Monday, June 28, 2021

DEAR ME: AN OPEN LETTER TO MYSELF

A decade ago, I decided to start my journey into blogging. I can still vividly see my blog’s purpose. To be my online journal. My own corner in cyberspace where I can pour out my thoughts, rants, small wins, dreams, goals.   

The blog has morphed into something different now. From something very personal, the blog has become more of random experiences as a mom-wife-person.  Admittedly, my blog has brought in the money that I needed for my daily existence. But now, I have realized, that it is time to pour my heart and soul into this entry for my own peace of mind.   

I decided to write an open letter to myself about how this pandemic is affecting my mental health.   

Before we begin, you need to know that my life isn’t perfect and I don’t have all the answers. I do the best I can with what I have and know and share what I have learned so others can improve their lives too. I am still striving each day to survive… just like all of you.   


Dear ME: 


How have you been? Life hasn’t been too easy on you lately, and I am truly sorry about that. But despite it all, you have managed to keep your head up and continue fighting throughout. The past year and a half have been very hard on you.   

You know you are a certified hypochondriac, but the pandemic multiplied this phobia a thousand times. An extreme aversion to germs and fear of illness. Your family has been 100% quarantined for the past year and a half, you’ve seen nobody and gone nowhere. Your anxiety peaks especially when you felt sick, or a family member is sick but you have no choice but to have home treatments, because you dread setting foot in a hospital.

Every single day, you have been battling to get everything in control. Your household, your finances, your online work, your relationships. There is that strong urge to control even the mundane things – maintain a clean house, disinfect all things that get into the house, consume your online orders of perishables before their expiry dates, finishing all the series you have downloaded in just one sitting, the weeds in the garden. Because if your mind loses an opportunity to control things, you are afraid you will also lose your mental health.  

There are days when you binge watch your favorite series “The Big Bang Theory”, even though you know the series by heart. And instead of bouncing out of bed a 7am, you lie there until 9am, throwing a blank stare outside, thinking of a gazillion things to do that you simply do not have the energy to even start doing.  Where did that drive to pursue your life’s passion go?  

You know it is not burnout – you still have the energy. You know it isn’t depression you are feeling, because you don’t feel hopeless. You just feel joyless and aimless. It feels as if your just  muddling through the days, weeks, months. It is as if you are looking to the future through a foggy windshield.   

I think dear me… you are grieving. You are mourning the “loss of normalcy” in your life. What you have known as normal is nowhere to be found. You grieve for the loss of opportunity to travel. Yes, your heart’s desire to travel and explore the world. For a year and a half now, you have not set foot outside of your village. Day in, day out, you only see the four corners of your house. At times, when you can shake off your lazy butt out of the house, you can brisk walk inside the village.  You have lost all the courage to commute and visit the grocery, drug store, convenience store, etc. And you are highly dependent on online buying for things you desperately need and crave.   

As you go through this difficult process, you must remember that you are so strong. And you can get through this. This challenge may break you down. It may make you feel like nothing good will ever happen to you again. It may feel like way too much for you to handle. But that is ok.  Just keep on going through the steps, giving yourself however much time you need to be able to do all them. It’s not a race. It’s a process. And it can only work if you give it the time and effort you deserve.  

But I must say, I congratulate you for surviving this far. With maintaining that grateful stance amidst the challenges of the new normal. And a big pat on the back for taking baby steps towards healing.  

>> When yous put a huge effort in putting a limit to social media daily, to cut back on the negativities proliferating the digital world. 

>> When you consciously maintain an open communication line to friends and family that matter the most. That regular zoom meetings with family is a breath of fresh air. 

>> When you immerse yourself to an engaging DIY house project and find meaningful use of your time and the worries melt away. 

>> When you celebrate small wins. When I saw that huge smile on your face when you learned how to edit, score and make graphics for your own youtube channel; When you jumped for joy when you harvested your first kamote, kangkong and talong;  

>> When you learned to say no to toxic people who felt they can demand for your time 24-7 because you simply work from home. 

>> When your show’s host complimented a script that you wrote and recommended you for another show, and you felt super accomplished. 

>> When you are grateful for the achievements of your children in their respective universities despite the hard challenges of online learning. 

>> When you and your husband still have the luxury of working from home  


Above all, thank you for being brave to admit that you are not at the peak of your mental health. It is very much OK to feel bad about that toxic positivity being thrown at you. When people say, “don’t be sad, instead be grateful” or “you are lucky you have work and you are not sick”!  Your feelings are valid. It is your truth. And you have every right to feel sad and work your way out of your gloom. IT IS OK!    

I know life has been tough for you the past year and a half but you have done quite a good job to stay alive.  Thank you for not giving up. You know, I am extremely proud that you managed to survive through.  

It is said that trials and calamities / hardships are the greatest blessings and lessons in disguise. These hardships force us into a new and better versions of us.  

As I am writing this letter, you have not fully figured out how your life will be yet. You are not even sure if you will agree to be vaccinated. You are not sure if you can let go of your fear and be able to step out of the house again.   

But let’s make a pact.  Come back to re-read this letter 3 years later, and update me how you are doing. I truly hope that by that time, you have found your happiness and that you have followed a path that you are proud of.  

Continue to be strong. Do not stop loving. Do not stop caring. Be kind always.  Above all else, be true to yourself. 


Love you always, Me :)


This story is an entry to Comco Southeast Asia's "Write To Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor."  The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during these period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The "Write to Ignite Blogging Project" Season 2 is made possible by Comco Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications  and Jobstreet as co-presenters, and with Airasia and Xiaomi  as major sponsors. 

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Sharp AQUOS - Two Decades of Excellence, Quality, and Innovation

Sharp Philippines’ AQUOS LCD TV has entered its 20th anniversary. And what a better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than to launch a new series of 4K TVs? These upcoming LCD TVs remind us how much Sharp has innovated their products over two decades of providing quality entertainment products.  


It felt just like yesterday, but 2001 was the pivoting point of Sharp when it turned its tube TVs into LCD TVs. Gone are the days when we had to hit the tube to get a clearer image; with the newest line-up from Sharp, all you have to do is power the device, sit back, and relax.  

Sharp PH officially unveils a 70-inch 4K Smart Android TV with Google voice assistant and Google Duo for video call! 

Since cinemas and theaters are still closed, it is a wise thing to invest in your home entertainment. A TV upgrade will definitely come in handy when you want to unwind with your loved ones after a tiring day at work. Who needs to go out for movies if you feast your eyes and ears on an immersive experience?


What are the top features of Sharp 4K SMART ANDROID TV 4T-C70CK3X?

Hunting for the best TV to buy this year? Look no further as Sharp is bringing a new 4K TV in the Philippines with a 70-inch display, Dolby Audio, Chromecast built-in, and more! It's one of the company's innovative televisions that are equipped with tons of features.

Let's look at the highlights below:

Sleek and modern design

When it comes to TV sizes, we just have one tip for you: Go big or go home. This TV boasts 70-inch screen goodness so it's like watching your favorite series and movies in your mini-cinema. Aside from that, it sports a minimalist design built with a super narrow bezel, making eyes focus more on the display.

Richer in details

The most obvious benefit of TVs with 4K resolutions is that their pictures have more detail and sharpness. After all, their 3840 x 2160 pixel counts equate to four times the resolution of the full HD pictures most of us are used to. Every hair on people’s heads, every leaf on every tree, every blade of grass on a football pitch, every star in the sky.

Coupled with Sharp's AQUOS processor, viewing quality is enhanced to the optimal level. The manufacturer also emphasizes it can deliver outstanding picture quality because of X4 Master Engine Pro II. Basically, you’ve got an experience many describe as more like looking through a window than watching a TV.

Dual speakers with Dolby Audio support

Sound is important because of many things. It engages the audience, evokes emotional responses, emphasizes what’s on the screen, and is used to indicate mood. Thankfully, this 70-inch 4K Smart Android TV from Sharp is equipped with speakers with Dolby audio on both sides. As a result, you get crystal-clear sound effects with a surround-sound quality

Thousands of useful apps from Google Play


Downloading all your favorite apps and games would be a smart way to maximize your television. By doing this, you can enjoy them on the big screen with easy access from your custom Android TV home screen. In addition to this, you can conveniently use this Sharp TV for video conferencing with teammates, family, or friends due to the inclusion of Google Duo.

Remote control with built-in voice assistant

How does Google Assistant provide you a smarter viewing experience? One way is by giving you quick access to your shows and other media. In searching for content, this feature is handy since you don’t need to look through all your streaming apps yourself. Moreover, you can easily get answers on screen if you're performing a search on Google. You can also control other smart devices inside your home with this voice assistant.

These are just a few features that the Sharp 4K Smart Android TV 4T-C70CK3X boasts. Stay tuned for its local pricing and availability. For updates, you may follow Sharp Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Father’s Day Exclusive Promo

In celebration of Father’s Day, Sharp offered an exclusive promo for all fathers. For every purchase of selected products, you’ll get a wide variety of freebies. Visit and follow Sharp’s official Facebook page for more details.




Monday, June 14, 2021

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD START INVESTING IN PRIMA TANZA

A lot of people are hesitant right now in investing in real estate. For the primary reason, that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. So many uncertainties face us in our everyday lives. Not only uncertainties in terms of health, but of the unpredictability of our sources of income, when most Filipinos now are jobless.  

But let me tell you this: What I learned when it comes to investing, it is wise to analyze the pros and cons, to do prior research and feasibility studies. In stocks, when prices are low and you feel that you are losing, that is not always the case. When prices are low, that is the right opportunity to invest more. 

Because in life, when the odds are down, it cannot stay down for a long time. There is no other way but UP!  So if you are going to ask me, today is the BEST time to consider investing in real estate. Prices are not that high. Banks are lowering their interest rates to entice investors.   


PRIMA TANZA: REDEFINED METRO LIVING



If you are seriously considering investing in real estate, or looking for the next prime location to settle with the family, then Prima Tanza is a WISE choice! 


1. STRATEGIC LOCATION. The proximity of Prima Tanza to Metro Manila is worth considering, especially for those who will still work in the Metropolis. The location offers easy access to businesses and travel ways such as Sangley International Airport, Cavite-Bataan Interlink Bridge, Cavite-Laguna Expressway and Cavitex. The development is just less than an hour away from Manila. 

 2. INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS. There are lots of EXCITING infrastructure projects ongoing in Cavite, making it one of the leading provinces in terms of commercialization and development. The LRT-1 Cavite East Extension is ongoing. 



3. INDUSTRIAL ZONES. The steady growths of company locators in the province is a healthy indicator of sustained business operations and continuous pouring of investment over the years. More so, these industrial zones will generate jobs for the residents in the area.  

4. EXCITING AMENITIES. There will be a modern and central clubhouse with built in wifi, playground and green parks, basketball courts, swimming pool, 24/7 guarded entrance. Since Prima Tanza is located near Vista Mall, an added perk is the transport terminal for Metroexpress point-to-point modernized jeep from the mall to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.   


 

5. VALUE FOR MONEY. With its prime location and amenities, you can reserve a unit now for just Php5000. In investing, the perfect timing is important. And I guess, today is the right time to invest in Prima Tanza.   

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

"BAKUNA, NOW NA" CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE FILIPINOS TOWARDS VACCINATION

If you get "perks" from the government and commercial establishments, will you agree to be vaccinated? Will this decrease your vaccine hesitancy? What if the only way to travel in the new normal is through a vaccine passport, will you get your vaccine now?

These are some of the questions in my mind and were also discussed from the Bakuna, Now Na" campaign launched last June8. 


The Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), representing 38 patient groups in the country, today launches the “Bakuna, Now Na” campaign in a bid to increase vaccination uptake and decrease hesitancy to help curb the pandemic.  The campaign is also in partnership with the Department of Health and is supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Medical Association.  

The Bakuna, Now Na campaign, an information and education advocacy to increase vaccine acceptance, also kicks off with a Unity Statement with partner groups urging Filipinos to get vaccinated against CoVID-19.    

The patient-led campaign also aims to support efforts towards vaccine equity through various initiatives and collaborations with governments, manufacturers and the COVAX facility among other platforms.   


“The pandemic has made Filipino patients more vulnerable to sickness and hardships. We urge all Filipinos, including patients and their families, to get vaccinated against CoVID-19 to protect ourselves and others from this potentially life-threatening illness. We also support initiatives to urgently address vaccine inequity and secure vaccine access for Filipinos, including those belonging to priority sectors like patients,” said PAPO President Ms Ma. Fatima Lorenzo.   



“The Bakuna, Now Na is a campaign for Filipino patients and by Filipino patients. We aspire that through this campaign, we would help in informing the patients and the public that vaccines are safe and effective having gone through regulatory approvals and scientific research. We are stronger and healthier together, which is why we are calling on everyone to get vaccinated,” said Ms Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO Treasurer and Campaign Project Lead.   

A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found that only three out of 10 Filipinos are willing to be vaccinated even if they were free and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Efforts are also underway to identify barriers for the non-vaccination of a number of senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, belonging to the A2 and A3 priority sectors.   

Seeing the vast number of Filipinos who are hesitant to get vaccinated, PAPO recognizes the necessity to address the people’s concerns through the Bakuna, Now Na  advocacy. The campaign will center on frequently asked questions about CoVID-19 vaccines and dispel myths with verified medical facts. The Bakuna, Now Na is an effort to translate complicated medical terms into easy-to-digest content that will help educate the public.   

“The Department of Health is pleased to partner with the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations in our effort to increase vaccine confidence and vaccinate more people as soon as possible. We continue to call on patients and our senior citizens to get themselves vaccinated because vaccines are one of the proven ways by which we could prevent this pandemic. Vaccines along with the wearing of face masks, hand washing, and physical distancing will help us move forward safely from this pandemic. Vaccines are safe and effective kaya Bakuna, Now Na,” said Department of Health – Health Promotions Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho. 

DR. Nina Gloriani, chairman of the Department of Science and Technology - Vaccine Expert Panel, is also present during the campaign launch as the advocacy will feature verified information coming from the country’s medical and vaccines experts.  


The Bakuna, Now Na campaign is being led by PAPO in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Pharmacists Association and former Health Secretaries Carmencita Reodica, MD, Esperanza Cabral, MD, Manuel Dayrit, MD, and Janette Garin, MD and 50 other organizations and growing.  According to Rey Sarmenta, the former Chairman of HAPLOS, the Hemophilia Foundation, he got vaccinated because he wanted to protect his family, and getting vaccinated is his chance to enjoy his life with his loved ones.   For Ara Lanorio, President of the Neurofibromatosis Friends Philippines, proper education about vaccines should take priority. She shared her initial concerns about the vaccine and how knowing the facts helped her decide to get vaccinated.  For more information about the campaign or to sign the PAPO Unity Statement, please visit www.papo.ph and PAPO’s FB page.