Our ASEAN love story #MyASEANStory

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My Asean Story

Sophia Reyes, Philippines

I was born and raised in the Philippines (PH), and growing up I was blessed enough to have travelled to a couple of countries with my family. In 2010, however, I was granted a very rare opportunity to do my internship overseas with a multi-national giant. Hence, in October 2010, I took my first solo flight out of the country and went to Singapore (SG) for my 7-month internship.

My colleagues were so sweet during my last day – they threw me a surprise farewell!

Prior to that flight, I had never been to SG and I had no idea what it was like. Everything about the country was new to me. I must say, most people love the food and shopping there, but what struck me the most was the efficiency of EVERYTHING. For one, you only need ONE card to function as your ATM, debit card, and transport card. Also, almost everything can be done online. How awesome is that? It was so easy and convenient to settle in, even for an 19-year-old like me. It goes without saying I enjoyed my time in SG – it taught me a lot about life, work, and everything in between.

When I returned to the Philippines in mid 2011, I had 2 more years to finish my Engineering degree. During that time, the Philippine subsidiary of the MNC I worked in took me in as a part-time intern for over a year. When I finally finished my degree in 2013, I was fortunate enough as the SG subsidiary welcomed me back. Yay!

At this point, I already knew what I needed to settle in SG, so I gave myself a week prior to start of work to get my affairs in order (a.k.a. find a place to stay at). The same day I landed, I started getting in touch with numerous property agents, and by my 2nd day there I was already doing viewings. One agent in particular asked me out right after our viewing, and even the days after that. I had a lot of time on my hands, so I thought, why not?

My agent-turned-boyfriend. Boy, did we move fast.

Little did I know, 4 days later we’d be a thing. I remember telling my friends something like “Guys, I’m not quite sure what happened – I think I just got into a relationship.”

“What?! Were you hacked?!”

“Girl we’re not even done mourning you leaving us yet!”

“Are you high?!”

Well, we’ve been together since ???? We were able to explore SG, and even went on a couple of trips to Manila. During those trips, I remember him saying he’d love to move there someday, which frankly I won’t mind at all. After all, PH is home <3

Our ASEAN adventures (clockwise from top-left): (1) Whenever SG had haze, we had to go out for dinner wearing these masks, (2) watched our first concert together – my all-time favorite Jason Mraz, (3) surprise countdown to midnight for my birthday, (4) sneaky wefie after getting rushed to the ER for fainting in the middle of the street, (5) day trip to Taal Volcano on one of our Manila trips, (6) BKK: that time the Filipina flew in from SG and the Singaporean flew in from PH.

In early 2016, he moved to Cambodia (KH) to pursue business. Video calls and messaging became our regular thing, but we decided we’d meet halfway in Bangkok (BKK) whenever we could. I must have taken at least 5 flights to Bangkok within the first half of that year! Towards Q3 though, he needed me to help out in his ventures, and we decided it would be better not to have to take flights to see each other. Hence, towards the end of 2016, I embraced the concept of YOLO, left my corporate job, and moved to BKK!

I’ve been here since then, out of the corporate world (my boyfriend’s my boss now ????) and learning Thai language full time.

Leaving corporate life meant leaving these crazy fun people. But then again, YOLO.

We’re celebrating our 4th anniversary soon, and we have yet to decide which ASEAN country to settle in. For the record, I’m a Filipina who loves SG, and he’s a Singaporean who loves PH. We both like BKK though, so we juuust might stay here. Who knows?

 

(Submitted for the #MyAseanStory blog writing project )

Ten life lessons I’ve learned from visiting ASEAN countries #MyAseanStory 

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By MARY LOUISE LIGUNAS

my asean story

1. Home can be anywhere in the world.

I first went to Singapore in 1997. I was six years old and my dad, my siblings and I tagged along since my mom had to fly there for work. There’s not much I remember from the trip but I must’ve loved it since I’ve been there more than five times after that. Whether it’s just a half-day layover or an entire week’s stay, Singapore taught me that I can feel at home anywhere in the world that I decide to love.

 

2. You can find friends anywhere.

Years before I met fellow travelers in hostels, I learned about the importance of being friendly watching my father haggle in Bangkok. He was given a fifty percent discount for a polo shirt after he talked about Manny Pacquiao to a Thai vendor at the weekend market. Even if there was nothing to gain, he’d smile at people in the train or begin a conversation with our cab drivers.

 

3. Try not to romanticize things.

Before flying to Kuala Lumpur, I saw the Petronas Towers in a local movie. Watching the film made me more excited about the trip and seeing the twin skyscrapers for myself. When I finally got there, I realized that situations are not as ideal as they seem in documentaries, movies, postcards, photos, blogs and magazines. Finding the perfect place to take a photo was challenging, and not going at the right time of day or year will leave you drenched in sweat and haggard-looking in photos. With the right disposition, however, you’ll gain rich memories and good stories to tell.

 

4. When it’s love, you’ll know it.

My first out-of-the-country travel with friends was to Ho Chi Minh. If you want to know how much I enjoyed it, know that I’ve returned to Vietnam for two birthdays after that. The culture, the energy, the coffee, and the food draw me in with each visit. I can’t wait to go back on my next birthday.

 

5. Going solo is sometimes necessary.

My friends and I planned a trip to Bali. I have Indonesian friends based in Jakarta and I didn’t want to go to the country without seeing them so I flew to the capital first. Though I spent many hours of the day with friends, not having companions in the flights allowed me to talk to strangers and staying in a hostel gained me a couple of new friends. Aside from meeting people, the peace and freedom that go with being alone are highs I’ve began looking for since then.

 

6. Minimizing can enrich your life.

Time travel would be the most apt description for my trip to Yangon and Bagan. The architecture, the absence of Uber and Waze, and the overall vibe just made me feel like I was living in a different era. I loved every bit of it. It was great not having to rely on technology to get to places, it was interesting hearing screeches in the railway because the trains were so old, and it was mind-blowing that telegram there was a system, and not a messaging app. I felt that all those allowed me to be fully present in each experience.

 

7. Be ready for detours.

Having grown up with my mom and older sister fixing itineraries for our trips, it was a bit of a challenge when I had to do it for me and my friends. A lapse in judgment made me decide to go on a day trip to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap. Luck seemed far when our bus broke down midway and we didn’t make it to the museums we planned on visiting. Even without a change of clothes, we decided that it was more practical to stay the night so we could see a bit of the city the following morning. Instead of sulking at the misfortune, we looked for a cheap hostel, bought toiletries, looked for good food and ended the night with drinks. I loved that we still saw the museums I wanted to go to, shared interesting conversations with people we met and had an unforgettable 24 hours in Cambodia’s capital.

 

8. The road less travelled will gain you experiences not people get to have.

This seems like a no-brainer but I was affirmed of this during a short trip to Brunei. An irresistible promo fare led my best friend and I to the small country. One trip allowed us to appreciate and understand Islam, eat amazing versions of food we’ve tried in Thailand and Indonesia, and get to know about fellow Filipinos who’ve decided to work and live there. Our Muslim tour guide also became a good friend whom we’re still in touch with today.

 

9. Nurturing your sense of adventure is essential.

Laos is the only ASEAN country that I haven’t visited yet. I have no flights booked to date but I hope to make the trip by next year. This early, I already know that I want to swim in the Kuang Si Falls, go temple hopping, meditate in a monastery, and see the sunset over the Mekong River. Having been to the nine other countries have taught me that there’ll always be something to do, someone to meet and somewhere to be. I can’t wait to find out what that country has in store for me.

 

10. Have a home base.

I love travelling and I see myself doing it for many more years to come. It has enriched my life in many ways but I know, deep in me, that there will never be a place like home. I’ll always find myself booking that return flight to the Philippines.

(Submitted for the #MyAseanStory blog writing project )

5 reasons why talc-free powder give me peace of mind

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“Belo Talc-free powder ,crafted with care for the most delicate skin, for the most meticulous moms.”

Here are the 3 winners

1. Emiliana Sison
2.  Angelie Namindang
3. Almaira Casanguan

Move over talcum powder. I discovered Belo Talc-free powder and I am simply loving it. Oh, so soft and soothing , so I want to talk to you about the benefits:

Belo Talc-free powder

  1. Natural– Belo talc-free powder is  made from certified natural and finely milled rice and maize.

2.  Talc-free – Formulated without talc, gluten, phthalates, parabens, dyes and most common allergens brings me peace of mind.

belo talc-free powder

made from certified natural and finely milled rice and maize.

3.  Hypoallergenic and this means my skin feels so much softer, dry and comfortable.  Moisture gets absorbed without causing irritation for delicate young skin.

4. Ultra Absorbent – Before I came across Belo talc free powder, I was already using cornstarch on my back to absorb the moisture caused by perspiration. Of course, you know how rice is super absorbent. In fact, when you drop your cellphone in water, they say a phone can be saved by putting it in a container of uncooked rice overnight. Now , I get the best of both worlds- certified natural and finely milled rice and maize.

5.  Safe -Did you know that in the Philippines, most baby powders contain Talc, an ingredient that has been the subject of debate and over 1,000 lawsuits in the US  that date back to 1971?  Several studies conducted over the past 25 years found an association between perineal talc powders and ovarian cancer.  I feel safe knowing the powder I use is  talc-free. My advice is not to use powder in the genital area, even if they’re safer to use than talc.

Belo Baby Talc-free Powder also comes in a very cute packaging that already includes a soft puff.

It’s safe for baby but please remember to take care to avoid baby’s face when applying powder to avoid inhalation.  Carefully dust lightly all over the body, avoiding baby’s face. There has been a case study where “careless use of corn starch for infant skin care can lead to accidental aspiration of this substance and severe respiratory disease.”

When I told my husband that I now have talc-free powder, he junked his foot powder and the baby talcum powder.  He often tells me to powder his back to absorb extra moisture and keep his skin dry. I lovingly powdered his back with Belo talc-free powder , making sure to powder gently to avoid any extra powder particles floating in the air. The fresh scent of the powder is mild and so soothing.

I am so relieved that  the skincare I only trust now has talc-free powder. Aren’t you excited that three of you might have a chance to win Belo Baby talc-free powder gift packs? Here are the mechanics:

  1. Follow me on twitter @momblogger
  2. Tweet which benefit/s on this post struck you the most…explain why and use hashtag #BeloBaby. Multiple unique tweets allowed.
  3. I will choose the best three tweets by June 1 and tag you on twitter.

Belo Baby Talc-free Powder is now available in leading supermarkets and department stores nationwide. You can also buy now here: https://tackthis.co/shop/Belo/category/belo-baby and enjoy FREE delivery until May 31 with a minimum purchase.

For further information, check Belo talc-free powder by visiting  www.belobaby.ph; facebook.com/belobabylove, Twitter: @belobabylove, Instagram: @belobabylove

 

The Blame game: Filipino version can be summarized in 2 words “Ikaw kasi.”

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blame_passing

“Ikaw kasi!” Olivia blurted out to her friend Rose as they assessed the outcome of a project presentation. Prior to the big day, each of them had two different takes on the client’s proposal. After much debate, Olivia gave in to Rose’s peg but the client was not that convinced. A heated argument ensued. Rose felt her friend was quick to drop her like a hot potato when things go wrong but in the face of accolades, she would be eager to grab the limelight.

The blame game is a universal occurrence and the Filipino version can be summarized in two words “Ikaw kasi.” Loosely translated as “because of you”, “ikaw kasi” is a ready blurt-out when things go wrong.

This is deeply embedded in the Pinoy psyche that even young children seem to adapt the accusatory statement so naturally. When little Juanito stumbled, he promptly accused the playmate nearest him and pointed a finger at him, “Ikaw kasi!”

“Sabi ko na nga ba” (I thought so) or “sabi ko sa iyo eh” (I told you so) is a twin blame statement. Dora loves to pull this line when someone commits a boo-boo in her presence.  Her son takes a wrong turn while driving and she comments, “sabi ko sa iyo dapat doon tayo eh” (I told you so, you should have taken the other street).” Her sister overlooks a damage in a new bag she bought and she goes, “sabi sa iyo mas maganda bumili sa kabilang tindahan e” (I told you so, you should have purchased from the other store.)

Filipinos may be a happy lot but they could really score low when taking full responsibility for personal mistakes or pitfalls. Level up “ikaw kasi” and we see the full spectrum in the Pinoy’s life. Beaten athletes throw in the towel in disappointment and they point to the referee’s wrong call, the judges favoring the opponent, or the underground syndicate manipulating the games.

Losing politicians sling mud at the dirty elections and dirtier archenemies. Even the president easily finger points to his predecessor for every act of corruption and scam happening under his administration.

Getrealphilippines.com furthers, “the Philippines has a long history of holding up excuses for its failure to prosper. The sorry state of the country — the least promising in a region of high achievers — has been blamed on imperialism, foreign meddling, dictatorships, bad weather, lack of ‘freedom’, and corruption. “

We have all seen it and have said it ourselves one time or the other, whether we admit it or not. But why is  “ikaw kasi” so tempting to use? Elliot D. Cohen, Ph.D. explains that the blame game is based on four core irrational beliefs:

If something has gone wrong (or is not the way it should be), then someone other than myself must be identified and blamed for causing the situation.

This person/s’ malfeasance diminishes the respect he/she deserves as a person.

So, it is permissible (and only fitting) to treat this person/s in ways he/she deserves to be treated such as ignoring, name-calling, and in extreme cases, physical assault.

I must not accept any significant degree of responsibility for the situation inasmuch as to do so would be to admit that I am myself also diminished as a person, and therefore deserving of the same disapprobation and negative treatment.

Olivia is a classic case of the first irrational belief. The “Ikaw Kasi” virus carrier feels better when she points a finger to someone else when something goes wrong. Although Olivia initially agreed that her friend Rose’s peg was better for presentation, the client’s cold reception was a major letdown and Rose was the most convenient excuse for the apparent failure.

The second illogical premise is that a mistake diminishes the respect a person thinks he deserves. This point of view helps us why an rising athlete craving for respect among his peers and professional circle, and popularity from the public takes a loss as a major blow to his self-respect or more aptly, his pride. Blaming the unfairness of the referee’s call and the judges’ decision, and even the opponent’s alleged connection to the local Mafia may be helpful for him to lick his wounds.

Taking on the diminishing respect slant, “Ikaw Kasi” is justified by trying to get even with the unwitting victim. Little Juanito trips over a rock while running and blames a playmate closest to him. Convinced that he was pushed, he may even pick a fight to cover up his humiliation lest he be teased as stupid by the rest of the gang.

Dora, on the other hand, embodies Dr. Cohen’s fourth assertion that “Ikaw Kasi” people do not want anything to do with an awkward situation lest her self-respect will also be diminished. Dora is quick to point out mistakes and puts herself in a higher pedestal to appear higher and mightier.

Changingminds.org further explains that the main purposes for the blame game is finding excuse and displacement but a deeper look sums up to the fact that those who easily blurts out “Ikaw Kasi” lacks the emotional and psychological maturity to take responsibility and is ruled by fear of failure and rejection. Getting into the blame game may give a temporary relief but this will eventually backlash.

Dr. Cohen points out to lost opportunities by resorting to the “Ikaw Kasi” syndrome, “by failing to take personal responsibility the road to constructive change is blocked.”

Seasoned sports commentator Chino Trinidad aptly puts it in one of his reports. “Unless an athlete stops putting the blame on others and starts taking the responsibility to learn from his own mistakes and works on his weaknesses, he can never achieve true success.”

How do we break out of this compulsion? Dr. Cohen shares, “Give up your blame claim that someone always has to be blamed and made to pay. Everyday life isn’t a court of law and you aren’t the judge and jury. Accept yourself and others unconditionally.”

So the next time you err or get into an uncomfortable situation, take hold of yourself and breathe, “It’s my fault. I can do better next time.”

by Jasmine Barrios as originally posted at Philippine Online Chronicles

Photo: “Blame” by ???Ian, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

Blog Writing Project: #MyAseanStory

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Updated: June 6, announcement of winners

Updated : extended to June 5, 2017 for last day of submission 


Each of us has a story on ASEAN. An ASEAN story is a travel story, a rights story, a labor story, a business story, a political story.” The story touches  parents,  students,  professionals, farmers , laborers, and every ASEAN citizen. The blog writing project “My ASEAN Story” is open to bloggers worldwide who  want to share their personal story . You can post it on your blogging platform and get a chance to win an ASEAN memorabilia. (See mechanics below the post)

Winners of the #MyAseanStory Blog Writing Project

Our Asean love story

Ten life lessons I’ve learned from visiting ASEAN countries

Getting lost is not a bad thing at all.

The top 3 winners will receive an ASEAN backpack while the rest will get an ASEAN themed notebook with a foldable backpack. Please contact me at noemidado @ gmail.com on how to get your prizes.

Here are the submissions:

Some realizations during the SEABA Championship

Our Hanoi trip & enjoying the sights and sounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

My Asean life story :  Business in the hands of John and Vonny Oei

Takeaways from Studying in Singapore

Our Asean love story

Ten life lessons I’ve learned from visiting ASEAN countries

Silip sa Siem Reap (A glimpse of Siem Reap)

Getting lost is not a bad thing at all.

My Heart is Rooted in the Philippines

Kuala Lumpur: 16 months later 

—–

This is my story.

The ASEAN is at the heart of Asia  and feels so close to home. What comes  to your mind when you hear about ASEAN? I bet  most of you are grateful about the  visa-free travel in the 10 Southeast Asian countries. I have traveled  to eight ASEAN member states except for Brunei and Myanmar .  Food and travel go hand in hand.   Yes, “food is the centerpiece  with many ASEAN societies sharing a common passion for food as a social get-together activity”.  Beyond travel and food,  an invitation to attend the 1st ASEAN Social Media Strategy Meeting in Jakarta in 2011 totally changed my life.

my asean story

Being there with other social media personalities in the ASEAN region was a learning experience. The sharing meant also an exchange of ideas that can be also replicated in my sphere of influence. What did I share? There is no secret to SOCIAL MEDIA except to listen, connect, share and engage and be passionate about the topics shared.

my asean story

The informal meeting also inspired me to consider writing more about the ASEAN instead of just concentrating on Philippine issues. The progress in ASEAN integration and the ongoing community building efforts is something that everyone should know. I gained a lot of basic understanding of what ASEAN meant as a region of opportunities.

my asean story

I would have never known about Asean opportunities and benefits if I didn’t attend this conference and the 2nd social media exchange in Bangkok . Our participation in the 2011 and 2013 social media exchange  led to the ASEAN secretariat being more active on twitter and facebook.  My awareness on ASEAN is not anymore limited to politics or the visa-free travel benefits but that ASEAN is one big community with a vision for 2025.

I am more involved in social media by raising awareness for ASEAN which is part of my work as Senior Consultant for the ASEAN 2017 Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications (CMASC). The looks of hope from the students and citizens during the ASEAN roadshows and school tours inspire me to continue to promote the  opportunities and benefits for the citizens in ASEAN .

my asean story

I know you , too, have a personal story on ASEAN as a student, a mother, a tourist, an entrepreneur, a teacher or even as a blogger… and I hope you can share it through your blog.

I am holding a blog writing project and a chance to win an ASEAN memorabilia. Here are the   guidelines:

1. The contest is open to all bloggers worldwide.
2. Follow  @asean2017 on twitter or facebook.com/asean2017
3. Write a blog post of your own personal story with a minimum of 500 words on the theme #MyAseanStory” and post it on your blog platform (self-hosted blog, facebook, tumblr, wordpress)

  • What are your life experiences: challenges , great memories?

I will even share it on my social networks.
4. Use the hashtag #MyAseanStory #Asean2017 when sharing your post in social media.
5. Contest will start May 9 and end May 31, 2017. Cut off of entries is 11:59 PM on May 31, 2017. (Update extended June 5 11:59pm)
6. The post that is creative and interesting will receive an ASEAN memorabilia

The top three winners will get this beautiful blue backpack with Asean goodies inside 

Inside the ASEAN backpack

12 will receive an ASEAN themed notebook with pen plus an ASEAN foldable backpack

A total of 15 winners will get these awesome prizes.

7.  A team of bloggers will select the 15 winning blog entries. Winners will be announced on June 3, 2017

So,  have fun, get your creative juice flowing, and share your ASEAN story.

my asean story

Here are the submissions:

Some realizations during the SEABA Championship

Our Hanoi trip & enjoying the sights and sounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

My Asean life story :  Business in the hands of John and Vonny Oei

Takeaways from Studying in Singapore

Our Asean love story

Ten life lessons I’ve learned from visiting ASEAN countries

Silip sa Siem Reap (A glimpse of Siem Reap)

Getting lost is not a bad thing at all.

My Heart is Rooted in the Philippines

Kuala Lumpur: 16 months later 

I found Loc&Stor 24/7 Secure Self-Storage , the perfect solution for my storage needs.

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I am happy to discover Loc&Stor 24/7 Secure Self-Storage , the perfect solution for my storage needs. I have that peace of mind knowing my precious belongings are housed  in a secure facility  rather than your typical bodega/warehouse.  Let me share this storage solution that you might also be looking for.

I looked at my bodega located just under the stairs. Why , oh why have I accumulated so much stuff? I glanced at the five huge boxes of Christmas decors while dragging out five more boxes consisting of  clothes. The boxes spilled over to the room of my helpers which is a no-no to me because I want their rooms to look organized too.

storage for rent manila philippines

The piles of stuff and clutter are stress triggers for me. My mind screamed “I need more space”.  Sure, I conducted  garage sales and got rid of a lot of clothes and other useless items but I was left with these boxes of sentimental stuff.

storage for rent manila philippines

I couldn’t bear to get rid of the first dress of my two daughters or the clothes of my beloved son who died at six years old, or the vintage clothes of my mom. I touched each piece of clothing….Keep only what “sparks joy,” the KonMari method says. Yes, I felt joy as I touched the pink dress or the blue shorts.   Discard everything else, and assign a home for everything within your home.

storage for rent manila philippines

But my home got flooded by Ondoy .  Not only do I need extra space, I want a safe, secure self-storage place . For many years, I looked  at possible storage for rent in Manila, until a month ago, when my sister-in-law introduced me to her friend, Anna who owned  Loc&Stor 24/7  along with her husband, Sam Peterson.

My Loc&Stor 24/7 experience

My first impressions:  Wow as in WOW. It totally changed my view on self-storage space.

self storage manila philippines

I took a tour and noted on “What to look for in a Self-Storage Facility”:

self storage manila philippines

After the tour, I was convinced. This is it.  I went back the following week for the paperwork  of a one year rental of a medium  sized , climate controlled room.  Insurance premium of 50,000 pesos coverage is a separate price from the  rental rate. You can actually rent a unit for a minimum of one month, and  pay on a monthly basis if you are unsure of how long you would need the storage. This gives you control over your rental budget. The best thing about renting out for 12 months is you  get the last month free.  Another plus factor , is the flexibility to transfer  to a bigger or smaller unit .

Five boxes could only fit my car so what I am showing here is just the first batch.  There is a cart and an assistant to help me bring my boxes to my storage unit.

self storage manila

Up to five people can have their own personalized PIN code to access my unit.  I chose an RFID key so I can easily pass the card to my husband if he wants to pick up something. Their state of the art security monitoring system can track who goes in and out of my unit, so it is easy to keep tabs on who can access my things.  Their system also sends an email notification each time I open my unit.

Once you have set up an account, you will use a user-defined PIN to access our facility. Your PIN arms and disarms your unit’s alarm, and all access to your unit is electronically logged.

Their elevators are large enough to push in the trolley.

self storage manila

This is the climate controlled area. My self-storage space is in an air conditioned area to manage humidity. This is a desirable option for anyone who needs to store possessions that are heat and/or humidity sensitive like shoes, handbags, paintings and old books or documents. Relative humidity (RH) is the key to managing potential mold or mildew. RH is kept to less than 60%, which significantly reduces the potential for the growth of mold or mildew.

Just walking along the corridors, I can see how clean, well lit, and ventilated Loc&Stor is . Such a far cry from the usual bodega or warehouse  in my mind. I spotted a lot of the security cameras and I feel secure knowing there is also a fire protection in each unit as well as a  24-hour security guard to watch the establishment.

My medium sized storage space in the climate-controlled area is 3.9 square meters. You can compare it to a large elevator. It can fit approximately 40 balikbayan boxes (20x20x20) or 251 document boxes. I am told the actual units vary slightly in area . One has to assume 80% if available volume used , leaving a bit for maneuvering .

See, I can still add more boxes . I can also share my storage space with my sister and the storage boxes from our ancestral family home.

As you can see, I have my own unit which no one else may access except myself or anyone I authorize. Items are never put together or mixed with other customers’ items.

I bought my padlock from Loc&Stor . They sell different kinds of padlocks that you can use for your storage unit.

Here is a video tour during our blogger event:

Their biggest space is around 18 square meters.

Impressive , right? I invited three mommy blogger friends and they were just as enthralled that such a world class self-storage facility exists in Manila.

Loc&Stor is situated within a guarded, gated compound that has been flood-free for decades. Extensive smoke detectors and sprinkler systems are installed throughout the facility, and the entire facility is built to strict fire and floor-loading codes. . They utilize high-definition Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras with night vision to monitor and record all activities within and around our facility. The lighting and security systems are also backed up by generator systems to protect against a security outage. My belongings feel secure with this system.

Loc&Stor has seven different unit sizes, from a 1.5 sqm locker type to an 18 sqm jumbo unit  for you to choose from.   You may also opt for their climate controlled units  like mine to protect old documents or items that are sensitive to mold and mildew.

You can rent shelves that help organize your files and you have free use of Loc&Stor’s  heavy duty trolleys, palette jacks, and step ladders.

Trucks of all sizes, up to a 40 ft container van, can easily fit into their  loading dock, making it very easy to load and unload your cargo ,saving you time and manpower.

Access to your unit is allowed anytime of the day or night at no extra cost. This is ideal for businesses that need to retrieve items on short notice or send off packages at odd hours.

There is so much to love with my storage space. It feels like an extension of my home , so clean, well-ventilated and secure. Check it out too.

If you need that extra space and peace of mind, visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LocandStor247  and their website at www.locnstor247.com or drive to  Loc&Stor 24/7 at 54 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C5), Bagong Ilog, Pasig (They are on waze too).

Or Call  +632-570-2561 / 0916-567-3004

 

My Asean story: taking an active role in the #ASEAN2017

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 If you noticed, I have been tweeting a lot about ASEAN 2017 since January this year. This is my ASEAN story.

Social media lounge in Davao

Updated: April 23 , 2017

Everyone knows the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) when it comes to travel within the region. In fact I have traveled eight ASEAN member states except for Brunei and Myanmar.  I first got to know more about ASEAN when I got an email in 2011, to attend the 1st ASEAN Social Media Strategy Meeting in Jakarta.

Being there with other social media personalities in the ASEAN region was a learning experience. The sharing meant also an exchange of ideas that can be also replicated in my sphere of influence. What did I share? There is no secret to SOCIAL MEDIA except to listen, connect, share and engage and be passionate about the topics shared. The informal meeting also inspired me to consider writing more about the ASEAN instead of just concentrating about Philippine issues. The progress in ASEAN integration and the ongoing community building efforts is something that everyone should know. I gained a lot of basic understanding of what ASEAN meant as a region of opportunities.

Then 2013 came and I was once invited to a 2nd social media exchange in Bangkok and met my fellow ASEAN social media friends and other consultants.

Participants shared their knowledge and experiences with the ASEAN Secretariat to define possible strategies for ASEAN to engage citizen more effectively through the various Social Media platforms. The most important thing was to make the ASEAN brand , a people-oriented brand. I thought it was too associated with political topics that other benefits are not known to most ASEAN Citizens.  With the help of social media, a people-oriented ASEAN  can become a reality  as long as it opens up and listen to the citizenry.  The beauty of social media lies in the opportunity for citizens to get in touch with an organization that appears abstract to most of us at the present time.

Our participation in the 2011 and 2013 social media exchange  led to the ASEAN secretariat being more active on twitter and facebook. They even tied up with the organic ASEAN Community in facebook which is now known as the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO).  I am impressed with this ASEAN community. Today, AYO has already registered as a legal body under Indonesian Law. There are 12 AYO Networks in all ASEAN Countries, plus Japan and Australia with more than 150 committee members in total. Their project tackle Youth Empowerment such as Training, Seminars and Workshop and collaboration with other Organization or Universities to do some projects.

And it is now 2017 .

And it is the Philippines turn to be the ASEAN chair. The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship coincides with a historic, milestone event– the 50th anniversary of the founding of our Association. It will be an occasion for us to set the tone for the next 50 years.

I am happy to be involved with the year long activities of the ASEAN 2017 summit as Senior Consultant for ALL Media Engagement under the PCOO led Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications (CMASC),  ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC).

Together with fellow bloggers, Sonnie Santos and Juned Sonido, we attended the launch and covered the event as well. The venue even had a social media lounge together with exhibits , the history of ASEAN and the six thematic priorities of the Philippines as ASEAN Chair.

I am thrilled to be part of history as the ASEAN celebrates its 50th year.   Like the President said in his keynote address : “This is a golden opportunity for all to work for an ASEAN that has taken its firm and secure place in the community of nations: An ASEAN that has its own significant role in effecting positive change for our world.”

It is also my first time to see President Duterte now that he is the President. In his speech, it is reiterated that for an ASEAN citizen, the ASEAN community must provide opportunities for a truly better life.

This is a life that has broken the bonds of dependence and ignorance. This is a life that has given opportunities for self-improvement. This is a life that is provided by a society transformed and reformed.

ASEAN needs to make itself understandable with its messaging especially on how benefits can be derived .

“Now, more than ever, it is ASEAN’s spirit of community that will enable us to overcome challenges that we face as a region.” – President Duterte keynote speech during the kick-off rites of the ASEAN 2017 .

I have written before that there are potential benefits in a life of a secure environment, a better living standard , better job prospects, sufficient income and stable prices, a better education to our children, effective help in case of disaster and emergencies and the freedom to travel , work and settle.

I am very excited with the work ahead, to increase and enhance the awareness for ASEAN and the core message of the ASEAN 2017 summit. Expect me to talk more about ASEAN this year.  So far, I have attended school tours and roadshows all over the Philippines.

Asean information kiosks in Boracay

Asean school tours in Iloilo City

Asean roadshow in Cebu

Asean socio cultural summit in Iloilo

Asean roadshow in Cebu

Asean social media lounge in Pampanga

I hope you can all join me as we both explore the benefits and challenges not only for us, Filipinos but for the ASEAN citizens as well. Use the hashtag #ASEAN2017 for our conversations on twitter, facebook or on instagram . Share your ASEAN story whether it is about travel, food, friendships, and photography or How has ASEAN helped my life and use #MyAseanStory along with the #ASEAN2017 hashtag.

Read my other articles on ASEAN:

– “This is our future” – the school children at the ASEAN School Tour

– Opportunities and challenges of women in the ASEAN

– 10 opportunities and benefits for the citizens in ASEAN

– Opportunities for your children in the ASEAN

–Sharing my social media experience at the 1st ASEAN Social Media Strategy Meeting

– The Philippines as ASEAN Chair: Six thematic priorities

– The ASEAN community 2025 vision: What is in it for me?

– ASEAN, a region of opportunities for the citizens 

11 health benefits of making love

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Beyond pleasure, there are several health benefits of making love. Studies suggest that making love on a regular basis is as good as pumping some iron in the gym.

making lovePeople often link a healthy lifestyle to boring and bland food, tough workouts, and sweet-deprived life. Contrary to the common beliefs, living a healthy lifestyle is not a punishment but a reward that you can give yourself.

Exercise plays an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Married couples will be delighted to know that sex is considered as moderately intense exercise. Although sex is not something that can replace the treadmill, it still has the ability to boost both physical and mental health. According to WebMD, “sex uses about five calories per minute, four more calories than watching TV.”
Maintaining a healthy sex life is a good way to improve health. Here are some known health benefits of making love.

1. Boosts immune system – The immune system is your body’s first line of defense. Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, a sexual health expert stated on WebMD that sexually active people are less prone to illness. People who engage in sex have higher levels of antibodies against germs, viruses, and other intruders. However, health experts still stress the importance of eating right, staying active, getting enough sleep, keeping up with vaccinations, and exercising safe sex to maintain good immune system and protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

Based on a study from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, people who make love one to two times a week have three times as much Immunoglobulin A (antibody) in their systems compared to those who do not engage in sex or have sex less than once a week.

2. Promotes positive emotional responses – Having sex brings physical pleasure but it also has a chemical effect that has been suggested to lift the mood and reduce depression. Making love is linked to a cheerful mood. During orgasm, the body releases serotonin and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). The former is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes a happier and hopeful disposition while the latter has antidepressant effects.

Making love can improve a person’s overall well-being. According to CNN.com, the body releases cortisol-lowering oxytocin while getting a massage, hugging, holding hands, and making love. This hormone has been dubbed as the “love hormone”, “hug hormone”, “cuddle chemical”, and “bliss hormone”. Oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain which promotes positive social behaviors and emotional responses that are linked to relaxation, trust and psychological stability. It is also known to reduce stress responses, such as anxiety.

3. Increases libido – If you want to bring the sizzle back to your sex life, it’s time to plan more date nights with your husband or wife to rekindle the romance. End the evening by going under the sheets and making love.

Lauren Streicher, MD says that making love regularly makes sex better and boosts your libido. The more you enjoy making love, the more you crave for it.

4. Makes your skin glow – Sex is a natural beauty enhancer. Health experts say that making love improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the blood. The skin is said to have a certain glow after sex or a temporary brighter complexion. During organism, endorphins and growth hormones are released, like DHEA which helps heal skin damage attributed to sun exposure, smoke and cortisol buildup.

Making love also helps get rid of toxins and give the lips a fuller look. Regular sex increases production of estrogen in women which results to shinier hair and more luminous skin. It also increases production of collagen which is responsible for making the skin appear supple and firm. When you feel good about your appearance, you feel more confident.

5. Improves female bladder control – Sex can help minimize incontinence. Regular sex is a good exercise for the pelvic floor muscles. When a woman reaches climax during sex, the muscles contract which strengthens them.

intimacy6. Promotes better sleeping habit – Regular sex is a good remedy for people who are having trouble sleeping due to anxiety or stress. After making love, the body releases the hormone prolactin which has a relaxing effect and the hormone oxytocin which promotes sleep.

7. Lessens aches and pains – A wave of oxyticin rushes through the body just before reaching an orgasm. Fitness Magazine claims that during this time, the body releases endorphins with pain relief effect. Sex has the ability to offer fast relief from aches and pains such as leg pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches.

8. Lowers blood pressure – Some studies show that making love lowers systolic blood pressure (the top number that appears on your blood pressure test). The hormone oxytocin which is released during orgasm also helps lower blood pressure.

9. Decreases risk of heart attack – “Sex is a good aerobic exercise, and aerobic exercise is good for heart health,” says Dr. Nukta, medical director of interventional cardiology at Fairview Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic Hospital.

Making love regularly is good for the heart. It raises heart rate and balances estrogen and testosterone levels. WebMD cites a study where “men who had sex at least twice a week were considered half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.”

10. Lowers risk of prostate cancer – WebMD also stated that sex, nocturnal emmision and masturbation can lower the risk of prostate cancer.

11. Strengthens relationship – Making love can enhance the intimacy between a couple and strengthen relationship. After engaging in sex, a couple often feels the desire to cuddle and hold each other. The release of oxytocin promotes the feeling of closeness which fulfills the need for loving physical contact.

Written by Ma. Rachel Yapchiongco as originally posted on the Philippine Online Chronicles

Photo1 c/o Flickr. Some rights reserved; Photo2 c/o Flickr. Some rights reserved.
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Rachel Yapchiongco, also known as Rach to her friends, is a Psychology and Marketing Management graduate of De La Salle University. Rachel is a chocolate lover, full-time mom to a charming young boy and married to an entrepreneur who has a passion for cooking. She shares parenting experiences and slices of everyday life on her personal blog called Heart of Rachel.

Practice forgiveness: The ability to forgive is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give yourself.

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Forgiveness sets you free from resentment’s confines; it breaks down the walls that anger builds and negativity reinforces.

I was struck by a facebook post from a friend. She shared the simple Act of Contrition taught to her in grade school to her own daughter. Here it is

O God, I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive me. I know you love me and I want to love you, and be good to everyone. Help me make up for my sins, I will try to do better from now on. Amen

I was also taught about the act of contrition in a Catholic School but that was over 40 years ago. All I remember is “Forgive me, Father for I have sinned…these are my sins…blah blah”. The act of contrition is a Christian prayer genre that expresses sorrow for sins. I don’t need to rattle off my sins to a priest because I have done this privately many times.  I believe God is everywhere.

The truth is I have sinned for acts that I did as a wife and mother. Though I have said sorry and seeked forgiveness from God and from family members as well, I think one must also forgive oneself and never do it again. Apologize and make amends for one’s bad action or words are the steps to healing and preventing resentment in relationships.

It’s never too late to apologize

Why should I apologize? I have learned that as long as I am sincere in my apology, saying sorry lifts that the burden off my chest as instant relief washes over me. I certainly don’t want to prolong any bad blood.  A proper apology will straighten everything out. According to psychologist Guy Winch, author of Emotional First Aid, “An effective apology doesn’t just heal the wound for the other person. It’ll dissolve your guilt, too.”

Basically, whenever an apology is given, one has to truly mean it—and strive to change one’s behavior so that  mistakes won’t happen again.

Twelve  years ago, my husband and I had our own share of marital conflicts. He would do something I found objectionable and then very quickly say sorry. I told him I  more interested in seeing his  behavior change.  It’s easy to say sorry; it’s harder to spend the time to understand why you’ve hurt someone and to work on not hurting them again.

Practice forgiveness

Through the years, my husband has shown through his actions that he wanted  to change. After truly being sorry, forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we gave each other.

Forgiveness sets you free from resentment’s confines; it breaks down the walls that anger builds and negativity reinforces.

When we forgive, we stop letting our pasts dictate our presents. We acknowledge we want the very best for ourselves; accepting that our past makes us the person we are today, and embracing that.

Letting go of resentment doesn’t necessarily lead to forgiveness, but when you embrace forgiveness, resentment ceases to exist.

I know that I cannot control what other people do including family members, but I can control how I react. When I practice truthful living, self-expression, and forgiveness, resentment simply has no place or power in my life.

Pabasa, Meditation and Prayer

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Meditation gives you an opportunity to come to know your invisible self. It allows you to empty yourself of the endless hyperactivity of your mind, and to attain calmness. It teaches you to be peaceful, to remove stress, to receive answers where confusion previously reigned. – Wayne Dyer

maundy-thursday-clipart-1

Right across our house is the parish church for over 5000 or more residents. A few years ago, we agonized over the wailing and chanting of “pabasa”. Fortunately, there is none this year.

I don’t know with you but I find the “pabasa” very irritating especially if the marathon chant is done right across your house. As you are all aware, the “pabasa” is a uniquely Filipino tradition of chanting or singing the pasyon, a book narrating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some would say that I should make it a personal vow or panata during Holy Week. Really, it’s no use escaping the Pabasa’s wailing chants. It is like forcing me to reflect on its messages, and to relate to the suffering of Jesus.

Michael Tan in his article on. Pabasa on a Carabao, tells us more on the origins of the “Pabasa”

The Passion plays, and our Pabasa (sometimes also called Pasyon), are not just religious rituals. They are intended literally to indoctrinate the public, which is instilling doctrine. Given how central Christ’s Passion and death are to Christian doctrines, the Pabasa is there to hammer down the messages around Christ’s redemptive act.

Today is unlike the past. There are choices on how we choose to reflect on our spirituality.

The “pabasa” is really meditating but just done loudly. I prefer to meditate quietly. I recognize that Jesus is God so I talk directly to Him. Now, to meditate is a route to improving my conscious contact with God. Meditation means opening my mind and my spiritual energy to the God connection. I cannot connect to God in a noisy environment so I prefer to do so in peace and tranquility. I want to relax as best as I can and open my consciousness and subconscious mind to God.

Today being Holy Thursday is a quiet day. I have time to slow down, to stop what I am doing and take this kind of break. During normal days, my meditation and prayer comes to play when I am alone in the sanctuary of my room. It is during these times when answers, insight or inspiration hit me. Sometimes it might not be immediate but solutions are surely coming.

If I did my part on meditation and prayer, I then let the rest go. I allow my conscious contact with God improve so that my subconscious contact will too. I discovered that with time, I found myself in tune with God’s harmony and will for me. I find and maintain that soul connection, the God connection.

I know all of us take our own moments for meditation and prayer either the first thing in the morning, during a coffee break or in the evening. It is our choice.

meditation
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Practical Guide to Meditation

“Connect to the divine Source with unconditional love. This principles creates an awareness of the significance of accepting your manifestations with absolute love.” Dr. Wayne Dyer

1.) “There’s no such thing as a bad meditation. Any time you spend time in silence is valuable, even if your inner voice is persistent and loud. Don’t judge it; just observe it. Simply observe yourself sitting there, and when a stray thought suddenly appears, just note it, and use its presence as a reminder to go back to the gap.”

2.) “With time, your inner dialogue will shut down. We all know that mastery is seldom achieved without practice. Meditation is no exception. Perhaps that’s why it’s called practice. With the passage of time, you’ll easily slip into the gap with joyous anticipation of reuniting with God.”

3.) “There’s no right or wrong time to meditate. Each of us finds our most comfortable time of day, so don’t try to do this on someone else’s schedule. You can slip into the gap frequently if you take advantage of a two minute stop at a traffic light, a pause in a meeting, a trip to the rest room, or the time you spend waiting for an appointment.”
field-meditation

4.) “There’s no correct mediation length. I find that approximately 20 minutes per session twice daily is optimal for me. However, even a few moments can be nurturing. I’ve also learned that a two or three hour flight is a grand opportunity for me to spend an extended period of time in the gap, and that the time passes in what seems like a few moments.”

5.) “There’s no correct posture or place for meditation. Find what makes you comfortable and trust it. Sitting, lying down, kneeling – whatever works for you is the perfect posture. Anyplace at all can serve as your location. Since I travel so much, I’m not particular about location, while some people I know use the same posture, the same chair, and the same time every day. Whatever ““floats your boat”, as my teenagers say, is fine.”