Savings 101

Not so long time ago, Kiel got very curious after seeing his Ate Kassie’s piggy coin bank. He wants to hold and play with it all the time because he enjoys the sound it makes when he shakes it. Eventually, his Momsie (my mom) got him his own piggy coin bank in a different color. Since then we have been constantly giving Kiel our spare changes (in 5’s and 10’s) so he can put it in his coin bank. At times he will get excited and sometimes, not at all, and it’s okay. We just wanted him to learn the habit of saving that could benefit him in the future. Eventually it got full and Kiel received his second piggy from his Mamita (MIL).

Last week, we opened the two coin banks because they are getting full already. And to our surprise, the coins amounted to almost Php 5,000! We got excited as we stacked up the coins and put them inside individual plastic bags. In the coming days, we’re going to go to the bank to open an account for Kiel. It may not be much but we know it’s a good start to teach our son the value of saving that will surely benefit him in the future. And as parents, we’ll try our best to explain to him why we have to do it. Oh, and by the way, I already bought Kiel two new coin banks to get him started saving again.

Color My World

Since a few months ago, coloring books for adults have become a trend. I see them all over the Internet and in social media being posted by friends and colleagues. They say coloring has lots of benefits. I said to myself that it is something I may need to experience personally before I can say my take on it.

Last week, my husband handed me a brown paper bag from a known bookstore. Much to my surprise, inside it was the exact adult coloring book I told him I was planning to buy months back. I got excited and thrilled! Who wouldn’t? I got a present without any occasion and it was something I really, really wanted. Surprisingly I got a little frustrated too. You know why? Because I know I don’t have the time to work on it yet because of lots of commitments and activities.

Guess what. After a super stressful weekend, this week has been very good to me so far. So I unwrapped the book and sharpened my coloring pencils and decided to give coloring a try.

Here are my observations:

1.     It lessens anxiety.

I say it’s true, at least for me. I mentioned I had a rough weekend and got a lot of things going on in my mind and it’s starting to drive me C-R-A-Z-Y! When I started coloring last Wednesday, it eased my mind. I became less bothered of the things I was worrying about. And it felt good.

2.     It is relaxing.

My hand got tired easily from holding the coloring pencils for so long because I am no longer used to holding pens, pencils, and crayons anymore. And since I have a bad back, sitting for a long period of time is not good for me as well. But even with those effects, I’ve never felt more relaxed. Coloring may be physically exhausting for adults, but it is emotionally and mentally relaxing.

3.     It lets you be you.

You’re the one in control and you can put any color or style you like. There’s no right or wrong. You can freely express yourself.

4.     It is fun!

I really enjoyed it. I felt like a kid again, but better (in staying within the lines). Now I’m just anxious to get to the bookstore again to buy more coloring pencils because 24 colors will not be enough for me anymore.

Based on what I’ve experience, I say this activity is highly recommended to all especially for those who are too stressed and want to keep their minds off things or for those who simply want to do something out of their routine that is both fun and relaxing.

Pinoy Party Etiquette

Who doesn't love going to parties? At my age, most of the parties that we have been invited to are weddings and kiddie parties. I have compiled my very own party etiquette (as a guest) based on observations and experiences:

1. Respond to RSVP.
• Some Pinoys are still accustomed to just showing up (or not showing up) at parties without confirming with the party hosts/organizers. We must understand that organizers do it for one reason: TO PREPARE! Invitations, most of the time, include RSVP information. It is polite to return an RSVP. In this way, the hosts can prepare how much food to order, how many souvenirs or loot bags to prepare and how many chairs and tables to reserve. The list goes on and on. 
• In this digital world, we do not really have to show up to let the host know if we are coming or not. They are usually a call, SMS or email away. Do it!
2. Dress appropriately.
• Invitations usually indicate the proper attire for the party. Follow them accordingly. Do not wear jeans when you are asked to wear formal. For themed parties, you are highly encouraged to dress accordingly. This is not normally compulsory unless stated otherwise.
3. Bring the right number of guests.
• We Pinoys are family-oriented. We love our family so much that we usually want to bring everyone in the party we are invited to. Basic rule is to ask how many seats are assigned to you if not indicated yet. Party hosts may or may not be ready for some extra expenses. Let us not put them in a difficult situation by having them pay beyond their allocated budget.
4. Be on time.
• Churches are usually strict about time in wedding ceremonies. Most of them will start even if the entourage is still incomplete. If you are part of the entourage, your efforts may go down to waste if you do not get to walk down the aisle just because you do not make it on time.
• Parties, especially those held in restaurants, fast food joints and activity areas only have a limited time. Usually, these places will only allot 2 hours per party. The party will start on time if the guests will arrive on time. If the program starts late because a lot of guests arrive late, some parts of the program may be cut off to make up for the lost time.
• Sadly, ‘Filipino Time’ is oftentimes associated with being late. Let us change this notion by being on time, EVERY TIME!
5. Bring a gift.
• This is an unspoken rule though not compulsory. The hosts invited you (and your family) because they want to share their special occasion with you. It is highly advisable to bring something for the celebrant(s).
6. Don’t “Eat and Run.”
• “Eat and Run” in Filipino practice is when you immediately leave an event after eating. Thus, the term. 
• I have been to parties that usually start off with the number of guests so huge that you do not have a seat anymore. A little later, guests start to disappear after eating and before you know it, the party area is almost empty!
• Unless you have an emergency, or you have given your notice in advance, you are encouraged to finish the whole program.
7. Participate.
• In kiddie parties, should you bring a gadget for your child, keep it away for a while and encourage (but not force) your kid to participate in games. It will help him develop his social skills.
• Pinoys have the tendency to be shy (and sometimes, for the wrong reasons). So if you are asked by the hosts to participate in games, join! You are not likely to lose anything. You will surely have fun. And if your child is with you, he gets to see you having fun too. That is a good thing, right?








• If it is time for the “Happy Birthday” song, sing! People do not care whether you are in or out of tune. It is a celebration after all, not a competition.
8. Thank your host(s).

There you have it. That is my list. For me, getting invited to a party is a privilege. People remembered you and will spend money on you. In return, do your fair share. It may be the other way around sometime where you get to be the party host too. I am pretty sure you would appreciate the same courtesy you do on parties you attend to.

Voters Registration

After dropping off Kiel from school, I went to the post office to claim a package I bought at Lazada. Surprisingly, it was a quick and smooth transaction. I was impressed! Anyway, I wanted to kill some time and still have 2 hours to spend before picking up Kiel from school. So there, I went to the C.O.M.E.L.E.C. (Commission on Elections) Office to ask for requirements on how I can apply for the reactivation of my name from the roster of active voters. In the past elections, I was not able to exercise my right to vote. It’s not that I don’t want to, but because I was working back then and unfortunately have work even on holidays. Well, enough about that. So there I went to the office. Posters are all over the place so read first before you ask (LOL!).

Here’s the COMELEC Registration Procedure:

photo credits: www.pehpot.com

Step 1: Interview

You’ll be asked for one valid ID (and supporting document if needed). Proper form will be given for you to fill-up. Complete list of valid IDs here.

Note: Proof of billing is required for some IDs. I saw this poster right outside the room:

photo credits: www.pehpot.com

Complete registration requirements here.

Step 2: Filling up of Forms

Forms are FREE and must be accomplished in three (3) copies.

You may download the forms at the COMELEC website too. I’ve copied the link here.

Step 3: Recording

Your forms will be checked and proper precinct will be assigned.

Step 4: Biometrics

On this step your photo will be captured as well as your signature and fingerprints.

Step 5. Releasing

Acknowledgment receipt will be given to you. It's a piece of paper originally from your application and will be handed to you at the last step.

If you’re already a registered voter, please make sure that you also have your biometrics registered. If not (or unsure), check with the nearest COMELEC office. You may also use the "Precinct Finder" from the COMELEC's website to verify your biometrics status. Click here. 

For Filipinos working abroad, please check this link on how you can register:

I encourage every Filipino citizen to register and vote. It is both our right and our duty to our country. And please let’s vote wisely. Let’s do a lot of research and know our candidates religiously. I personally regret not voting for the past elections so for the coming elections in 2016, I'll surely do!

Voter Registration is until October 31, 2015. 

For more information about voter registration, you may visit COMELEC’s FAQs.

Online Resource:

http://www.comelec.gov.ph

Philippine Holidays for 2016

Planning a vacation?

The list of Official Philippine Regular and Special Days for the year 2016 has been released. You can now carefully plan your vacations ahead of time to go well with off days at work. Yay!

Here’s the Official List of Regular and Special (Non-Working) Days:

A. Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day	1	January (Friday)
Maundy Thursday	24	March
Good Friday	25	March
Araw ng Kagitingan	9	April (Saturday)
Labor Day	1	May (Sunday)
Independence Day	12	June (Sunday)
National Heroes Day	29	August (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day	30	November (Wednesday)
Christmas Day	25	December (Sunday)
Rizal Day	30	December (Friday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

Chinese New Year	8	February (Monday)
EDSA People Power Revolution	25	February
Black Saturday	26	March
Ninoy Aquino Day	21	August (Sunday)
All Saints Day	1	November (Tuesday)
Additional special (non-working) days	2	January (Saturday)
–	31	October (Monday)
–	24	December (Saturday)
–	31	December (Saturday)

Click here to download the PDF copy.

There are six (6) long weekends to look forward to. Exciting, isn't it? 

If you intend to go out of town during holidays, consider that airline ticket is way cheaper when you book in advanced. It may be a good time now to ‘stalk’ airlines for seats sale. Follow them on their official social media accounts to know the latest news and promos. and visit their official websites frequently. If you’re not up to that, a simple hotel ‘staycation’ may be a good alternative for you and your family. It will be a way for you to bond, recharge and de-stress in the comforts of Metro Manila or nearby provinces. There are lots of staycation promos offered in several deal sites. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to relax and unwind.

                                                                                         

For those who have work during the holidays, you may refer to this illustration for the proper compensation you should receive:

I hope everyone will have the best of their vacations. Spend your time wisely!

Online Resources:

http://www.gov.ph

http://www.dole.gov.ph

Emergency Preparedness

Are we prepared?

The Philippines is a tropical country frequently visited by typhoons especially in the monsoon months. It is also located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, putting us at greater risk for earthquakes and tsunamis.

During the past years, there are noticeable improvements with the way our government disseminates information regarding typhoons and calamities. And early this year, aggressive campaigns for the potential earthquake of the West Valley Fault are made. According to PHILVOCS, this fault is ‘ripe’ and may move anytime creating, in a worst-case scenario, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. With the fault stretching from Bulacan all the way down to Laguna, Metro Manila and nearby provinces will surely take the hit.

While we can’t do anything to stop these natural disasters from happening, we can keep our families safe and protected by preparing for these kinds of emergencies. Although there’s no perfect formula for safety, here are some guidelines to help you get started:

1. Prepare a Family Emergency Plan

• Disseminate Information. Know where’s the appropriate emergency exit route inside your house. If you live in a building or condo, know where the fire exits are and disseminate information in your household. Orient everyone of the “Drop-Cover-Hold” position.  Also, buy everyone a whistle and flashlight. They may become very handy during emergencies.
• Inspect your house. If it’s already an old house, have it assessed by a structural engineer if it can withstand a high impact earthquake. Minimize potential hazards by securing furniture and large appliances inside the house.
• Make copies of important documents. Keep them safe and in a different location (if possible).
• Set meeting points. At Kiel's school, they were asked to fill out an NDRRMC unification form. It includes information on where to pick up the child in emergency cases and the contact person(s) as well as phone numbers of contact person(s) allowed to pick-up the child.
• Have copies of important contact numbers. Make copies of the contact numbers of your entire household. Also, keep copies of emergency hotline numbers (Barangay, Police, Hospital, etc.).

photo credit from: newsinfo.inquirer.net

2.  Prepare your Emergency Kits

            

            Yes, you read it right. Kits. According to preparemanila.org, there are three types of kits: A. Household Disaster Kit (or Lifeline Kit, according to Phil. Red Cross), B. Go-Bag and C. Get-Home bag.

photo credit from: http://www.redcross.org.ph/

• Lifeline Kit. As per the Philippine Red Cross, we have to prepare a 72-hour lifeline kit, as this is the most crucial hours after a disaster. Here are some things you need to pack for your lifeline kit:

Water. Prepare 1 gallon per person per day. 

Food. Non-perishable. Your supply must be sufficient for 3 days for all family members.

Emergency tools and gears.  Includes emergency numbers, whistle, flashlight, extra batteries, multi-purpose knife, radio transmitter, ropes, etc

Hygiene Kit.

Important documents and money.

Special medications (if any).

First Aid Kit.

Our rechargeable light and AM/FM radio

Our emergency tool kit

For complete list of what your lifeline kit must contain, please click here.  

• Go-Bag.  This bag must be accessible in your house and can be used for quick evacuation. The contents of the bag must be a subset of the items in your lifeline kit.

• Get-Home Bag. This bag is kept in places where you’re outside the house such as place of work or trunk of your car. The contents of the bag must be a subset too of the items in your lifeline kit.

Now that we have some ideas on how to prepare for emergencies, let's get started!

Online resources:

• http://preparemanila.org/
• http://www.redcross.org.ph/
• http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/
• http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/