by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 17, 2023 | Health and Wellness
Water is an important element to regulate the body so drinking water should be pure and hygienic. Otherwise, people may suffer from various water-borne diseases.
Water is the most important and necessary element in human life the source of all body fluids including blood, lymph, saliva, digestive enzymes, urines, etc. is pure drinking water. Water is the regulator of all body functions. It is the main source of transporting energy to every cell in the body. The brain is also made up of 80% of water, severe dehydration may lead to mental derangement and inability to think clearly. The human body requires 6 to 8 glasses of pure water daily to function properly.
Why is it Important to Drink Only Pure Water?
It is vital to our good health that our drinking water is pure because if it is not, the microorganisms and parasites that are in the water may make us very ill.
Impure drinking water could cause the following health problems:
Bacteria
Bacteria in your drinking water could cause typhoid fever, which would present with the following symptoms: diarrhea, severe vomiting, enlarged spleen, and an inflamed intestine. Typhoid fever could be fatal if not treated.
Bacteria could also cause cholera, which would present as diarrhea, severe vomiting, and dehydration. Cholera can be fatal if left untreated.
Viruses
Viruses in drinking water can cause infectious hepatitis, which causes fever, loss of appetite, severe headache, jaundice, abdominal pain, and an enlarged liver. Hepatitis is rarely fatal, but it could cause permanent liver damage.
Parasitic Worms
Parasitic worms could cause schistosomiasis, resulting in anemia, a skin rash, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, and chronic general ill health.
Aqua SmartGuard adopts a patented and advanced Firewall UVC technology to guarantee up to 99.99% protection against bacteria, viruses, and cysts such as salmonella, E-coli, and COVID-19.
Aqua SmartGuard’s countertop unit is now available and is priced at a monthly subscription of PHP 1,490 plus a one-time installation fee!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 17, 2023 | Book Reviews
Three Stepbrothers’ Prize by Nicole Casey did not meet my expectations. The first book in the Love by Numbers 2 series, Two Sugar Daddies’ Virgin, was such a joy that I anticipated more of the same if not better.
I understand getting lost in the moment. I understand wanting to just forget about inhibitions and responsibilities and just live in the now. However, I don’t know why, in this day and age, our main characters have not even thought about any form of contraception, not even condoms. I would have thought a morning-after pill would have at least occurred to Parvati after her night with Daniel. After all, they were at a luxury resort in Hawaii, not the boondocks. Also to consider … they were not on vacation for one day, they had many opportunities to get something. The three guys are billionaires, they could easily get a box of condoms each.
While this could qualify as a reverse harem I wouldn’t call it a menage. In the one instance in the story when the brothers “shared” her, they actually took turns so it was more like a train.
There are also more than a handful of parts that need to be tweaked such as incorrect terms like “imaginative” instead of just “imagine” and homonyms. The editor in me had a blue pencil out.
This story is just ok but I’ve read better from Nicole Casey. It is mostly because I did not feel any connection to any of the brothers. Their characterization to me was very two-dimensional. Unlike in other stories, I could not imagine myself in this one. I was really just a spectator and not really enjoying the view. I confess there were times when I skipped pages because I was bored.
Three Stepbrothers’ Prize by Nicole Casey will be published on Amazon soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 16, 2023 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
To welcome the Year of the “Rappit,” your dependable online grocery store is offering a host of exciting deals and offers this Chinese New Year to reward customers for their loyalty to the platform.
Rappit ushers in fortune and luck with a Chinese New Year Sale from January 13 to 22, where you can enjoy discounts of up to 20% OFF on grocery favorites!
On top of that, don’t miss out on the incredible flash sales, with discounts of over 50% OFF on select items: Del Fabric 1L (for only P75 on January 17), Kojiesan Skin Lightening Soap Classic 65g (3 packs) (for only P35 on January 31).
Rappit also has a Piso Sale where you can take home select items for an incredibly low price of P1! This includes Safeguard Soap Ivory White 60g (on January 18), Indomie Mi Goreng Fried Noodles 85g (on January 23), and Tang Orange 20g (on January 25).
For more savings and fortune, you can enjoy the JANMAYER voucher only offered this January: get P200 OFF + FREE DELIVERY, and this offer is yours when you shop with a minimum spend of P3,500.
“We hope these offers will help our customers get savings as they shop for their Chinese New Year celebrations. We are committed to being their go-to grocery sidekick and ensure that they are rewarded for their loyalty to our platform,” said Cindy Toh, CEO of Rappit.
Whether you’re looking to buy gifts that bring good luck such as Tikoy for your friends and loved ones this Chinese New Year or stock up on your daily grocery must-haves, this is the perfect opportunity to save money while you shop, and Rappit is your ultimate sidekick.
Rappit is a collaboration between the Puregold Group and Globe’s 917Ventures. Learn more by visiting https://rappit.ph/.
About Rappit
Rappit, formerly PureGo, is a collaboration between 917Ventures and Puregold. Rappit is every Filipino’s rewarding grocery sidekick, the only app that brings great grocery deals with a more rewarding shopping experience. It offers over 6,000 great groceries and serves over 35 cities in the Philippines through same-day and scheduled deliveries.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 14, 2023 | Book Reviews
His Pet by Bryant reminds me of the early years of the X-Men when humans had difficulty accepting meta-humans, especially when the meta-humans have physical attributes that make it obvious they aren’t normal. Such is the case with Adder, a female with the physical attributes of a snake, hence her name. I suppose this makes Mason akin to Professor X since he appears fully human but actually has strong meta abilities.
When they first met Adder was a minor while Mason was a freshman at University. She attempted to pick his pocket thinking him an easy mark but, of course, got caught. And that is where their unusual friendship began.
His Pet by Bryant is a romance but it is a slow burn. For one thing, we had to wait for Adder to be old enough to even get romantically involved with anyone.
After reading so many books where it seems that the main characters fall into each other’s arms within the first 3 chapters, it is a refreshing change to have characters grow and mature together and not instantly fall in love. We know it will go there, but we don’t know how long it will take and where the journey will take them.
Fyi, it reads like a movie or a tv series, and probably 98% of the book is PG-13. I truly enjoyed this story and I would highly recommend it. Within the pages of this book, you will find action, drama, romance, and attempts to address social issues. If this is up your alley, His Pet by Bryant is available on Goodnovel and on Amazon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 14, 2023 | Book Reviews
When I was told that I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) I was resigned to the fact that I will be fat for the rest of my life. Most information I find online tells me that it is a side effect of the condition, that it is hormonal, etc., etc. Knowing I am not alone does not make me feel better. I can’t believe that there is nothing I can do. I’m usually careful with what I eat but it does not seem to have any effect on my weight. I’m not losing weight but, thankfully, I am not gaining any either.
I came across this book called PCOS Diet Cookbook: Essential Guide for PCOS Insulin Resistance Diet with Delicious Recipes and Meal Plan to Boost Your Fertility by Dr. Archibald Johansson which not only provides information about PCOS but also suggests some good meals to help improve our health.
Personally, at my age, I am not at all concerned about fertility. I care more about losing weight and feeling good. I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet but since I do cook I can already tell that many of them would be delicious.
What bothered me though was that it lists the food to avoid includes processed food, unhealthy fats, soy products, dairy, and gluten. And yet some of the recipes include tofu and milk.
Aesthetically, the page format appears to be in long format (8.5×13 or 14) or probably half-short and most books just don’t come in that size anymore. In addition, someone should really come in and fix the layout. For the recipes, for example, most if not all of them don’t actually need to be more than a page long but they are because of the layout.
Content-wise, it is worth taking a look at. Aesthetically, it still needs a lot of work before publishing. This book is available at Amazon in paperback format for 11.99.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 13, 2023 | Bon Appetit
Every year, we always wish for the good health of our loved ones. One great way to do this is to try out new recipes that are more nutritious and share it with them.
You can offer nutritious meals to your family without compromising on taste. You can also shop for affordable ingredients at your nearby grocery. For more variety, pasta is a quick and easy ingredient you can turn into a filling meal. There are also endless possibilities with pasta or “pastabilities” that you can whip up every day.
Kick-off 2023 right with masarap, masustansya, and sulit dishes using a good quality ingredient like El Real Pasta. Here are some recipes that the whole family will enjoy:
Bet na bet na Pinakbet Pasta
Pinakbet is a Filipino ulam with pork and vegetables like squash, ampalaya, and tomatoes, which are all good sources of vitamins and minerals. You can change it up and make Pinakbet Pasta with El Real Healthy Pasta. The combination of crispy pork belly, hearty vegetables, and flavorful bagoong will give you a burst of flavor. See the full Pinakbet Pasta recipe here.
Spicy and creamy Healthy Laing Pasta
Add a spicy kick to your El Real Healthy Spaghetti by adding laing and chilis to it. The taro leaves used to make laing are known to be rich in vitamins A and C. For the sauce, it’s made with coconut cream to make it thicker and creamier. See the full Healthy Laing Pasta recipe here.
Go green with Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni
For a nutritious and filling macaroni dish, you can try making Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni. Made from basil, pesto is said to be a good source of vitamins, calcium, and iron, which makes it a great pasta sauce. Give your dish more flavor with some lemon juice and sour cream in the sauce, and top off your El Real Elbow Macaroni with chili flakes and parmesan cheese. See the full Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni recipe here.
Healthy Sardine Spaghetti for your dose of seafood
Fish like sardines are an excellent source of vitamins B-12 and D, and other nutrients. Sardines can make a great pasta dish when mixed with oil, garlic, and a little lemon juice on top of El Real Healthy Pasta. See the full Healthy Sardine Spaghetti recipe here.
Creamy Spinach Pasta for all ages
If you want a dose of iron and vitamins, you can try adding spinach to your meals. A delicious way of incorporating this into a pasta dish is by mixing it with cream and ricotta cheese. You’ll get a nice creamy sauce with hints of spinach with every bite of El Real Healthy Spaghetti or any type of El Real pasta. See the full Creamy Spinach Pasta recipe here.
Start the year right with sarap, sulit, at sustansya meals courtesy of El Real Pasta. You can now share nutritious pasta dishes that are also delicious with your loved ones, be it daily or on special occasions.
For more recipes, visit www.realpastabilities.com. For more information, follow www.facebook.com/iloveelreal.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 12, 2023 | Book Reviews
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is probably one of the books I like to read over and over. I remember grabbing my copy sometime in the 90s and was quite excited to have Neil Gaiman sign my tattered copy when he visited here in 2010.
If you’ve read anything written by Neil Gaiman you already know how well he builds his characters, scenes, and weaves the story so that we find ourselves immersed in it. If you’ve read anything by Terry Pratchett you are already familiar with his funny bone and his penchant for puns and satire and putting his characters into comedic situations.
As I read I can tell the parts where each author put in their two cents and, I wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but the Gaiman-Pratchett collaboration works amazingly! It is so good that the story got translated into many formats including television and theater.
I love the argument about nature and nurture and how Adam was able to prove that his upbringing was a greater influence on who he was going to be and that his future is not written in stone. Aziraphale and Crowley are definitely important characters as it is their individual mess-ups that started the ball rolling, so to speak.
I hear that Good Omens, the television series, will have a second season so this will no longer be based on the book. Since Terry Pratchett passed away in 2015, I hope the production will consult with Neil Gaiman about where the story goes. Before the second season comes out I will surely read Good Omens again.
If you would like to read this story you can probably find a copy in your local bookstore but with a different cover, like the one based on the television series. You can also get a copy of the book on Amazon in several formats: Kindle, Audible, paperback, and hardcover.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 11, 2023 | Health and Wellness
Diabetes is among the highest causes of death in the Philippines, making early detection essential to avoid serious complications. Still, many Filipinos lack access to proper resources to get the care they need.
Due to this pressing concern, leading health app KonsultaMD makes it easier for patients to take the first step to better health through the Diabetes Screening package, the newest addition to its line of tailored health packages targeting illnesses prevalent among Filipinos.
“We recognize the difficulties many people experience in finding the right tools to address their health problems. So we are helping them take the first step in achieving a healthier lifestyle,” said Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD CEO.
“This new offer is perfect for those who may be at risk of diabetes or are experiencing symptoms consistent with diabetes,” he added.
The all-in-one screening package includes convenient at-home lab tests necessary in screening for diabetes: FBS, CBC, CREA, Lipid Profile, Urinalysis, and HBA1C. It also has a free video consultation with a doctor for lab test interpretation.
The package comes with one-month unlimited Concierge access for a hassle-free service. Concierge is KonsultaMD’s VIP Service experience, where a customer representative will personally handle all appointments and bookings.
Those interested can avail of the Diabetes Screening Package for only Php 3,999 through the KonsultaMD app. Just input the code “KMDDiabetes” on the homepage to talk to a Concierge customer representative.
KonsultaMD offers accessible and affordable healthcare through its app. It provides 24/7 on-demand doctor consultations via chat, video, and voice as well as access to e-Medical documents, diagnosis services, and mental health support, among others.
Download the app at use.konsulta.md/kmddiabetes. To learn more about KonsultaMD, visit www.konsulta.md.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 10, 2023 | Book Reviews
I’ve been seeing Plain Jane by Celice Wylder pop up so often and I did add it a while back but I could not seem to start it. Part of it was because I wasn’t too keen on the cover art but another was because I read a book from Celice Wylder last year that I was not happy with.
Yesterday I decided to take the plunge and opened this book. I am so glad that I did as this is a jewel. The story is well written and probably the worst thing I could say about it is that the author would use terms like “bicep” or “clavicle” when she could just as easily say arm or collarbone. Jane is also always “strangling” Roman’s hair … last I check you can’t strangle hair – it has no neck.
That aside, though the story is riveting. It is a dark romance that breaks some shifter stereotypes that could be confusing. If you read on, though, you can forgive them and just enjoy the story.
From all the clues I expected more BDSM but I am still early in the story, only chapter 38 so far, so it could still manifest later. Roman has some hard nos that are frankly confusing but I am waiting to see how this story rolls itself out.
So far Plain Jane by Celice Wylder has 93 chapters and is still ongoing on Goodnovel. Since it is already going so much better than the other book I read (which I may review later) I’m one extremely happy camper.
If you are looking for a new story to read on Goodnovel, check out Plain Jane by Celice Wylder now.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 9, 2023 | Book Reviews
They say “don’t judge a book by its cover” but I can’t help it, I’m definitely judging. I don’t like the cover art because it is flat, the characters are tiny compared to the background, and they have no faces. Having said that, City Lights Starry Nights by Kimberly Readnour is supposed to be an age-gap romance in a small town in Indiana called Sugar Creek Falls. Aside from the fact that the age difference is briefly mentioned, the age gap is not apparent as Evie is a mature and level-headed woman despite being born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
What can go wrong will go wrong! Her problems began when her parents cut her off before she even graduated in an effort to force her to go home and assume her place in society. Evie, on the other hand, wanted to work and help people. No matter how many jobs she applies for and interviews for it seems she just isn’t hirable, which is quite strange. The best she could do was get a waitressing job and she even got fired from that.
Dr. Liam Seymour is the older brother of Evie’s best friend and has hang-ups and festering emotional scars. Being the doctor of a small town means that he knows everyone and everyone knows him so getting into a relationship is difficult without everyone knowing about it.
When I started reading this, I assumed it wouldn’t take too much time to read. For some reason, though, at times I found myself slogging through it. There were just some scenes that felt like it was taking too long to develop properly or get to the point. Perhaps it is just my frustration at Liam’s “should we – shouldn’t we” thinking every time he looks at Evie. Even to me, his hang-ups seemed irrelevant.
He wanted something casual, no problem. He’s into some light BDSM and wants a submissive in the bedroom … so long as he talks about it with Evie first and she is ok with it, I don’t see the problem. But that is probably his biggest hang-up.
The author promises HEA so we know it will get there. The journey is taking so long, though … or I am just impatient. There’s more to the story than just their romance. There’s a weird ex, grumpy old men to charm, storms to get through, and an antiquated scheduling system to figure out.
City Lights Starry Nights by Kimberly Readnour is book 1 of the Sugar Creek Fall series so I am anticipating a story for Ethan and also for Matthew and Ansley (Liam’s sister) since history was hinted at earlier in the book.
If you have a Kindle Unlimited account you can read this book for free on Amazon or you can purchase it for 3.99.
Bacteria in your drinking water could cause typhoid fever, which would present with the following symptoms: diarrhea, severe vomiting, enlarged spleen, and an inflamed intestine. Typhoid fever could be fatal if not treated.
Viruses in drinking water can cause infectious hepatitis, which causes fever, loss of appetite, severe headache, jaundice, abdominal pain, and an enlarged liver. Hepatitis is rarely fatal, but it could cause permanent liver damage.
Parasitic worms could cause schistosomiasis, resulting in anemia, a skin rash, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, and chronic general ill health.
Aqua SmartGuard adopts a patented and advanced Firewall UVC technology to guarantee up to 99.99% protection against bacteria, viruses, and cysts such as salmonella, E-coli, and COVID-19.
Three Stepbrothers’ Prize by Nicole Casey did not meet my expectations. The first book in the Love by Numbers 2 series, 
His Pet by Bryant reminds me of the early years of the X-Men when humans had difficulty accepting meta-humans, especially when the meta-humans have physical attributes that make it obvious they aren’t normal. Such is the case with Adder, a female with the physical attributes of a snake, hence her name. I suppose this makes Mason akin to Professor X since he appears fully human but actually has strong meta abilities.
When I was told that I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) I was resigned to the fact that I will be fat for the rest of my life. Most information I find online tells me that it is a side effect of the condition, that it is hormonal, etc., etc. Knowing I am not alone does not make me feel better. I can’t believe that there is nothing I can do. I’m usually careful with what I eat but it does not seem to have any effect on my weight. I’m not losing weight but, thankfully, I am not gaining any either.
Add a spicy kick to your El Real Healthy Spaghetti by adding laing and chilis to it. The taro leaves used to make laing are known to be rich in vitamins A and C. For the sauce, it’s made with coconut cream to make it thicker and creamier. See the full Healthy Laing Pasta recipe 
For a nutritious and filling macaroni dish, you can try making Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni. Made from basil, pesto is said to be a good source of vitamins, calcium, and iron, which makes it a great pasta sauce. Give your dish more flavor with some lemon juice and sour cream in the sauce, and top off your El Real Elbow Macaroni with chili flakes and parmesan cheese. See the full Pesto and Parmesan Macaroni recipe 
Fish like sardines are an excellent source of vitamins B-12 and D, and other nutrients. Sardines can make a great pasta dish when mixed with oil, garlic, and a little lemon juice on top of El Real Healthy Pasta. See the full Healthy Sardine Spaghetti recipe 
If you want a dose of iron and vitamins, you can try adding spinach to your meals. A delicious way of incorporating this into a pasta dish is by mixing it with cream and ricotta cheese. You’ll get a nice creamy sauce with hints of spinach with every bite of El Real Healthy Spaghetti or any type of El Real pasta. See the full Creamy Spinach Pasta recipe 
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is probably one of the books I like to read over and over. I remember grabbing my copy sometime in the 90s and was quite excited to have Neil Gaiman sign my tattered copy when he visited here in 2010.
I’ve been seeing Plain Jane by Celice Wylder pop up so often and I did add it a while back but I could not seem to start it. Part of it was because I wasn’t too keen on the cover art but another was because I read a book from Celice Wylder last year that I was not happy with.
They say “don’t judge a book by its cover” but I can’t help it, I’m definitely judging. I don’t like the cover art because it is flat, the characters are tiny compared to the background, and they have no faces. Having said that, City Lights Starry Nights by Kimberly Readnour is supposed to be an age-gap romance in a small town in Indiana called Sugar Creek Falls. Aside from the fact that the age difference is briefly mentioned, the age gap is not apparent as Evie is a mature and level-headed woman despite being born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
You must be logged in to post a comment.