Category Archives: Worth Sharing

A Liter of Light: Why Isang Litrong Liwanag Makes Sense

A liter of light

I am not particularly proud of telling people that we love to chug down cola every now and then. You see that photo pictured above? That supply of soft drinks lasted for a month and a half in our household. When Isang Litrong Liwanag was still accepting PET bottle donations at Camp Aguinaldo, Sky and I would usually drop off what we have every Saturday afternoon. At one point, one of the Sergeants there said, “Mam, meron po kayong Sari-Sari store?”

I just smiled and said, “Oo, meron.” :D

Kahit wala. :D

So, we are one in many families in Metro Manila alone that has PET bottles to dispose off on a daily basis. And knowing that these PET bottles can be used over again in a realistic manner made me a small supporter of this cause. Having worked as a conference and events manager for three years on Environmental conferences early on – has made me aware of how important is the NEED we MUST DO in caring for our environment.

But, it doesn’t work at night. What’s the use of it?

Yes, it may not work at night. But, how long do you keep your lights on at night? 8-10 hours?

In reality, we switch on lights at night for give and take at least 4-5 hours in the evening.

And most of us, including YOU who has access to light and electricty 24 hours a day use compact fluorescent lights at home, which does not consume as much electricity as the incandescent light bulb.

An Incandescent light bulb costs 10-20 pesos at your local hardware store. A compact flourescent light bulb costs around 150-200 pesos.

If you are hard up on cash, it only makes sense that you’d go for the incandescent light bulb.

However, using an incandescent light bulb for 12-14 hours a day – including daytime can really rack up the electricity bill.

But, most people in the poverty-stricken areas do not know that or simply cannot afford to use a CFL light bulb for their homes.

A PET bottle can be transformed literally into a light bulb with just clean water and a dash or so of bleach. Those who have used a a liter of light cut their electricity bill to as much as 200 to 400 pesos.

Just by simply having a solar bottle light used in daytime, and using their much-needed electricity at nighttime.

200 pesos is equivalent to 4-5 kilos of rice that can last a family of four for a week and a half.

Makes a lot of sense doesn’t it?

The Liter of Light is now making waves THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. I hope that we can do our part by helping  Isang Litrong Liwanag sustain this worthy cause  by supporting A Liter of Light through Unionbank or through Paypal.

Please visit A Liter of Light (Isang Litrong Liwanag) Facebook Page and their website on information and on how to help! This has spread like wildfire over in India, Kenya and the Middle East! Let’s do what we can to help.

How to Make a Solar Light Bulb

Unlimited International Data Roaming with Globe and the Bridge Alliance Network

Disneyland HongkongWe celebrated Sky’s birthday last weekend by staying in Hongkong and making an annual trip to one of the Disneyland franchise. Having done my research – our hotel, Holiday Inn Golden Mile did not have any complimentary internet for guests. I had to find a way to have internet access for the whole 4 days of being there. Since, I need to check on work every night – just t give me that peace of mind that everything is going on smoothly even if I am on a weekend vacation.

Called up Dom of Globe Platinum services and he told me it would be wise if I subscribe with one of Bridge Alliance’s International Data Roaming Plan. Apparently Globe is partnered with the Bridge Alliance network that gives you the convenience of having a data roaming plan when visiting the following countries:

Hong Kong (CSL), Macau (CTM), Singapore (Singtel), Taiwan (Taiwan Mobile), Thailand (AIS), Malaysia (Maxis), Australia (Optus), Indonesia (Telkomsel), India (Bharti Airtel), and South Korea (SK Telecom).

I had three options for the Unlimited Data Roaming Plan:

  • US$10 for 24 hours
  • US$27 for 3 days
  • US$40 for 5 days

How do you activate your Bridge Alliance Unlimited International Data Plan?

Just type in: BDU < country > < denomination > < start Date mm/dd/yy >

Example: BDU Hongkong 40 01/01/12

Send to 2884 here or abroad.

It would be best if you activate it from here in Manila so you don’t incur additional roaming charges.

This plan is only offered to Globe Postpaid subscribers.

Globe Data Roaming

Disclaimer: This is not a paid or sponsored blog post. Simply sharing this cost-effective plan for internet workers like myself :)

 

Cold Towels for High Fevers

After our romp in Bonifacio High Street last Friday night, Sky developed a REALLY bad case of fever on the morning of Saturday. At one point his fever shot up to 38.5, which got everyone worried around the house.

We gave him doses of Tempra every 4-6 hours and lots of water to bring his temperature down. However when he was BURNING UP, wiping his head and body with a cold and cool towel helped bring down his fever almost immediately.

How to Bring Down a High Fever

When Sky has a fever, I douse two towels with water and alcohol. Place them in plastic containers and place the in the chiller section of the refrigerator. Don’t place them in the freezer, it will be hard like ice candy and will sting the skin when used. I have two of this on hand prepared when my little man gets feverish. Just in case I need to use another one in the middle of the night.

And when you feel him burning up, give him a sponge bath with these towels to reduce your child’s fever temperature quickly. When Sky has a high fever, aside from getting a high reading from the thermometer and hotness from his skin – he usually talks, mumbles and cries. Which breaks my heart every time :(

After coming home from the Timex run this morning, Sky’s fever was almost gone. This afternoon; after plenty of rest, a double dose of Vitamin C and lots of hugs and kisses from Mom – and he’s back to his kulit self. :)

Frazzled, but Happy at Enchanted Kingdom

It was a nice and summery  morning when we got to the entrance of Enchanted Kingdom last Saturday. It was almost 11:00AM by my watch and the Laguna theme park was just about to open when we got in line. And the line to the entrance was loooonnngg, even if you already have your tickets with you.

Enchanted Kingdom

We were given free tickets over the holidays, so might as well use them now. When there is still a sliver of holiday feel in the air.

I came with my wok colleague and her two kids. And of course, I had Sky with me. I was just really happy that the drive from Quezon City all the way to Laguna was surprisingly light for a Saturday.

We rode on all possible rides at the Boulderville area, which is specifically for kids. Pretty sure this place will be packed in the afternoon.

Enchanted Kingdom

Sky absolutely loves Carnival and fair games. As soon as he saw this mini version of a Sledgehammer game, he excitedly ASKED me if he could play.

Enchanted Kingdom

And when he got the go from me, he did his think and was able to make the mini bell ring!

Enchanted Kingdom

And he chose a rockstar guitar instead of another hammer for a prize :D

Enchanted Kingdom Rides

And then Sky rode on the twirling hot air balloon with his Tita Kristine, Kuya EG and Ate Alyssa. I didn’t go, because I really am not a big fan of rides that just go around and around and around.

Enchanted Kingdom

Sky looked pretty STOKED right after the ride… And he was ready for more…

Enchanted Kingdom

He did a really good job with this game. He was almost near the top, when he said he didn’t want to go up anymore because the ladder was TOO WOBBLY. :D

Enchanted Kingdom

Hydration is pretty important when you’re walking around a a big theme park with the sun so high up. It felt like summer!

Enchanted Kingdom Amazon Grill

Since, we will be staying up until the park closes. We had to take it easy in the afternoon. The Amazon Grill right smack in the middle of the park was a refuge from the hot and humid weather outside. It was cool, and not much people were there. We just had drinks, but I did notice that the food is way pricier here. A rice meal costs around 170 to 250 pesos. I would not recommend anyone to eat here. But, a place to chill and wind down away from the chaos of the crowd.

Enchanted Kingdom

When going around big places like Enchanted Kingdom, an easy to handle stroller is a must-have. It’s easier for us to go around, and its also a way of me having more energy to last the rest of the day… Or else, I will be carrying him around! And he’s getting HEAVY!

Enchanted KIngdom

The longest line that we queued for was for the RIO GRANDE ride. I don’t have any pictures, but I would advice you to fall in line for that ride as soon as it opens (which opens later than the park opening) or around 5PM – when its a little cooler to fall in line. We were in line for 45 minutes before we got to ride… Not bad at all, considering the number of people waiting too.

Enchanted Kingdom

I didn’t get any good shot from the fireworks that started at 8:30PM because of the slight drizzle. Fireworks lasted for 3 minutes and was enjoyed by the kids as usual.

Enchanted Kingdom Ticket Prices

We were all pretty frazzled, but HAPPY by the end of the day. And when we got to the parking lot, I had a really BAD FLAT TIRE. If it was just me, I would not have worried about it so much. Unfortunately, the guest relation people at Enchanted Kingdom did not offer any help at all. The girl there just kept making excuses that they can only help with the batteries and not the tire. Oh well, just happy that there was a good soul that helped us that night…. That story is reserved for another post!

Enchanted Kingdom is good to go to once a year. It’s a nice option from the usual malls, but it could use a lot of improvements. Especially with how they can “TEACH” their park-goers to throw their trash properly. And be MORE STRICT with QUEUEING ON LINE.

Please visit Enchanted Kingdom’s Official Site Here for more information on park times, rides, ticket prices and shuttle service from Makati City.

 

That is What Family is All About.

I come from a less than perfect family.

When we argue, its like WORLD WAR III.

When someone argues with ONE OF US. WE START WORLD WAR III.

We do not have much in common, except that we like to REALLY HANGOUT TOGETHER.

Our Papa? Doesn’t speak English that well. And does not care about any form of art. The only movies he watches are the kind that has FPJ-like fights from start to finish.

And because of that our mama gets frustrated. Mama can read a novel in an hour or two if she has the time. They are ALMOST complete opposites.

But they love each other to bits.

My sister on the other hand, hates the fact that I am a social media whore. That I like to “launder my dirty clothes in public,” but I am her go-to person when she needs any help with anything TECHIE.

And I know she loves me to bits. And I love her too…

The love overflows to her husband, who is one of the most HELPFUL and HARDWORKING person I know on this planet. And even if he found himself an equally crazy family when he married my ate… It is apparent that he loves being part of our imperfect family as well.

My other sister in the US, has her own world, but calls and texts almost everyday just to be up to date with us here. And her husband? Is the only guy I know who can tug along 5 small kids ALONE in a supermarket WITHOUT A HITCH.

My brother here? Well, let’s just say he is some kind of “Lord” around this part of the Philippines. He can almost get away with ANYTHING. Almost anything expect when it comes to our Mama’s nagging!

I used to really abhor these imperfections that I see. Papa and mama literally smothering Sky with affection. My sister, May for getting pissed over the slightest thing. My brother, who would wake up with dragon breath just to give Sky a kiss. The LOUD FIGHTS that we’ve had at the dinner table on a Saturday night… And going to mass together with PUFFY eyes the next day.

However for the whole year of 2011, I have realized that these imperfections make us STRONGER TOGETHER every single day.

Because despite my own SHORT TEMPEREDNESS and STUBBORN IMPERFECTIONS. I know and feel that they are always there for me when I went through such tough times.

They are all amazingly understanding.

Never ever forget the family where you came from, because they are the family that will ALWAYS BE THERE when you’re moving onwards.