Say Goodbye to Molds: Must-Have Home Appliances for Filipino Families This Rainy Season

As the rainy season pours over the Philippines, many Filipino homes—especially those with poor ventilation—face a silent yet serious threat: mold infestation.  Recently, I just found out that my passport seemed to be infested with molds. It was just kept inside my closet so I was confused what caused it. Aside from that, me and my daughter had relentless cough and colds that seldom trigger an asthma attack. We both had medical checkup and it was explained to us by our doctors that our house's poor ventilation plus the rainy season could have caused mold spores to circulate around the house. 

Molds thrive in damp, humid conditions. And without proper airflow or sunlight, spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, and even living rooms can turn into breeding grounds for these harmful fungi. Beyond the musty smell and damage to furniture or walls, molds pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and anyone with allergies or asthma.

But don’t worry, prevention is possible with all the home gadgets or appliances available in the market.

Below are essential appliances and gadgets every Filipino family should have to fight mold, maintain indoor air quality, and keep the whole household healthy during the rainy season.

1. Dehumidifier – Your First Line of Defense Against Mold

Mold loves moisture. A dehumidifier reduces humidity levels in the air, making it harder for mold to grow. It is best for bedrooms closet, Condo units with poor airflow

Keep indoor humidity below 60%. Most dehumidifiers have built-in sensors to monitor.

When I learned about this, I immediately get one for our home and replaced our existing humidifier. At first I was confused on these appliances but now I know better.  Humidifier adds moisture to the room and beneficial during hot weather while dehumifier reduces moisture from the air and applicable to be used during rainy season to prevent molds.

2. Air Purifier with HEPA and  Carbon Filter

Air purifiers not only trap mold spores floating in the air but also remove allergens, dust, and bacteria—creating a healthier breathing environment for your family. This is best for children’s rooms, living area and homes near flood-prone areas

Choose one with a HEPA filter and activated carbon for both particulate and odor removal.

3. Exhaust Fans and Ventilation Boosters

For areas with no windows or poor airflow, exhaust fans help circulate air and reduce humidity build-up—especially in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is common. It is best best for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas.

Install on opposite walls for cross-ventilation. Some models now come with humidity sensors that automatically activate.

4. Humidity and Temperature Monitor (Hygrometer)

If you want to prevent mold, you need to monitor the conditions that cause it. A hygrometer shows real-time indoor humidity and temperature. Best for any room at risk of mold and monitoring effectiveness of dehumidifiers

Ideal indoor humidity is 40%–60%. Above 60%, mold can start growing in just 24–48 hours.

Check out this hygrometer to monitor your room conditions.

5. UV Sterilizers for Cabinets and Closets

Dark, enclosed storage areas are mold magnets. UV sterilizers kill mold spores and bacteria without chemicals—perfect for clothes, shoes, and baby items. Best for closet, shoe cabinets and baby storage areas

Use at least once a week during the rainy season. Also when turned on, people, animals and plants must not be in the room or avoid prolonged exposure.

Cheaper Alternatives

A cheaper alternative to prevent molds are silica gel & moisture absorbers. While these are not gadgets per se, they’re powerful allies. Place them inside cabinets, drawers, and under beds.

Why It Matters for Your  Health

Long-term exposure to mold can lead to: Allergic reactions, asthma attacks, skin irritation, chronic sinus issues and respiratory infections.  Children and seniors are especially vulnerable. That’s why prevention is always better than cure.

Final Thoughts

By investing in a few key appliances, Filipino families can enjoy a clean, dry, and healthy home environment all year round. Especially in our tropical climate where humidity is a constant challenge, these gadgets aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.

Stay dry, breathe easy, and protect your home and loved ones from the dangers of mold.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—helping us keep the blog running and share more helpful tips for Filipino families!

Protect Your Money: Things to Consider Before You Invest

Republishing this writeup for awareness as this is still applicable nowadays.

A while ago, I just learned that a friend was one of the many others victimized by an investment scam in Batangas.  The scammers got away with the money he saved up for his four kid's education amounting to more than half a million pesos.  I remember posting this only last February so I decided to repost this just to warn the others who are being recruited for some dubious investment scheme.  Please take the time to read and share this post to warn the others.

With the widespread use of e-commerce also comes rampant investment and insurance scams.  More often than not, we are lured into investing our hard-earned money in business that promises us high returns.  Who would not want high percentage return of investment? Truth is, there is no such thing as an overnight success in business and it takes careful planning, study and analysis for one's investment to grow.  It takes more than trust, confidence and gut feeling to make sound financial move.  I bore witness to friends, acquaintances and even relatives who put their hard-earned cash and even their whole retirement incentive into too-good-to-be-true investments only to find out later that they were scammed.  Years ago, I was also lured into investing my bonus and salary in networking business trusting that a friend who recruited me into it was only doing me a great favor by sharing her own financial success.  We enjoyed the benefits in the first few months of our membership.  Eventually and  unfortunately, we both suffered the bane of networking business when we came out almost empty handed.  The last time we check, the perpetrators were "enjoying" their retirement in jail with all their assets frozen.  I was thankful that I was still young at that time and I was able to work and recover from my losses. 

Today, I again see the proliferation of such scam but this time, it is more technologically advanced using social media platform. Although there are many other legitimate business on the internet, be careful where to put that hard earned cash.  This is just to remind you dear readers, before you even make that deposit or fund transfer in the business venture that you wish to participate in, think a hundred times and consider these...

1. Inquire/check or research from the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) or Insurance Commission (IC) if

      A.  The company has the necessary licenses or there are no issues/cases against such company

      B.  The products being offered are registered and legitimate

      C.  The salespersonnel/agent are authorized to act in behalf of the company

2.  Remember to 

       A. research about the company and its product before you invest

       B. ask a copy and keep the documents/receipts of your transactions

       C.  Be wary of promises about high-yield ROI as these are proven high risk investments

       D. Never just rely on your friends or relatives' testimonies to lure you into investing, make your own study and be adequately informed. 

*The poster is a public service announcement from SEC and BSP

Originally posted on July 23, 2015

How To Apply for Passport in the Philippines

Passport Application then:

The first time I applied for a passport years ago, I found the process to be too complicated and time consuming.  Passport application was done at the DFA Office in Pasay City where I was greeted with numerous fixers and legitimate-looking passport processing offices just outside the office building. There were too many people outside the area that I had a hard time finding the main entrance. I actually had the experience with one person who was clad in an office uniform but I had no idea whether she was from DFA or not.  When I asked her where the entrance was, she told me to get in one of the kiosks to have my picture taken even if I said that I already had the requirements with me.  Geez...they screened my documents, led me into their booth, took my pictures then asked for payment.  :-)  After payment, only then I was told what gate to enter and it finally dawned on me that I was actually scammed. That was because I was clueless of the process that time.

For helpful tips in making a travel plan..READ HERE >>

Discover how a travel planner can make a big difference..KNOW MORE >>

Passport Application Now;

Anyway, that was years ago.  Today, the passport application has dramatically improved. Thanks to new developments in information technology that we can now set an appointment at the DFA for passport application using the internet at the comfort of our own home.

Whether you are applying for new or renewal of passport, DFA now requires an online appointment. Applicants will not be admitted at the entrance gate without valid appointment and application forms. This online appointment is free of charge.  Here is a step by step guide to help you through it.

1.  First determine the nearest branch to you where you want to set an appointment, (you can choose whatever branch that is most convenient to you).
DFA Branches:
(a) DFA Aseana in Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City
(b) DFA NCR West located at the 5th floor of SM City Manila, Arroceros St. (just across the Manila City Hall)
(c). DFA NCR Central at Robinsons Galleria in Pasig City
(d). DFA NCR East at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City
(e). DFA NCR South in Metro Alabang Town Center Muntinlupa City
(f). DFA NCR Northeast in Alimall Government Center Cubao Quezon City

2.  At the DFA Website Branch Selection page (http://www.passport.com.ph/choose-branch), select your preferred branch.  You will be taken to the instructions/reminders page.  Go through it and read carefully.

3.  If you have already read the instructions, click the "Set an Appointment" link.  That will take you to a new page where you will again be reminded of important pointers in applying for passport.  If you intend to apply only for yourself or for one person, click the "Start Individual Appointment Process" button. If you are applying with your family, click the "Family Application Form" link.

3. You will be directed to the passport application form.  Fill in all required information, be sure that all information provided are true and that it can be sufficiently supported by your documents which you will attach with  your application such as birth certificate, identification cards etc.  If you are applying for renewal of passport, you need to provide your old passport number so be sure to have that with you.  Also, ensure that the email address you provide is your own working email since all communications related to your online appointment will be sent to this email address.

4.  Review all the information that you provide before you click the Submit button.  Any false information you supplied could be grounds for non-issuance of passport.

5.  You will be asked for the date and time that you preferred when to visit your selected branch for the personal appearance.  All passport applicants of 0 age above are required to have a personal appearance since biometrics information such as photo will be taken.

6. Check you email from DFA Consular Office.  It contains your passport application reference number and a link to print your passport.

7.  Print your system-generated application form on a Legal Size paper and complete all the required documents stated in the email. Do not sign on the passport application just yet, you will sign on the document personally before a DFA Officer once you visit the branch.

8.  Photocopy all the necessary documents before proceeding to DFA Office because applications will not be processed if you do not have complete set of photocopies of your documents (at least two or three sets of photocopies will be fine plus your original papers).

8.  At the date of your appointment, be at your selected branch at least thirty minutes prior to your appointed time.  Be sure to have the required amount for the passport processing fee and delivery fee if you opt to have your passport delivered to you.  The processing fee for rush/passport is slightly higher than for regular passport (at the time of this writing 950.00 for regular processing).

9.  Once inside the DFA Office, you will be directed by their friendly staff on the step by step process such as the following:
      a. Get your queue number at the Information Counter and sit on the waiting section of the Processing Area.
      b. Wait for your queue number to appear on the monitor indicating what processing window you will go to.
     c. After processing, proceed to the Cashier's area. Pay the applicable passport processing fee
    d. After payment, proceed to the Encoding Section for data capturing.
    e. After your photo is captured, personal details and biometrics are encoded
    f. If you opted for delivery, proceed to delivery counter to pay for delivery fees, the expected date delivery will be recorded on your receipt so you only need to wait for your passport to be delivered to your designated address.
    g. If you opted to pick up the passport at the claim counter, just present the claim stub on the date indicated at the same branch where you made your application.

There goes the very easy process of passport application.  You now have less worries of being scammed or annoyed by fixers as what I experienced before.

After getting your passport, then your travel visa, you are now on your way to exploring the world 😍 You can also opt to try some visa-free countries. Head on to an airline websites such as AirAsia and check out seat sale offer to save on your flight fare.

Family Relaxation at Azumi Boutique Hotel, Alabang

Hotel Name: Azumi Boutique Hotel

Location: 2205 Market Street, Madrigal Business Park, Phase II Alabang Muntinlupa City 1780

Contact No. +632 869 9888

My family ensured to welcome the new year 2019 with a new adventure at a place which we have never been to for us to collect exciting memories to reminisce someday. A week before 2018 came to a close, I booked Azumi Boutique Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa which is one of the  areas in Metro Manila where our family never really had a chance yet to explore.  READ MORE>>

You can use Klook referral code JYZBJ5 to get P250 off once you sign-up!

Post Exchange No. 2019-01

The saltwater infinity pool with overlooking view of Alabang

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—helping us keep the blog running and share more helpful tips for Filipino families!

*Reposted content. The information provided is based on the account of the author at the time and place described. Consent for reposting was given accordingly.

Family Relaxation at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila

Hotel Name: Bayview Park Hotel
Location: 1118 Roxas Boulevard corner UN Avenue Ermita Manila
Contact No. Tel: (+632) 5261555

Booking Details:
My favorite booking application Agoda always makes my hotel stay extra special by giving me promotional discounts on my accommodation.  For my husband and my daughter's birthday, I decided to give them a special kind of treat so I again searched for a hotel stay that will give my birthday celebrators memorable time of their lives.  Our first accommodation at Bayview Park Hotel in Manila for my husband's birthday proved to be a value-for-money experience where I booked two rooms for the family.  READ MORE >>

Family Relaxation at Grand Hoyah Hotel, Subic Zambales

Hotel Name: Grand Hoyah Hotel
Location: Canal Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines
Contact No. Tel: (047) 252.9978 (intl: +63.47.252.9978), Manila: (02) 404.4784

It is really memorable to visit Subic!!! To help you in packing your things, get this original Adidas Duffel bag👍💙 #paidlink

Booking Details:

The family needed some sandy beach fix to enjoy summer time as we did not enjoy much the pool at city hotels the last time.  I searched for beach destination just some hours away from Manila and I was directed to either Batangas or Zambales.  READ MORE>>

Family Relaxation at The A.Venue Hotel, Makati

Hotel Name: The A.Venue Hotel Makati
Location: 7829 A. Venue Makati Avenue Makati City
Contact No. +63(2)

Booking Details:
My husband and I planned another family get-together for the summer vacation.  Since both of us had busy work schedules and the kids were raring to go swimming, we decided to spend a long weekend at a nearby hotel.  I searched through Agoda for hotels that offer amenities like swimming pool and the gym since the family needs to have some physical activity for health reasons. Read More>>

Family Relaxation at BSA Twin Towers Ortigas

Post Exchange 01-2018

Hotel Name: BSA Twin Tower Ortigas
Location: Ortigas Bank Drive corner Julia Vargas Ortigas Center Mandaluyong City
Contact No. +63(2) 

 

Booking Details:
December 27, 2017: It had become a start-of-year family affair to spend bonding moments at a new place like in 2016 at Dusit Thani and Hotel 101 in 2017. For 2018, we decided to spend the remaining two days vacation at BSA Twin Towers in Ortigas.  As it was peak season and I already anticipated that most hotels are fully booked, I took chances and checked thru Trip Advisor.  After some searching and comparing, I picked this BSA Twin Towers.  This tower is one of the highest buildings in the Philippines and it  also offers a wave pool.  The thought of what to see on top of that tall tower made me a bit excited 😉

READ MORE >>

Family Relaxation at Destination Hotel Tagaytay

Post Exchange 17-05

Heading to Tagaytay? Wear these comfy Adidas Shoes or adjustable cap to complement your OOTD while you stroll around town. Click the image to shop👌💓 #paidlink

 

Yay! It's been 3 years since I last visited Tagaytay and the kids never been there so this is a great time to give them that memorable experience.  I searched for a place where our family could have an overnight stay in Tagaytay and found Destination Hotel through Trip Advisor.  I just find accommodations in Tagaytay as a little pricey since this is one of the favorite destinations among locals when they want to experience that cold weather and escape Manila heat.  This is a better alternative than driving your way to Baguio City when you want that winter feel that will save you some hours of travel time.  READ MORE>>

source: http://www.destinationhoteltagaytay.com

Family Relaxation at The Exchange Regency Residence Hotel

Post exchange 17-04

It was another long weekend and we just felt that we need to do some family bonding considering that my husband and I were too busy with office work and the kids with their school activities.  We hardly dined together or spent quality time for several weeks that we all felt alienated from each other.   Thus my husband decided to have some get-together to create great memories with our growing kids.   It was great that I scored an Agoda reservation for two rooms at The Exchange Regency for 65% discounted rate with free buffet breakfast for four. READ MORE >>

source:www.theexchangeregency.com

How to Get the Improved Postal ID from PhlPost

A valid identification (ID) card is very important when you need to apply for a passport, open a bank account, engage in business deals and many other engagements.  At least two valid primary IDs with your picture and signature are usually required to validate a person's identity.  I have seen people who have been turned down to open a bank account or denied access to establishment because they have no proof of identity to present. If you or someone you know is one of those people without even a single identification card, there is the improved postal ID that you can get from the Philippine Postal Corporation or PhlPost.  Filipinos and foreign residents of any age or occupation may apply and the ID shall be valid for three (3) years for Filipinos and those with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV) while only one year validity for foreign residents,  Application forms are available in any post office, and can also be downloaded online.

Here is the step by step guide in securing the improved Postal ID

FIRST, you must complete the documents required for application

1. Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished Postal ID application form 

2. Proof of Identity such as Birth Certificate issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry.  For married female a pplicants, a copy of marriage certificate is also required to validate change of name from birth records.

If in any case you have no Birth Certificate, you may submit ANY TWO (2) of the following documents, at least one of which should bear your photo and signature:

•Baptismal Certificate 

•Certificate of Birth 

•College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records 

•Confirmation Certificate 

•Elementary or High School Form 137 

•Marriage Certificate

•Valid Alumni ID 

•Valid College, School or University ID 

•Valid Company ID 

•Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID

•Valid NBI Clearance 

•Valid OWWA ID 

•Valid Pag-Ibig ID 

•Valid PhilHealth ID 

•Valid PRC ID 

•Valid Paper-based Postal ID 

•Valid Police Clearance 

•Valid Seaman’s Book

•Valid Senior Citizen ID 

•Valid Tax Identification Number Card 

•Valid Voter’s ID

3. Proof of Address - together with the application form and proof of identity, you must submit any one (1) of the following:

 •Barangay Certificate of Residency – issued within three (3) months prior to PID application

•Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to   application

•Notarized, if applicable, Land, House or Condominium Lease Contract

•Bank statement

•Credit card statement

•School billing stateme

•Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)

SECOND, After you have completed filling out the forms and required documents, you may submit them  to any post office for screening and payment. Applicant will only pay a fixed fee of PHP504.00 for the postal ID (inclusive of delivery fee and tax).  Your submitted documents will be screened and if it passed the approval process,  you will head to ID capture station to be photographed and fingerprinted. 

THIRD, expect to receive your Improved Postal ID delivered by PhlPost mail carrier directly at your registered address on the following schedules:

• In Metro Manila - Approximately fifteen (15) working days from application

• Other major cities and municipalities – Approximately twenty (20) working days

• Island provinces and remote barangays - Approximately thirty (30) working days

Aside from being a primary card, the improved postal ID is also a privilege card that provides discounts and freebies from partner establishments. Holders of Postal ID cards can enjoy various privileges while dining at restaurants, staying at hotels or resorts, visiting theme parks, shopping for appliances and other products, or availing services in salons, spas, clinics, fitness centers, training schools, etc. For the complete list of merchant-partners, visit the PhlPost website.

Hotel Review: Winford Hotel and Casino

**Post Exchange 17-02**

Hotel Name: Winford Hotel and Casino
Location: 352 Zone 35, Sta. Cruz,, 1800 Consuelo St, 1014 Metro Manila
Contact No.: 63(2) 528 3600

Booking Details:
I booked this hotel two weeks prior to our intended stay through Agoda.  I just wanted to have some relaxed time with my family after the Lenten break.  As we all know, hotels tend to be packed with visitors during the Holy Week thus I decided to have an after Lent stay. This hotel is just across an SM Mall so everything our family need will just be within easy access.  Good thing that there was a discount promo when I booked thus I got the two double deluxe rooms for just more than PHP 6,000.00 which is a good deal since breakfast for four is already included Read More >>

https://invol.co/clhjb1k

Thoughts of a Sad Soul

This piece was originally written dated July 1, 2007 with original title "My Own Piece of Sadness".  Reaching almost ten years, I guess the wheel of life had took its turn once again and I am at the lowest point at this time.  Not yet ready to share the experience though.  Maybe in due time...but as of now, I need to find a way to cope with it. 

MELANCHOLIC, DESPONDENT, DEPRESSING, GLOOMY, MISERABLE, CHEERLESS, HEARTBREAKING, HEARTRENDING, POIGNANT, DISTRESSING, UNHAPPY, SORROWFUL, DOWN. . .

There are so many words to describe an emotion when you face an untoward incident like a member of your family become sick one after the other, you are pressured at work, you have issues at home, you have debts to pay or in a deep financial burden, a relative died, your sibling suffered from fire accident and so on.  If you happen to undergo this doom all at the same time, how would you react?

Whew, life can be so downright depressing sometimes or most of the times that one would wonder “Why do I have to be so unlucky?”  UNLUCKY or unfortunate events, whatever one calls it are like uninvited visitors in one’s life.  No person in his right frame of mind would wish for these unwanted guests for sure. So irritating or exasperating that you cannot just let them simply disappear.  You have to endure them for as long as they are there, you need to learn how to cope or to try your best how to outsmart and to overpower them.  What a huge relief if you survive their annoying presence without suffering too much hostility. Those things brought by inauspicious chances seem to be my lot nowadays and I just do not know and understand WHY.  Could it be that I’ve been too slack in my spiritual responsibility, or I’ve been bad (unwittingly) to people (i.e. because others tend to perceive me as such for being somewhat too distant, sometimes moody and other times panicky depending on the situation I was in), or there are just mean people who wish to see one person suffer (which I want to think otherwise), or simply because life is like that?

In going through all these problems I think I already given my self enough moment to grieve, enough time to complain, enough ways to plan and enough reason to make myself believe that the stroke of bad luck shall pass but I miss my time to pray to GOD.  I feel sorry for being too proud, for believing that I could overcome these things after some time.    

“When it rains, it pours”, so they say.  When it comprises of good things I know I have to seize the opportunity to go out, fill a bucket or two and enjoy the rain, but if it consists of misfortunes I shall instinctively use an umbrella to take cover.  But I know there were also times when my umbrella could be blown away by gusty winds leaving me dripping wet. I learn that if that happens I must pray to GOD for the rain to stop for only HE has the power to make it happen.

Philippians 4:13  “I can do all this through HIM who gives me strength.”

blessed is he who reads...

Reposted...just some reflections for the Holy Week...

Got quite overwhelmed by the voluminous work and readings I had to deal with. Sometimes I feel more like "frazzing", got this word from TIME magazine’s article which means "frantic, ineffective multitasking, typically with the delusion that you are getting a lot done. The quality of the work, however, is poor". Grace under pressure…:-) whatever… still need to get going and BE HAPPY!!!

In the month of January I became a book geek, I was flooded by reading materials which were more than I could handle. How do you expect to read more than a thousand pages and understand and appreciate the content of it especially if you know that you are getting pressured just merely looking at the thickness of it? Well, really need to read them because those were really essential matter (work-related, what else)!

I am not a bookworm actually I read only when it is necessary, and I only read those books that will not take so much of my time. I remember those times when friends would lend me their bestsellers, I would start a chapter or two then jump to the end of the story. But, I am really impressed with people who love to read thick paperbacks and find them really admiring (how I wish I was gifted with the same patience). I remember one time when I shared an elevator ride with Sen. Enrile (he had an office at the same building as ours, some years ago) he was holding a book, actually he was not only holding it, he was reading it (I guess that is just how great minds came to be). I asked myself “would there be a time in my life when I also need to do that, reading while on the go, even in the elevator?” I think this is it, with all those RAs, PDs, SRS, FS, S&P etc. that I need to be aware of, I really need to find time to read wherever and whatever situation I am in, and I guess my habit of skip reading would not do, have to read every pages of them. If that does not qualify me to be a bookworm, I don’t know the meaning of the word anymore! My friend was teasing me when she saw me reading saying that it doesn’t look more like me, I guess I have to accept the fact that it already becomes my destiny.

Gosh, never thought I could muster enough time to read but I was able to snatch some from my precious moment to have an interesting read, too. I was able to take a peek at “The Food Bible”, the one I started reading last October. Actually, I read it in random, i.e. whatever topic that interests me. BTW, I really bought this book because middle of last year, I was alarmed that whenever I wake up in the morning I always have this puffy eyes which I suspected that it was something connected to my eating habits or the foods that I eat. To my surprise, the doctor that I visited could not give me concrete explanation, or at least refer me to a specialist who could give me the answer to my problem as to why I was experiencing such abnormal occurrence dropping the topic as something trivial which the doctor only said that I could have cried the previous night that’s why I woke up with puffy eyes. I could have advised her to change career and be a soothsayer instead :-) .

Buying this book was worthy indeed because I have learned that there really was a connection between my eating habits and puffy eyes and I was able to go to a specialist and correct the problem before anything gets out of hand. Another reason that I bought this book was because I really wanted to gain weight (just one of my new year’s resolutions). I was this thin girl all my life, so for a change I decided that I want to gain weight this year. Surprisingly I was able to do it with success. From a very thin 87 lbs frame I gained almost 20 lbs in eight weeks. I also followed a food regimen that’s written under the “food for weight control” section of the book. Of course I got to follow a healthy eating diet because I do not want to end up too tubby for my hubby. I just need to attain an ideal weight, keep diseases at bay and make this thin thing a part of the past. I intend to buy some more of this book to be given to those people who I think will need it.  You can get your own copy at

 

Going back to reading, the reading marathon carried on until this month, that is one of the problems when you’re not getting any younger and you have to cope into a corporate world, so much is expected of you and you need to know an array of different ideas or else expect yourself to lag behind those people who knows more, I observe that missed opportunities happen because of not having sufficient knowledge. However, there were downside effects for those times that I need to spend with work (reading), I missed some opportunities and lost social interaction, missed two or three occasions with friends, failed to make it to family gatherings, broken promises with colleagues which I really feel guilty and apologetic 😍 SORRY GUYS, hope to make up to all of you next time.

I still got a lot of reading to do, but somehow, I have this guilt feeling that compared to the amount of time I spent with those technical writings, republic acts and so on which were essential for career advancement I overlooked reading the gospel which is far more essential for life improvement. So while I was writing this blog, I stopped for a while, looked for a passage in the bible that tells about the “significance” of reading trying to look for justification in what I was doing. At the book of Revelation I found “Blessed is he who reads…”which sparked a striking notion of myself as being “blessed” as everyone else who has this penchant [either as innate or only because of necessity] for reading. I said to myself, maybe it is right to conclude that with reading comes knowledge, with knowledge comes opportunities and with opportunities comes success and blessings but when I finished reading the passage I sensed that there was far deeper meaning in it than I thought.

"Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written therein; for the time is near" (Revelation 1:3).

I hope that no matter how busy we are, whatever activities we are involve in right now, whether we love reading or not, we still have time to learn the gospel for it is far more important to life and it is one great reading with a promise. God Bless Us All!!!


Originally posted last 03 February 2006

Dispose those bill statements the proper way (Home Improvement Tip)

Lately I have been sorting through papers that I accumulated for years.  Those mostly were bill statement from credit cards, utilities, receipts and the like which I intentionally set aside for safekeeping and reference.  Also, since I sometimes have this guilt feeling if I throw paper incessantly, I just tossed most of my papers inside boxes until I find a good way of how to reduce, reuse and recycle them.  That became some sort of a habit but it seems like my plan of recycling had also been tossed inside those boxes for many years. 

Now what do I do with those loads of paper?  Even if I have a sagacious intention to hoard all of what I accumulated that could have otherwise been thrown away, I cannot anymore stand the clutter.  What a relief if I could construct a sturdy beautiful house out of those papers and make them as a living space.

The goal is to find a way on how I could get rid of those papers without self-reproach.  Burning the papers or using them for charcoal is an unwise option of course, lest I produce additional carbon emission.  I can’t re-use them either since there were print on both sides already and I also cannot sell them because there were personal information in it.  I have learned to be cautious nowadays when it comes to private document due to the growing incidence of identity theft and information stealing.

Now I got an additional goal of getting rid of those papers while protecting my confidential information from getting into the hands of people with wicked intention.  The only alternative I could think of was to tear them to pieces. Using scissors to do the job would be fine but that would take me a lot of time to finish so I was down to the option of shredding them.

After picking the better option on how I could reduce my paper garbage, I need to scout for a reliable paper shredder so I head out to the mall eager to find that one helpful gadget.  Paper shredder varies in sizes and purpose but since I only have kilos of paper and not tons of them I only need something small for personal use.  Electronic types would be very convenient to have but they are more costly ranging in price from P800 (about $16)  to P3,500 ($70) and since I am into serious business of reducing not just my expenses but also my carbon footprint, I prefer the manual type shredder that only costs less than five hundred pesos ($5) and doesn’t need electricity to be utilized.   So here is what I got …..

When my kids saw the paper shredder, they thought it was something they can play with but when I explained what it does and what was the goal behind the purchase they immediately look for their paper trash inside their school bags and volunteered to do the shredding themselves.  The paper shredder is fine to be used by small kids because it doesn’t have sharp metal blades in it.  My five-year old daughter really had a lot of fun doing it herself.  Isn’t it nice that I also found an effective way to teach my kids on how to be responsible for their paper trash?

As I never get to use my manual shredder as it was borrowed by friends and never found its way back to me, 😁 later on I also bought this electric-powered paper shredder from the same retailer that was a little pricey than the previous one....

...but I guess it was not worth the purchase as this easily broke down. 😞 So I would rather use my reliable manual shredder than this one. Once we are through shredding all those paper, what should we do next to reuse and recycle them?

The story doesn’t end here

reposted from 11.11.10

Family Staycation at Hotel H2O Manila

It was Oppa C's birthday so even if we had a depressing start of month, I decided not to spoil his day by giving him a surprise birthday treat.  I just got out from the hospital and there was no way we can stroll around.  Our only option was to celebrate at home or have a staycation.  It would surely be a tiresome day to celebrate at home since we need to prepare food and everything so I searched for an affordable staycation in hotel booking sites.  As the day I was eyeing was already too near, the hotels I searched for were either fully booked or too costly.

I tried searching for accommodations at deals sites and I was lucky to find a Metrodeal offer for Hotel H2O with free lunch at Liquid Buffet and free pass to Yexel's Toy Museum at Manila Ocean Park (MOP).  READ MORE >>

**Post Exchange 17-03**

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—helping us keep the blog running and share more helpful tips for Filipino families!

*Reposted content. The information provided is based on the account of the author at the time and place described. Consent for reposting was given accordingly.

Earth Hour 2017

This is the 10th Year for Earth Hour and we feel delighted that Unsullied Perspective has been part of this movement since 2010. So what is Earth Hour?

"Earth Hour is a worldwide grassroots movement by WWF to unite people to take action for the planet. Engaging a massive mainstream community on a broad range of environmental issues, Earth Hour was famously started as a lights out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then it has grown to engage hundreds of millions of supporters, individuals and organizations alike, in more than 7000 cities and towns in over 175 countries and territories worldwide." 

Earth Hour 2017 will take place on Saturday 25 March, 8:30 p.m. local time. 

  

Let us join again in observing Earth Hour, let us all lend our voices. Together, we can make a difference to protect the earth for the future generation.  

To join this movement, please click here >> earthhour.org


We feel great receiving an email from WWF acknowledging our efforts for our participation in Earth Hour.  We wish to share them to encourage everyone to be part of this movement.

Here is the message:

It only means that...even in our small way, through collected efforts, we can do big changes. 

Maynilad Wastewater Management Service: A Pro-Environment Initiative

Sharing my own learning:

My kids and I attended the Daloy Dunong Program of Maynilad thru the invitation of Nuffnang Philippines last February 4, 2017. Since the seminar has something to do with health and environment which is part of the advocacy of this blog and also because of a great parent-child bonding opportunity, I grabbed the chance to be present with my kids.

It was such an enriching experience that even my kids appreciated what they learn especially the plant tour at Veterans Village Water Reclamation Facility.  

From that Daloy Dunong Educational Tour, we learned of the following:

1. Maynilad's commendable effort in ensuring that wastewater from our household will be treated and processed before it will be discharged to river, lake and sea to avoid polluting our bodies of water
2. How wastewater is treated in the facility like the one we visited in Quezon City. A presentation on wastewater management was provided to us then we toured the plant where we witnessed the entire process 
3. We found out that water treatment is such a complicated process.  We saw how sewage/filtrate/ septage turned to effluent and bio-solid using specialized machines at different stages.  Those terms! Thank goodness they have those samples for us to understand. 😊
4. That some of Maynilad's customers are already connected to a sewerage system directly connected to a treatment facility while those who are not connected to sewer lines are provided with sanitation services at no extra cost to its customer.  
5. That Maynilad has expansion programs and accelerating its wastewater management to cover 100% of its West Zone service by 2037.  That is good news for mother earth and also for our future generations as it only means that they would need more people to man these plants so better keep that in mind and think of possible career opportunities for the kids
6. That it partners with other private and government entities to build more treatment plants and they encountered challenges acquiring lands where they will put up the plant
7. That they conduct seminar and tours to inform its stakeholders on the importance of wastewater management like this Daloy Dunong Tour.

Here are more detailed information:

Where does our tap water come from?

"Water, water everywhere,  Nor any drop to drink" are famous lines from the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by an English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge published in 1798.  Those lines greatly imply the importance of having clean and safe water to drink.  Is it not a big relief that we are living in this millennium with clean potable water available right inside our household? Well, YES! Especially those areas serviced by Maynilad Water Services Inc. that composed parts of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas or the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area as well as parts of Cavite Province covering Cavite City, Bacoor, Imus, towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario.  Maynilad sources its water supply from reserves in Angat and Ipo dams collected during rainy days. That same water is treated at the La Mesa Treatment Plant then goes to pumping stations for distribution directly to every household of Maynilad customers.   

An illustration on how Maynilad delivers potable water to every household

The water quality supplied by Maynilad is consistently monitored to ensure that it is safe for consumption as we use it in our daily routines such as cooking, washing, bathing and just about anything where we need that precious colorless liquid.  I was surprised when I learned from a close friend who is also a Maynilad customer that they use their tap water for drinking.  It only means that the water quality of Maynilad is safe.  

Illustration provided by Maynilad

Where does our wastewater go?

Maynilad customers consume about 35 gallons of water per person per day according to a study by the University of the Philippines.  About 80% of water we used or roughly 28 gallons turn into wastewater or  go down the drain that will later on reach our surrounding bodies of water. 

That wastewater if not properly treated prior to disposing to creeks,  lakes and rivers can pose health and environmental risks. The possible health risks if exposed to contaminated water include Diarrhea, Leptospirosis,  Hepatitis A and many others.  On the other hand, its impact on the environment can manifest through  sudden destruction of large quantities of fish or fish kill and possible "euthropication" where excessive nutrients in our waterways can cause dense growth of plant life and and death of animal life.

    

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004


Maynilad ensures compliance to the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 where part of its provision states:

• "To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of control mechanisms for the protection of water resources;" 
• "To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that recognizes that water quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns about water sources and ecological protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;"

Thus, Maynilad provides not only safe potable water but also sustainable water solution that includes Wastewater Management Service.  Maynilad's Wasterwater Management Service covers "sewerage" and "sanitation". 

For its sewerage service, Maynilad provides sewer service connection, maintenance/repair of sewer network, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and also plan for sewer coverage expansion.  On the other hand, its sanitation service includes septic tank desludging or regular cleaning of septic tank, operation and maintenance of septage treatment plant, fleet maintenance and planning for sanitation coverage expansion.  Both for its sewerage and sanitation services, Maynilad ensures to attend to customer complaints. 

The septic tank cleaning or desludging services are offered by Maynilad at no extra cost but there are certain conditions that must be met such as:

1. The wastewater is of domestic quality (only residential and semi-business customers)
2. Not been served in the last 5-7 years
3. With updated Maynilad account
4. Septic tank is accessible (ensure that you know where your septic tank is, you can check your house' as-built plan or consult with experts or plumber)

To request for septic tank cleaning service, you can call the Maynilad hotline at 1626 or through their Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

What are the benefits from wastewater management?

1. It protects the environment as waste water is treated before discharging to bodies of water to avoid water pollution.
2. Sanitation and healthful conditions are sustained
3. The whole family is safe from contaminated water 

What can we do to help in wastewater management?

1. Exercise proper solid waste management practices such as waste segregation and recycling, remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. 
2. Be mindful when you use the toilet. Never flush non-fibrous matter in the toilet bowl such as diaper, wipes, napkins and the like as these could cause trouble in the toilet and sewer pipelines.

3. Educate the people around you on how they can help in wastewater management and it starts by sharing this post with everyone you know. You can share by clicking any of the sharing buttons below. 

Here is a video on how our wastewater is treated by Maynilad: