Choosing the Right Infant Formula

In light of the recent Typhoon Ondoy calamity in the Philippines, I was initially confused about the news that infant formula was not an encouraged donation as relief goods. I could not reconcile the idea that despite the big need for baby milk in evacuation centers, it was not being allowed. But as I read through articles and discussions as to why it was not allowed and/or encouraged, it did make sense to me. I do agree 100% that breast milk is best for babies and for as long as it is available, I feel that infant formulas should be the last option for mothers to choose. However, given the fact that after being subjected to such intense trauma, many of the mothers were unable to feed their infants adequately. While I try not to encourage formula feeding early on, I do recognize that at times, mothers (much as they want to do so) really cannot breastfeed for long. For example, many mothers do not have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Ergo, after a certain period for maternity leave, they are forced to go back to work. Some also have health issues which may limit their capacity to breastfeed. Given these factors, it seems the best alternative a mother can do is find the best infant formula available. However, parents should not be fooled in to thinking that the more expensive the formula, the better it is. Just because pharmaceutical companies can easily advertise and pump up a brand for a product doesn't equate to better nutrition and quality. In fact, store brand formula IS nutritionally equivalent as popular brands.

While there are cheaper alternatives for milk substitutes for babies, this should not be an excuse to not breastfeed. In the US, it is interesting to note that the WIC or Women, Infants and Children program is taking steps to encourage breastfeeding by decreasing subsidy earmarked towards formula and other baby food products that can actually be addressed by breastfeeding. As such, families under the program now need to take more practical steps in managing their subsidy, which can include breastfeeding longer, opting for less expensive yet equally nutritional formula or go with branded milks. In the case of the situation here in evacuation centers, especially since the long-term effects of this storm seems apparent, I think having options for cheaper and yet good quality milk is essential. But as the experts say, breastfeeding is still best for babies.

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My Favorite Word: SALE!!!!

Sale, sale, sale!!!

Everywhere I look I find new announcements for sales. I don't know if that's a good thing, but for me, it makes me spend WAAAAYYY too much!!

The shopaholic in me wants to get loose!!! I do need new shoes and clothes....

Note to self: avoid these shops!!! yeah right!!!! See you in Trinoma!!!

Other branches of Ecko and Zoo York also on sale.

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"I need to lose the baby weight"

I wish I had that excuse!

Seriously though, it the last four years, I've slowly piled on the pounds. I was always a fat child, but at one point in my life, I was actually skinny. Well, that was when I had undergone a medical crisis. However, since then, I began to gain weight again. Now that I'm trying to lose the weight again, it's so much harder. I think its a combination of age, lifestyle and time constraints that is making it so much more difficult to lose weight, as compared to when I lost almost 80 pounds years ago. Sometimes I am almost tempted to try something like
Proteinex or other similar slimming supplements to help me get started. I'm a little bit scared to try, though, because I don't know how it will affect me.

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Sweet Treats for Everyday Heroes

The past two weeks have shown the triumph of the Filipino Spirit. Business communities and establishments all around have also extended their helping hands in countless ways from being donation drop-off centers to offering discounts and free services for those affected by the tragedy.

Tomorrow, Krispy Kreme Philippines invites you to join in on their efforts to raise more money for the support of victicms of Typhoon Ondoy. By simply purchasing an Original Glazed Donut, you help raise funds that will be distributed to the Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter and the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya foundation.

Truly a sweet treat for today's heroes...the Filipino!

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My Choice? I WANT SAGO!

If I were to think back to what really introduced me to my whole new world of blogging (as I'd like to call it) is an event I attended last year in Taste Asia. That's where I met one of my favorite bloggers: Jonel of LetsGoSago. Hindi ako sumisipsip ha!  Honestly, it is through the evolution of his blog that I got interested in making my blog a venue for my advocacies as well as using it for fun and games as well. What I like best about LetsGoSago is that I get to see so many new places and things with just a click of my mouse. Plus I get to go join in on some events too! Oh, and of course, I love Sago's contests too!

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Quick Click Files.

In my job as a teacher, whether with the little ones or in the undergraduate level, I find that using music and film clips are highly effective. However, since some viewing sites are blocked in my school, I have to find ways that allow me to easily find such materials. At times, I have some video presentations that either I or my students create and it is so difficult to share these files, especially when they are huge and heavy. Sometimes we succeed in using video hosting sites but then if you don't know the file name, it can take time to find the right video or clip you are looking for. Not so long ago, someone mentioned that using Rapidshare Search can make the job easier. I have yet to understand how it works, but based so far on what I've read, this definitely is more user-friendly. Have you tried it?

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A+ for ASUS!

I got a notification from ASUS in my email today about the company's efforts in helping the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. As per their press release, they are extending special services to those whose ASUS products were damaged in the flood. These services includes all notebooks, Eee PCs, motherboards and video graphic cards including accessories such as LCD panels and adapters. Plus they are giving 20% discount on other spare parts as well. This is really great news to those who are now struggling to get their lives back on track. Marketing Manager Jason Teh states that they're efforts in helping victims highlights what ASUS stands for: providing heart touching service.

The special services offered to typhoon victims runs till October 31. Customers can visit the ASUS service centers at the following venues:

ASUS ROYAL CLUB: #14 United St., Bgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City

ASUSWORLD MEGAMALL: 4/F Cyberzone, SM Megamall Building B, Mandaluyong City (+632 6382955)

ASUSWORLD VIRRAMALL: 4/F Virramall, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City (+632 9943497)

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Shopaholic Needs New Clothes.

I have to admit it: I can't fit in to most of my clothes anymore. Yup....this is me acknowledging defeat for now in my weight battle. I remember how exciting it was to go shopping for new clothes when I first lost a LOT of weight. It was such an exciting experience! However, now it is frustrating and disappointing. To be fair, I'm glad to see how differently clothes are now sized, as compared to before. It seems finally, manufacturers have realized that one size fits all is not always true!


However, one thing that still is exciting to shop for is shoes! Like most girls, a shoe binge in any store is like therapy to me. Now that its more rainy and cool, I think I'll invest in a good pair of boots soon. Maybe I can even get some scarves and stockings or tights to add to my diminishing wardrobe. The only thing that frustrates me when it comes to shoe shopping, however, is having to ask for my size all the time. I wish my feet were a little smaller so I can fit the display sizes.

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Awaiting my Red Cup.

Christmas is definitely in the air, despite the recent series of devastating natural events that have plagued not just Manila, but parts of Asia as well. While we can't deny Christmas will definitely be more quiet and less extravagant than the usual, I can't help but feel a little bit excited about the holidays. Whenever I am stuck in traffic, I enjoy hearing Christmas carols playing. It helps me feel less stressed and annoyed at the fact that I am sitting in my car wasting time because of another traffic jam. One thing I am really looking forward to in the upcoming weeks is the arrival of Starbucks' Red Cups. If I'm not mistaken, it comes out around October/November. I really hope this year they have Peppermint Mocha Fraps again, as I missed that immensely last year. Plus I hope their planner is nicer than last years. As usual, I ended up using less than a months worth of this years planner hehehe!

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Back to School.

Tomorrow students of all ages will troop back to school. No, it is not the start of the school year, but a fresh start after the devastating typhoon that ravaged the country. Over the past seven days, school officials have worked hard to get schools and classrooms that are not being used as evacuation centers back to normal. Just this morning, I read on my FB page that med students were being asked to clean out their lockers so that they can be hosed down. However, one problem with many school lockers is that they're made out of wood, unlike a gym locker which is usually made of metal or steel. Also, unlike the detached lockers for sale, these tend to be built in to the walls.  To make matters worse, these wood lockers tend not to have slats on them, so if it did get flooded, it would definitely take longer for the water to seep out of it. I shudder at the thought of molds that may be growing in there if left unattended for longer.


I suppose, in some small way, its a good thing that often times, here in Manila, a kids locker is more for storing school and emergency supplies, such as a health kit with extra clothes, pad papers and the like.Books are not often encouraged to be left in there as kids have so much homework nowadays. Also, most moms prefer to have their kids bring home their books for advanced reading. I'm sure many students need a lot of new supplies. Hopefully, they were able to salvage a lot of it, thus lessening the burden of new purchases in the middle of the school year.

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Caring for Our Mental Health.

According to the DOH calendar, Oct. 5-9 is National Mental Health Week. This commences with the celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10. Being a graduate student of psychology and a lecturer of the same, it is encouraging to know that there are efforts being made to bring awareness about caring for one's mental health. In line with this, I am launching my new blog, temporarily here in Blogger, psychmindandsoul.blogspot.com (I already bought the domain psychmindandsoul.com, where it will be transferred shortly :-) ). I hope to use this as a portal to help dissimenate information about mental health issues and disorders, as well as to promote wellness by encouraging people to understand what menal health care is all about. Do check it out! :-)

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Rebuild, Renew, ReLIVE.

When I saw the devastation Hurrican Katrina brought over New Orleans, I never imagined that my country would face it's own devastation. That's what Typhoon Ketsana (locally known as Ondoy) did. I was awestruck at the power of nature. I could not believe how whole homes were swept away and inundated with water. Almost a week has passed since that fateful day, but still, those deeply affected by the storm have yet to rebuild their lives. I pray for them as they try to start their lives anew. It saddens me to hear how some construction supply distributors or stores have increased rates for cement and the like in a span of a week.  To make things worse, flood victims report that their homes are being robbed now by looters. Even water closets, kitchen sinks, and light fixtures have been stolen from their already devastated homes. I understand that the law of supply and demand really dictates a lot of this price movements, but given the severity of the storm I think businesses should try to help out by not jacking up prices yet. I wish I had a magic wand to help rebuild all these damaged homes so all those who were caught by this storm can once again live happy and healthy lives.

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