by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 12, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
Quite a few friends raved about “suob” (steam inhalation). And for good reason– the practice does clear up air passages. Following their instructions, I had my daughter do that, and I did it too.
There is another benefit to this practice: clearing up your face’s pores. Here are the steps:
- boil some water (3-5 cups would suffice)
- note: it should be a rolling boil
- Add a dollop of Vicks and mix (you can smell its minty freshness)
- Set the pot on a stable sturdy surface
- Get a big towel or a blanket
- Remove your glasses (if any)
- Remove the pot’s cover
- Bend over the pot with the blanket/towel covering you and pot
- Inhale deeply and let the steam enter your nostrils to help relieve clogged nose
- Inhale deeply and let the steam enter your mouth for sore throat
- Do #8-11 for about 10 minutes
- Expect to sweat
- Once done, wash your face, preferably with a facial scrub
- Apply facial mask and keep it on for 15-20 minutes
- Remove the facial mask but do not wash off the facial mask residue
My results:
The throat is no longer a nuclear war, but there are still some skirmishes going on in there. My nose is clear. The face needs washing LOL.
Clearer nasal passage. Less sore throat. Clear pores. San ka an? LOL
Update:
A few hours after the beauty treatment, the skirmishes in my throat have escalated to civil war levels. The bombings have started again. I’m hoping the Difflam with quell it for tonight.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 12, 2022 | Work Tips
So, you’re planning to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as a nurse or doctor? That’s an excellent choice as the country is known for its thriving medical industry. However, with the many hospitals and clinics in the KSA, it might be a struggle to know where to start applying. Luckily, TrueProfile.io, a platform that provides Filipino healthcare professionals around the world with the tools they need to secure a lucrative career abroad, shares some useful avenues that will lead you to legitimate job opportunities.
Through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
The Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is the government agency that is responsible for monitoring and supervising overseas recruitment and manning agencies in the Philippines. Through the POEA website (https://www.poea.gov.ph/cgi-bin/JobVacancies/jobsByCty.asp), Filipino health workers can find a host of available job positions in their preferred country, together with the name of the recruitment agency. Once they find a job suitable for them, they can go back to the POEA portal and look for the agency via https://poea.gov.ph/cgi-bin/aglist.asp to get their necessary information to submit job applications.
Through TrueProfile.io
You can also opt to find coveted healthcare roles in Saudi Arabia with TrueProfile.io Jobs, the latest addition to the blockchain-powered career platform for healthcare workers where they access and apply for coveted global healthcare roles from leading healthcare employers and recruiters quickly and easily.
Simultaneously, you must collect all the basic requirements which include either a 1×1 or 2×2 ID picture, NSO-authenticated Birth Certificate, resume, college diploma, transcript of records, marriage contract (if applicable), NBI clearance, passport (valid for at least six months), as well as license and certifications. They must also apply for a working visa to Saudi Arabia once the job is offered by the employer.
All these documents must be verified, which they can easily do with the help of TrueProfile.io. By signing up to become a member, TrueProfile.io offers its members a number of career solutions including a free digital CV that can be shared with employers, regulators, and recruiters and can also be showcased on social media.
For interested applicants, simply create an account on TrueProfile (https://member.trueprofile.io/register), build a myTrueProfile page which is an online CV that can be viewed by employers and recruiters. Members can apply for jobs directly, get help with licensing services, and can also set their contact settings to the ‘Recommended’ option in order to attract new career opportunities.
To know more, visit https://www.trueprofile.io/
About TrueProfile.io
TrueProfile.io works with employers and international job applicants to enhance human resource processes through a fully digital, on-demand Primary Source Verification (PSV) solution. TrueProfile.io removes the friction of ever-repetitive background checks and replaces it with a broadly accepted standard that connects applicants with employers in a secured and trusted environment. We do this by using cutting-edge blockchain technology to securely verify applicant qualifications for prospective employers. The PSV process ensures that all of the candidates’ credentials are authentic and issued by an accredited institution.
TrueProfile.io is part of the DataFlow Group, a leading global provider of specialized PSV solutions, background screening, and immigration compliance services. Headquartered in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), the DataFlow Group has been delivering PSV services to regulators and governments in Asia and Europe since 2006.
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 12, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
The resident incapacitated tandem is now bonafide members of the new contemplative order of Omicron. Our vocal cords are currently malfunctioning. So I guess it is a good thing that technology affords us to be expressive by text and chat and squeaks. My throat is still a war zone, suffice it to say.
The sentient clouds did not know how to deal with my squeaking though. When I opened my door to get my food. FatBacon ran towards my door, paused, and rocked back and forth not knowing how to interpret my squeaky “No, baby boy.” and the sight of my door’s gate. He just gave me a quizzical look, puzzled at the odd noise I was making. FiestyArya watched the whole thing with the same confused look, her head tilted to one side and a paw suspended halfway up.
Now, I miss my sexy bedroom voice.
Sometime later, Pogi reclaimed his throne near my door. The fluffball greeted me with a sad meow and extended a paw. I gave him a quick scrootch before he got distracted by YemaNaMakulit who tried to rush into my cave through the gate (she’s small enough to fit through). My loyal fluffball took notice and promptly pawed her into stopping. I wish I could hug him to thank him. Pogi is now my Fluffy Sentinel.
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 11, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
Since Kimi’s throat started to itch this morning, I anticipated the progression to fever. So I gave her my contactless thermometer (that looks like a gun) to sterilize and to use for self-monitoring.
Right before heading back to her room to be isolated too, she started “shooting” at the available felines, trying to get their temperature. The always RegalAdele got startled and ran away. FatBacon ducked at first but then got curious so Kimi got the temperature of his wet nose. It was 36.2. FiestyArya watched the whole thing go down and promptly scampered away when Kimi turned to her. PogiAndHeKnowsIt was nowhere to be found. YemaNaMakulit was also nowhere to be found. AragonTheLorge was watching from too far away. And that was the last time I saw her.
So for now, two rooms are isolation enclaves for the mother-daughter tandem. We both have stocks of meds and fluids, with the occasional delivery of food and other supplies at our doors.
Tomorrow is Day 5 of my Fling with Mr. O. I can feel him slipping away slowly. Apparently, he has set his sights on my daughter. I hope we have armed her enough to kick him out even sooner than I am. Please pray for her. She’s feeling pretty bad right now.
I am also hoping Day 5 will be the day I get that call for the swab test.
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 11, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
Yup, a home test kit said I’m positive. Now, before you say I shouldn’t have spent on that, let me just reiterate that I am still waiting for the Pasig City Public Information Office or the CESU to contact me for the RT-PCR test which is the more definitive test. All this home test kit is telling me is that I need to stay isolated for at least 10 days even if my symptoms go away before that.
I’m calling this my fling with Mr. O — yup, it felt hot and heavy for a while (and not in a good way), but it has to end. And it’s totally because it’s him, not me. hehehe.
We’ve stocked up on Difflam lozenges and Camilosan throat spray. At this point, I don’t need paracetamol anymore. It’s the nuclear war in my throat that has to end. I’m hoping these reinforcements will stop the bombings and give me peace. This has to work now. Aside from spending on it, strawberry-flavored Difflam (the only one available) tastes awful.
So, on this fourth day of my fling with Mr. O, I am often greeted by the vision of our sentient clouds at my door. That’s Pogi on the stool, and Bacon on the floor. Don’t let Bacon’s seemingly calm demeanor fool you. Bacon had successfully infiltrated my cave earlier, hence the gate was put in place along with the stool (formerly known as a delivery portal, now a.k.a. Pogi’s new throne to be near mommy). When the feline populace is active, the delivery of supplies to my cave of recuperation becomes a grand production with Kimi playing carry-as-many-cats-as-I-can while Ester clears the stool for my supplies. Kimi cannot stop playing until I have retrieved said supplies.
And Kimi has started showing symptoms as of today. This means that only the pets have been spared so far. The poor babies will need to cope without human harassment for quite a while.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 11, 2022 | Business
AXA Philippines, in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recently organized the “Road to Net-Zero: The look inside China’s quest to champion climate action” forum, hosted and moderated by Zaid Alrifai, Head of Architas Asia. Architas is a global asset manager under the AXA Group that manages investments on behalf of institutional and retail clients. This is the last installment of a three-part webinar series that advocates responsible investing.
Clockwise from top left: Aidan Yao, Senior Emerging Asia Economist of AXA Investment Managers; Zaid Alrifai, Head of Architas Asia; and Dexter Agcaoili, AXA Philippines Investment Solutions Director.
During this Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) webinar, Aidan Yao, Senior Emerging Asia Economist of AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) talked about how achieving the Paris Accord’s aim for carbon-neutrality can be a challenge without the immediate action of countries with high carbon dioxide emissions.
The good news is that China, the top carbon emitter, last year announced the country’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality before 2060. Their first step is to flatten the emission curve from now until 2030. Then, the transition from the peak of carbon emission to net-zero emission by the end of 2060. This undertaking comes with the need to reallocate resources from some parts of the economy and society.
“In China, green bonds helped to finance wide areas of industries that are consistent towards carbon neutrality such as the renewables, the electric vehicles, batteries, green building, and water conservation,” Yao said. Green bonds finance new or existing projects that benefit the environment and foster net-zero emissions.
China’s burgeoning green bonds market presents enormous investment opportunities for companies like AXA who have been following the principles of ESG.
As a long long-term global investor, AXA has a duty to act in the best interest of its policyholders and stakeholders. With the help of its global fund managers, Architas and AXA IM, AXA is committed to aligning its investments with the principles of ESG and integrating these factors in its investment decisions that over time would influence positive change in the companies it invests in.
As responsible investors, AXA aims to reach 25 billion euros in green investments by 2023, reduce its own carbon footprint of AXA’s general account by 20 percent by 2025. As an insurer, it is also developing insurance products that cater specifically to the needs of the vulnerable population. As an organization, it will promote awareness on climate change and the knowledge on ESG through training and further education of its employees and stakeholders.
Through the recent webinars, AXA and the ECCP hope to provide an informative platform where local investors can equip themselves with the knowledge needed to become more responsible in their investment decisions and for the fund managers to be their partners and effectively guide them through the whole process.
For more information on Responsible Investing topics, visit https://www.axa-im.com/responsible-investing or https://www.architas.com/responsible-investing/.
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 11, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
I had another dream last night and it woke me up with palpitations.
We were playing a game. In it, one has to make a list of answers to a category. At the end of 2 minutes, you share answers. If your answer isn’t on their list, you get a point. Our category was: kalokang reasons sa sick calls. My answers as I woke up:
- na-CPR ako
- nakalulon ng battery
- nilalagnat pero nasa mall
- takot mag-zoom dahil may covid
hehehe… I didn’t make that up. That’s a real dream.
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 11, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
I woke up at 5 am because there seems to be a nuclear war on the left side of my throat. The battle has been producing coughing fits and clear phlegm.
I also had a weird dream. My sister was dancing a very suggestive lesbian dance to the old jingle of Ancona Chicken — “Ancona chicken dressed so fine, oh Ancona mine, Ancona chicken dressed so fine, Ancona turn around…” Sorry sis, please blame the nuclear war in my throat for that.
On the upside, my first entry in this Omicron Saga gathered a number of prayers, healing vibes, and well wishes. I am grateful, you guys, but the struggle is real and still going… so we fight on!
Waking up this early helped me discover that the sentient clouds (the fearsome felines) have restored to actually knocking at my door. The scratching is quickly followed by a soft meow. My poor babies, I miss you too!
by Ginnie Faustino-Galgana | Jan 11, 2022 | Kasuy Chronicles
It’s day 3 actually. I was just feeling very bad yesterday– headache, itchy throat, malaise, and the dreaded fever.
Day 1
Day 1 started with headaches, an itchy throat, and a feeling that I had a fever but my temp was only 36.7. So I put up a brave face and attended the online review classes. No session in the afternoon meant I had a chance to rest. That night I had a restless sleep. I kept waking up because I was audibly groaning.
Day 2
Day 2 was the day I got my fever, only 37.8 but my body felt heavy. I still attended the online review class but I nodded off on occasion because I could not keep it up anymore. I also had no appetite at all.
I tried calling the Pasig health hotlines but only got “The number you have dialed is now unattended.” Well, it was a Sunday…
That second night was still restless and I was still groaning.
Day 3
Day 3: No more fever and the feeling of fever inside was almost gone. I even had an appetite. BUT, my throat was getting worse– the itch is now pain on the left side. At least I know my body is fighting whatever this is. I’m also sneezing; yes, even with the purifier on all the time. Again, I tried the Pasig hotlines, and I got the same recorded message. So I sought help from the ever-helpful Bunny Manera, the village homeowners association president. She’s helping get through to the CESO. Thanks, Bunny!
Apparently, a few friends and my brother are down too. I searched for an affordable antigen test kit and found a cousin that sells them. I’m getting my order tomorrow. Hopefully, it will say it’s negative!!!
So it has been a couple of days since I’ve hugged, cuddled, and harassed the cats. Today, apparently, they have been missing me… or my room, whatever. So they’ve been setting vigil outside my door, trying to come into my room. Tonight, #Pogiandheknowsit, planted himself on the stool we use for my food and stuff from outside. When I opened the door, he looked at me plaintively with those sky blue eyes and meowed his soulful meow. I could only reply with, “Sorry, baby boy. I can’t let you in. I’m sick.” To which he replied with another sad meow, squinting slowly at me. He even reached out a paw towards the small opening I made at the door. Sigh…
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 8, 2022 | Food & Beverage
Meal preparation may seemingly be a daunting task year on year but have no fear. There’s always room for new food discoveries and hacks. Foodies and homemakers alike are always on the lookout for something different yet easy to prepare and definitely, palate and tummy pleasers. A great break from having delivered meals! Make part of your New Year’s resolution to try out these new, life-easing products in the market by San Miguel Foods.
Go Veega
For vegans, try familiar comforts such as Veega’s meat-free Tapa and Tocino, which are fully cooked and completely free of animal meat and by-products. For flexitarians, there are Korean-inspired faves such as Meat-free and ready-to-eat Bulgogi and Spicy Soy Garlic Balls. You’ll never miss out on flavor with these meat-free wonders.
Breakfast thy will be done.
Purefoods Deli Breakfast and Purefoods Beef Bacon
Rethink about skipping breakfast with perfect breakfast mates: Purefoods Deli Breakfast Sausage and Purefoods Beef Bacon. They are so good, you’ll truly want more. And beyond breakfast, these delicious products can also be served in a lot of ways.
Create “chicken’’ na chicken meals.
Make meal preparation a breeze in 2022 with freshly marinated and ready-to-cook Chicken Timplados. Prepping meals can be done in minutes with any of these easy chicken sarap variants: Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Fried Chicken, BBQ, Tocino, Teriyaki, Spicy Fried Chicken, Oriental Wings, Spicy Wings, Inasal and Roasters (marinated whole chicken) in Lemon Herb and Smoked Pepper. The menu will never be boring with the selection of variants cooked as is or leveled up with some twists.
Develop a Pasta-stic Habit.
Purefoods Spaghetti Sauce
Have pasta anytime with Purefoods Spaghetti Sauce. Just reheat and toss in cooked noodles or level up with the addition of some ingredients. Either way, you’ll get consistent, satisfying pasta sauce each time.
Make meal preparation and dining with the family an enjoyable food adventure, even allowing enough “me time” in-between with these new discoveries.
Also, check out www.homefoodie.com for recipe ideas with these products!
The 
You can also opt to find coveted healthcare roles in Saudi Arabia with 
So, on this fourth day of my fling with Mr. O, I am often greeted by the vision of our sentient clouds at my door. That’s Pogi on the stool, and Bacon on the floor. Don’t let Bacon’s seemingly calm demeanor fool you. Bacon had successfully infiltrated my cave earlier, hence the gate was put in place along with the stool (formerly known as a delivery portal, now a.k.a. Pogi’s new throne to be near mommy). When the feline populace is active, the delivery of supplies to my cave of recuperation becomes a grand production with Kimi playing carry-as-many-cats-as-I-can while Ester clears the stool for my supplies. Kimi cannot stop playing until I have retrieved said supplies.
Make meal preparation a breeze in 2022 with freshly marinated and ready-to-cook Chicken Timplados. Prepping meals can be done in minutes with any of these easy chicken sarap variants: Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Fried Chicken, BBQ, Tocino, Teriyaki, Spicy Fried Chicken, Oriental Wings, Spicy Wings, Inasal and Roasters (marinated whole chicken) in Lemon Herb and Smoked Pepper. The menu will never be boring with the selection of variants cooked as is or leveled up with some twists.
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