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Thursday, June 21, 2018

Conquer Your Strongholds: 1st ComVal Aquathlon #VDSF #ExploreComVal

June 21, 2018 0 Comments
For the first time ever, Aquathletes unite during the 1st COMVAL Aquathlon held at Manaklay Beach Park & Resort and Kopiat Island last June 17, 2018.



Aquathlon race organizer headed by the Visit Davao Summer Festival Executive Director Ms. Tessa A. Piansay, Ms. Christine Torino Dompor, ComVal Tourism Officer and ComVal Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy took part together to form an inter-race event to showcase Compostela Valley as another venue for Sports tourism and be part among the biggest events in the country.

The name “aquathlon” was derived from Latin and Greek and means “fight in the water” (aqua, Latin for water, and athlon, Greek for wrestling). 



Aquathlon is often called the little brother of duathlon and triathlon, and the most toughest to grow among all the three sports. It's very simple but challenging sports of any athletes, a great stepping stone as they get their feet wet into the world of multisport.


Antonio Fernando M. Blanco (Director, Regional Office XI), Jayvee Tyron Uy (ComVal Governor), Rey Dayanghirang (Mayor of Mabini, ComVal) and Christopher Wichlan (General Manager Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort)
  
Organizers of the 1st ComVal Aquathlon, decided to form a SWIMMING & RUNNING race that will cater by AGE CATEGORY in different SUBGROUP (female & male) compose of KIDS, TEENS and ADULTS - and winners and finishers are judged on individual times, with this it will earn participants points as they join the race.










OFFICIAL RESULTS

KIDS



TEENS
(11-14 Years Old)



TEENS
(15-19 Years Old)


ADULT
(20-49 Years Old)





From right: John Wesley Cuevas, Xander Barraca and Jomar Torno



Note: I don't have a photo of the Over-All Winner for the 11-14 Years Old Category, Philip Adrian J. Sahagun




Congratulation to the Local Government of Compostela Valley and to all the Aquathlon Organizers and Finishers!

Mabuhay Visit Davao Summer Festival!!!

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Now You Can Have An App That is Really Made For Stress Management #HealthyLifestyle

September 23, 2017 0 Comments
A primarily physical response, the psychological perception of pressure that the body responding to any kind of demand or threat - STRESS.




For the past 5 months of this year, I experienced a kind of stress backup with anxiety, wherein I sense that my body is in danger - whether it's real or from my imagination. Sounds alarming indeed, but need to gear up rapidly and automatically go back to my senses again --- a fight-or-flight reaction.

To some degree, stress is part of everyday life and if you cannot control it you are in great danger. This is how crucial STRESS is when ANXIETY kicks in, you cannot control your emotions that is why it needs MONITORING.

According to experts, unmanaged stress symptoms can affect your mind, body, thoughts, feelings and behavior, and can lead to serious physical repercussions. Luckily, we have better and modern technology today that we can self-help and manage stress and anxiety on daily basis by downloading apps in our smartphones. BTW, these apps are not intended to substitute for medical advice. It is still best to seek and consult for medical advice from healthcare professional.

Here are some FREE APPS you need to try:

1. CALM





The speaker voice helps you more relax. And it guide you with meditation with just a click of a button.

2. RELAX SPA MUSIC - Relaxing Music for Stress Relief. Music for Spa, Relaxation, Meditation, and Peace of Mind.



More on relaxing music that will keep you refresh and have that peace of mind. This app is the main music ambiance in most of the spa lounge.



3. PACIFICA - Stress & Anxiety


  



A daily tools for stress and anxiety alongside a supportive community. This will help keep track your mood on what's going on day to day and why you're feeling a certain way. It also have a guided deep breathing.

So far these are my Top 3 apps that always helpful. As I said, I've been through a hard time recently and these apps really been helpful to get me over the bad thoughts and feelings. I'm becoming more focused, mindful and present. These are all great tools to have and use alone or in conjunction with counselling and other treatments.

All are highly recommended!

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

BATTLE OF THE STRONGEST: Visit Davao Fun Sale Hosts Mindanao's First National CrossFit Competition

May 10, 2017 0 Comments
One of the best homegrown CrossFit gyms, is hosting the region's biggest CrossFit competition, a jointly organized program with the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) Execom, thus making it one of the highlights of the #VDFS campaign.



CrossFit Madayaw is a CrossFit, Inc., Affiliate gym which has been in operation since September 2016 with over 150 active members. Located at MS Land Compound, Mc Arthur Highway Matina, Davao City.






Its 200 sqm-fitness facility has all the equipment necessary to conduct CrossFit classes to its members. Equipment availables are Rogue barbells, plates, kettlebells, dumbells, plyo boxes for box jump, Concept 2 rowers, Fitness Assault Bikes (the only fitness facility in Davao that offers the said equipment), rigs and many more.


They offer Flexible Plans that you can choose either CROSSFIT and/or a BOOTCAMP Classes.


*One free trial session is available for the first time members and can be availed by everyone.

*They also offer monthly unlimited rates that start at PHp2000/month and 10 session cards that starts at PHp1500.

TEMPRA BATTLE OF THE STRONGEST

Now, they will be holding a competition, aptly named "TEMPRA'S BATTLE OF THE STRONGEST", that would gathers CrossFit athletes and enthusiasts all over the country to compete in a whole-day program this coming May 27 at Matina Town Square, Davao City. It is co-presented by the Department of Tourism, city Government of Davao, Airasia, Bonamine, Tempra, BPI Cards, Tanduay, and Cebu Pacific.



As of this writing, they have 90 registered CrossFit athletes representing different CrossFit boxes/gyms from all over the country. These athletes will battle each other through 4 Workout Sets in a whole-day event. There will be four divisions, and three winners in each division. Prizes at stake amount to over P160,000 with several bonuses given by sponsors.

For more details of the event, please do visit:


   

Monday, October 31, 2016

Home Decorating Ideas for a Small Flat

October 31, 2016 0 Comments
If you are living in a small flat and you think you can't place the "deck the halls" around your dwelling. Think again.




It doesn't mean that living in a small places, you cannot enjoy the big seasonal cheer!

USE YOUR WINDOWS and DOORS


  • Take advantage with the windows and doors if you don't have enough space to hang your Christmas decor. It's a perfect place to hang wreath, ornaments and garlands.


TAKE THE PARTY OUTSIDE YOUR PLACE

photo credit: Maria Eklind Ljuskaskad/ Cascade of light via photopin (license)

  • Dress up your balcony to a party atmosphere. You can add string lights and lit it with different colors.


PREFER MINI TREES or SHELF THE TREE THIS YEAR


photo credit: NSCALEFUN Christmas trains n-scale via photopin (license)

  • Take the tree to the wall, or you can have a mini tree that can be put near the window, as a nightstand raise it up on a platform.

A D-I-Y CHRISTMAS TREE MADE OF BOOKS

photo credit: Phil W Shirley Christmas Twee via photopin (license)

  • If you have plenty of books that you can pile and form a tree, then have it like this (see photo above). It's a perfect space saver because you can take away for the meantime your book shelves. Don't forget to add Christmas lights (make sure that the lights you use are 100% SAFE and follow the standard quality). Decor it more!

USE CHRISTMAS THEMED PILLOWS


  • Instead of using ordinary cushion, why not swap your normal pillows to a Holiday themed-pillows. Make it colorful to add more cheers!

Here are just some of the ideas you can have to decorate your small flat.

You will be welcomed by a holiday atmosphere whenever you come home. And if you will have visitors and friends with you, they will never doubt that even you have a small place you can still make it to a party vibe for this season. 

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Helena Benitez: The 102 years old former Senator of the Philippines #HealthyLifestyle #Goodlife

July 14, 2016 0 Comments
Image Source: PHILSTAR
Senator Helena Zoila Tirona Benitez was born in Manila on June 27, 1914 to Conrado Benitez, a pensioner to the Unites States and a member of the 1935 Constitutional Convention and Francisca Tirona, who was an educator and co-founder of Philippine Women's College in 1919.


Helena Benitez was elected senator from 1968-1973 and has authored laws on education, manpower and youth development, family, housing and environment. She served as Senator until Congress was closed when martial law was declared in 1972. And also work at Batasang Pambansa from 1978 until it was abolished in 1986. And also founded the Bayanihan Dance Company. 

She hold several university degrees and receive awards and citations from many government and non-government entities for her contributions in EDUCATION, WOMEN, ENVIRONMENT and HABITAT, CIVIC and CHURCH work and international affairs.

WHAT KEEPS HER BUSY? She keeps herself fit everyday by going to a gym until she was 96 and use stationary bike until she turned 100 years old. She always want to keep her slim figure by eating less meat, eat more vegetables and fruits.


Image Source from PHILSTAR

For more about Senator Helena Benitez, visit PHILSTAR Lifestyle post by Frannie Jacinto: Eat less meat, says 102 years old Helena Benitez



Monday, June 20, 2016

GAME OF THRONES Season 6 Episode 9 Battle of the Bastards #GameofThrones #GoTSeason6 #BattleofBastards #Recap

June 20, 2016 1 Comments
Image Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

"GAME OF THRONES" deliver a deceptively high stakes of season 6 that was truly satisfying and much more awaited for upcoming episodes.




If we go back from the previous episode, many disappointed fans got to see the severely wounded Arya, Blackfish was reportedly killed off-screen, the dead and resurrection of Jon Snow which just make the "BATTLE OF THE BASTARD" the episode of the season. For this will be the most awaited scene between the resurrected Jon Snow with his thousands of Wildlings plus the majority presents of the Northern houses verses the ferocious villain Ramsay Bolton with his elite people forces and several powerful families.

Sansa Stark, full of vengeance in her appearance but not noticeable.


If you're asking why you see this in every episode of the Game of Thrones and whether it has any significant to the plot of the books or if it appears anywhere in the books, the answer is NO.  "QUIET IN THE REALM", it's basically their version of "shut up, stop what you're doing, turn your phone off and watch the show." 
After seeing the Season 6, Episode 9, well the entire episode wasn't set in the North of Westeros, as many had expected. It begun at the Slavers Bay, where Meereen is attack by the slave master. And when Tyrion's deal is under intense scrutiny from the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen.


CT Vanity Fair

Though he defend it very well and they had a negotiations with the slave masters, but Dany just wants to burn all her enemies down.

A look of madness that she wanted to revenge all of his people, even Tyrion could not stop her. She relents for a moment and while listening to all the demands of the masters, still Dany isn't taking it though. She said: "My reign has just begun" then appear Drogon perches beside her mother. She climbs aboard and they both soar high while other two baby dragons follow them over the heels.


Screenshot from HBO

While the dragons set the masters boat blaze on fire, Tyrion and Grey Worm give the masters the ultimatum, and just like that, two masters killed by Grey Worm and one was left in order for him to tell the other slave masters about the new demands.   

Credit Photo to  Game of Thrones

   

So here is the real deal, the "BATTLE OF THE BASTARDS". When Ramsay negotiate Sansa and Jon, and tell Jon that he is a Man of Mercy. Jon in return, offer himself to have a one-on-one fight in order to prevent the slaughter of thousands. But Ramsay just shake his head, did not take the bait and  remind Jon that he has his brother, Rickon Stark, the youngest of the family.

Jon was very confident to fight with Ramsay, but Sansa remind Jon how wicked Ramsay was. She knows from the fact that Ramsay will make a trap. And she also reminds Jon that she won't come back to Ramsay alive. But Jon told her not to worry, because he vows to protect her no matter what. But what makes this episode standing from others is the devastating line Sansa uttered: "NO ONE CAN PROTECT ME".

In another scene, Davos and Tormund having a conversation about believing in kings. "Maybe that was our biggest mistake", Davos concedes. And as if Jon is a king either, both have a glimmering smiles as Tormund goes to drink and Davos walk before battle.

Jon visited Melisandre, and order her not to bring him back alive if he falls to the battle. But Melisandre says, she only takes order only from the Lord of Light and that she might bring him back if the god demands it. And Jon ask, is this his will to bring me back and see me die again, what kind of god would do that? "The one we've got", she answered.


CT Vanity Fair


As they face the battlefield, Jon and his giant and his Wildling forces out to see burning crosses with flayed bodies. And on the other field is Ramsay at the front and Winterfell at the back. 


         


Ramsay bring Rickon by a rope and shout out loud and say, "You like games little man? Let's play a game", he tells Rickon and cuts his rope. He order the poor kid to run as fast as he can. As he prepares an arrow at Rickon. Jon quickly get his horse and get his brother. As Rickon about to reach him, an arrow pierces his heart and died.


CT Vanity Fair


Jon as the leader of the House of Stark's cannot accept that his brother was killed by Ramsay just like that, all his hopes vanish -- what remains is the word "REVENGE".

He jump and hug his little brother. And face Ramsay and his men as they are all going to kill Jon, but Jon force of man are there to help him fight his battle. 


CT Vanity Fair

Snow forces charge. But loses his mount along the way, and Ramsay got all his planned done. He even challenge Jon by saying, "You really now nothing, do you, Jon Snow?"


CT Vanity Fair


Carnage is everywhere. You may say, that this looks like the bastard of Winterfell's last stand. Ramsay order his archers to fire, even to put his own soldiers to die. While Davos decline to do it to his side.


CT Vanity Fair

Jon together with his people cannot make it anymore, all are exhausted inside. Then heard a sound of a horn and here comes Littlefinger and the Knights of the Vale to the rescue as Sansa bailed out Jon with her letter to Littlefinger. That is why the Vale forces comes to knock down the Bolton forces.


CT Vanity Fair

Now, as Ramsay sees his fate he runs out and Jon, Tormund and the Giant pursue after him to Winterfell.

Too bad for the Giant, after knocking the gate down and having all the arrow pierces in him,  he finally rests and take his last breath facing Jon. And while Jon witness the Giant's death, thanks to Ramsay arrow he finally get his real opponent.

Facing together, finally it's time for them to have a one-on-one fight as Jon asked for. After getting all the fight and as he see Ramsay is about to give up, Jon stop and decides to leave him there as Sansa is watching the fight.  

RAMSAY BOLTON MET HIS END 

The Starck banner is hanging in the wall of Winterfell again, but not all are happy, Jon order Rickon to be buried right beside their father.

While Sansa wants to have a private conversation with Ramsay, who is bloodied, brutally wounded and bound to a chair behind the bars in the kennel where he keeps his dog.
The titular bastards - Ramsay Bolton finally met his end. As he said the name of Sansa and as he uttered the word that his dogs are loyal to him. Sansa just added, there will be no more loyalty if they are all hungry. They are all starving for days to prepare them for battle's aftermath. And as hungry trumps loyalty comes death, the hounds tear him apart. He cried for help but Sansa turn her back and have that smile on her lips.

Sansa has been through a lot, so it's understandable, but that was still hanging, there's a dark moment of her to come.

Is Season 6, Episode 9 the best season of the Game of Thrones? What you think?     




Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Covering Your Leg Stretch Marks #SkinCare #Beauty #StretchMarks #Health

June 15, 2016 16 Comments
Right after giving birth I saw many marks on my skin, specifically in my legs. As my OB-GYNE Doctor have told me there many causes why skin cause to stretch and scar - weight fluctuations, pregnancy and fast growth spurts are mostly the main reason of skin stretching. And even if I gain or loss weight stretch marks will really occur.

photo credit: via photopin (license)

The fact that I went to a hormonal changes and gain weight, pressure in the vein increases, causing blood vessels in the legs to enlarge, leaving a red, spiderlike mark.

It's possible for swollen varicose veins to improve 3 to 6 months after delivery, but stubborn spider veins stay for awhile or be there forever. You can keep it from hiding by wearing long pants, but however if the time comes that you need to wear shorts and lighter clothing, well there are other options for you to make it less obvious. 


HOW TO COVER LEGS WITH STRETCH MARKS or SPIDER VEINS

There are no topical creams to eliminate spider veins in the face, buttocks and legs, so the best bet is to have a full-coverage. Here I will give you 3-methods I have learned 13 years ago from my OB-GYNE, hope it will help you get over those "rough" and "stubborn" veins and overcome stress and anxiety in dealing this kind of a problem and build confidence and self-esteem again.

METHOD 1 - USING MAKE UP TO COVER STRETCH MARKS

1. Exfoliate your skin - using body scrub with oats or you can use my DIY body scrub with caffeine these will help your skin appear tighter, lighten and smoother.

By the way, I use body & facial wash and scrub with oats from NINÉT.



2. Try other makeup products that will suits your skin tone. We have different skin tone, so you may have try few other products to see which is best for you. Try a body & leg cover up cream, the likes of:




BB BODY CREAMS to hide leg veins










Take note: It should have a sunscreen protection, remember sunburn can discolor or reduce the elasticity of the skin and make stretchmarks more noticeable.   

3. Try a full coverage of a concealer. If you have a cover up product, dip a flat foundation brush. Dap it gently to areas with stretchmarks, just use a very light layer of makeup. Assess the coverage that you get from a single layer. Properly layer the makeup in thin coats until you get the desire effect.

You can try also the CM Beauty Leg Magic made specifically for the varicose veins.

~ read here Concealer Made Specifically For Body Skin


METHOD 2 - USING TANNER TO COVER LEG STRETCH MARKS

1.  Choose a Leg Tanner - before you do this have a self check first if you have allergies in tanning, always remember we have different skin types (better ask your dermatologist about that). If you don't have skin allergies, proceed and continue method 2.

By the way, this method works well for older, white stretchmarks. And always choose a self-tanner that does not come in a spray bottle, instead buy a lotion self-tanning product labeled "streak-free". Like this product from Amazon.


2. Prepare your legs for tanner by exfoliating. Use body scrub the morning before you apply self-tanner. Exfoliating your skin will help tanning to last longer.

TAKE NOTE: Do not apply any skin product to your legs the day you apply the tanner.

3.  Applying the Tanner. Prepare a plate or a bowl, this will serve as your makeup palette. Get a cotton swab and dab the self-tanner. Apply along the line of the white stretch mark. Wipe off excess self-tanner with a clean end of the cotton swab.

TAKE NOTE: Be sure to tan your arms and legs for an even, natural-look. If you have difficulty in applying, ask someone to do it for you.

4. Correcting any mistakes. Let your skin dry in order to see the effect. If a spot is not yet okay have it corrected, use by scrubbing with a washcloth and water. You can use exfoliating scrub, it can erase streaks on a large areas of skin.

METHOD 3 - TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN

1. Red or white stretch marks has different approach in covering it. Red stretch marks are fresh and it can be easily minimized or reduce using certain products. White stretch marks are older and there is no cream that can change their appearance. However, if you always follow skin routine, by using moisturizer it will help your skin heal over time, and make it look less obvious.

         
2. Tone your legs. Walking is fine but if you can do some other exercising that can help your inner and outer thighs look great why not ask for assistance from a personal trainer to develop a leg routine work out. In this, it will help firm your muscles underneath your stretch marks.

*3. Get prescriptions from a Dermatologist for cream and/or makeup that are dermatologist tested.

For red stretch marks, you can ask for Retin-A, use to treat red stretch marks. The active ingredients is Vitamin A, proven effective in reducing scarring.