tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77358713115556479192024-03-13T07:04:42.920+08:00Lifestyle Check 101Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-22538894865625640892021-09-16T23:41:00.004+08:002021-09-17T11:36:05.061+08:00The Joy of Collecting: Natural Quartz Crystal<p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rlc6LW_H36w/YUNk4do7t2I/AAAAAAAAEQU/hXUSHDBtKugncvECDMLJyl_Rh9qNRHX7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1662/quartz%2Bcrystals.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1662" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rlc6LW_H36w/YUNk4do7t2I/AAAAAAAAEQU/hXUSHDBtKugncvECDMLJyl_Rh9qNRHX7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h374/quartz%2Bcrystals.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I started collecting quartz crystals when I was in college. That was more than 30 years ago. Can you believe it? Let me share my collection with you.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A quartz crystal is a semi-precious gem that is composed of silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2) and comes in various kinds. The variations are differentiated by the colour they possess. There's the colourless type which is referred to just quartz. Then there are those that are violet in colour which are called Amethyst; pink which is called Rose Quartz; and yellow that is Citrine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There are also those that have inclusions. Inclusions are minerals such as titanium dioxide or other gemstones such as tourmaline that are in needle-like formations within the quartz crystal structure. These are called "rutiles".</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>QUARTZ CRYSTAL.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Naturally quartz are formed in a structure with a termination of 6 sides, i.e., hexagonal. A specimen with the natural hexagonal points and an elongated body is referred to as a wand such as specimens from the picture above. These wands are usually used as an interior decor or for crystal metaphysical practice as they are believed to possess powers for healing and protection. The crystals in the above picture are arranged in what is called a crystal matrix. In neoclassical feng shui and crystal practice, crystal matrix are created in order to protect the household from negative energy and misfortune. You do not have to believe this. Displaying them for their beauty is enough I suppose.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Quartz crystals are also sculpted for jewellery. Take a look at these pendants that I bought before the turn of the new millennium in Hong Kong. I frequently use these pendants. An image of the dragon has been incised in the crystal in one pendant; and the phoenix in the other. Lovely aren't they?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlXJgd3i5Y/YUP-AxHm3wI/AAAAAAAAEQk/8Mxe_1ms3x4CQGH_IrR92VT6CUw35FT8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1786/242104572_162809512652699_4842572865718103530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="1640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlXJgd3i5Y/YUP-AxHm3wI/AAAAAAAAEQk/8Mxe_1ms3x4CQGH_IrR92VT6CUw35FT8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w588-h640/242104572_162809512652699_4842572865718103530_n.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">ROSE QUARTZ.</span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The pink variety is rose quartz. Some regard this as the gemstone of love. These are usually sculpted into hearts, peonies or mandarin ducks, symbols of love and blissful relationships. I have spheres, a wand and a pendant of the Rose Quartz. Their price is a bit higher than regular quartz crystal.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3I4R3vLtVc/YUP-C33M6lI/AAAAAAAAERM/Yo2B94hYWT8gOsU4vlFrmJ56gKl7iJ_FgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/242121270_837720413603253_5897521956228973093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1052" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3I4R3vLtVc/YUP-C33M6lI/AAAAAAAAERM/Yo2B94hYWT8gOsU4vlFrmJ56gKl7iJ_FgCPcBGAYYCw/w328-h640/242121270_837720413603253_5897521956228973093_n.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7w8ogO1yuQ/YUP-DfRHYgI/AAAAAAAAERM/sZgXbGW2lhQctsDRRD9TqW7IkjMEmhXWQCPcBGAYYCw/s1640/242140651_176754664575229_1074321043647126300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1640" height="574" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7w8ogO1yuQ/YUP-DfRHYgI/AAAAAAAAERM/sZgXbGW2lhQctsDRRD9TqW7IkjMEmhXWQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h574/242140651_176754664575229_1074321043647126300_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LReOpBE8Fdc/YUP-GAc5LNI/AAAAAAAAERU/Xpb-dgsOGCszsOeDm-OzTEpitpoBBFLQACPcBGAYYCw/s1872/242267017_252811983510194_8701943870095946802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="1496" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LReOpBE8Fdc/YUP-GAc5LNI/AAAAAAAAERU/Xpb-dgsOGCszsOeDm-OzTEpitpoBBFLQACPcBGAYYCw/w512-h640/242267017_252811983510194_8701943870095946802_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I bought the wand from a local merchandizer in 2019. The spheres and pendant are from Hong Kong. They are about 25 years now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>AMETHYST.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I love the violet variety of the quartz crystal. At one point in history, the amethyst is highly valued especially in Europe. But because several mines across the globe are being discovered the value of Amethyst sharply declined. Best quality specimen that are used in high jewellery of high-end fashion brands however, cost an arm and a leg. I have geodes and pendants of the Amethyst. Can't seem to find a wand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Blrfy1-KA/YUP-GUXosHI/AAAAAAAAERY/SEqbOoT4hHM6tiYXB2G3VP2DsHpbxd5gQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/242298271_536685727417578_1952507862232153133_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1623" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Blrfy1-KA/YUP-GUXosHI/AAAAAAAAERY/SEqbOoT4hHM6tiYXB2G3VP2DsHpbxd5gQCPcBGAYYCw/w508-h640/242298271_536685727417578_1952507862232153133_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yk30GtAwjY/YUP-A5zvG1I/AAAAAAAAERE/F034AMrTRvo8eR8PrIhXvMv6168hmlcKgCPcBGAYYCw/s1640/242099145_1017294142147193_6026435609610025249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="1640" height="620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yk30GtAwjY/YUP-A5zvG1I/AAAAAAAAERE/F034AMrTRvo8eR8PrIhXvMv6168hmlcKgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h620/242099145_1017294142147193_6026435609610025249_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">All of these pendants are from local merchandizers except for the double terminated wand pendant that I bought in Hong Kong several years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">CITRINE.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">This yellow variety is my favorite. Nowadays this is the most expensive kind of quartz. Probably because of its popularity in crystal and neoclassical feng shui practice as we are currently in the Period 8 cycle, 2004 to 2024, an Earth period where the merchant stone, the Citrine, is its elemental gemstone. On my part I love it because of the color. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2JUavEIjzM/YUP-Ap0ZqmI/AAAAAAAAERM/k_iHxUEvGKYoIVX1ScTB00aX4tRwRf4FwCPcBGAYYCw/s1742/242015895_581319613021947_5233736314287911410_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="1639" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2JUavEIjzM/YUP-Ap0ZqmI/AAAAAAAAERM/k_iHxUEvGKYoIVX1ScTB00aX4tRwRf4FwCPcBGAYYCw/w602-h640/242015895_581319613021947_5233736314287911410_n.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">The pendants are bought from jewellery stores except for the one below that is bought in Hong Kong. Just like the other pieces in the collection, they were bought in different years in a span of 30 years!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>RUTILATED QUARTZ.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Availability of good quality rutilated quartz is a bit scarce. And when you find some they are a bit pricey. I am fond of the golden rutilated quartz. Here's my haul over the years:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qXVzcf_G9Y/YUP-FhktsPI/AAAAAAAAERQ/n8DmgJtV8bAiAXlGIXAFUjYFDlmrAIP0ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/242211254_147413460928653_8489390050910011351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1598" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qXVzcf_G9Y/YUP-FhktsPI/AAAAAAAAERQ/n8DmgJtV8bAiAXlGIXAFUjYFDlmrAIP0ACPcBGAYYCw/w500-h640/242211254_147413460928653_8489390050910011351_n.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y39Yvm3dtM/YUP-CQUk0-I/AAAAAAAAERI/q0_qO9lQ7y8u781fpc8oezwsPXNboElNACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/242116024_979001505995300_6187659747310487760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1574" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y39Yvm3dtM/YUP-CQUk0-I/AAAAAAAAERI/q0_qO9lQ7y8u781fpc8oezwsPXNboElNACPcBGAYYCw/w492-h640/242116024_979001505995300_6187659747310487760_n.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">The pendant with something like "green moss" in it is not a rutilated quartz obviously. But the inclusion makes it rare and pricey. I do not know what mineral was included in the quartz but it sure is captivating. All of these pendants were bought in Hong Kong in different times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Oh, I wish to inform you that you should not expose your coloured quartz in sunlight. The colour would surely fade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">Lifestylecheck101: there is no prescribed time in collecting. It can even span to decades. Imagine the joy and happiness over the years! Precious!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-15483255634467531632021-09-15T23:18:00.005+08:002021-09-16T23:41:40.931+08:00Budol is Real<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWdfNXtnl0Q/YUNi3mwFGEI/AAAAAAAAEQM/DZ8I_gLZIQ4JgXPdcyzvgWEXTccf7t8OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s912/5AE3E811-D2D0-42F2-AE92-0B1F276B0DB1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWdfNXtnl0Q/YUNi3mwFGEI/AAAAAAAAEQM/DZ8I_gLZIQ4JgXPdcyzvgWEXTccf7t8OQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/5AE3E811-D2D0-42F2-AE92-0B1F276B0DB1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Getting scammed is the worst! You feel stupid for being taken advantage of. I was scammed online! Let me tell you my experience.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THE BUDOL ART IS ALIVE.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Budol is the Filipino word for "con", "trickery" or "scam". It's real and alive. Moreover, it has gone digital and migrated in the Internet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I was a fool for falling into one. I bought a BOSE bluetooth earphones from an advertisement in Facebook. The ad says that due to the pandemic their store closed and had gone bankrupt. They are selling their inventory for almost 80% off. There were no apprehensions on my part. The sponsored ad has a well-thought message. When I clicked the link in the ad, I went into their web site which I should say is totally professional looking. The site is clean and smart looking. There were no misspelled words nor any grammatical error that would flag you that there might be something wrong with the item being offered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The order form that I filled-out looked okay. The bluetooth earphones cost 2,000 PHP. I thought to myself that this was a great deal. A few months back I bought a BOSE in-ear bluetooth sports headset for 12,999 PHP from the BOSE boutique in SM Aura Premiere mall in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) in Taguig City. The model offered in the site is quite the steal because I remembered that it cost around 10,000 PHP in the store.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In short, I fell for the trap!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A few days past and the item was delivered. It was on COD. After I paid for the delivery I was so excited to open the parcel. To my horror, the item looked like a toy! It was a <b><u>FAKE</u></b> BOSE product. It could not cost more that a couple of hundred of Pesos. My money gone with the wind!!!</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THE ANATOMY OF A BUDOL.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Let's examine. If it was too good to be true, then it's a glittering BUDOL. For sure!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Have you come across sponsored posts in Facebook selling <u><b>branded</b></u> bags, shoes, watches, gadgets, t-shirts, etc. with sob stories like their warehouse was hit by the floods due to the recent typhoon; or they have gone bankrupt because of the closing of their store due to the pandemic; or their clients who have ordered in bulk was not able to pay up because the clients too had gone bankrupt? So, now they are offering the items in their inventory for an unbelievable discounted price. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Don't fall for it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If indeed a company had gone bankrupt, all of their assets are consolidated and are most probably sold in its entirety. Definitely not in retail!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Do not believe the comments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Facebook sponsored ad had a lot of comments. Like there are satisfied customers who bought the items. They are made-up comments. Do not believe a word. If you are curious, got to the web site but do not buy anything. Save the URL of the store's web site. Check after a week if it's there. In my experience after I received the package and found out that the item was fake, I went back to the web site so I can call and make a complaint. You know what? The site isn't there anymore. Classic, right?</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>LEGIT ON-LINE STORES.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">As most of us, we buy things on-line. Buy from legit on-line stores. How do we know if they were legitimate? Call the store. There should be contact information in the site. Even scrupulous web sites have those information posted. Call them or email them for their business registration number so you can check against the records of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is to protect you and your hard-earned money.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you do not want to do this checking, you can order at least something that's cheap and have it delivered to see if it was the real deal. Something like a trial-and-error for the store. If they were able to deliver the real thing then you can continue to purchase other things or those that would cost a lot of money. All I am saying is we should be vigilant in screening off those who are just conning us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I already learned my lesson! How about you? Do you have any similar experience? Comment them here. I would love to talk about them so we can warn others in falling into these crazy and dirty traps!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">Lifestylecheck101: do not give your trust so easily. Remember that trust should be earned!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-21081359063035171852021-09-14T23:56:00.007+08:002021-09-15T01:16:56.014+08:00Rinse Your Worries Off<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZGoia_kN1E/YUDFG4PQutI/AAAAAAAAEPc/sxNAHN7KxTM63O0vkPP8mtaonwXCpFLSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s992/man-shower-vector-25564230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="985" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZGoia_kN1E/YUDFG4PQutI/AAAAAAAAEPc/sxNAHN7KxTM63O0vkPP8mtaonwXCpFLSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w636-h640/man-shower-vector-25564230.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">More than ever, with COVID lurking in our doorsteps, it is essential that we practice the minimum safety protocols recommended by the government. Unfortunately, one of the measures we must undertake is to restrict our movement outside of our dwelling spaces. If you think about it, these measures are truly for our safety. They however, add unnecessary stress to our already stressful lives. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">So, what can we do to cope from this situation?</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>STRESS RELIEVER.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Juggling office work at home, if there was any, and managing the household are no easy tasks. When these things are combined with the thought of friends and relatives battling the dreadful disease, this kind of extraordinary circumstance which seems to be the norm in the past couple of years weighs our mental health down. More so for people who have lost their jobs and have little or no savings in the bank. Utterly bleak! Our coping mechanisms are then geared to full drive now. Stress relievers wanted!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">TAKE A BATH OR SHOWER.<span></span></span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My go-to stress reliever is taking a long shower. Simple you say? Won't work you added? Yes, it's simple. Simple as it may seem but as the action appeals to the senses, the body and mind respond favourably.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This is how I cope with a stressful day. When stressed out, I just close my eyes and think of the fresh feeling I would get from a long and warm shower later that night. I immediately snap back to good mood. Imagining it may not do the trick for others. I believe however, that the real thing would at least calm the tired muscles down, and ease the haggard mind out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>SENSORY OVERLOAD.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hear me out. Here is a list of the products I use in my long and warm showers: lavender scented shampoo, raspberry vinegar rinse, vanilla bourbon body wash and an ultra-fresh facial cleansing gel.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGcxO-QM7ag/YUDEhcMw6nI/AAAAAAAAEPU/zCsjwuIYa64oTXWSDsBrhDGOVJQH6L55wCPcBGAYYCw/s589/yves%2Brocher%2Bvinegar%2Brinse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="589" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGcxO-QM7ag/YUDEhcMw6nI/AAAAAAAAEPU/zCsjwuIYa64oTXWSDsBrhDGOVJQH6L55wCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h640/yves%2Brocher%2Bvinegar%2Brinse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFg2_OxrS2Q/YUDURwypw2I/AAAAAAAAEPo/J5hGgrR6i9olYMG2hRLVJgIvSzn48l6zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s976/52407_1000x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="976" height="568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFg2_OxrS2Q/YUDURwypw2I/AAAAAAAAEPo/J5hGgrR6i9olYMG2hRLVJgIvSzn48l6zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h568/52407_1000x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-op-LlE9-jgo/YUDVZu9Oa7I/AAAAAAAAEP0/PJpFDR3yY24rLPojtnMY5q5unRpRDsAfACLcBGAsYHQ/s564/50b6519b715e8e2507cf97bd1832a95d.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="564" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-op-LlE9-jgo/YUDVZu9Oa7I/AAAAAAAAEP0/PJpFDR3yY24rLPojtnMY5q5unRpRDsAfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h510/50b6519b715e8e2507cf97bd1832a95d.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Now imagine starting off with water pouring down like rain enveloping your body. The warm water touching your skin. The warm temperature raises your blood pressure just a little and your nerves dilating just a little, too, that brings a fantastic sensation all over your body. Nice!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">You then lather your hair with a shampoo that has a sweet and calming scent. It automatically signals your brain to put the body in a calm state bringing down your blood pressure and nerves back to their normal state. So you, see shampooing is not just about cleaning your hair and scalp! You rinse the shampoo off with warm water again and the same sensation you felt before is brought back. The feeling may be subtle but it is all there!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">You now use a rinsing vinegar to your hair to make it shiny and remove any scale build up if there was any. The scent of raspberry is so amazing that it puts you in a good mood.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A vanilla bourbon body wash not only transform your skin fresh and glowing but it also puts you in a romantic mood. Following this off with a facial gel that has a fresh scent washes not only dirt and dead skin off from your face but also your worries away. Down the drain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Finally, after rinsing off with warm water, I slowly turn off the heater so that the water would become cold. This closes the pores and tops off the oh!-so refreshing shower.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Mind and body rebooted! That's how I feel after the shower. It feels like I am ready again to face whatever challenge the rest of the day or the next day would bring.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I use YVES ROCHER products. <u><b>This blog post is not a paid advertisement.</b></u> I wish! I used to "experiment" with products, you know, '"trial and error". Until I found the French brand Yves Rocher in 2018. I stopped experimenting after finding Yves Rocher. Their products are the result of years of research. Not only that but they use organic ingredients. They also stay clear off of harmful substances such as paraben preservatives and sulfates. I know I am getting the best value out of my hard earned money. You do not have to take my word for these products. Why not try them out for yourself? Or if you have found the right bath products for you then stay using them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">Lifestylecheck101: the simplest things sometimes are the best solutions. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-49566438139267747342021-09-13T23:37:00.005+08:002021-09-14T02:10:42.582+08:00The Joy of Collecting: Model Cars<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOExruzZoUQ/YT9wGKrAKPI/AAAAAAAAEOc/_SXwkawsBU4WjMdqYkm0r-h5t3wcG8WSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20171104_185023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOExruzZoUQ/YT9wGKrAKPI/AAAAAAAAEOc/_SXwkawsBU4WjMdqYkm0r-h5t3wcG8WSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_185023.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Things that give us pleasure. We do tend to collect them. We are talking about material objects here, okay? For me at least, on the things I collect, they give me immense pleasure just by looking at them. Something like a visual therapy. My stress relieved. My worries gone for a bit. It recharges me. It revitalizes me.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THE JOY OF COLLECTING: THE SERIES.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This is the first of a series that would run in the blog. I have collected several objects and I wanted to feature them here. The thought is that there is joy in collecting! It really does not matter if the objects being collected are cheap or expensive. What's important is how these things affect our well being. There is nothing wrong in amassing a number of material possessions; and there is totally nothing wrong if you do not have anything you would call a collection. I believe however, that human nature is wired to acquire possessions, be it material or inanimate like patents to ideas, concepts and other things in abstract form. The thing is, we do collect!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>MODEL CARS.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I just happen to be in Toy Kingdom wandering around and looking for a gift for a nephew in 2017. It was a vivid memory because I chance upon some toy cars that are oh!-too pricey and at 50% off. There were model cars that are impressively similar to the real ones. They were scaled to 1:18. This was the first time I was scrutinizing model cars and I was really impressed on the construction. I suppose that was the reason why these model cars are so expensive ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 Pesos. But since they were being offered at a 50% discount, I had to buy one. I chose the one I really like!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The first model car I owned is this Red Beetle. I am quite fond of the Beetle manufactured by Volkswagen because of its unique shape. Below are some more pictures of the Red Beetle:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2o5XOeSo8/YT9v7Y11BhI/AAAAAAAAEOo/YkRK_G0w3GYJnU-MYeTXIOQTybJcIo2lgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2o5XOeSo8/YT9v7Y11BhI/AAAAAAAAEOo/YkRK_G0w3GYJnU-MYeTXIOQTybJcIo2lgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bROWw1iN0I/YT9wExqJ2eI/AAAAAAAAEOs/SVrg1WYnyKw2DTZr1h8X2iqBSs9Z67gFQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bROWw1iN0I/YT9wExqJ2eI/AAAAAAAAEOs/SVrg1WYnyKw2DTZr1h8X2iqBSs9Z67gFQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK2bA3eEnZ8/YT9v7D_U4lI/AAAAAAAAEOk/V0OhsbTlkZoMud7JsAnuluMiw39GJ7DvQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK2bA3eEnZ8/YT9v7D_U4lI/AAAAAAAAEOk/V0OhsbTlkZoMud7JsAnuluMiw39GJ7DvQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The details of the model car are awesome. The doors can be opened. The hood, too. The wheels move accordingly when the stirring wheel is turned. The side mirrors move. Isn't it amazing? It really looks looks like the real one! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>COLLECTING IS A PASSION.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When I first bought the Red Beetle I did not have the thought of collecting model cars. No such thought. It just happened. A year later after buying the Red Beetle, I chanced upon another sale of model cars but this time it's at Toys 'R' Us. So, I bought a Yellow Ferrari. There was a great feeling inside. I just could not describe it. But there it was. There was happiness that I cannot explain. So, I thought I was hooked because I was looking forward to getting the next one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Take a look at my Yellow Ferrari:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEsmVTvLEzQ/YT9v6Jb6KtI/AAAAAAAAEOg/jPZLrTI7TP4cJjpKnEnGoMSkr3Vu3Le6wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEsmVTvLEzQ/YT9v6Jb6KtI/AAAAAAAAEOg/jPZLrTI7TP4cJjpKnEnGoMSkr3Vu3Le6wCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRtr_8NJ4uk/YT9vtthIIsI/AAAAAAAAEOg/UdFF-Ov3y8oXS8ccAOXz54mICMCr8CbhACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRtr_8NJ4uk/YT9vtthIIsI/AAAAAAAAEOg/UdFF-Ov3y8oXS8ccAOXz54mICMCr8CbhACPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmIo7hRnxSw/YT9vucf4HnI/AAAAAAAAEOg/sPf0BtI4EJwaRitjHrvdmzp-4yTDRnRZQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmIo7hRnxSw/YT9vucf4HnI/AAAAAAAAEOg/sPf0BtI4EJwaRitjHrvdmzp-4yTDRnRZQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asWQugisWew/YT9vtZ1ikEI/AAAAAAAAEOU/lDkcntHLj8YqreIENYP7o9FwdNKaLA3uwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20171104_184755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asWQugisWew/YT9vtZ1ikEI/AAAAAAAAEOU/lDkcntHLj8YqreIENYP7o9FwdNKaLA3uwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_20171104_184755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Similar to the Red Beetle, the Yellow Ferrari has moving doors, hood, stirring wheel, side mirrors and wheels. The body is made of cast iron. Some parts are made of plastic such as the seats inside, the stirring wheel and some details. The wheels are made of rubber. Truly fascinating!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>LIFE-LONG PLEASURE.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Collecting isn't a one time thing. It is not like buying a lot, call it a collection and then that's it. You collect for the pleasure it brings. That is why you are always on the hunt. Looking for that thing that you will add to your growing collection. There's discernment. Not because you can afford things you will just buy anything. No. You acquire something that you really like. Something that makes your heart skip a beat. At least that is how it is for me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">As you can see I have two model cars in a span of 2 years. The latest addition to my collection was in 2019 and I bought it in full price. It is a Black Porsche. I don't have pictures of it now because it's on my desk in the office. I will make an update blog post once I have the pictures. Oh, boy! The Black Porsche is magnificent.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Collecting is addicting, and... better than chocolate! Gets?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">Lifestylecheck101: feel the joy of collecting. Euphoric!</span></div>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-1510725836365168332021-09-12T23:08:00.003+08:002021-09-13T00:37:28.583+08:00Do It Slowly, Baby!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfTH9RtcQLc/YT4pi-W8yMI/AAAAAAAAENg/3zwf-7qHDwsJ-p8B-CpYmgaLf94yY24iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s642/New-hurom-slow-Juicer-hu-600wn-Fruits-Vegetable-Low-Speed-Juice-extractor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="642" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfTH9RtcQLc/YT4pi-W8yMI/AAAAAAAAENg/3zwf-7qHDwsJ-p8B-CpYmgaLf94yY24iwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/New-hurom-slow-Juicer-hu-600wn-Fruits-Vegetable-Low-Speed-Juice-extractor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><p>In this hurried times, we sometimes complain that 24 hours is not enough for all the things we needed to accomplish for the day. We tend to sacrifice a lot of things for the more "important" activities. Most young adults nowadays skip breakfast and would rather "drink" their morning meals. There's instant oat drinks and fiber-rich instant breakfast alternatives. Some would of course opt for healthier drinks. Thank goodness juicers were invented. Not all juicers however, are created equal.</p></span><p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>FAST JUICERS.<br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">These type of juicers hit the market with a bang. Literally because these juicers are very loud. A motor spins a blade so fast that the fruits or vegetables put in it are ground to a pulp. Juice is then extracted.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I joined the bandwagon and owned two of these in the past. My first one was a budget-friendly juicer, Kyowa. It has however, a small capacity. I was just trying to start juicing and see if this would be good for me. I do not want to spend so much money for a kitchen appliance that I may not be using after one or two times using it. I was surprised and amazed! It turned out that juicing with apples and carrots, my favourite combination actually with ginger, is a great breakfast! I don't easily get hungry even with just one full glass of the juice. So, several months later I upgraded to a big one that's robust but a bit pricier, Breville.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There is a lot of fascination with this product but there were also negative feedback. Aside from being noisy when being operated, the juice is somehow frothy. Also, with the way the juice has been extracted some say that a lot of the vitamins or supposed beneficial antioxidants are lost in the process. There must be a better way!</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>SLOW JUICERS.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Less that two years after I bought my Breville fast juicer, I bought a Hurom slow juicer. I again joined the bandwagon. How can I resist? The slow juicer was offered for a 30% discount at a TV shopping network. I did not buy it there though because I could not wait for the long shipment. I am so impatient. I wanted to try the appliance out right away. So, I bought mine from the True Value store in Shangri-la Plaza with the same discount. Awesome!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">What caught my eye actually was not the price but the technology behind slow juicing. It all makes sense. Slow juicing resolved all of the unwanted things in fast juicing. First, there isn't much noise. There's this some type of a ball that squeezes the juice out from the fruits and vegetables. No blades. The crushing action of the rotating ball for me is actually kind of an ASMR. Second, the juice extracted is somewhat pure. There's no froth. Just simple pure juice which most likely has not lost any of its vitamins, minerals or antioxidant properties.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THE COMPARISON.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, I tried my favourite combo of apples, carrots and ginger. The slow juicer wins! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The color of the juice from the fast juicer is rather weak while the one in the slow juicer is quite vivid. The texture of the juice from the fast juicer is grainy because of the froth and some of the pulp getting into the drink while the one from the slow juicer is smooth with no froth or pulp. The taste from the fast juicer is okay but the one from the slow juicer is much, much tastier! For sure!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My other favourite combos are apples and oranges, and apples and beets. Why not try them out for yourself?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">Lifestylecheck101: there will always be alternatives.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>DISCLAIMER.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This blog post is not a paid advertisement. The picture above is not mine. CTTO. To the owner, just notify me if you want to have the picture taken down.</span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-1262922641800934962021-09-11T23:54:00.009+08:002021-09-12T01:15:46.044+08:00To Sleep Or Not To Sleep<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wksSRVEEwK8/YTzRKkaEeII/AAAAAAAAENY/FkRBFgbp7V06a8y5YljcLf3JdCBf1jLBACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/lack%2Bof%2Bsleep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wksSRVEEwK8/YTzRKkaEeII/AAAAAAAAENY/FkRBFgbp7V06a8y5YljcLf3JdCBf1jLBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h476/lack%2Bof%2Bsleep.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Are you getting enough sleep lately? I know. Almost every aspect in our lives has been disturbed or disrupted by this COVID-19 pandemic. Our sleeping habit is no exception.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>WASH. RINSE. REPEAT.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There are those who work from home (WFH). Suddenly there's free time here and there. With the proximity of the bed to the designated WFH work station you find yourself slipping into "power naps". When done repeatedly, the body clock is disturbed. Before you know it you are sleeping late and consequently waking up late. A habit is then formed that leaves you groggy in the morning and irritable or lethargic in the afternoon. The days go by and voila! Wash. Rinse. Repeat! </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THE EARLY BIRD.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I was born in the 1970's. There isn't a lot of distraction for kids back then. No mobile games, no cellular phones, no computers, no Internet, no Netflix. We sleep around 8 o'clock in the evening. 9 o'clock would be the latest. We wake up fresh at 5 o'clock in the morning. Actually even earlier. We get exactly 8 hours of sleep. This is our family's daily routine. This is my normal. It all changed however, when I got into college.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THE START OF SOMETHING NEW?!</b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">College is a different ball game. I took up computer engineering and boy, oh boy! There were truckloads of laboratory reports to write. By hand mind you. There were tons of plates to finish. Tons of topics to research and machine problems to solve. And most daunting of all there was a great deal of applications to code and document. In order for me to accomplish most of these things, I had to sacrifice my sleeping hours whenever needed. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This was the start of something new for me, I should say.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I believe that school is our training ground for the real world. Sure there's the academic part of it but there is also skill and behavioural development. We get to develop and index our response to certain situations. In retrospect, if I would be given a chance to change anything in the past, it would be better time management. I would have not sacrificed my sleeping hours. I could have managed my tasks better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>IN PROVING ONESELF.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When I got a job after graduation, I was so eager to prove myself. I set goals. I wanted to establish a solid foundation for my career. I took on projects with tight schedules. Did "overnights" in order to finish modules. I sacrificed my rest days. I managed to put systems into production successfully.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I made it! I reached my goals! From a programmer/analyst to Vice President for Systems Engineering and Applications Development and Support and now a Consultant, I think I have proven my worth. But it came with a heavy price. Such a heavy price...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">What's the price you asked? That would be a whole separate blog. But part of that is "<b>hypertension</b>" and "<b>diabetes</b>". Gory. Gruesome diseases.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>SLEEP DEPRIVATION.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Fast forward to 2021. Global pandemic still. Since I am an individual obviously with comorbidity, it is imperative that I stay at home as much as possible. Being confined in the four corners of my house for a long period of time is indeed a challenge. My sleeping pattern has been immensely affected. There were times that I have been sleep deprived. So, I am doing everything I can to get myself to <u>sleep for at least 8 hours, and rather importantly at the right time</u>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Exercise, engage in a good hobby that is enjoyable, read books, avoid sleeping in the afternoon as much as possible, lessen the time spent in front of the computer, and lessen watching series in Netflix and videos in YouTube. These are reminders to myself.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To sleep or not to sleep in the afternoon? I hope not to take afternoon naps. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To sleep or not to sleep early at night? I hope to early every night.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;"><b>Lifestylecheck101: the choices we make now shape our future.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></div>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-42053694895526719782021-09-10T23:47:00.009+08:002021-09-10T23:53:27.376+08:00Drink Your Water<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOL6q3_HXWM/YTt2RdPscEI/AAAAAAAAEM8/qBB4aYCmizg2i8V9C3ip2JrAZdUSE5ZogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/coconut%2Bwater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOL6q3_HXWM/YTt2RdPscEI/AAAAAAAAEM8/qBB4aYCmizg2i8V9C3ip2JrAZdUSE5ZogCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/coconut%2Bwater.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Have you chance upon a vlogger on YouTube who would always say "Drink you water, bitch!" Well, I would say this, "drink your coconut water, sis!"</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We have to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. We all know this. I cannot speak for everyone, to me at least, I don't think that I have been fulfilling this health requirement. The reminder to drink water hence is timely and important I guess.</span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When I was little, my Lolo used to tell me to always drink coconut water. He said that it is full of electrolytes and other minerals that are beneficial to the body especially in boosting one's energy. Coconut water is like an energy drink, he said. I believed in him completely as he always look strong for his age. My Lolo was from the Quezon province and had a plantation of coconuts mainly for copra production. He is quite knowledgeable, I should say, as far as the use of coconuts is concerned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I am not saying that coconut water should replace water. Everything should be in moderation. Drinking too much coconut water can also bring harm. Anything in excess is not good. Drinking coconut water for certain days of the week to be counted as part of the daily water intake may be good. Augmenting the daily water intake with coconut water I suppose is a good idea, don't you think?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Whenever I go do grocery shopping or dine in a restaurant, I always make sure to get or order coconut water. If one has the resources, why not? But if one does not have the capacity to take advantage of the benefits of coconut water, it is best I guess to ensure the intake of at least 8 glasses of water.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Know those things that can make other things better.</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p></div></div>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-6154700791408838962021-09-09T23:42:00.001+08:002021-09-10T22:57:36.459+08:00My Daily Dose of Happiness<p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4yEEsSw0po/YTorM_roLiI/AAAAAAAAEMk/UAzka-bSo1UT68A_AdWb3OA3mVOSgcvegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1064/Grapes%2Band%2BOranges.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1064" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4yEEsSw0po/YTorM_roLiI/AAAAAAAAEMk/UAzka-bSo1UT68A_AdWb3OA3mVOSgcvegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h478/Grapes%2Band%2BOranges.png" width="640" /></a></p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We all know that fruits are good for the body. It is no secret that fruits are packed with antioxidants that prevent or delay cellular damage in our bodies. </span>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-65244789652317285292021-09-08T22:49:00.002+08:002021-09-12T01:08:38.369+08:00A Legit Cactito<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDSKMukEeh8/YTjFketiDGI/AAAAAAAAEL8/XZt6Md99ikoa6026bsg_o40zS3DPmMr5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210418_190531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1609" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDSKMukEeh8/YTjFketiDGI/AAAAAAAAEL8/XZt6Md99ikoa6026bsg_o40zS3DPmMr5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w502-h640/IMG_20210418_190531.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known by all people walking on the face of this planet: I coined the term CACTITO.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The lockdowns enforced by governments because of this pandemic has brought all sorts of things. There was a change on how we do our daily office work. There was a change on how we communicate with one another. There was a change on how we plan our groceries and prepare our meals. There was basically a change in almost every aspect of our daily living. To some, mental health has been affected in varying degrees depending on how big the change was on their lives. One way of coping is engaging in a hobby that can take away the stress of this confinement from the four corners of the house. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One hobby that is currently enjoyed by many is growing different kinds of exotic plants at home. The growers are what we call "<b>plantitos</b>" and "<b>plantitas</b>". I am one of these plantitos you see, but I am a special kind of plantito. I specilize in cactus. I therefore, is what you call a CACTITO. Gets?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>A SPECIAL KIND OF PLANT.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Cactus are special kinds of plants. Those fleshy and prickly plants need a different kind of TLC. The amount of sunlight and water they get directly affects their growth and lifespan. Humidity and the type of soil are also important factors for their reproductivity and health. But once these are perfected, a cactus can become a great source of enjoyment and fulfilment. To some, even a source of livelihood. With the right know-how and tools, cacti are easily propagated.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>TRADE FAIRS, NURSERIES AND FB MARKETPLACE.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I started collecting and taking care of cacti in December of 2018 when an officemate gifted me with a mamillaria in a clay pot. A mamillaria is a kind of cactus that is usually small with a globulous to elongated shape. I was very fond of that one but sadly it died. So I started buying some in trade fairs in 2019. These trade fairs happen in malls, in Parks and Wildlife, and in Quezon Memorial CIrcle (QMC).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I found later on that there are nurseries one can visit to buy them. I happen to be in Baguio one time in 2019 and went to the the Living Gifts Nursery in La Trinidad. That was a memorable trip actually. I have never seen so many cactus in my entire life. I was very fortunate to be able to purchase those species I like at very reasonable prices. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When the pandemic hit and lockdowns imposed in 2020, I can only buy cactus on-line. The FB Marketplace is a good source. Cactus growers in Benguet in the Cordillera Region have stores in the marketplace. Even distributors from QMC and the flower section near Farmers Cubao have FB marketplace stores. It is quite easy to buy them. There really isn't any shortage of where you can buy the prickly beauties.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>THEY COME AND GO.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">As I said, these cacti require a special kind of attention. I have not perfected the combination of the factors that affect their growth, reproductivity and lifespan since each species require a unique combination of the factors. In all of the almost 3 years so far that I have been growing cacti, I seem to be successful with the Agua Dulce kind of Gymnocalycium and the Astrophytum myriostigma.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The one pictured above is a multicustatum Astrophytum myriostigma that has been with me since May of 2019. I have 50 more live cacti in my window sill garden and probably had 100 or so that have died. I did learn some things from those that did not make it, and up to now I am still learning.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;"><b>Lifestylecheck101: a hobby is indeed a journey.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://lifestylecheck101.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-pinoy-shutterbug-cactus-edition.html" target="_blank">Here is a link to beautiful pictures of some of the cacti I had. Enjoy!</a> </span></div>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-42265943220240845482021-09-07T23:14:00.000+08:002021-09-07T23:14:12.318+08:00Caught a Fish and Ate It<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y46TVCl2Y-0/YTd5lnGfLVI/AAAAAAAAELk/X4fzLGxIX0crlAO6b9KHi8BaoEHQR0O8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00CC5304-E0F1-4CDB-9B41-9E07A23697D8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y46TVCl2Y-0/YTd5lnGfLVI/AAAAAAAAELk/X4fzLGxIX0crlAO6b9KHi8BaoEHQR0O8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h358/00CC5304-E0F1-4CDB-9B41-9E07A23697D8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saw a video in YouTube about a group of British high schoolers trying out Korean lunches served in Korean schools. Since it was their first time eating those kind of food, I find their reactions quite normal. For any kind of food I suppose thatβs βexoticβ to your palette itβs either you completely like it or you donβt. What caught my attention though is the dessert. Itβs an ice ream sandwich shaped like a fish. Yeah! Iβd like to catch some of those!</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>THE KOREAN WAVE</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Korean Wave is real. From TV dramas, movies, music, fashion to food, the Korean wave has swept the world over. I know this is hardly news. But more noticeable nowadays are the Korean marts springing up like wild mushrooms in different parts of the country. Heck, even in the condominium complex in Pasig City where I live isnβt spared.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Late last year, a Korean convenience store opened in our club house despite the presence of a Korean store a few hundred meters away from our location. I wonβt complain though as I am into some Korean food stuff myself. I like their rice tea, and the orange peel juice concentrate. The nearer, the better. And now, I want the fish!</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>ICE CREAM SANDWICH.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Who would not enjoy an ice cream sandwich shaped into a cool looking fish? Fortunately, that Korean convenient store I am talking about has this ice cream sandwich. So, I bought one. Itβs affordable for</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> 60 Pesos. What makes the one I bought so special is that the ice cream is βmatchaβ. Green tea. My favorite! And of course you have that red bean paste inside. All of these wrapped in a good tasting waffle and molded into the shale of a fish. I am telling you. Itβs delicious!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We all deserve a bit of indulgence, donβt you think?</span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-11305447400669327842021-09-06T23:37:00.007+08:002021-09-06T23:47:21.358+08:00One Bad Habit Leading to a Chronic Disease <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PS7Q82I9iXY/YTYjcgLpyDI/AAAAAAAAELM/-mCmpdtItNMpV2JJDH4kdl_V5pJYlwRegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1009/Tea%2Band%2BMacapuno%2BPie.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1009" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PS7Q82I9iXY/YTYjcgLpyDI/AAAAAAAAELM/-mCmpdtItNMpV2JJDH4kdl_V5pJYlwRegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h478/Tea%2Band%2BMacapuno%2BPie.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to put my act together. With all of the lockdowns imposed, and all of those new and exciting series and shows on Netflix, I have turned myself into a couch potato. Worse is that while watching the shows I have been taking my meals in bed. Do you know what comes after that? A bit of nap, of course. Then boom! ACID REFLUX. I don't want this!</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.</span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">August 1, 2021 was a bit memorable. Right after dinner I felt queasy because there was a weird chest pain. I felt it at the right side of the chest. Weird because it felt like more of a piercing pain like someone's pinching you. It was not similar to the kind of pain I felt several years back when I was diagnosed with hypertension. The hypertension chest pain felt heavy and right at the middle of the chest. I can only describe it as like a stack of heavy books weighing my chest down. This time around it's just weird. But the mild pinching chest pain slowly became stronger. Naturally I got scared. So, there's nothing to do but hurry to the emergency room (ER).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I booked Grab and went to the ER of St. Luke's Hospital in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. The ER however, was dedicated for COVID-19 patients. The nurses and doctors in the triage were nice and explained to me that there is a separate ER for non-COVID patients. Since I have been having chest pains, they asked if I would be okay to be serviced at that ER. The nurse wanted for me to get an electrocardiogram (ECG) as soon as possible because of the chest pains. I said yes, since they assured me that I will be placed in a separate cubicle inside the ER. I thought that I'll be completely safe.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>ALL IS OKAY!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It was GERD. The results of the tests and x-ray that the doctor ordered for me came out all good. My numbers and vitals are all within normal range. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have no signs of infections. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The electrolytes and enzymes in the blood tests together with the x-ray proved that there were no problems or anomalies with the heart, lungs or the cardiovascular system that would cause the chest pains I felt. The attending doctor ruled that what I have experienced is the result of GERD - Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease or Chronic Acid Reflux. And oh, when I was at the ER, a few minutes after the ECG was taken, the chest pains subsided and completely stopped. It was just an episode I suppose.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>DEFINITE NO-NO AFTER EATING.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, the culprit all along was Netflix. Kidding. It is lying down after eating. I have been doing it for quite some time now and it has brought with it a chronic disease. The doctor advised to wait for at least 3 hours before lying down if I needed to.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have learned my lesson. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This somewhat sedentary lifestyle is no joke. The body should be active and moving. I need to exercise. I should exercise!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A month after that incident, I am doing fine. I am now avoiding Netflix. Joke. I am just trying my best to stay at my feet and eat my meals on the table. Small steps that would lead to a healthier life!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>CARE FOR SOME TEA?</b></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I added drinking tea in my daily habit. No, not the usual tea that has caffeine in it like black tea or green tea. Caffeine is not good for people with GERD. I drink the "tea infusion" ones that do not have caffeine. Examples are infusion of flowers like chamomile and hibiscus, infusion of fruits such as raspberries and mangoes, and infusion of herbs such as cinnamon. I believe in this healthier choice.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I drink my tea infusions now while watching on Netflix. I sometimes couple it with small pastries such as tarts and pies. Just a teeny weeny bit of carbs. And no more napping or lying down after eating something! Definitely no lying down after eating a meal no matter how sleepy I get.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>IMPORTANT NOTES / DISCLAIMER:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Consult your doctor or go to the ER immediately if you are not feeling well. My symptoms and experiences are mine alone. They are unique to me and my body. You should not take those to diagnose what you are feeling or experiencing. You should always consult your doctor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Also, drinking tea is my preference. You should not take tea just because I am drinking it, or that because I believe in its health benefits. Research and ask experts. </span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-73978993227465319592021-09-05T19:00:00.004+08:002021-09-05T19:38:48.107+08:00Happy 73rd Birthday, Dad!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdJfmeOwyUE/YTSiIOheF3I/AAAAAAAAELE/voz_8WfYZx4g_pEidQlhdz7MgHCY2gBcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s977/Happy%2B73rd%2BBirthday%2BDade.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="977" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdJfmeOwyUE/YTSiIOheF3I/AAAAAAAAELE/voz_8WfYZx4g_pEidQlhdz7MgHCY2gBcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/Happy%2B73rd%2BBirthday%2BDade.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When my siblings and I were growing up, our Dad wasn't physically present in our lives. He was in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the 70's and was deployed to different parts of the country. He was an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the 80's and 90's. He had jobs in Saudi Arabia and Singapore. So, you see there was very little time for bonding and quality time with our Dad. We do however, recognize that his sacrifices were for us, his family. That is why we never complained. We were just thankful that despite the hardships during those times, our family was intact and we were supported all throughout by our father. Now, he has turned 73 years old. He is getting old. Thankfully, with the Grace of God, he is still in the pink of health.</span></p><p></p><p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARGE!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Dade" is what we call him. The word just grew on us. His close friends however, call him Sarge. It's because he was a Master Sergeant. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Sarge in his heyday is a martial artist. He enjoys Karate and has taught the art to his fellow Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia. He is also a sharpshooter. Proof of this is his Silver Medal for a shooting competition in the PCG. Though I get to see the medal and the punching bags he used in practicing his Karate, I haven't had the chance to see him in action, i.e., in practice, demonstrations, or in mentoring. No not in combat, thank goodness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Sarge likes to drink with his buddies. Sometimes too much. But he is getting around this now. He has grown "a bit" older and wiser, which means his drinking sessions are fewer and the alcohol intake lesser. The body tends to give in more easily to "undesirable habits" when one is older.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>MY BIRTHDAY WISH.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My Dad and I have gotten close ironically when I moved out of the house. When I visit my parents on weekends, we have long talks over dinner. It actually amazes me that our family became much closer now that each one of us has our own family. I suppose that the reason for this closeness is having a better understanding of the sacrifices made by our parents in raising us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, my birthday wish for my Dad as it has always been for the past years is to LIVE A LONG, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS LIFE!</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>73 MORE BIRTHDAYS TO COME.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I am quite sure of this. My Dad's mom and dad, my grandparents, are like Sequoia trees. They could actually live hundreds of years, I believe. They were in their late 90's when they passed due to mishaps.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Anyway, I need 73 more years to show Dade my appreciation for everything he has done for our family. I wanted to take my parents to places they have never been before. With the help of my older sister, we were able to take them to a couple of nearby countries before the pandemic. We had plans of taking them to Thailand in 2020 but the pandemic broke out. I am still hopeful though that we would get to push forth with our plans next year or in 2023.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">73 more years to show our gratitude actually is not enough. Did I mention that my Dad is a "great provider"? Not in the sense that you might think. We actually lived before a completely modest life. Just basic necessities. My father however, with the help of my mother (my Mom is great and she's the best in the entire universe!), my dear grandparents and close relatives, he was able to have all of his 7 children finish college. 1 English Major, 2 Computer Engineers, 1 Political Science Major, 1 Industrial Engineer, 1 Computer Science Major and 1 Fine Arts graduate. If that is not considered a "great provider", I don't know what is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We love you, Dade! Mwah, mwah! Tsup, Tsup!</span></p><p></p><p></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-77649072513235717772021-09-04T18:17:00.004+08:002021-09-04T18:19:39.548+08:0010th Year of the Blog: A New Leaf is Now Unfolding<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSdULiKy-kY/YTM8sLGl_EI/AAAAAAAAEKs/1u4Knsi3DeATuXVJCXEBJz1rYKWTruZXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1006/Happy%2B10th%2BYear%2BLSC101.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1006" height="477" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSdULiKy-kY/YTM8sLGl_EI/AAAAAAAAEKs/1u4Knsi3DeATuXVJCXEBJz1rYKWTruZXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h477/Happy%2B10th%2BYear%2BLSC101.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">10 years. 1 decade. Can you believe it? This year, 2021, marks the blog's 10th anniversary. Congratulations self!<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When I wrote the first blog entry on March of 2011, there wasn't any grand reason nor a significant goal for that matter. All I wanted was some sort of a journal that could inspire others in living their truths in the middle of the hurried and chaotic things happening around us. Heck, the first blog post wasn't even interesting.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Then just like any journal that you start when you make your new year's resolution, there is the Day 1 entry and nothing followed after that. I can't stop laughing when I checked the second blog post. It was on March of 2012. It is exactly a year later after the first blog post in March of 2011! Isn't that incredible?</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>HERE WE ARE NOW.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">After ten years, here we are now. It is still a "small" blog. With only about 261K views of its 184 blog posts for over 10 years. The blog has not reached the audience and views I hoped for. I still believe though that the key is consistency which I obviously did not have for the past 10 years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I promise to change and share with you my life on a daily basis. And I hope you would support me. If I did not have that grand reason or significant goal before, now it's different. I hope for the blog to become big, reach a much bigger audience, and be that source of real, lasting inspiration as this is a course on life. I know that together we can learn from each other.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Now, I should truly fulfil the blog's slogan. I would like to intimate for you to embody the essence of the blog. That is, to:</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>REFLECT ON YOUR LIFE THROUGH ANOTHER MAN'S EYES.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you have something on your mind you wished to do but for some reason hasn't gone around to doing it... just do it! Don't mind your other self telling you that you can't do it or you don't have the resources to do it; or someone telling you it isn't just for you... the hell with it! Make your dreams come true.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>YOU CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">And now I am going to do it. I am doing it. This is the start. Watch me!</span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-22624019998577649582021-09-03T17:17:00.001+08:002021-09-03T17:17:45.851+08:00Antique Philippine Paper Money<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9JGBwJjQgw/UDTqmA0gvyI/AAAAAAAAB8k/VcA6ZUcjBHMl9-jlVwom-M04srcGTLXgwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/1921%2B5-Pesos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9JGBwJjQgw/UDTqmA0gvyI/AAAAAAAAB8k/VcA6ZUcjBHMl9-jlVwom-M04srcGTLXgwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h266/1921%2B5-Pesos.jpg" title="5 Pesos" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Obverse View of the Philippine 5-Peso Note Issued in 1921</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This paper money featured in a <a href="https://lifestylecheck101.blogspot.com/2012/08/1921-philippine-money-family-collection.html" target="_blank">2014 post</a> of mine has turned 100 years old officially. Can you believe it? It's insane.</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The 5-Peso note issued by the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in 1921 during the American occupation has survived 100 years which officially makes it an "antique". An object is considered antique if it was 100 years or older. I wonder how much this antique money is valued now? Do you know?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The obverse or front view of the money is still legible while the reverse or back view is almost wiped out. Oh, well! I still get to keep it.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCpG5sPhA2Q/UDTqn74u4GI/AAAAAAAAB8s/ULDDI6N7nWgfHUFVmvbA4j493BVMLEkHgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/1921%2B5-Peso%2Breverse%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="640" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCpG5sPhA2Q/UDTqn74u4GI/AAAAAAAAB8s/ULDDI6N7nWgfHUFVmvbA4j493BVMLEkHgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h269/1921%2B5-Peso%2Breverse%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a>Reverse View of the Philippine 5-Peso Note Issued in 1921</div><p></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-13253338697070979112021-08-25T15:05:00.004+08:002021-08-25T15:21:50.055+08:00SB19 'MAPA' | OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO<div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who has not heard this song yet? Stop living under a rock, okay! MAPA by SB19 is the tribute song to our parents. "Ma" of MaPa stands for Mama; and "Pa" stands for Papa - our parents.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The word MAPA in english is "map" figuratively represented by our parents who stand as guides in our lives.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you, SB19, for this wonderful song!</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/DDyr3DbTPtk" width="480"></iframe></div>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-3927278053597381442021-03-06T23:17:00.027+08:002021-09-05T19:58:55.851+08:00Rest If You Must, So Quit!<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It was odd. I was odd. While most people lost their job in this pandemic, I chose to quit my job.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbetsBgAwjY/YEOaEBJVmPI/AAAAAAAAEDg/4QNTYqLYQXQjZYuLQjKOqgintKync10twCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4A5B1889-D6A1-4355-916B-3DF8FB47A5AC.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbetsBgAwjY/YEOaEBJVmPI/AAAAAAAAEDg/4QNTYqLYQXQjZYuLQjKOqgintKync10twCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/4A5B1889-D6A1-4355-916B-3DF8FB47A5AC.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Know your worth. With this, you will always make the right and best decision.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was a consultant for a software development house and headed the entire technical department. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I chose not to renew my contract that ended December 31, 2020. I paused my career because I decided to take care of my health.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Being the perfectionist </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">that I am (probably bordering on obsessive compulsive) even though I was working from home, the pressure and time spent to getting things done are never less compared to when I was reporting to the office. Work is actually more daunting.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Even before the pandemic hit, I was suffering from a bit of a health condition that needed medical attention. Work was my excuse for not undergoing the procedure I needed. This excuse however, could no longer be used. It turned out as a catalyst in worsening my health condition. Unhelpful subordinates and difficult bosses didn't help. Quitting therefore, became</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> a need rather than a choice. Thus, the decision was easy.</span></span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2 moths later, I find myself enjoying my time. Sure, I miss paydays! But I am more excited in the prospect of doing things I really like while biding my time before making another important life decision. I could go back to school, start my own business, travel the whole wide world, start my vlogging channel, or learn Qui Men Dun Jia. The possibilities are truly endless.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It was odd. I was odd. While others have been putting off deciding on something, I firmly made the decision of what could be considered as an outrageous absurdity given this COVID-19 times.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It was my decision. I made that decision. Have you made yours?</span></p></div>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-12377991079997120692021-03-03T00:31:00.014+08:002021-09-05T20:01:56.117+08:00Break Free<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Sometimes itβs hard to admit that we are living a lie.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That we live in a world we created to shelter us from the harshness of reality.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I guess itβs time to break free,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Shed our skin and show our true self.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The world awaits for the real you!</span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hQxp-36z90/YD5mI_x75JI/AAAAAAAAEDE/TmOcPcfxfEQ90o5O6EDFr_FgSkLJxipgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BC1F52BA-7318-4067-9756-24A069BC4ECD.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hQxp-36z90/YD5mI_x75JI/AAAAAAAAEDE/TmOcPcfxfEQ90o5O6EDFr_FgSkLJxipgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/BC1F52BA-7318-4067-9756-24A069BC4ECD.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Be brave little one! Walk on your path courageously. It does not matter if the road was rocky, surely the journey will all be worth it!<br />Love lots!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-68812852299333559232021-02-24T23:40:00.001+08:002021-09-06T17:08:06.866+08:00A Good Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DshvH5CzeqE/YDZwsMiSiaI/AAAAAAAAECQ/tuw9IKfPQRg1SsGzE_EG90HXMUc9WaAhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2B837688-DC27-4688-A79D-5601AFD887A4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1569" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DshvH5CzeqE/YDZwsMiSiaI/AAAAAAAAECQ/tuw9IKfPQRg1SsGzE_EG90HXMUc9WaAhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w490-h640/2B837688-DC27-4688-A79D-5601AFD887A4.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>I just would like to mark this day, 24 February 2021, Wednesday, as a special day. You know why?<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>I have been putting off buying a new iPad because I still have my iPad Mini. The iPad Mini is a really an old model. So, I finally decided to buy an iPad Air (4th Generation) Wi-Fi today. I shall be using this for writing my blog posts which is what I am doing right now. Also, I hope to maintain with this my on-line shops that I </span><span>have recently put up in eBay and Carousell. I needed to be mobile and at the same time have all of the tools available to me like I was in front of my desktop computer. iPad Air truly fits the bill. I hope I can maximize the potential of this investment which has set me back for 35 thousand Pesos.</span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Above is the front cover of the box and the artwork is quite cool. Cheers to a great somewhat of a beginning! ππΌ</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Just so you know, I bought the iPad from PowerMac Center in SM Aura Premier Mall in Taguig City. What about you, have you been planning to buy a new one or upgrade your worn out gadget? What gadget would this be? And why have you been putting off in buying it? Let me know and put your comments down below. xoxo</span></div><p><br /></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-54882513850604297282021-02-23T16:20:00.002+08:002021-09-06T17:12:41.217+08:00SB19: The New Era<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lS8S6NG4smo" width="320" youtube-src-id="lS8S6NG4smo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>IKALAWANG YUGTO.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It was a week ago when SB19 released a teaser in YouTube of what's to come on March 9, 2021 - their much anticipated comeback, or in Filipino, "ang pagbabalik". Dubbed as the New Era, "Ikalawang Yugto" or the second stage, watch the majestic scenes in their trailer above.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span><a name='more'></a></span>SB19 has released songs from 2018 up to 2020, performed concerts, held mention parties in several social media platforms, streamed live shows, and created on-line content that are all considered to be part of the GITZ (Get in the Zone) era. Their powerful ballads, catchy tunes, impeccable dance moves, out-of-this-world harmonies and amiable personalities have gained them a huge following collectively known as A'TIN.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the next two weeks, we will be witnessing the rise of the phoenix so to speak. The new era will speak of their renewed strength and creativity as artists. I may be going out on a limb here in saying this but this PPOP (Pinoy Pop) band's talent and dedication to their craft will surely leave us all in awe on March 9.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I have no doubt that SB19 will deliver beyond our expectations. You can bet on that!</span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-80500546427388101162021-02-23T03:30:00.018+08:002021-09-06T17:13:46.000+08:00Season of Love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGi66HgjOyc/YTHqvZWPukI/AAAAAAAAEKU/TVfb534JdI0lsudJlMlMxAG9o5-1eDALgCLcBGAsYHQ/s381/Gameboys_poster.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGi66HgjOyc/YTHqvZWPukI/AAAAAAAAEKU/TVfb534JdI0lsudJlMlMxAG9o5-1eDALgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Gameboys_poster.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;">GAMEBOYS, the BL Series. (CTTO. Poster was taken from Wikipedia.)</div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I have been binge watching BL Series in YouTube. Mostly on Filipino BL Series. "BL" for the uninitiated refers to Boys' Love, a sub-genre of the "romantic" kind whose stories are specific to boy-on-boy relationships. Apparently this started in Japan and became quite popular due to the "mass production" of such series in Thailand. Now, the Philippines has joined the bandwagon and has produced quite a lot in the past year. If there was anything considered good in this pandemic, it's the rise of good quality motion pictures on the Internet. Be it full features, shorts, documentaries, sitcoms, miniseries and series.</span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For the Filipino BL Series, I particularly love Gameboys, Gaya sa Pelikula and Hello Stranger. The stories are good. The actors are good. Even the production value is good. I might make a review of each BL Series. But for now, I am just happy being reminded by these series that one, love knows no gender; and two, we can choose to love and feel loved everyday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I just feel like after completely watching a series, I just want to bury my head in the arms of my partner. There's contentment. There's comfort. There's happiness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Despite the pandemic, thank goodness for Filipino BL Series in this Season of Love. No, not Valentine's. The real Season of Love starts on January 1 and ends on December 31. Just so you know. ππ </span></p>Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-9958883547709901342020-05-01T07:25:00.001+08:002020-05-01T07:25:17.854+08:00The Pinoy Shutterbug: Moon Edition 2Last April 8, 2020, Wednesday, a day before Holy Thursday, the moon is at a short distance from the Earth which would make its appearance bigger and brighter. This is known in astronomical terms as Supermoon. However, the time that this phenomenon happened is around 2 AM, early in the morning of April 8. By mistake, like me most people thought that we would be able to take a glimpse of this Supermoon evening of April 8. Well, what can I do? I shot anyway.<br />
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Thankfully, the moon did not disappoint. It may not be as bright or as big on the exact time it was near Earth but it was awesome nonetheless. It appeared pinkish. I thought of capturing this dramatic effect so to speak. And here is what I captured.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>From the camera settings of the above picture, I reduced the aperture but increased the time for a longer amount of exposure. I thought that this would make a more focussed photo. True enough the dramatic pink tinge did not appear, and the black and white picture below is what I had.<br />
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I hope you liked my pics. xoxoEmohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-37813856852312682532020-04-12T22:44:00.000+08:002020-04-13T15:26:23.040+08:00IKAKO (Ikaw at Ako) - A Message of Love from SB19<i>"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13.</i><br />
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<i>"... na basta may pag-ibig sa puso nati'y magwawagi." (As long as we have love in our hearts, we shall be victorious.) -- Ikako by SB19 Sejun. </i><br />
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<i>"The eternal optimism and indomitable spirit of the Filipino people are embodied in the narrative of Ikako." -- Emohr Oemlab, Lifestyle Check 101</i><br />
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In the middle of humanity's battle against the dreadful and deadly novel corona virus 2019 or better known as nCOV-19, comes a ray of sunshine from <b>Sejun</b>, the team leader of the PPOP boy band <b>SB19</b>. Premiered in SB19's official YouTube channel at 9 PM today, Easter Sunday, is the song <b><u>Ikako (</u></b>a contracted form of the Filipino words "ikaw at ako" which means you and I) with the music composed and lyrics written by Sejun.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The song tells us that we can surmount any obstacle as long as there is love in our hearts. All of us, you and I, will rise victorious in this world crisis. Our hope nor our resolve will wane. It is us... the whole world... the entire human race... you and I... <i>ikaw at ako.</i>.. "<b><i>ikako</i></b>" up to this battle's end.<br />
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I believe that this would make a fine anthem, a "boost-me-up" song of the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) or the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in leading the fight against this outbreak in our country. It is a great song that brings warmth and comfort to the listeners. It will surely uplift the spirits of our front liners as well as the patients! The eternal optimism and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people are embodied in the narrative of Ikako. Indeed, a worthy anthem of the times.<br />
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The beautiful composition is Sejun's version (a demo of the song if you will), which means that there is a possibility of an SB19 studio version with harmonies and a rap verse (or two). It would for sure be worth the wait. Fingers crossed. xoxoEmohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-31990949248490641662020-03-26T03:13:00.001+08:002020-03-30T11:03:24.504+08:00SB19 Breaking BarriersGET INTO THE ZONE! BREAK!<br />
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Sound Break 19 or SB19 has been breaking barriers, breaking grounds, breaking stereotypes, and breaking records!<br />
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True to their name, SB19 has broken into the music scene not only here in the Philippines but also around the world. Yesterday, the all-Filipino boy band trained by ShowBT entertainment company whose headquarters is in South Korea has broken into the Top 10 peaking at Number 7 in Billboard's Social 50 Chart and Number 35 in the Emerging Artists Chart. This is an amazing feat for a Filipino musician. It is safe to say that they are indeed a "buzz" in the global music scene introducing the world to P-POP!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Here is their video from their official YouTube channel, SB19 Official, thanking their fans dubbed as A'TINs for their new standing in the Billboard top charts:<br />
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There's nowhere else to go boys, but to GO UP! Congratulations, Sejun, Josh, Stell , Ken, and Justin! You make us all proud! xoxo<br />
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<br />Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-28769979287541884712020-03-21T17:47:00.005+08:002020-03-21T17:47:45.303+08:00SB19 - The EPITOME of SUCCESS Through HARD WORK<b>GET INTO THE ZONE!</b><br />
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For me the quintessential music would be the classical and theatre musicals. It may be an elitist view but spare me for a bit here because I grew up with a grandmother who was trained in classical music and an aunt who would not listen to any genre of music except for broadway tunes. The rebel in me would at times sound trip with my classmates in high school listening to cheesy music from the juke boxes aligned in street cafes near the school premises. I do have my prejudice favouring some types of music but overall I can say that I appreciate a wide range of music genres. Pop of course will always be there. I would from time to time obsess over certified hits. <br />
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If there was one pop boy band that really made a mark in my childhood days it would be MENUDO. For those of you who have not heard of Menudo, it's a band composed of 4 Puerto Rican good-looking boys. Or was there 5 members? Geez, I can no longer remember. Anyway, if you knew La Vida Loca Ricky Martin, then you should know that he was the youngest member of Menudo back then. Their looks totally took them to a whole new level of popularity. But there is no denying their talent and the amount of hard work they put in into their performances. You would not believe the kind of popularity they had. It would be along side One Direction and BTS. That's debatable of course because back then there is no Internet but they were able to conquer the global market. So, I suppose they should be considered one of the greats.<br />
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And now comes... (drum roll please) <b><span style="font-size: large;">Sound Break 19</span></b> or popularly referred to as <b><span style="font-size: large;">SB19</span></b>.<br />
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I am a 48 year old snob mind you! But OMG!!! I was mesmerized and hooked by this Pinoy boy band. Saying that they are a breath of fresh air is an understatement. Would you like to know why I was so impressed with SB19? Well then, read on...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqcZpYC_3Bg/XnXVu5AvduI/AAAAAAAADyg/i40l7QDOqJQF6iUexdpMy7b0zp5ogdXmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-21%2Bat%2B4.51.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="1072" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqcZpYC_3Bg/XnXVu5AvduI/AAAAAAAADyg/i40l7QDOqJQF6iUexdpMy7b0zp5ogdXmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-21%2Bat%2B4.51.21%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys of SB19 from left to right are Justin, Sejun, Ken, Stell, and Josh. I took the picture from their official YouTube channel SB19 Official. So, copyright credit to the owner (CCTO). I hope you don't mind me using your picture. Thanks!</td></tr>
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I have high standards when it comes to anything really. I was raised to do well in everything I do. "Doing Well" means giving all that you have plus more. "More" would mean anything that you can do aside from the actual work you put in to performing a task such as arriving early for a meeting, preparing ahead of time, and delivering more than what was expected. So, naturally if I see someone who exhibits a certain level of excellence, I will be his or her forever fan and/or supporter!<br />
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You see, excellence can never be achieved by mere talent! Tons of people all around the world are gifted with extraordinary talent be it on singing, dancing, painting, writing, speaking, playing an instrument, sculpting, designing software, building iconic structures, inventing useful stuff, and many, many more. But what separate the GREATS from mere talented people is HARD WORK!<br />
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Never mind SB19's aesthetics influenced by KPOP. Sure they can dance, sing, rap, and write songs. But when you see them dance and hear them sing, you would know, for sure, that tons of hours have been put into every movement and every note. You would know it. It is that OBVIOUS!<br />
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This is why I like this group. They have a genuine and burning passion to achieve their goals and dreams. They have that fervent desire to succeed! That is why they are giving everything they have plus more. You know me, for me, that is EXCELLENCE!<br />
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So now, I am a new and forever fan, SB19! I guess I am one of the A'Tin fandom now?<br />
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My personal message to the group:<br />
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Great things will happen to you, SB19. <b>Just keep on doing what you do. Know that every drop of sweat that falls becomes the building block of not only your success but also of your GREATNESS! </b><br />
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I agree. <b>PRACTICE WILL NEVER BETRAY YOU!</b> Also, keep your head up high in the clouds but please, do keep your feet planted on the ground... firmly. <b>Conquer the world for us Filipinos. You have my 100% support. </b>xoxo<br />
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<b>I'M NOW IN THE ZONE!</b><br />
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<br />Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735871311555647919.post-38649910678321311592020-03-21T01:06:00.000+08:002020-03-21T01:06:01.229+08:00Earth Finally Had a Break! How about Giving This FujiFilm Camera a Break? I don't know about you, but here in the Philippines it's already the dry season and strangely enough the air is cooler and much fresher at nights and actually even in the afternoon sun. I suppose Mother Earth has had a break from all the pollution that we humans have been causing her all throughout the ages. This COVID-19 pandemic is truly scary and potentially devastating to a lot of businesses and livelihood of so many. The flip side of it however, amidst the lockdown imposed by countries, our one and only Earth has been given a chance to breathe. To heal. To renew itself in ways we may not comprehend. But we feel it. I feel it!<br />
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Before this 2019-nCoV became an epidemic, I was excitedly waiting for the "summer season". I have had weekend escapades planned out, bought plane tickets and booked AirBnB accommodations. I wanted to visit this time some really beautiful places in the country that I have never been to. One of the things I have been preparing for is the underwater camera that I would be using to capture underwater sea footages. The Go Pro Hero 8 is already out. I am completely not sold with its tag price however. So, I kept on looking for an alternative that's mainly affordable but at least with useful features and perhaps some that would be similar to the Go Pro's. It does not have to be an action camera but something that's waterproof would be ideal.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3P_zZQpIr4/XnT0xe2eDYI/AAAAAAAADyU/VThhMzkHuUM4j8KIAkwVymMa9nmE2zYDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-21%2Bat%2B12.51.43%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1240" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3P_zZQpIr4/XnT0xe2eDYI/AAAAAAAADyU/VThhMzkHuUM4j8KIAkwVymMa9nmE2zYDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-21%2Bat%2B12.51.43%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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And what do you know? I found the FujiFilm FinePix XP140. It is a compact point and shoot camera that's shockproof to a drop of 1.8 meters, waterproof up to about 25 meters, has bluetooth and WIFI, and surprisingly records videos with a 4K resolution. What's more is that its price is half of that of the Hero 8's. Amazing isn't it? Truly a great find! I know that I may not be able to use it any time soon, but I know for sure that this will be very useful to me. I will just have to patiently wait for this lockdown and pandemic to be over.<br />
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FOR NOW, PLEASE STAY AT HOME! KEEP SAFE, EVERYONE!<br />
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Oh, here's a VLOG that I recorded for the unboxing of the FujiFilm FinePix XP140. Please note that this is not a paid advertisement nor a sponsored VLOG episode. I hope you enjoy it. I threw it in the swimming pool. xoxo.<br />
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Emohr Oemlabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736611480508309845noreply@blogger.com0