A Dip A Day...

...keeps the heat away! And that's exactly what my little boy has been up to. He's been swimming everyday, well almost. It started Holy Week when A was with my folks and sibs in Pampanga. RL and I stayed in Manila. It was so hot one day, I decided to take A's old pool down from the attic, cleaned it and filled it with nice, cool water for RL.

RL in A's old Barbie Heart Pool. Hehehe, who cares if it's pink when it's hot? LOL!

He's been taking a dip in it everyday since. Well, except for that weekend when my neighbors knocked down their old windows, and we couldn't use the courtyard because of the dust.

We actually have a big inflatable pool, but it's too big for the courtyard!

R (not in photo) took the kids swimming!

How timely that Johnson's Baby has introduced a new product to keep babies' skin protected during the hot, summer months. Yes, the NEW! Johnson's® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion (currently my fave baby product) is finally out in the Philippine market! Woot! Finally! A mild sun block that's safe for RL's sensitive skin. Thank goodness for this, my kids can have SAFE fun under the sun.

~~~

NEW! Johnson’s® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion

Introducing Johnson’s® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion, a first from Johnson’s – this product makes sure baby’s skin stays protected, even when mom thinks they've got it all covered.

Baby’s skin is still developing so it is not yet fully capable of protecting him against environmental stresses like the sun’s harsh rays. It also has less melanin, which acts as natural protection against UV rays, making him more susceptible to sun damage. While his skin might not be showing signs of sun damage now, excessive sun exposure can build up over time and can result in wrinkles, sunspots, and even melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Johnson’s® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion contains special ingredients that can block as much as 90% of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays, offering wide sun protection. Its clinically-proven mild formula is light and non-greasy, making it safe and comfortable for everyday use. This new product is safe to use for babies 6 months and up!

Johnson’s® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion is available at Mercury Drug, Baby Company, Watsons and selected supermarkets near you. Available in SPF15 100ml (P230.00 SRP) and SPF30 50ml (P215.00 SRP).


To know more about Johnson’s ® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion, visit: www.babycenter.com.ph/sunprotection

New Gen Care for the New Gen Mom

Are you a New Gen Mom?

After attending a talk hosted by Johnson's Baby a few Saturdays back, I have been asking myself this: Am I a New Generation Mom? I mean, being a mom today takes a lot of perseverance and hard work (what more being a single mom?). But as moms, we are also hounded by naysayers (who always think they know better) and traditional folks (especially here in the Philippines) that sometimes, being a mom of this generation takes a lot more determination.

A recent study conducted by BBDO Philippines, in partnership with Johnson's® Baby, shows that the New Generation Mom can be characterized according to five remarkable traits...

1. ACTIVE SEEKER – She actively seeks new and improved ways to care for her children. She reads about the latest in nutrition, educational systems and baby products to ensure that her children always receive what’s best. She’s not afraid of challenging the traditional and is first to adopt what’s new if it is more beneficial for her family.

2. MULTI-ROLE MANAGER – She knows that there’s more to life than being a Mom. That’s why she happily juggles her other roles like wife, entrepreneur, friend, fashionista and adventurer. She maintains her individuality while keeping in mind that her family is top priority.

3. EFFICIENT SUPPORT SYSTEM – She lives by the saying that “It takes a village to raise a child.” She relies on her support system to help care for her kids from her hands-on hubby, helpful Lolas and efficient Yaya. She does not, however, surrender all her duties and rather relies on such support to allow her to be the kind of Mom she wishes to be.

4. EMPOWERED BY TECHNOLOGY – She uses technology as both a resource and a tool. She’s constantly on Babycenter.com.ph to search for new vegetable recipes or arts and crafts ideas. She shares the same information with her fellow Moms on Facebook or Pinterest. Her IPAD is loaded with videos and games to keep her kids entertained.

5. HIGHLY EXPRESSIVE ORIGINATORS – She takes pride in being the “first to know” and the “first to share.” She is quite discerning in her discoveries and choices for herself and her family. And when she has a great, new find, she shares with her fellow Moms, who love hearing about this.

Many of you know I work full-time. Add that to a double full-time career in single parenting, and a part-time one in diaper-cake making, blogging, teaching, etc. Woosah! Life is FULL. But I don't mind. With parenting partners like Johnson’s® baby, a new generation mom like me has all the help she can get.

I am glad Johnson’s® Baby continues to evolve as well in order to address every mom and baby’s changing needs. As explained by Johnson’s® Baby Associate Marketing Director Rezel Aquino, “We stay true to our commitment to partner with every mom to give her baby only the best from Day One to Everyday. That’s why we proudly launch New Generation Care for New Generation Moms, a new line of product innovations that will empower the moms of today to care for their babies in a new gen way.”

Indeed, this is testament to Johnson’s baby’s vision to care for generation after generation of Moms and babies from 100 years back, today and into the future.

http://facebook.com/JohnsonsBabyPhilippines

Pearl

Of all the Katy Perry songs A is crazy about, this is my favorite. The other night, on the way to Edsa Shangri-la for an after-concert party, A decided to talk to me about this song.

"It reminds me of you, Ma."

Lyric Video Credit: MyUniverseMusic on Youtube

PEARL

She is a pyramid

But with him she's just a grain of sand 

This love's too strong like mice and men

Squeezing out the life that should be let in

 She was a hurricane-cane-cane-cane

But now she's just a gust of wind 

She used to set the sails of a thousand ships

 Was a force to be reckoned with

She could be a statue of liberty

She could be a Joan of Arc

But he's scared of the light that's inside of her

So he keeps her in the dark

Oh, she used to be a pearl...

Ohh Yeah, she used to rule the world...

Ohh Can't believe she's become a shell of herself 

'Cause she used to be a pearl 

She was unstoppable

Moved fast just like an avalanche

But now she's stuck deep in cement

Wishing that they'd never ever met

She could be a statue of liberty

She could be a Joan of Arc

But he's scared of the light that's inside of her

So he keeps her in the dark

Oh, she used to be a pearl...

Ohh Yeah, she used to rule the world...

Ohh Can't believe she's become a shell of herself 

'Cause she used to be a - 

Do you know that there's a way out, 

there's a way out

there's a way out 

there's a way out

You don't have to be held down, 

be held down

be held down

 be held down

'Cause I used to be a shell

Yeah, I let him rule my world

my world, ohh, yeah

But I woke up and grew strong

And I can still go on

And no one can take my pearl

You don't have to be shell,

No You're the one that rules your world, ohh 

You are strong

and you'll learn that you can still go on

And you'll always be a pearl

She is unstoppable

So yea, this is my anthem this week. I hope you find encouragement in Katy Perry's Pearl and find the strength to find yourself again.

Swag Attack Part III!

This will be the last installment for Swag Attack. Until next month, that is...

Anyway, I'm giving away...

FIVE (5) PLANETSHAKERS' HEAL OUR LAND CDs!
Consolation Prize: FIVE (5) NO COMPROMISE Shirts. 

There will be 5 winners to each win a HEAL OUR LAND CD+DVD. And 5 consolation prize winners to each win a NO COMPROMISE Shirt. The mechanics to this contest will include 2 additional BONUS steps (a step more than the mechanics for the 2 previous giveaways). So read carefully, and follow to the 'T' to get your extra entries. ;)

Here's how to join Swag Attack III:

1) You MUST FOLLOW ME on Twitter.
2) Answer the following Q:

WHICH BIBLE VERSE SERVES AS INSPIRATION TO THE ANTHEMIC TITLE TRACK, HEAL OUR LAND?

Your answer must be in this tweet format:

Planetshakers' Heal Our Land is based on (your answer here). I want to win the NEW! HEAL OUR LAND album from @nappyKAYE #SWAGATTACK3

3) Swag Attack PART III ends 4.25.2012. All tweets received after the 25th of April will not be included in the draw. So tweet early!
4) Five (5) Winners will each get a brand-new, sealed HEAL OUR LAND CD+DVD (a P495.00 value). Five (5) more Winners will each get a NO COMPROMISE T-Shirt (a P350.00 value).  
5) Winners will be chosen randomly by a House of Praise representative. 

Disclaimer: Winners must be able to pick up their prize from House of Praise Panay, Galleria or V-Mall. Your Twitter account MUST NOT BE ON PRIVATE, in order for me to see your tweet/ retweet.


To get two BONUS entries to this giveaway, here's what you can do (You must tweet first, in order to receive the BONUS entries):

1) Retweet any of my tweets that direct you to this giveaway. Maximum of one RT. Should you RT more than once, you only get 1 BONUS entry for the retweet.
2) Leave a comment on this entry. Your comment must include the following phrase:

I TWEETED YOU THE ANSWER! (@yourtwitterIDhere) 

ex. I TWEETED YOU THE ANSWER! @dizwon

Hard enough? Hehe. Patience is a virtue. ;) Bonne chance!


Swag Attack PART III has been brought to you by House of Praise Direct. 

Excusez-Moi!

Excuse the absence, friends! We're gearing up for Saturday so I've been quite the busy bee at work. I get so tired that I end up snoozing or lounging with the kids at home, instead of catching up on my blog assignments. I have a ton of things to write about, but I guess that has to wait 'til after the weekend.

I've received tweets about Swag Attack 3, and I promise to announce that tomorrow. I finally got my hands on the prizes so yay!

Anyway, cutting this short. Good night and see you at the concert on Saturday!

A McFloat Treat to Beat the Heat!

HOT? 

Beat the heat with a McFloat & Fries Combo from McDonalds! Only P55.00 for the regular combo! The perfect snack to get to beat the summer heat!

Blueberry Sprite McFloat with Fries! P55.00!

What's more, with every order of a McFloat, get a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus! Each purchase of a McFloat entitles you to a peel-apart card!

So hurry, beat the heat with a McFloat today! 

*This is not paid advertisement, nor is it endorsed. I just went and got a combo and thought to share the McFloat Love. Love ko to e.

Invest for FREE!

What a great weekend! We had an extra long celebration for A, who turned ten last Saturday. Yes, ten! Where did all those years go?

After a long Friday at the office, A and I finally got to catch Hunger Games. I haven't read the book (I started reading Saturday) so I didn't quite know what to expect. Turns out the story line was too disturbing for A (Yes, I've been hiding under a rock and didn't bother reading reviews) and I wasn't quite prepared with her death questions. But God makes all things beautiful! He meant that movie for good. On the way home, I took her Qs as an opportunity to discuss eternity and salvation, and how a relationship with Jesus was necessary for her to overcome death. A has been attending Kids Church and her foundation, although fairly new (a few years), is pretty solid. But our talk about the movie (and a clearer view of how it is to die, yes, thanks to Hunger Games O_o) made her realize what all those Sunday service messages meant. I thank God for the chance to discuss this further with A! What an answered prayer!

Do you pray for your kids? Your loved ones? Do you pray for their salvation? God promises He will save your household from eternal death. All you need to do is believe in Him - that He is Lord and Savior - the only way to Heaven. I have been praying for my kids, for R, and I know this is the best investment I could ever give them. What's more, it is FREE. 

Beautiful Sunday Service yesterday!

Yesterday, as we capped A's birthday weekend with Church, Pastor D confirmed this with his talk! The message this Sunday was about investing in the future of your kids - and how investing in their faith can spell life or death for them. His call to action was for everyone to get on their knees and pray for future generations. To protect them from the sins of their fathers (and mothers!) and introducing them to God. A sound investment that comes FREE, after all, prayer entails nothing but a willing heart open to God.

"My people are being destroyed because they don't know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children." - Hosea 4:6 (NLT)

If you've been reading my blog for years, you will remember this post on Generational Curses.

"...I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me." - Exodus 20:5 (NLT)

This applies to my little family today, and I have been praying (hard!) for curses to be broken. For my kids to live according to God's will, for God to spare them from punishment. It takes more than just praying for that curse to break though.

You have to walk with God. You can't continue sinning and expect God to save your family from the consequences of your sin. Repent and turn away from evil.

Your children have to know the One, True God that saved them from sin. How do you keep them from the curse of their father's sin, if you don't teach them to love God and shun sin themselves? 

If your family means anything to you, link them to the Church, introduce them to God, invest in their faith!

I've often wondered how my life would have turned out if I didn't know the Lord - if I didn't have parents who took time out to pray for me and my salvation. I've been in the pits, and who knows how I would have dealt with life's circumstances if I didn't have God? I recently got to talk to an old friend, and he had asked how it was with the R situation. After a lengthy update as I haven't seen him in years (we were officemates - R, him and me), he exclaimed how great it was that I had God to hold on to. That my parents took time to pray for me. He wondered aloud about possibilities, had I not been a child of God. I am most grateful for that fact - I am thankful that God has His Eyes on me. And that His mercy allows me to live the way He has planned. I am where I am today, because my parents took time to kneel down and pray for me.

"But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!" - Psalm 103:17-18

ARE YOU STORING MERCY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS? PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN. PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY. MAKE THAT SOUND (and FREE!) INVESTMENT! IT'S THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN EVER GIVE.

~~~

Happy Birthday, A! Momma loves you! God has His Eyes on you. He will never leave you! He has you in the Palm of His Hand. If you stumble and fall, remember this: His mercies are new every morning.

Launching Next Week!

Integrity Music announces the April release of Heal Our Land, a new two-disc album featuring a 12-track CD and bonus DVD from Melbourne, Australia's Planetshakers band.

Latest release from Planetshakers - HEAL OUR LAND. CD+Bonus DVD, P495.00 

Heal Our Land is the 24th project from the Aussie worshippers since the band's formation in 1997. And it is the second release to be distributed under their new partnership with Integrity, following last fall's release of Nothing Is Impossible.

Originally formed to lead worship for the first Planetshakers conference held in Australia, the Planetshakers band is passionate about uniting generations worldwide through worship. Their goal is to see people encounter God, be transformed by His presence and empowered to make a difference in their world. And though they tour internationally, the team remains based out of Planetshakers City Church, a multi-campus, 7,800-member congregation in Melbourne that is pastored by husband and wife, Russell and Sam Evans. 

Recorded live at last year's Planetshakers Conference, Heal Our Land offers up new songs of passionate, vertical praise and sung prayers including the anthemic title track based on 2 Chronicles 7:14. The project features Planetshakers team members including Sam Evans, Rudy Nikkerud and Joth Hunt, who also produced the album.

TRACKLIST:
CD 
1. Supernatural
2. Good To Me
3. Do It Again 
4. Heal Our Land
5. Strength Of My Life 
6. Hold On To Me 
7. Hallelujah To The Lord 
8. You Have It All 
9. Power 
10. It's You 
11. No One Like You 
12. Running To You

DVD 
1. Supernatural 
2. Good To Me 
3. Do It Again 
4. Nothing Is Impossible (featuring Israel Houghton) 
5. Heal Our Land 
6. Strength Of My Life 
7. Hallelujah To the Lord

Timely release, don't you think? Especially with the Israel Houghton + Planetshakers Concert next Saturday! Get the chance to buy this album on April 21 (concert day) from the event merchandise booths at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It will be made available at all House of Praise stores and kiosks beginning April 23. You may also order this from House of Praise Direct and get Heal Our Land delivered straight to your doorstep!

Praise, Inc. is the official distributor of all Planetshakers albums and merchandise in the Philippines. Heal Our Land and all other Planetshakers releases are available at House of Praise, PCBS, OMF, Odyssey, and SM Recordbars.

http://www.planetshakers.com.
https://www.facebook.com/houseofpraise

DECADE CD Winners!

I know, I know. L.A.T.E. But what's a few days? Not entirely my fault (haha, and I had to give an excuse) as my laptop's AC Adapter died on me last night. But anyway, here are the winners for the Israel Houghton DECADE CD Giveaway, as drawn by my dad! No photo, because he's shy (LOL!)...

DECADE: The Best of Israel Houghton & New Breed (2002-2012).  
Available NOW at all House of Praise stores and kiosks.

Shy (@shyhae)

Alexandra Leonardo (@aldiehyde)

Archie Maramag (@ajmaramag)
diane (@DianeDeleola)
Clarisa Bibiano (@akosiclarisa)

Congratulations! Please expect a DM on Twitter on how to claim your prize. Again, congratulations!

Thank you, House of Praise, for hosting this giveaway! And yes, folks, Part III is coming up! Waiting for product delivery (hint!) then we're good to go!

Are You Ready, Kids?

Guess who's at McDonald's this month? Why none other than the one who lives in a Pineapple under the sea! LOL!

SuperSponge on A's Chicken McDo Happy Meal!

Yes, kids, SpongeBob SquarePants invades McDonald's this month! Get a SpongeBob toy with every Happy Meal! There are eight (8!) toys in this series, all depicting your favorite Nickelodeon character - the Astronaut, the CEO, the Doctor, the Kung Fu Master, the SuperSponge, the Policeman, the Painter and the Dessert Chef.

Collect all 8 SpongeBob toys!

Go SpongeBob Crazy! Collect all 8 toys today!

Each toy does something special. SuperSponge is a picture viewer. The Dessert Chef dispenses small stickers. 

When you buy a Happy Meal, a portion (50 centavos, exactly) goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

http://www.mcdonalds.com.ph
Facebook: /McDo.ph
Twitter: @McDo_ph

Coming Soon!

Speaking of Burgers...

... this is happening this month, on the 24th!

Yay! Mmmmm... Mushroom Swiss! Can't wait!

Whopper for Lunch!

Special thanks to Liee for the heads up!


Checked Twitter before leaving the house today, and read about Burger King Timog's 20-peso Whopper Promo. A and I had waffles and Turkey Bacon, but we decided our tummies had space for a Whopper today, so we went straight to BK before the office.

TODAY ONLY! And only at Burger King Timog!

The line at the Drive-Thru wasn't bad at all. Good thing you can avail of the promo even if you don't dine in.

Just two vehicles to get to our Whopper via the Drive-Thru.

You need to get the 22oz drink in order to avail of the Whopper at the 20-peso price. Comes out to P75.00 a meal. Not bad!

Whopper Lunch for me, A and my brother! Coke, Hi-C Apple and Sarsi to match our Whoppers. TOTAL: P225.00!

The promo is on for today only (April 10). So if you're in the area, get yourself a 20-peso Whopper today!

Burger King Timog is at the corner of Timog and Mother Ignacia Street in Quezon City. The store is open 24 hours but this promo ends midnight today. 

AB Marriage/ BS Parenting

Do you ever wonder why one would need years of training to become a professional and yet none to be a spouse or parent? I mean, look at doctors, bankers, etc. A doctor takes years of school and training; bankers have at least four; heck, even an office assistant needs at least two years of vocational school to start work! Whereas some couples go into marriage and parenting without relationship and nurturing credentials to their name. So yes, did you ever wonder why?

A lot of marriages today fail because, let's face it, couples rush into it unprepared. Why should one or two pre-wedding seminars suffice? If a spouse's role or a parent's role is most vital in a person's life, then, why, pray tell, do we go into unions as novice and not experts?

I should know as I rushed into marriage as well - unprepared for what was to be my role for the rest of my life. I remember when, after R and I started having problems (the bigger ones that count), my friend F told me about how we should seek counseling or attend family seminars to save our marriage. I had pushed the idea aside, thinking I knew better, when really, I knew nothing about saving marriages and keeping my family intact.

R and I have been 'physically' separated for about 2+ years now. Nothing could have prepared us (kids included) for what was to come after he left. Communication was hard (we always ended up on each other's nerves) and visits were nil (especially when he moved South). And I suppose, the hardest thing for a parent was to explain the situation to the kids (more for A, but RL has been asking more about his dad lately). If I was unprepared to be a mom, how much more a single mom! I needed help. I sought the advice of friends and family, and although I appreciate their opinion and take on my situation, most didn't know exactly what I had to go through (as most, in fact, none of them knew how it was to be separated - I am blessed with friends in healthy, godly marriages, ha!).

If parenting is hard for couples, what more for those who have to tackle being BOTH mom AND dad alone? Single parenting is tough. Having a family is no joke. It is the basic unit that affects every individual. I want to be the best parent I can be to my kids, but really, I can only do so with God's grace. I don't even know how and where to start! So I reiterate, why do we go into starting a family unequipped?

Apparently, I am not alone in this thought. Last year, three friends saw the need to help couples prepare themselves for marriage and parenting. They got together to organize what is to be the first-ever FAMILY CONGRESS in the Philippines, happening on August 25, 2012.

Meet Maribel Dionisio, Rowie Matti and Fides Reyes - the organizers behind this big event. I got the privilege of meeting the three ladies during a parenting talk a few Saturdays ago. Maribel Dionisio co-organized the 1st Ateneo Family Congress in 2005. The desire to educate couples and parents spurred her desire to put up FAMILY CONGRESS 2012 - BFF: BUILDING THE FILIPINO FAMILY. With the help of organizing expert, Fides Reyes (F.I.D. Event Services) and educator, Rowie Matti (Galileo Enrichment Learning Program), Maribel hopes to help educate Filipino families about relationships and love.

The Family behind FAMILY CONGRESS 2012!
Clockwise from Top:  Maribel S. Dionisio, Ma. Rowena J. Matti and Fides M. Reyes

FAMILY CONGRESS 2012 aims to provide a venue for learning by gathering the best experts in the field of psychology, parenting, and relationship to share their knowledge to family members, educators and organizations in the most effective and simplest way.

Check out the line up of talks, speakers and activities during this whole-day affair:

AM Sessions:
* Migrating and Managing the Digital World by Queena Lee-Chua, Ph.D.
* Handling the Bully and the Bullied by Honey Carandang, Ph.D.
* Built for Forever: Preparing Singles for a Lifetime Relationship by Rissa Singson-Kawpeng
* Teen Talk about Love, Sex, and Dating by Dan and Nabelle Caballes
* From Wellness to Wholeness (for adults 21 & up) by Harriet Hormillosa, M.A.   
PM Sessions:
* Being Friends Forever in Marriage: Learning the Art of Fighting by Allan Dionisio, M.D. and Maribel Dionisio, M.A.
* Teaching Parents to Talk to Kids & Teens about Crushes, Sex & Relationship by Michelle Alignay. M.A. and Aiza Tabayoyong
* Managing Teen Emotions by Obet Cabrillas
* Career, Relationship, and Life Plan for Singles by Pia Nazareno-Acevedo 
* Beyond the Tears: Griefwork by Cathy Babao-Guballa

All registered participants get to choose one session in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Aside from these 2 sessions, guests will also get to hear inspirational messages from Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle and motivational speaker, Francis Kong!

How I wish they started having this 10 years ago! But then, it's never too late to learn the ropes on how to nourish a lifetime commitment. At least now, I know better.

FAMILY CONGRESS 2012 - BFF: BUILDING THE FILIPINO FAMILY will be held on August 25, 2012, from 8AM to 5PM, at the Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City. It is presented by The Love Institute, in partnership with Galileo Enrichment Learning Program and F.I.D. Event Services.

Early Bird Rate I (register on or before April 30): P1300
Early Bird Rate II (register between May 1 to June 30): P1400
Regular Rate: P1500 per attendee
Promo Rate: 6+1! (Pay for 6, get 1 FREE, based on regular rate of P1500 each)

Registration fee is inclusive of seminar fee, meals an loads of swag!

For more information on FAMILY CONGRESS 2012, call the following numbers:
(02) 579-0100
(0917) 897-2903
(0922) 252-1896

Email: familycongress@gmail.com
Twitter: @FamCong2012
Facebook: /FamilyCongress

Israel Houghton + Planetshakers Swag Attack Part II!

I promised a second giveaway, so here it is!

Israel Houghton's latest release, DECADE, features a decade of songs! Yes, that's 10 whole years of Israel Houghton and New Breed's best songs! This collection features highlights of Israel's career and the best and brightest songs from Israel Houghton and New Breed. The double disc is a must-have for collectors!

DECADE: The Best of Israel Houghton & New Breed (2002-2012). In House of Praise stores next week! 

And guess what? I am giving away 5 CDs! Here's how you can join this contest:

1) You must be on Twitter. 
2) Tweet me the answer to the following question (make sure you follow all instructions!): 

WHEN CAN YOU CATCH ISRAEL HOUGHTON IN MANILA?

Your answer must be in this tweet format:  

Israel Houghton will be in Manila on  (your answer here)  at the Smart Araneta Coliseum! I want to win his NEW! DECADE album from @nappyKAYE

3) Swag Attack PART II ends 4.10.2012. All tweets received after the 10th of April will not be included in the draw. So tweet early! 
4) Five (5) Winners will each win a brand-new, sealed DECADE double CD (a P550.00 value)
5) Winners will be chosen randomly by my daughter A. :)


Disclaimer: Winners must be able to pick up their prize from House of Praise Panay, Galleria or V-Mall. Your Twitter account MUST NOT BE ON PRIVATE, in order for me to see your tweet/ retweet. 

It's THAT simple. No conditions. No other requirements. However, if you want to make sure you get first dibs on the next Swag Attack, follow me on Twitter! And... please like this post! LOL!

This contest has been brought to you by the letters H.O.P. for House of Praise, our generous sponsor for this giveaway!
~~~

Double your chances of winning! 
Retweet (RT) my post announcement on Twitter. It has to be the one that directs readers to this post. :) One twitter account, one tweet, one entry! (Max of 2 entries if you RT)

C'est tout! Bonne chance!

Ok, ok... maybe just Israel Houghton swag this time. For Part II. Does this mean a Part III? Stay tuned!

Guest Blogger: RAR

Today, I've decided to share this entry in honor of a great woman who worked hard to see to it that her boys (and everyone else) got everything they needed (and sometimes wanted) in this world. In the few years that I got to know Tita Tonet, I know her to be a godly woman with a big heart - whose love and dedication for her family (her WHOLE family) taught me one great thing - that sometimes, to stand by the people you love the most is enough to see them through. 

The piece below was written yesterday by my goddaughter (originally R's but he has been a MIA godfather as well) Rianne. Rianne is a 17-year old young lady who seeks after God's own heart. I am amazed at her faith and at her immense love for our Heavenly Father. Her mom and I are often humbled by how she walks the Walk (and the Talk). She also writes a bit here. I hope you enjoy reading her tribute to her late grandmother, whose birthday happens to be today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TITA TONET! YOU ARE MISSED! 

Fair and Honest! 
by: Rianne Avisa Rebulado

Because I haven't been doing anything in the past few months, I volunteered myself to "manage" one of our businesses (whenever my parents aren't around--which is what I am doing currently). A few minutes ago, an American customer called us, complaining why, according to him, we sell our products at a very high price. He was looking for the manager; however, my mom had not been around, so I took charge.

ME: Hello, good afternoon, sir. 
CUSTOMER: Hi, I have been ordering from you for a very long time, my staff does. But I just found out that your price is so mahal (expensive). I just called Petron and they told me that the 11kgs is only Php560, why are you selling it to me for Php820? Is it because I'm a "Kano"? 
ME: That's not true, sir. We sell all our products at the regular price, to anyone. 
CUSTOMER: But I just called Petron. Call them, and ask them their price. 
ME: Okay, kindly hold the line (then I called Petron).

PETRON: Hello, good afternoon. 
ME: Yes, I'd just like to know how much the 11kgs is. 
PETRON: Php806. 
ME: Okay, thank you. 

ME: Sir, I just called Petron and they told me that their 11kgs is at Php806. We are an outlet that's why we sell it at a little higher price. (Not anyone can buy directly from Petron. ☺) 
CUSTOMER: Are you sure, the 11kgs? Let me call them. (then he called Petron) 
CUSTOMER: Oh, I am really sorry. They confirmed that it's Php806. I'm really sorry. I really like your service and I've been your customer for a very long time. I will continue ordering from you; even if you sell it at Php830. 
ME: It's okay, sir. There's no problem. 
CUSTOMER: Okay, thank you. 

This isn't the first time we've encountered something like that. Some of our customers had moved to smaller companies who sell their products cheaper than we do, thinking that they could save more if they would; but then most of them would come back to us saying they like our service more.  Because, with us, they are sure of the products - from the quantity to the quality.

My grandmother started this company back in 1969, when it was really hard to put up an LPG business/company. If you didn't do the math, we've been up and running for more than 40 years already--which would have been impossible if we weren't fair and honest to all of our customers. Today, it really is so much easier to put up this kind of business. There aren't as much processes to go through now as compared to before, when it was stricter and harder.

My uncle, Alvin Rebulado, shares his side of the story of how this company started. Read his inputs below:

Tonet Rebulado

Mom started working for Shell under the management of Mr. Sunga. During that time, LPGs weren't very popular and like other new products in the market, they were very expensive. The advantage was to cook your food using a stove instead of the traditional charcoal cooker or butane stove which will only last for a couple of days. The product was promising and soon add-on features and products like the Gas Range were added. Though it was so expensive, people started to hug the technology - same as how we are hugging new tech stuffs in the market.

So anyway, from what I heard and remember, Shell wasn't making much money as expected, because not everyone could afford the initial investment. Technically, you would have to buy the empty cylinder first, then you can buy your gas refill whenever you need it. So Shell started to run a promotion. I can't remember if it was FREE cylinder or a cylinder discount for every customer who bought the refill, but I remember mom telling me that she started to buy her own cylinder stocks and kept them at home as she knew that this was going to be big business in the future.

And so she did! She started piling up those tanks to the point where she was ready to start her own business. In business terms on today, this is considered as 'conflict of interest' (hehe... sorry, Mom). But hey, it IS business and she was later open about it with her boss. Management was impressed with her enthusiasm and decided to have her open a branch at 14-B 15th Avenue, Murphy, Cubao, Quezon City. This was one of the first Shell LPG dealerships in Quezon City! It was popularly known as OSELITE Gas and Appliances Center. I remember growing up hearing the banging noise of those tanks and honestly, I really miss them (being here, abroad for almost 15 years) - the noise... and those 10-wheeler trucks trying to park its way to a small space, to dump 200-300 LPGs! Petron and Manila Gas later joined the party. With ERB regulating the industry and so on and so forth, the business grew and branched out to different locations. From Paranaque, all the way to Pulang Lupa, the stores were called AA&M Gas Center (for ALVIN, ANTHONY & MEL). Each of us had a our share in running this lovely business. A lot of people have wonderful futures because of this very business. This little thing grew to help dozens raise their families. This is my mom's legacy to us and to the many people she helped. IT STILL IS AND ALWAYS WILL be. 

My grandmother is no other than THE Ma. Platona "Tonet" Ordona Alcantara y Rebulado.

We are Murphy Gas Merchandise, located in Quezon City. We sell and deliver LPG products around the area. You can call us at 911-0439, 330-0196 (PLDT) or 437-MGAS (437-6427) (Bayantel). You can also call or text +639192218888, +639194888886 (Smart) or +639277268888 (Globe). If you want to be sure of the LPG that you use, go and dial those numbers now!

The Curse

Remember this post? Check the date. I posted that less than a month ago. Call me psychic but...

Our nanny is freaking pregnant!

ARGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

I knew it! When I noticed her reaction to my observation on how our neighbor's nanny looked pregnant (turns out I was right and she is!), I thought of how it would be if our nanny would get pregnant, too. She's been so sensitive lately. And something about her looks different. Alas, today, I finally asked her.

I mean, I wonder when she'd tell me about it, had I not asked her today. She knows how I hate surprises. I mean, ok, I'm happy for her, and I truly appreciate how she's taken care of my kids vs. being there for her own kids (aged 8 and 13). But c'mon, she practically begged me to take her back last year because she had debts to pay. So what gives? What happened to protection?

So I asked her. Apparently, she forgot to take the pill right before she left for her day off in November. And I asked her what pill she was taking, because I don't recall seeing her take any. So she proceeds to tell me, it's a pill she takes only when she's about to do 'it'. Hello? What pill again?!

Turns out, she thinks any birth control pill will work when taken right before the act. O_o

A-ya! I think I have the 'Curse of the Pregnant Nannies'. :( Does this mean we're back to looking for a new one, because obviously this one can't stay long? A's long-time nanny has expressed her desire to take her sister's place (her sister is our current nanny). But A's nanny has young kids (you already know her story).

Why am I so lucky with nannies? (yes, that was a sarcastic Q!)

Congratulations, Babe!

My not-so-little girl transferred to her big, all-girls school last year. And although it was a huge change for her (having studied in a small school from the age of 4), she managed very well. I really have no problems with A when it comes to going to school. She LOVES school. She hates holidays and summer vacay, and gets pretty bored at home. She loves everything about her new school - the fact that she now has new friends, over a dozen new teachers, busmates, a school library, clubs, activities, a huge cafeteria, etc.

Remember when I blogged about final exams and how I felt I was pushing A too hard? Well our hard work has paid off! When I went to her school Friday morning, her homeroom teacher told me how A has blossomed in class, so much so that they don't even remember she's a new student. And yay, because A made it to her school's Honor Assembly! With a cool O average, too! That's O for 'Outstanding' and not O for 'Ows?!!', Dugong! LOL!

Can't tell you just how proud I am of my daughter. She's mighty proud of her achievement, too! So maybe I did push her just right.

Congratulations, Babe! Congratulations to us! Yay!

Ticket Winners!

We did this the old, hard way - to A's delight! She loves organizing raffles and contests, garage sales and parties, etc.

So when I got to the office today, the first thing I did was sort out the tweets. I had marked the tweet entries as 'favorite' (if I didn't mark yours, then that means your account is on private, hence I couldn't see your tweets to me), and made duplicate entries for those that RT'd my tweet regarding the contest.

Doing this the old, hard way. Sorting, printing, cutting, rolling and putting everything in a...

...basket! Couldn't find the fishbowl. Hehe.

Anyway, there were 48 entries in all. No disqualified entries, except for those that tweeted more than once (I still considered your original tweet plus an RT, if any). Each person could have only two entries max.

A was all too excited to pick out winners. Told her she had to close her eyes.

Excited!

Hey, you can't choose that way...

... you have to close your eyes! Hahaha!

And the winners for this contest are...

1) JM :D (@memyselfandi_mj)

2) Gayle Robediso (@GayleWithAY)

and... 3) Yanii Calaminos (@iamyanii)

You each won two (2) Upper B tickets to the Israel Houghton & New Breed + Planetshakers Concert, happening on April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum! Please wait for instructions via Twitter DM (you must follow me @nappyKAYE) on how you can claim your prize.

Thanks to all who participated!


Stay tuned! I have another Israel Houghton contest coming up!

Old Dogs

Change is a decision one must make for himself. You can't change old dogs nor teach them new tricks. That dog must be willing to make the change for his own good. If it is hard to train puppies and see young dogs make that decision to improve themselves, it must be harder for those that are too old to break bad habits.

But God is bigger than all that. Am I too old a dog to trust that He can move mountains - even old ones that refuse to budge?

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NIV)