FACT: Not all living spaces are designed with big windows that let in a lot of natural light. Unfortunately, this is not a good thing for those who need to shoot good photos and videos at home.

No more dark and shadowy photos and videos!

Last year, I had to send a taped message to be used during the launch of my book Embracing Disability This Ability in the Philippines since I wasn't able to fly back home and couldn't make it to the event.

At the time, hubby and I had difficulties finding a good spot in the townhouse we were living in. So we just settled for a place across the living room window to get the best illumination. Still, it wasn't as well-lighted as we wanted.

screenshot from last year's video

The thing is, poorly-lighted videos can distract viewers from understanding one's message fully but we didn't have time to figure out a solution. And no, cellphone flashlights didn't help! 

Fast forward to this year when I was requested to send another video for a Christmas outreach program to encourage fellow special needs parents who also have kids with cerebral palsy.

Thankfully, I found a very functional ring light online that can be mounted on a tripod and even comes with a tiny remote so users can easily stop and start recording whenever needed.

Needless to say, hubby and I were happy with the results. Aren't advances in technology awesome?! 

P.S. For those wondering, I bought the selfie right light here and the well-lighted photos were taken using hubby's Pixel 2 XL and my Pixel 3. 

Note: Google's NOT a sponsor of this blog although I wish it is! We are just really happy with our phones :)

    

Design vs. functionality -- for many users, this is usually the case when choosing a new personal device. However, an impressive aesthetic feature most often doesn't translate to a gadget's power and performance. This dilemma prompted HP to reinvent the personal laptop experience to come up with user experience without compromise; an innovation that promises versatility by tastefully merging existing stylish designs and unmatched performance; and to provide a smarter, finer edge suited for discriminating users. 

Recently, HP Philippines unveiled the HP Spectre x360, its latest hybrid innovation in a event hosted by the ever lovely Tessa Prieto-Valdes. Dubbed A Finer Edge, the launch was held at the Century Mall Events Center in Makati City to celebrate the union between artisanal craftsmanship and functional ingenuity. 

Apart from the exclusive preview of the premium laptop, guests were able to admire versatile art pieces from the Benildean Industrial Designers Organization (BInD) as well as listen to renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue talk about his design processes. As a fan of his magnificent pieces, I appreciated the snippets he shared of his work, many of which highlighted Filipino artistry and creativity to various design expos all over the world.

Pallasena Viswanath, HP Philippines, Inc. managing director described the new HP Spectre x360 as a device that can either be used as a laptop or a tablet. "It provides exceptional performance and design to complement the dynamic lifestyles of our tastemakers. But more than the aesthetic flexibility and the exquisite craftsmanship, it also gives users a finer edge, as the HP x360 makes their experience more meaningful beyond functionalities."

Having seen the gadget up close, I'd say the laptop slash tablet is definitely elegant and eye-catching, thanks to cutting-edge engineering that puts a premium to everyday digital experience. The HP Spectre x360 transforms into four different angles to accommodate the varying needs of its users: as a laptop for industry-level work performance and a tablet for people on-the-go as well as on stand and tent modes for those who enjoy movies and music.   

To further put mobility at ease, the new unit sports a hidden piston hinge mechanism to make way for a 10.4mm and 2.45lbs featherweight, seamless design feature. It retains its predecessor's distinct lux copper metal accent and two-tone gray carbon fiber and aluminum top finish.

Users will likewise get the most out of every frame and every pixel with the 13-inch, edge-to-edge, durable, and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass and vibrant full-HD display to ensure crisp pictures and ultra-wide viewing angles that cover all details. Bringing to life entertainment with outstanding quality and a more dynamic sound is a pair of Bang & Olufsen HP speakers, amplified by HP Audio Boost.

Despite its compact frame, the HP Spectre x360 can run up to 9 hours of battery life with its hybrid polymer batter system while the hyberbaric cooling technology by Intel also guarantees optimum usage, drawing cool air inside towards the processor. Its backlit keyboard and track pad likewise makes this laptop very user-friendly. To deliver an impressively-smooth performance, the Spectre x360 has full Intel Core i5 or i7 power supply and Windows 10 operating system.

With design and technology taken to a whole new level, the HP x360 can definitely equip users with a smarter, finer edge. It's price tag starts at SRP P75,990.

  

These days, we often get caught up in our fast-paced activities that we forget to slow down and recharge out energies. The result? We end up being unproductive, frustrated, unhappy, and sickly. Sanaiyah Gurnamal, founder and owner of The Third Eye Wellness Center in Bonifacio Global City, believes that everyone should engage in health and wellness activities to be more productive and live happier lives. 

nice mantra on the wall

"We actually spend a lot of money on everything outside of us but, in fact, the keys to your happiness is right in you," she points out. "Through self-development, health and nutrition, alternative healing and holistic beauty, we focus on the journey going inward to reflect outward. Our entire center is about espousing the philosophy that it's all about going inward to reflect the happier or abundant, more peaceful you on the outside."

Chakra Cafe

The Third Eye provides its clients various services to suit individual interests and needs:

1) The Chakra Cafe advocates health and nutrition while educating you about one's energy system and chakras. It embodies the "you are what you eat" attitude to remind diners that your state of mind is a reflection of your physical body and what you put into it. Drop by and try their delicious and healthy offerings that include organic options, healthy snacks, and fresh ELIXIR juices and smoothies along with soups, salads, sandwiches, and mains. I love their Truffle Mushroom Soup and variety of paninis!  

healthy food by the Chakra Cafe

2) The Transcend Spa & Nails lets clients experience holistic treatments and beauty therapies that nourish the mind, body, senses, and soul. One of their therapists gave me a 15-minute back massage and it helped loosen some of the tight muscles on my shoulders and upper back. I'm interested to try out one of their full body specialty treatments one of these days as, I heard, they combine massages with various healing techniques.

Transcend Spa and Nails

3) Third Eye's Training Center organizes events that expand awareness such as meditations, certified programs in healing modalities, self-empowerment workshops, and corporate trainings that prioritize self-development aimed to awaken the mind to the infinite possibilities of life.

Sanaiyah demonstrating ThetaHealing on one of the media guests

4) Healing Sessions are also offered for individuals through complementary therapies, energy healings, personal readings, and consultations. Clients may opt to find resolution and healing in various areas of your life through Third Eye's tarot readers and ThetaHealers. ThetaHealing is a meditation technique and spiritual philosophy as well as a training method for one's mind, body, and spirit that allows one to clear limiting beliefs and to live life with positive thoughts. 

a place of serenity

5) The Store is where you can engage the senses with books, crystals, aromatherapy essentials, gifts, and more. Third Eye's space was created as a haven for those who want to engage in wellbeing and pursue a wellness lifestyle.

some of Third Eye's merchandise

"The best investment you can do is on yourself," says Sanaiyah. "Our goal is to help you achieve harmony in mind, body, and energy. Our services create physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and rejuvenation while guiding you towards a lifetime of peace, happiness, and abundance."

Visit The Third Eye Wellness Center at 6F 20th Drive Corporate Center, 20th Drive, McKinley Business Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. You may reach them at (632) 808.2984 or (63) 917.636.2800, email manila@thirdeyeonline.com, or log on to www.thirdeyeonline.com/ph.

* photos without watermark courtesy of Third Eye Wellness via Switch Collaborative Strategies, Inc.

Despite the advances in technology in previous years, many Filipinos still encounter problems when it comes to securing and even keeping important documents safe. In fact, I have relatives who had to go back and forth to different government agencies just to find a missing birth certificate or have one modified due to one or more errors made many, many years ago.

At home, there are parents who neglect to keep all pertinent papers in one place such that when their kids need this or that document, the house is figuratively turned upside down just to find it. Expectedly, this bad habit wastes a lot of time and energy as well as causes stress.

As someone who is quite OC in keeping files organized, I am personally glad to find out about SIKAP, which stands for School Immersion and Key Advancement Program. This is an advocacy of Canon Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Marylindbert International, that stresses the importance of effective archiving and history.

SIKAP's main objective is to provide students, teachers, and parents a better perspective on how to take proper care of pertinent and important documents that are relevant to their daily lives. SIKAP also aims to help them recognize and to reinforce knowledge and skills in both digital and physical archiving while also affording them easy access to high quality printing and scanning devices that allow the enrichment of academic and creative skills.

In his keynote speech, DepEd Regional Director for NCR, Dr. Ponciano A. Mengito, pointed out the need to teach students the value of archiving as it complements the mission of DepEd to provide accessible and quality education for every learner.  

Mr. Lim Kok Hin, President and CEO of Canon Philippines, likewise explained that their advocacy aims to see every student knowing his past, living in the present, and moving forward to the future. "With awareness, knowledge, and recognition of the value of archiving, we are assured that all pertinent documents of our daily lives are cared for," he emphasized citing Birth Certificates, Marriage Contracts, Insurance Papers, School Records, and Contracts, as some of the documents some people usually take for granted until the need for them arises.

"Imagine the loss of valuable data if the the school's records gets inundated with flood waters," illustrated Mr. Kok Hin. "With proper storage and archiving, these unfortunate scenarios can be avoided."

Held in DepEd Quezon City, the launch highlighted the sealing of the partnership amongst Canon, DepEd, and Marylindbert International along with the official handover of materials to teachers and a couple of students. SIKAP will be piloted in selected schools in the National Capital Region. Teaching guides and learning tools will be given for free to all participating schools. 

In attendance at the formal launch are Canon Senior Director Mr. Jose Abelardo I. Bolima and Marketing Manager Ms. Kristine Adeline D. Dacanay. Representing Marylindbert International were President and CEO Linda S. Legaspi and Vice President Mr. Alberto B. Rosal.

Also present were DepEd's Dr. Wilfredo E. Cabral, Schools Division Superintendent and OIC Office of the Assistant Regional Director; Dr. Paraluman Giron, K-12 Curriculum Consultant; Mr. Pier Angelo Alejo, MFIT Values Education; Atty. Wade Latawan, Chief, Legal Administrative, QC Division; Dr. Jocelyn Marcial, Chief of PESS, Schools Division NCR Superintendent; Supervisors; and School Principals.   

If someone were to ask you right now to produce a copy of your transcript of record from college, your NSO Birth Certificate, or your NBI Clearance, would you be able to find it within five minutes? How proficient are you at home in the archiving department? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below this post  :)

   

So many things have happened these past months that had a lot of individual investors worried. However, as far as investing goes, it should be kept in mind that investments take time to earn so we should always think long term.

The good news is, according to Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the Philippine economy will continue to remain strong this 2017 and could even grow by 7%.

During a press briefing at Shangri-La Makati last week, Sun Life Chief Investments Officer Michael Enriquez explained that with the increased consumer and government spending, the outlook remains fundamentally positive. He mentioned factors such as remittances from overseas Filipino workers, the BPO industry, and the large number of Filipinos who are of working age are among what's boosting our economy from the consumer's end. 

"On the other hand, the rise in government spending is bringing about more jobs and has also increased the demand for construction materials," added Enriquez. These positive developments, he said, have been offsetting the possible impact of recent events in the market, which include the weakening of the Philippine Peso against the US Dollar plus the drop in the Philippine Stock Exchange Index due to the shift of foreign funds to the US market.

"Stay the course and even boost your investments," advised Enriquez to investors. "With stock prices cheaper, it's a good time to buy so [you] can enjoy the greater gains once the market goes up."

How to take advantage of this scenario? One way is to invest in mutual funds such the Sun Life Prosperity Funds (read how I started mine, here) managed by Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI). Amid the developments in the market, the funds have been performing strongly as of December 31, 2016. 

For instance, the Sun Life Prosperity Equity Fund yielded a five-year return of 39% and a 10-year return of 119% while the Sun Life Prosperity Balanced Fund marked a 28% and 89% growth in the five and ten-year returns respectively. Likewise, the Sun Life Prosperity Bond Fund lodged 12% and 44% returns for the same time periods.

SLAMCI President Valerie Pama expressed, "We're delighted that our investors are reaping the rewards of their commitment to invest for the long-term, and we hope to see more Filipinos treading the same path so they, too, can experience financial security."

"We create wealth for our investors in the long term. [So,] investors should be more concerned about long term prospects rather than aim to make a quick buck," added Enriquez who advised that one should be patient enough to stay invested to see good payback.

To educate more Filipinos about the best ways to grow their money, Pama said SLAMCI will pursue this vision by championing financial inclusion and further boosting its financial literacy programs. The company also plans to strengthen distribution channels to reach new markets. 

  

"More partnerships with banks, brokers, and alternative channels will be launched and we will also enhance our online capability including the Money for Life e-Planner," she shared. (In relation to this, please read the recent partnership formed between Sun Life and USSC, here.) 

SLAMCI will also be more aggressive in promoting its programs such as Sun RISE, wherein employees can invest a minimal amount regularly via salary deduction; and Auto-Invest, a regular investment program in cooperation with partner banks. Pama is also optimistic about a possible regulation from the Securities and Exchange Commission that may lower initial investment from P5,000 to P1,000. 

"The economy is strong but may not necessarily translate to a strong equity market this year," clarified Enriquez. However, "This is the best [time] now to get assets cheaper. It's a short term opportunity to rebalance your portfolio."

"Please start investing already. Do it regularly, be disciplined, and focus on your long term goals," concluded Pama.

  

Owners of food establishments and bakeries, even home cooks and bakers, know how inconvenient it can sometimes be to hop from one store to another just to find all the ingredients and equipment needed to create delicious dishes. 

Switch to convenient shopping! The newly-opened Restaurant Depot in Pasay City gives its members access to a large selection of ingredients, food supplies, and kitchenware. This membership-only warehouse club guarantees that buying in bulk translates to big savings. 

Restaurant Depot was built for people involved in the foodservice industry like caterers, home bakers, and chefs as well as those who own canteens, food stalls, and restaurants. Membership is free! You just have to fill out the registration form in their website or in the store.

Digital game enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the latest hardware that can enhance their gaming experiences. This mid-December 2016, Dell is releasing what they call their most powerful Inspiron laptop, ever.

Apart from laptops, Dell also offers premium monitors such as the S 2716DG and the 24" SE 2417 that has a fast response time

These powerful gaming laptops feature the most aggressive performance design and components to be offered within the entire Inspiron laptop family. The first clue to this system's capabilities are the dedicated forward and rearward thermal vents. Behind them are extra-capacity heat exchangers connected by oversized piping to dual cooling fans with high-efficiency blade pitch, engineered specifically to handle the following:

These features are what easily handle the latest gaming titles or industrial-grade video editing which come to life on displays ranging from FHD up to a brilliant 4K UHD display.

Inspiron gaming tech specs

"When your circle of friends decreases in size, it actually increases in value." I am a believer of that quote. For many years, I've said YES to so many people in attempts to avoid conflicts and preserve personal and professional connections. However, I slowly and painfully learned that not all of them deserved to be nurtured because they were one-sided relationships.

Based on a lot of bad experiences in the past, I've found that not everyone who appears to be nice, funny, and friendly all the time can be trusted. Instinctively, I knew what qualities I want to see in people I'd want to surround myself with but couldn't exactly explain how and why I came to that point.  

That question was finally answered when I recently attended a Personal Branding workshop at La Vie Institute located at Commercenter in Alabang. I experienced several light bulb moments that day as our mentor, Ren Ming Zi, clarified ideas that used to be amorphous concepts in my brain. She affirmed the validity of the many thoughts that have been going around in my mind and I am grateful for the enlightenment.

One of the top things that resonated with me is the differentiation between Personality and Character. Finally, it's now easier to for me to grasp why I've never warmed up to certain people or why I drifted away from some. In a nutshell -- it's because we don't share the same values.

Have you experienced meeting individuals who appear to be very likeable because they love paying others compliments, they always have a smile for everyone, and are generous in giving gifts? I am not saying all of them are not genuinely nice but I've honestly encountered fake ones. 

Sometime last year, a group of farmers from Region 8 met during an Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) seminar on Organic Agriculture Internal Control Systems (ICS). Mike Pedroso recalled talking with his fellow farmers during the five-day seminar where they all agreed that the 'high' they get from those kinds of trainings usually last for about two weeks before it wanes … and only returns when the next training happens.

"So we decided to organize ourselves so we can help other farmers beyond the government's reach," shared Mike. Thus, Organikong Magsasaka ng Rehiyon Otso (OMRO) or Organic Farmers of Region 8 was born, composed of members coming from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.

Recently, our group of Organic Agriculture Bloggers met several OMRO members in Mike Pedroso Farms located in Calbayog, Samar. There, we were invited to join their tree growing activity (read all about it here) and were inspired by each of their stories on how they struggled to develop their farms, found success through hard work, and are now helping other farmers.

OMRO President Jun Paredes affirmed how important it is for them to be able to share what they've learned in the course of improving their own farms. "Knowledge cannot be stolen. No rich man could ever steal what is in your mind and in your heart."

This noble transfer of learnings and materials is their basis for creating the KITS Journey, which they partnered with the Lakbay Alay (sort of like a sacrificial travel) project. These initiatives entail OMRO members to leave their farms for a few days to visit far-flung areas so they can unselfishly share Knowledge, Inputs, Technology, and Services to farmers who need them.

Many people think that investing is a complicated matter and should only be done with the help of a financial expert who requires considerable payment for the service. I used to think that way, too, until I discovered that this is just one part of handling personal finances and growing one’s money. 

I still see myself a newbie at investing though because I know that I still have so much to learn. That was why I signed up for Sun Life’s #Money4LifeChallenge, a series of monthly talks by Aya Laraya, a Registered Financial Planner. The goal was to empower bloggers who are interested to improve our knowledge on money matters.

A few weeks ago, my blog post on 5 Things to Consider When Finding a Financial Advisor won me a Sun Life Prosperity Card worth P5,000. I’ve been wanting to invest in mutual funds for a couple of years now but hadn’t gotten round to exploring my options. The card made the decision for me and I am grateful :)

I activated the card by going to the Sun Life Building in Bonifacio Global City. There, I got help from John Natividad of the Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI) who assisted me in filling up the Investor Information Form, Investor Profile Questionnaire, and other relevant papers. 

John also patiently explained how easy it is to add to the initial investment through automatic bank transfers of P1,000 (minimum) each month. These subsequent additions will further help grow the investment as the years go by.

By now, you’re probably wondering how the money would grow. Sun Life pools all the funds from individual investors and places these in investment vehicles that, so far, have been doing well for the past years. What I love about the Sun Life Prosperity Card is that it takes off much of the guesswork and headache because there are experienced fund managers who would handle your money for you. 

I would leave the more extensive explanations to a Sun Life Mutual Fund Advisor whom you can ask advice from as to what kind of mutual fund you should choose to invest in. Ask to speak to one when you visit any Sun Life Financial Philippines branch where you can purchase Prosperity Cards. They are very accommodating. 

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I highly recommend this as a great gift option because it is something unique that will appreciate over time. The Sun Life Prosperity Card allows recipients to have their own starter investment fund and help begin their personal finance journey towards a brighter future. Consider this: P5,000 will not earn much if you leave it for a long time inside a bank savings account. 

Visit sunlifeprosperity.com.ph or call 849-9888 to know more. For inquiries on specific Sun Life Prosperity Card transactions, call 849-9452 / 849-9495 or email slamc@sunlife.com.

Filipinos are reported to be one of the world's most social media engaged communities. According to a 2015 survey by theperfectinsider.com, the Philippines ranked 8th place among the 10 top countries with the most number of Facebook users. Meanwhile, smartinsights.com found that our country is 5th in Youtube and Twitter, and 4th in Google+ as of August 2016.

The statistics only confirmed how Filipinos have willingly embraced and welcomed innovations that made mobility and social engagement integral parts of our lifestyles. I am sure anybody who owns at least one mobile gadget will acknowledge how technology indeed helped us pursue the things we are passionate about.

Promate Technologies, a multi-awarded Dubai-based digital lifestyle accessory brand, brings to the Philippines products that range from computer peripherals to mobile and car accessories. Dimples Conde, Promate Philippines Country Manager, shared that they are re-envisioning lifestyle technology to bridge the gap between the high-tech world and everyday life by delivering pioneering accessories for absolutely any place people are virtually connected during their waking hours.

What do former House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte, Blas Ople, Wigberto Tanada, and Alberto Romulo have in common? All of them are alumni of Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU)! These men, and countless others, are just a few of the Filipinos who helped forge the Philippines' political foundation and the government on which this country now stands. 

MLQU's list of notable alumni

MLQU was founded in 1947 as a law school by Dr. Leoncio Monzon and eighteen other lawyers and justices. Formerly known as Manuel L. Quezon Institute, the establishment later received university status in 1958 and started offering several other undergraduate courses such as Architecture, Engineering, Education, Arts and Sciences, and Criminology. 

former House Speaker Sonny Belmonte

Every year, our country experiences an average of 10 to 20 typhoons and spends around 9 to 10 billion pesos on recovery initiatives. Sadly, around 958 fathers, mothers, and children lose their lives every time a deadly typhoon enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). 

According to WeatherPhilippines, the numbers should be enough to mobilize us to change our approach to disasters by switching from costly disaster-recovery methods to, instead, a more cost-effective disaster preparedness model that invests in early warning systems. How? 

For many Filipinos, extreme weather conditions means higher possibility of deaths and economic damages. But, if we study and know more about the actual impact of weather in our lives, we can make better decisions that will not only benefit ourselves and our families, but our communities, as well!

If someone asks you if you are making the right choices every day, would you be able to say YES and be 100% confident about it? Why or why not? Can you also say that you are able to maximize your talents in achieving your goals?

In a blogcon recently held at Kuppa Roastery and Cafe in BGC, coach Ryan Salvanera of StrengthsCoach.Ph defined talent as a naturally recurring pattern of thoughts, feelings, or behavior that can be productively applied. He also shared with us that: Talent x Investment = Strength.  

To better illustrate the equation, Ryan showed us a photo of himself playing basketball and admitted that his talent in the sport is only a 2 while Michael Jordan registers as a 10. So, even if he invests the same amount of time playing the game, his 2 x 10 = 20 will never be good enough for Jordan's 10 x 10 = 100. 

For many students and employees in Metro Manila, going to school or the office and coming back home later means battling traffic jams and long queues on public transportation vehicles day in and day out. By the time you reach the house, you are already exhausted from the long commute and have little time left to rest until you do it all over again the next day. Tiring, huh?

Being a woman in these modern times is a great thing. We have the freedom to take on challenges that females in bygone days were not even allowed to do. It's definitely something to celebrate about!

Wearing many hats and successfully accomplishing as many tasks as we can, it's only fair that we treat ourselves regularly to activities that provide respite from all the busyness. This is because even the simplest of indulgences can give us enough boost to face the next day with a renewed sense of energy.  

For many women, a great "me-time" can be in the form of a shopping spree on a payday weekend, an occasional visit to the spa, or having a cup of coffee with close friends. However, despite the many things we go through daily, we should still get an indulgent treat at the end of the day and LUX is providing the solution!   

One of the things in my wishlist since I started running again last year is to find a smartwatch with features that could help make realizing my fitness goals easier. I think I may have finally found it … 

The Huawei Watch, which was first revealed during the Mobile World Congress last March, is finally in the Philippines! This beautiful timepiece, powered by Android Wear, represents the next evolutionary step for Huawei in terms of wearable technology.

Aside from the built-in heart rate monitor, which is a fitness enthusiast's coveted feature, the fully circular Huawei Watch boasts of a 1.4-inch touch-sensitive AMOLED display, scratch-proof sapphire crystal lens, cold-forged stainless steel frame, and 6-Axis motion sensors.

Charles Wu, country manager of Huawei's consumer business group, shared that aside from being the first smartwatch in the brand's wearable family, the Huawei Watch is also first in the market to truly bridge the gap between fashion and technology.

"As part of our expanding line of premium wearable products, the Huawei Watch was designed and created to enhance and be part of the consumer's everyday lives," he described. "It is our response to consumers' requests who are looking for a smart watch that combines timeless design and truly usable features."

He added that their latest product is a continuation of their commitment to "Make It Possible" as they deliver a premium smartwatch that is technologically innovative, allowing users to coordinate with their smartphones whether it is Android or iOS.