’s also usually wrong. Low-fat foods can be loaded with sugar and fillers to give taste when a normal fat version would be nutritionally better.”

9. Show your daughter the benefits of physical activity
Encourage your daughter to move her body and discover the feel-good factor

She doesn’t have to be the sports captain or prima ballerina to feel the benefits of being active; she just needs to find an activity she enjoys that gets her body moving. If she’s physically active regularly, she’s likely to feel better about herself and her body, regardless of whether the physical activity is dramatically changing her shape. The link between physical activity .

The nine tips are useful to any parent. As Lee Haney said “Parents must lead by example. Don’t use the cliche; do as I say and not as I do. We are our children’s first and most important role models.” If there is a beauty legacy I want to impart, it is that I want my daughters to love themselves first. To love yourself, you first need to know yourself, to realize and appreciate your unique, individual ways. A discovery late in life taught me that a loving relationship with myself works because it leads to a loving relationship with others . Loving yourself will eventually show in every action one takes. When we believe in ourselves, we shine with the confidence and vibe we exude.

19Nov 2017

#SeeTheWorld: Celebrate the season of giving

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

AirAsia in partnership with World Vision celebrates the season of giving through a joint Christmas initiative called “See the World,” an awareness building and fundraising effort for the benefit of Filipino children.

The Christmas season will always remind me of my childhood. There is always this warm feeling in my heart when I think of Christmas day. A child always lives in my heart. As a little girl, my parents could not afford to buy expensive gifts but I was always happy with whatever they gave me. Any gift always gave me a giddy feeling as well as a big smile. I can just imagine the children when they receive their gifts. But not children are blessed any time of the year.

This is why I want to be able to touch the lives of these children when we reach out to them. There are many groups that help children and World Vision Philippines is one to remember. I recall my trip to Zambales during their World Vision’s Noche Buena Campaign.

AirAsia and World Vision “See the World”

This time around, World Vision partnered with AirAsia.

“See the World” aims to raise at least one million pesos to provide sponsorship program for many children as direct recipients across the country. For every AirAsia seats booked or sold in the Philippines from 1 to 31 December 2017, five pesos will be automatically donated to World Vision’s child sponsorship program.

AirAsia and World Vision partnership.

With the wonderful ‘See the World’ collaboration of AirAsia and World Vision, each one can have that chance to touch each other’s hearts and celebrate Christmas in a different way.

Aside from fundraising efforts, “See the World” will feature inspiring stories of children from impoverished communities around the country whose lives have changed and caused other children and communities to aspire for better living conditions.

Mechanics

How does this work? Read the mechanics of the AirAsia World Vision partnership and how you can be part of the “See the World” Christmas initiative.

1. Promo is open to all Philippines AirAsia passengers at least 18 years of age
2. For every AirAsia ticket booked in the Philippines, PHP 5.00 goes to World Vision child sponsorship program.
3. Promo will run from December 1, 2017 to December 31 , 2017 for all Z2 flights.
4. Booking must be made within December 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 regardless of travel dates.
5. By booking a flight, traveller signifies acceptance on the standard terms and conditions of AirAsia flights.
6. For further questions, you may call 742-2742 (Promo hotline or customer support number). See more at Philippines AirAsia Facebook page.

I believe in the saying that when “something good happens to us, let’s make something good to others. The more we share our blessings, the more that we are blessed.”

Sharing our blessings feels good because we’ve made someone else feel good. Let’s give a chance to touch each other’s hearts and celebrate Christmas in a different way.”

AirAsia Philippines will run a web series online and available in AirAsiaPhilippines facebook starting November 20. Keep updated and find out more about “See the World” through #AirAsiaWorldVision and #SeeTheWorld hashtags.

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