Thank you, Project C.A.R.E.

It took me quite a while to go through the important 'factors' that I have considered, and maybe, also the dilemma of saying this, either in a 'Showbiz' way or the 'non-showbiz all-guards-down' way..

Though it might be a bit delayed, I guess I have to express my "final decision" so as things will "move forward."

So, here.. I would like to express my most heart-felt GRATITUDE to everyone who helped, supported, donated, and joined my journey in PROJECT C.A.R.E.

It has been a fun, exciting, and overwhelming experience which is both very humbling and fulfilling at the same time. But I think, this is the end of that road for me :)

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Just a little BACKGROUNDER.

It all started with a just mere intent to 'Give Back...'

... for all the blessings I've been receiving in my life, and in our small business (Autumn's Sweet Treats); along with the intention of giving away clothes, toys and other stuff that our girls do not use anymore but are still in perfect condition; and so I have thought of doing a small 'advocacy project.'

I brainstormed for a couple of days and tapped one of my 'super friend' (let's hide her in the name of Ericka); told her about my plan and asked if she can help me out. (Of course, she agreed because she just loves me that much 😂)

I initially posted a shout out asking if there are other parents out there who would like to spring clean and donate their kids' stuff so we can have more to give. I even added that if there are also good souls who would like to extend their generosity in whatever ways they can are also welcome to share :)

With one simple post, I received an unexpectedly overwhelming feedback. I started to receive pledges and different sponsorship--and I mean an unexpected shower of cash and in kind donations, supporting this small goal. It's like, WOW! ^_^ I can't even believe then that it was really happening.

Then I thought, why not add a little 'entertainment' to a supposed Simple Gift-Giving Event?

So I messaged a very talented human being I know, let's hide her with the name Ayie, and I asked if "they" (I mean together with other talented peeps who dance in almost all corners of GMA) would like to prepare a dance presentation and join me on the day of the event;

and they excitingly replied with a sweet YES! :)

Perhaps God has a GRANDer plan, that simple desire birthed a group which we then called 'Project CARE.' (Credits to Mommy Gie for the name, to Ericka for the official logo, and to Ayie for the actions behind Cheer, Appreciate, Reach Out, Encourage)

The outreach at the kids shelter went .... SUPERRR!

We received donations of Clothes, Toys, Books, Medicines, Daily Hygiene Needs, Food, etc...

With the House Mothers and Admin of Meritxell Children's Home

Project CARE's very own Photo Booth. Set up and Props courtesy of Jess and Jem :)

That Epic Song and Dance Number to the tune of Dahil Sa'yo

Brought my girls at the outreach event :)

Audrey found a BFF! :)

We even ended up with extra cash donations after the event. Hence, the 2nd project.

The amount of cash we already have on hand is quite enough to get things a little going, plus we also receive a few more donations and pledges for our 2nd beneficiary, Saint Pio Home for the Elderly.

Well I guess the burning passion and drive to help and to reach out was so intense that we were able to slate 3 outreach events in a span of a year ^_^

The 3rd one is the "baby" project of Ayie which is at the Aeta Community in Pampanga.

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METANOIA

It's a crazy Rollercoaster ride!

Every outreach event is a Heart-warming yet Heartbreaking experience; yes, feeling both at the very same time!

Being able to help and somehow touch people's lives, in any positive light possible, is a great opportunity and feels exhilarating!

Yet, it is also heartbreaking knowing that at the end of it all, it is all just a "Hello" and "Goodbye" moment for everyone. Frustrated, I often ask myself, is there any more I can give? Is there any thing else I can do, like for long term, maybe?

 I spent a number of days thinking things through, asking for God's grace and wisdom in discernment.; Praying to arrive in a decision not clouded with 'human' emotions.

Every  smile received, every twinkle in each pair of eyes we saw, every sponsorship/donations we are wholeheartedly entrusted with, and every 'thank you' we heard... Those are PRICELESS.

"We can get better, we can do better
But we still live in a world that is out there to break us any way it can."
-13 Reasons Why

It felt great. T'was. GREATER then GREAT; awesome-mer than AWESOME. But, there were also incidents when I also had a fair share of heartbreaks. (This I would not expound on anymore)

ALL I AM TRYING TO SAY IS..

I have come to a point where I must accept that some roads doesn't lead to the very same destination you expected;

Furthermore, I realized that I have been a 'JUGGLER' all my life; Multi-task? Yeah, I have been a 'slasher' ever since (Production Peeps will understand what slasher means LOL),  but there are some things in life that is worth your full attention and time.

And as of this very moment, that this my growing Kids and my Family. :)💚


Having said all that, I don't know if there's a better way of putting it into words, but I guess we can call it

'Early Retirement.'

SO TO EVERYONE...

- who shared their time, effort, talent, and dedication in those 3 events, you know who you are.

Many many many thanks from the Bottom of my Heart 💚 Please know that I really am happy to have spent those life-changing moments with all of you! ^_^ and I will forever be grateful to all of you!

- to all the good souls who shared their resources and blessings, to all who supported in the best way they can, and to all who reached out despite great distance, I know the Big Guy Up There will bless your lives with great extent for your generosity and good hearts. Muchas gracias mi Amigos y Amigas!

'PROJECT CARE' Peeps.. You can do it! Life goes on after somebody dies, much more when someone just 'retires.' 😅 Kidding aside, may you never lose the passion and drive to reach out. You have my 'full support' in ways I can ;)

Please do continue to support Project CARE and their outreach events. We cannot change the world but we can be the change that we want to see in the world ;)

Guess that's it. That's me.. signing off. 💚 (color bars)

Our Baby Audrey swims like a pro! ❤

Our Baby Audrey, now 3 years old (turning 4 this March), learns how to swim when she was 2! And that's without actual swimming lessons! ^_^

Yes, she just swims frequently at the pool here in our condo and figured it out herself! 💓

Now she swims like a pro! She actually swims better than me and John 🌊💦🏊

Here's a video compilation of her swimming moments ❤😍🤗

Just clink on the thumbnail or the link below ;)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P1ps8AIm_-0&feature=youtu.be


Watch our family moments and our kids' adventures (and misadventures hehe) at our youtube channel.

(Click link ⬇)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu-vuoB1X3W1ImbUkieun-A

Send us some lovin' 💘 Please do like and subscribe too! 👍

Will try to post and update as often as possible ;)

xoxo

I have Psoriasis, and I'm glad I did speak up :)

My most heartfelt thanks to all who responded to my post 💓

As I've said, I am totally fine :) I've learned to live with my Skin Disorder in a positive light; I am just trying to speak up for those who can't.

And I'm so glad I did! 💓

These are the messages that made my heart fuller 💓 My deepest thanks too for your acknowledgements. :) Glad to be of help, even just by being a "voice."

May it be Psoriasis, or whatever condition, disorder, or situation, as the old saying goes...

"Everybody's fighting a different battle, nobody can judge who suffers the most." 👊

Salted Egg Potato Chips : My Food Review

I was never attracted to try something just because it is being talked about by everyone. I am not the type who would want to be 'in' so I will buy whatever is 'in' as of the moment.

Recently, I've been seeing posts about this Salted Egg Chips and how good it is according to these posts.

Okay, I love chips. I also like Salted Eggs. Worth a try, but I won't be buying it anytime soon just because I'm intrigued, or because I also want to make a post saying I have tried it already.

It so happened that we found a bag of this chips one time when we went to my in-laws. It was given to my mom-in-law by her friend who bought in bulk. (Wow, right?)

MY VERDICT :

If you are into Salted Chips, this is not for you. It's not that salty compared to our usual potato chips, which is also a good thing if we come to think of it.

As per it's TASTE, I personally think that it's not that bad. I can't say it tastes good because I find it weird tasting on my first bite. I actually had a couple more and I eventually somehow enjoyed munching a few more but it's not something I would actually crave for or at least finish a bag in one sitting.

I've read that it costs P300 for a small bag and P600 for a big bag. May be quite reasonable because eggs are more expensive than just salt, if we will consider the ingredients used. But for its PRICE, I will definitely just go for the traditional imported chips like Lays, Ruffles, and Cheetos which will cost me just below P200 for a big bag already. Or might as well go for our local favorites like Clover, Potato chips, or Tortillos which do not cost that much but good enough for your momentary junk foods cravings or movie nights.

I guess it's just the hype that people are going gaga over these Salted Egg Chips. Just like the times when almost everyone is into Pearl Shakes, Milk Teas, or J. Co Donuts.

Or maybe it's just a matter of having different prefences, maybe some really loved it to the max! While others, me included, are otherwise. ;)

(These are just my personal opinion, I don't mean to negatively affect their sales or create a bad review of some sort. I suggest you try it for yourself whether you'll like it or not. 😃)

McDonald's Secret Menu is REAL! 💓

So husband saw this post online about McDonald's 'secret menu.'

Of course, he told me about it and sent this photo to me.

Interesting. And the prices are in Peso, this may be real. Unless someone really creative made ample time to make a psuedo menu and post it to be what? Talked about? Well, that may also be possible.

So we have thought of trying to order something from the 'Secret Menu' the next time we dine at McDonalds.

And today is the big day! Hahaha ^_^

I first ordered meal for me and Audrey and then, a little hesitant though I was, I asked the crew if I can possibly order 'this,' showing her the photo (above) in my phone.

Surprisingly, she said "Yes Ma'am! Our Secret Menu po." Then she brought this menu out.

The prices on the photo rotating online are different with the prices on this menu but they were pretty close. 

So, The Secret Menu is REAL!

The man behind me ordered from the same menu, perhaps intrigued upon seeing it.

The bunch of students on the other line was also peeking on the counter where I am and asked for the menu after the man ordered. Hahaha

I ordered the Triple Cheeseburger for John.

Well, I must say he was happy with his burger :) We're planning to try the other burgers the next time and even ask if they are available if via delivery hehehe 😁

If this is some sort of Marketing Strat, I must say, "Kudos Mcdo!" You once again designed a unique aand effective business strategy! ;)

But I believe the happiest among us 3 with this McDonald's experience today is this cutie little fella..💓

Can't get enough of Ronald McDonald. Lol 😂

I have Psoriasis and I have learned to live with it :)

It's not my so-called 'Social Responsibility' to raise awareness on this topic, Yes!

But I'm just so so soooo tired of people asking me questions, like.. over and over and over again; and strangers looking at me with, let's say.. a hint of disgust. 😑

So here, let me say it straight..

If you've been wondering why I have red spots in almost every part of my body--some small, some a little bigger, it's all because I have PSORIASIS.

Disclaimer : I will not talk like a doctor here and explain it scientifically. I will just try to share my very own experiences and how I understand my condition in the simplest form possible.

But before I expound on this topic, I just want to reiterate 2 things..

1. PSORIASIS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS.

2. YES, IT HURTS SOOO BAD.

So before you bug us with questions and give us a look like we are the lepers during the time of Jesus, why not be a little considerate on how we actually feel?

Personally, I already learned how to deal with my condition in such a way that I don't stress myself anymore (with my appearance) everytime mine flares up. I try not to be too conscious anymore and just be "deadma" with people's comments, reactions, and stares.

You see, one major trigger of this Skin Disorder is STRESS, and if I get totally stressed with how I look whenever mine flares up, that will only delay my healing process.

But, is there anyone in this world who doesn't really get even a bit of stress? Even a newborn baby gets stressed, right?

So the least I can do is try to manage my stressors and deal with life with grace and passion, as much as possible. 😅

So when did I have PSORIASIS?

As far as I can remember, it was way back Senior Year in College when I first noticed the scaling in some parts of my scalp and few on my skin. My especialist said that mine might have developed due to my (history of) Asthma. I had Respiratory Asthma when I was a kid, and she said that most who outgrew Asthma, it eventually tends to manifest in other ways--one of which is Skin Asthma, or Psoriasis.

So, What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales. (as per WebMD.com)

As explained, red spots tend to develop on every part of the body where there is skin, that includes scalp and even in nails.

Also, any skin trauma, like a simple scratch or even a small wound , may lead to red spots.

Honestly, it took me a lot of courage to take and post these photos. But, I guess its about time that someone will finally talk about this Skin Disorder out in the open.

And it ain't easy man! The itchy ouchy feeling is really unbearable. Plus the meds, well.. tell me about it. They are really pricey! I am telling you.

HEALING PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a Skin Disorder that cannot be cured--forever! You just have to 'maintain' and deal with the condition for the rest of your life. Just like Respiratory Asthma, or perhaps having a heart condition, Psoriasis is something that you have to live with whether you like it or not.

As for me, I have topicals when they are not that 'mad'. But I get to take orals whenever they are so badly flared up.

There are also other ways to cure or manage it, like Photo Theraphy where you will get to be exposed in UV light for a certain amount of time. It is also as good as sun bathing, which is also an option to heal our skin a little quicker.

But one good thing about psoriasis' red spots is they doesn't leave a scar. I usually get back to my same 'flawless' self when the spots get to subside until they totally heal.

So there. I have said my piece. Just a piece of advice, not everyone who has this skin disorder is as "Courageous" and has the same 'Positive' outlook like me. Can we be please not be so hard on them? It's Psoriasis, not Leprosy nor HIV. You don't know what they are going through and how terrible they are feeling because of this condition. Let's be a little sensitive, and human. I, thank you!



(I first posted this on my Facebook Account)

Astoria Buffet Raffle Winner???

Last Tuesday, Jan 9 2018, I received a call saying I won from a raffle I filled up at Avilon Zoo last January 2.

My thoughts exactly : Okay, so I really did fill up a raffle coupon, this may be legit.

I am actually lucky with raffle draws--may it be Major or Minor prize, a small raffle like in schools, etc, or a really Grand one, I usually get to take home a prize.

However, I once received a call saying I won a 3D 2N Hotel Accommodation, got really excited about it to the point of making plans already like when we will have our Family Staycation because the kids love Hotel stays, only to find out it was some sort of a scam.

I am talking about the Club Ultima and their so-called free accommodation at Crown Regency Hotels. (You may hit search in google and a lot of write ups about this 'scam' will surely pop up)

Going back to this "new raffle I said to have won," the person on the other line said I won a buffet dinner for two at Cafe Astoria. WOW! He said we may avail the prize the next day, waiting period is 6:00 to 8:30 PM.

Okay free dinner buffet sounds great, instant free date with the husband. Yey! Buy aren't raffle prizes redeemable within a certain period of time? Say, I really won a  dinner buffet, raffle prizes like this are usually redeemable not just for a day, but within dates set provided that you will book at least a day before, isn't it?

Still I gave them a benefit of the doubt. Astoria is a well-known establishment anyway, and I really signed a coupon this time, so this might be for real.

The caller then said that I also won a free accommodation to any Astoria Hotel of my choice--either the one in Palawan or their hotels abroad. Big WOW! That's really GRAND! :)

Yet, he added that we just have to watch their 90-min presentation after our dinner to get our Hotel GC. It will just be a presentation showing their different hotels here and abroad to help us choose which hotel we will use our GC with.

Now that makes it sound legitly fishy.

Screenshot of the text message they sent after their call.

Though I wanted to rejoice and call husband in an instant to share the great news, a part of me is urging me to 'double check.'

Thanks to today's technology and to our good friend, Google, it is much easier nowadays to fact-check everything down to its littlest details.

And there it is in front of me, all the write-ups related to my search in just a few clicks...

So, to summarize the articles and blogs I have read, here's what I have learned:

1. The Free Dinner Buffet at Cafe Astoria is REAL!

2. You will be invited and escorted to a certain function room after your meal. (Some are even asked to fill up a certain form asking for personal details including earnings or salary bracket, etc)

3. The presentation isn't intended to help you choose which hotel you will choose to use your GC with but a "timesharing" wherein they will offer and persuade you to get membership of their properties; and this costs like hundreds of thousands! Yes, it's a sales strategy of some sort.

4. You will be able to get the Hotel Accommodation GC regardless if you avail their golden offer or not.

5. Some said they were able to redeem the GC and use the hotel accommodation while others said they weren't.

Well, that I couldn't really tell. Husband and I decided to just not spend a centavo to travel all the way to Hotel Astoria, redeem that Free Dinner Buffet, and deal with all the shenanigans after. Hehehe :)

I actually received 2 more text messages earlier that day following up our attendance, which made it even more fishy because one will usually be notified once re winning a certain raffle and there will be no more follow ups.