Taking Care of the Family with PHILCARE ER Vantage 80

The early part of 2016 has been a little hard and challenging for my family and I. That's also the reason for my hiatus but I'll share that on a different post soon. Anyway, the start of the year, my little boy got Acute Gastroentiritis due to some raw pork barbeque he ate during the holidays. He got confined and it was difficult for hubby and I as we did not have any yaya to stay with him in the hospital. We had to take some days off and be with him at the hospital. Good thing, he was able to come out of the sickness really quickly and I am super proud of my brave little boy. This February, it was my turn to get hospitalized, as I got Scarlet Fever after a trip in Davao. I am planning to share that with you too soon. (hihi, pending posts) Then now, just as soon as March entered, my hubby got injured while playing basketball so it meant another expense on medicine and therapy. I just still feel positive as the three of us are able to overcome our sickness. But, honestly speaking, whenever one of our family members get sick we can't be worried about
the expenses. Hospital bills, checkups, medicines and other related expenses hurts a family budget especially that they are immediate and unexpected. Especially for a family like mine where we only make ends meet every time, getting sick is really stressful. I think you'd agree with me that whenever someone gets sick it affects more than just the person's health or body but also their daily life in general. I had to take some days off at work, which meant no pay for the day to take care of my son. When I got scarlet I was advised by the doctor to be absent at work because it might infect my students. For a part timer like me, it really does affect my work, and my finances, and family life.


So in order to have a desired quality life for my family and I, it is important for me to make sure that we are all healthy and in case we get sick we are never worried where to get money to pay for it. With better health of the entire family, we can live our lives with full happiness and well-being. I'd like to think that with better health I can provide my child more opportunities for him to grow and develop.

Because the best gift we can give our family is great health. Find out more about the Philcare ER Vantage 80 @philcareph and make health happen. Special thanks to @iamcardcruise! #health #familyfirst #philcare

A photo posted by Jho Tacorda (@thereyoujho) on Mar 23, 2016 at 5:42am PDT

 Fortunately, I have found out about PhilCare, a pioneer and recognized leader in HMO Philippines. As soon as I heard about it I got curious and excited about their prepaid cards that can be used for a year which can cover from 6 months to 64 years old individuals. The ER Vantage cards is PhilCare's contribution to meet Filipino families like mine's changing needs. They also have the same principle that I hold true for my family which is to be prepared for any medical emergency we can encounter. Their prices range from Php900-Php1300 with a coverage of Php40,000  up to Php80,000 worth of emergency hospitalization expenses. ER Vantage 80 is valid a year upon date of activation and is only for one time use.

PhilCare's best-selling ER Vantage card 80 includes the following:

o   P80,000 coverage for emergency room care and hospitalization inclusive of doctors’ fees, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, room and board, and medicines (except vaccines) as medically necessary during confinement except for cases declared as non-coverable**
o   Covers special modalities of treatment  as medically necessary during ER and confinement and subject to Php 5,000 inner limit
o   Inclusive of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as medically necessary during ER and confinement
o   Covers hospital emergency care for animal bites except vaccines
o   Room and board: Private room
o   No hospital deposit required
o   Access to 400+ accredited hospitals nationwide (www.philcare.com.ph/erhospitals)
o   No medical examination required to apply
o   Hassle-free SMS registration

 

Using it is very simple, here is how to activate your card:
o   Activate: Register your card through SMS indicating the person to be covered’s name, birth date, gender, and birthplace. The card can be used after 7 days from
successful registration.

o    Avail: Present the card with a valid identification to the emergency room staff at any PhilCare accredited hospital for the ER card.

For a mom like me, health of the entire family is a priority and having Philcare as a partner is an assurance that I can provide better for my family. Having the ER Vantage Card 80helps me ensure a better life for me and my family. Having an HMO Philippines company, like Philcare can support and assist Filipino families to have peace of mind and security that there is someone who they can rely on in times of emergencies.

 What is even better about PhilCare is that you can purchase their products online and they'll ship the card right at your doorsteps. Just log in at: http://www.philcare.com.ph/hmophilippines/.

1. Click SHOP NOW.

2. Choose the products that you like. ER Vantage 80 is at the bottom left of the screen. Add to
cart your chosen card.
3. You'll see a prompt like this: 4. Click continue shopping and put in all necessary information for the delivery of your card.
5. Pay your card and wait for it to be delivered. You'll also get an email notification to confirm
your order.
6. Get yours now and have a peace of mind for you and your family.


For more information on other products and services Philcare offers, drop by their website here:

http://www.philcare.com.ph/hmophilippines

Fool Proof Sinigang Recipe with AJI-SINIGANG® Cube

            My favorite Filipino food of all time is Sinigang. I love its sourness and how it makes me "kilig" every time I sip its soup and eat its veggies. Sinigang reminds me of our home in Bulacan and every weekend when we visit my parents, my father never fails to serve us with his specialty Sinigang. Though I love Sinigang I still am very picky on what kind of Sinigang I eat. There are some Sinigang that lacks that savory taste. That is why it is very important to have a flavoring and seasoning that will have that kilig and asin-linamnam taste that sinigang should have. Now here's something to fool proof your Sinigang everytime. Introducing AJI-SINIGANG® Cube Sinigang Soup.

         

        The Sour-Savory Goodness of the new AJI-SINIGANG® Cube Sinigang Soup is a ‘must’ in most Pinoy households’ weekly menu. The whole family enjoys a bowl of warm and refreshing Sinigang dish in hot or cold weather conditions. It has been observed though that most people using sinigang mixes available in the market would need to add other savory and meaty seasonings i.e. pork cube and all-in-one seasonings to achieve the ideal sinigang taste, which is not just about sourness but savory taste as well.

           The new Ajinomoto® Sinigang Cube is all that you will ever need to cook Sinigang with the preferred blend of sour-savory (asim-linamnam) taste. It is perfect in providing the balanced rich, savory deliciousness and appetizing sourness to any sinigang dish. Each cube is “ZoopSiksik™” because it is packed with the right level of tamarind sourness and savory taste from meaty extracts.

           AJI-SINIGANG® Cube is available in single 13g pillow pack cube for P5.00 and 8 pieces of 13g packed in re-sealable stand-up pouch for P38.00.

ASIM-LINAMLINAM PORK SINIGANG

Ingredients:

2       pieces  AJI-SINIGANG® Cube
½      kilo      Pork liempo, Sinigang cut
90     grams  Tomato, quartered
30     grams  Onion, quartered
1 ½   liter      Water
90     grams  Gabi
80     grams  Labanos, sliced diagonally
45     grams  String beans, cut into 1 ½”
90     grams  Kangkong
1       piece   Green chili

Procedure:          

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is an affiliate of Tokyo-based Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Established in 1958, APC lives by its promise to provide consumers products that will always give the delicious taste to healthy and nutritious meals as embodied in APC’s slogan Ajinomoto® “Eat Well, Live Well.®” APC’s complete line of quality food and seasoning products are produced by international affiliates and local toll manufacturers using Ajinomoto’s license, quality standards and technological expertise. APC’s products include AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, Ajinomoto® Brand Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brand Chicken Powder, PORKSAVOR® All-in-One Seasoning Mix, CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix, CRISPY FRY® Seasoned Crumbs®, TASTY BOY® All Purpose Breading Mix, AJI-SHIO® Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brand Sinigang Cube and “amino Fres-C” Instant Drink Mix.

Tips to Staying healthy this Holidays

Chilly nights, late night meet up with friends, sleepless nights, last minute gift shopping, and the stressful traffic. Isn't it the most wonderful time of the year, right? Though it may be the happiest season all these can strain your throat and may make you catch some sore and itchy throat for the holidays. That is really a bummer if that happens so I am sharing some tips to help you prevent havin sore throat during the remaining days of the holiday. 

Drink lots of water or fluid. 

Sore throat can be prevented by keeping it hydrated at all times. 

Lay off on too much sweets.

The holidays seems to bring with it tons of sugary food. I for one is guilty of this because I love to eat sweets and desserts are heavenly for me. But it is still best to eat sweets moderately so you won't damage your throat or your weight.  Just be more sensitive or cautious by your intake but never EVER deprive yourself, especially of food. 

Wear appropriate clothes for the weather.

If you are going outside at night it is but logical to wear clothes that will protect you from the cold temperature. This will also prevent you from having colds or sore throat.  

Use some ginger on your mouth or throat

I remember my dad doing this when I was smal. He would put a slice of ginger on a handkerchief and  tie it unto his throat. He would sleep on it at night and in the morning soak some slice on his mouth. He says it relieves his sore throat and prevents him from coughing everytime. Ginger proves to be very helpful for people who often use their voice and those who suffer from voice hoarseness. The first Ginger Chewy Candy in the Philippines, Gingerbon relaxes the vocal cords with the warm soothing effect of ginger. It relieves voice stress without the hassle of brewing ginger or dealing with its often strong flavor. Gingerbon is exclusively distributed by ADP Industries Corporation.

 

Gingerbon is available in both Regular and Extra Strong varieties and comes in two sizes: 20 grams for those who want Ginger on the go and 125 grams for stocking up in the office or at home.

Take some rest and some zzzzz... 

I know it seems impossible to have some rest and sleep but it is a necessity. Especially during the holidays when we have tons to do, parties to attend, people to remember, but taking some time to just relax and rest is something we owe our bodies to do. So in the midst of he holiday chaos, it is important to stay healthy and rested for our families and friends. 

Hopefully, these would help you in keeping a healthy and prevent any sickness like sore throat get in the way of the holiday festivities. Again, enjoy year 2015 and say hello to another year!;) 

What I learned this year 2015

1. Not everyone is your friend. 

Just recently I realized not everyone is my friend, and that is OKAY! I have always been the person who treasures friends and friendship in an intense way that I can take inconveniences for others. I am the type who always always think of my friends whenever and wherever which made me vulnerable to pain and hurt. I realized that I may treat others as a friend but they do not necessarily have to treat me the same way I do to them. Then I realized after all the disappointments and frustrations I experienced with people, I now know not everyone is my friend. I may have small talks with them, have a few laughs, or short sharing of stories but it does not mean I am their friend. But the biggest realization for me is that IT IS OK. That I should learn to just be an acquaintance to some, a colleague to some or just someone to someone and it does not matter. What matters is I know who matters to me and to whom I matter. 


2. Nothing to lose. Everything to gain. 

This year got me into a lot of risk taking. I am not that of a high risk taker on anything, but just this year I realized that the more I let go of opportunities, the less I know myself and my path. In anything, whether it be education related or work or whatever I can always try and if I fail, then I fail. Whatever the result is I will gain something from it, it is just a matter ofnperapective. Thus, I learned to lose myself more in the situation and just go for it. 


3. Age is really just a number.

I have always been conscious of my age, even as a child there were times that I feel awkward of how young or old I am. I have always thought that things or activities are based on a person's age. I had this belief for so long that I kept postponing what I really wanted to do because I'd always think that I am TOO old to start anything new. But this year, I have accepted that I have grown in age and I need to embrace my age without sacrificing the child in me. My heart will always stay youthful even if I grow old.

4. Caring where it matters. 

Life has been teaching this concept to me but it was just this year that I have fully understood and applying it in my life. I realized that most of the time I give my care into something or someone who does not appreciate it so I have decided to put it where it matters. I have a lot in store for next year and it keeps me motivated and caring for what is ahead. 

5. Its a tricky world out there, be careful who to trust.
People are people and the world is a tricky one. Actually it is the people in the world that makes it tricky and confusing. I often get overwhelmed with emotions that I usually blurt out stuff, these then has been taken against me for a lot of times. People form a judgment on me just because I said or did something that did not please them. So I learned it the hard way of just trusting a few people in my life and learning to keep my silence.

This year taught me a lot about myself, about friendships, and life in general. For every pain and struggle I realize that life is simply about a few people that really matters. I realized to make most of my time and effort on these people to ensure happy moments with them. I am more grateful now of how blessed I am instead of looking otherwise.

2015 has been challenging but it was one hell of a journey.

What everyone should know about Marriage and A Second Chance

I have been wanting to write something about my marriage for quite some time now but did not really get into the groove of writing one. Must have been that I am still learning being just two years into the married life and I feel I don't have as much to share. But lo and behold, you are reading my first marriage related post!;) What a twist right? Thanks to the movie A Second Chance I got my thoughts organized into this post.

1. Married Life is a TEAM work. 

I realized in my two years of marriage that we are a team, thus the hashtag I always use which is #TeamTacorda. In a team everyone has a role and function to play, each has their own strength and potentials which are aimed in a single goal for the entire team. I have learned that marriage is not about who will provide or who will make dreams come true but it is how both will journey towards the same dream. 

In the movie, it felt like Popoy played by John Lloyd took the entire responsibility to make Basha's, Bea Alonzo, dream house come true. He wanted to be the sole provider, which I think is really what a man should do for their woman. But not to the extent of not including or involving he other person towards the dream. The idea of being a Knight in shining armor or the man of the house cannot at all times be applicable because marriage is about two people sharing one life. It is best to start small or low and work your way up together as a couple or as a family.

I remember, one of my Ninongs in our wedding telling me that they started wih just one furniture that they own as a couple but they worked hard to get to where they are now as a family. Btw, they have their own house and lot plus a car too! What an inspiration, right? The secret I think is that they have formed a team and they worked together as a team to build their lives. Which brings me to my second point.

2. Communication is still the KEY.

For the most part of the movie, I was always commenting "Bakit kasi ayaw nila magusap?". Which is true for most moies and teleseryes ight? They'd always say they want to protect the other person from hurt or pain but isn't that always the reason why relationships go wrong. In any relationship, no one can ever protect them from anything. Even if we try to cover up something, it is still a lie and a deceit. So communication is and will always be a key to a marriage. Talk without secrecy, listen without judgment. 

In my marriage, I have a trouble not assuming or thinking of the worst, but most of the time I am wrong. I only get to understand it if we talk and communicate whatever we are thinking and or feeling. It is difficult for a non-expressive person like me but I learned it is the only way any relationship would work.

3. Intentionally make MOMENTS together. 

Amidst the business of life, moments together should be intentionally and consciously done or chosen. In the movie, it played an important role when one remembers happy moments and why they cannot live without the person. It is nice to have something, a memory, to hold on to when times are tough or confusing. It is the only thing we have that is more than any fight or any hurtful word can make us leave, because it is what is in our hearts.

One example is how Ms. Maricel Laxa-Pangilininan shares that they have a date night and even their children knows of it. It is both a time to rest, rekindle, and create memories together. It is like a bank where you deposit and then withdraw some when necessary. It is but significant to make sure we save up a lot on the moments bank. 

4. Be Realistic

Everyone has a dream, every person wishes something for someone. More so if you are a married couple. We always want what is best for other and at times it can get unrealistic. Like in the movie, where John Lloyd was so focused on getting Bea's Dream House that it was the only thing he wanted to do, except that some of it were unrealistic. Taking as many clients as he wants just to get more money, not allowing his wife to buy anyhing, and all other repression he did all for the dream house. 

 

I also want my dream house. We both want one but at this time it is not yet a possibility, but it is in the future. It can be frustrating at times but we as a couple would always go back to number 1 and remember that we are a team. That together we will have our dream home and whatever we like. It is just right now that we have to work for it and cherish both the good and hard times.

5. Marriage is Hard but it is Worth It. 

Marriage is not an easy way out, just because you already marry the person you love is that there will be difficulties anymore. Realistically speaking, there is more problema, more difficulties, more hallenges but if there is any consolation to it, it is the truth that someone is there with you along the way. There will always be someone that will love you regardless and in spite of. Because marriage is hard work, it is going to require each one the strength, understanding, and commitment to make everything worth it. 

Just like in the movies, Popoy and Basha had to go through hardships and challenges but they both went back to each other. They went back because it is what is, and what is, is more than worth it. 

Being new to this marriage thing, I have more to learn and understand about myself, my hubby, and our marriage. But I am looking forward, and anticipating whatever is ahead of us. Because marriage is a blessing and a promise to my hubby and to God. 

Have you watched the movie? Any other lessons you can share with me?;) 

A Christmas to Remember with the Mommy Bloggers Philippines

Every year I look forward to celebrating Christmas with my mommy blogger friends. This year exceeded my expectation not just because I got to bring home A LOT of goodies but more because I have become friends to more mommy bloggers this year. Since I became a member of the group I have been grateful to have met wonderful moms and have found a group that inspires me to become a better mom, blogger, friend, and whatever I put my mind into. I have found people who appreciates and believes in me and that is more than any token, or freebies I got. Anyway, let me share with you A Christmas Party to Remember with the Mommy Bloggers Ph!

The party happened last December 5 at the Linden Suites. When I found out about the venue, I knew instantly that it was going to be "big time". Linden Suites is located along San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. We had the party at the Sky Lounge, and it was perfect for an intimate gathering. We had the entire room for us and it was appropriate especially for the "Madaldal" and "Matsikka" moms like us!;) 

It started with a simple prayer, followed by a welcoming and thanksgiving speech by the founder, Lani Llutz of www.tweenselmom.com. Then Louisa Mercado of www.artofbeingamom.com initiated a Getting to Know Activity where everyone shared a bit about themselves and their blogs. I knew more moms and became more inspired by their stories. It reassured me that I am not alone in the sweetness and bitterness of motherhood and blogging. 

After the getting to know activity a game of Vitacubes was played and it showed how great moms are in following instructions. It was a fun and tiring activities for everyone. But ten lucky moms got to win gift certificates from Rebisco Vitacubes.

People from Frabelle also shared their line of products to all moms while everyone was having coffee with Lotus Biscoff cookies. Then raffles and freebies where given to everyone and it was a challenging game of packing all the gifts.

Indeed it was a party to remember as mommies gather, get to know, and bond together feeling extra special because of all the sponsors that made the event even more amazing.

The Mommy Bloggers Philippines “A Christmas to Remember” party was made possible by generous sponsors and a team of mommies who love this blogging community.

Thank you to The Linden Suites who not only provided us with a venue but also made sure we had a wonderful time by collaborating with their in house restaurant Mesclun to provide us with a lovely lunch.

Our venue at The Linden Suites, The Sky Lounge was beautifully decorated by Amari Events while our photos were taken by Casa Litrato. 

Our generous sponsors, Fujidenzo, Zojirushi, Jolly, Lotus Biscoff, Frabelle, Robinsons Supermarket, Melawares, Wacoal, Philips, Cinnabon, Rebisco Vita Cubes, Fuentes Manila, Sun Villa Resort, Villa Del Conte Chocolates, Red Ribbon, Hotel Quickly, Shoppers Stop, Chelsy & Casey, National Bookstore and Starbucks for their support, giving us giveaways and prizes.


The Linden Suites

http://lindensuites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LindenSuites
http://instagram.com/thelindensuites


Mesclun

http://lindensuites.com/dine/mesclun-restaurant-caf%C3%A9/
https://www.instagram.com/mesclunph/


Amari Events

https://www.facebook.com/AmariEvents.ph/
https://www.instagram.com/AmariEvents.Ph/


Casa Litrato
https://www.facebook.com/casalitrato/


Fujidenzo
https://www.exatech.com.ph/fujidenzo
https://www.facebook.com/FujidenzoAppliances/
https://www.instagram.com/fujidenzoph/


Zojirushi
http://www.zojirushi.com.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/zojirushi.philippines/
https://www.instagram.com/zojirushi_ph/


Jolly
http://www.jolly.com.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/JollyFoods/
https://www.instagram.com/jollyeatsph/

Lotus Biscoff

https://www.facebook.com/LotusBiscoffPH/
https://www.instagram.com/lotusbiscoffph/


Frabelle Foods

https://www.facebook.com/frabellefoods
https://www.instagram.com/frabellefoodsph/


Robinsons Supermarket

http://www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph/index.php
https://www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial


Melawares

http://melawares.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MelawaresCusinaClub
https://www.instagram.com/melawares/


Wacoal

https://wacoal.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineWacoalCorp
http://instagram.com/wacoalph


Philips

https://www.philips.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/PhilipsPhilippines


Cinnabon

https://www.facebook.com/CinnabonPH
https://www.instagram.com/cinnabonphilippines/


Rebisco VitaCubes

http://www.rebisco.com.ph/products.php?display=brand&id=164

Fuentes Manila

http://fuentesmanila.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fuentesmanila/


Sun Villa Resort


Villa Del Conte Chocolates
http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh/
https://www.instagram.com/villadelconte


Red Ribbon

http://redribbonbakeshop.com.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/redribbonbakeshop
https://instagram.com/redribbonbakeshop/


Hotel Quickly

https://www.hotelquickly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HotelQuickly/
https://www.instagram.com/hotelquickly/


Shoppers Stop

https://www.facebook.com/shoppersstoponlineshopofficial?hc_location=ufi


Chelsy & Casey
https://www.facebook.com/Chelsy-and-Casey-188378851257078/
https://www.instagram.com/chelsyandcasey/


National Bookstore

http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Book-Store/72546266913
http://instagram.com/nbsalert


Starbucks
http://www.starbucks.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines
http://instagram.com/starbucksph

Pantone of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity

Every year, there is a color of the year, this is the Pantone of the year wherein a specific color is forecast to be trending in the coming year. The year 2016 is no different but uniquely next year the pantone color of the year is a mix of two colors. The blend of the colors in 2016 is a Rose Quartz, a shade of mineral pink and Serenity which is a shade in light blue.

According to www.nytimes.com, this is the swatch for the year's color of the year. It also has its own definition and reason for these colors to have been chosen. To know more about this you may click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/08/fashion/pantones-color-s-of-the-year-have-a-political-edge.html?_r=0

Here are some pieces of long prom dresses that are in the shades of the color of the year: Rose Quartz

 This Rose Quartz dress can be found in Miss Dress Shop UK.

This is an example of a Serenity colored long prom dress. It's light blue is perfect for the day or night events as it exudes a fresh and elegant vibe. More serenity colored dresses can be found here: http://www.missdressshop.co.uk/product/a-line-bateau-tulle-chiffon-floor-length-sequins-prom-dresses-6770.html

If you are considering to get married these colors can be your best bet. It will make any wedding magical and colorful with just the right touch of colors. The long dresses also is going to highlight the details of the wedding and the entire entourage.It can also fit any teenager going to celebrate their debut as the colors and the designs of the dresses are elegant and sophisticated. The colors are also a combination of playful but mature feel to the dresses. But these dresses are great to wear for any occassion, with its long flowy style it can turn everyone's heads in any party you will attend.

All dresses can be seen and bought in Miss Dress Shop UK. They have tons of prom dress collection fit for everyone. You can check out more of their collection of Prom Dresses UK.