by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2018 | Family and Pets, Ponderings
All dogs go to heaven, that is what they say. I certainly hope it is true because the thought of our little ones not being in heaven right now would break my heart.
Mary
But I guess that correct term is “break my heart even more”. On May 30, 3 days after birth, Little Mary passed away. She waited for me to get home, allowed me to give her vitamins and a little milk, cuddled in my hand and a few minutes later, breathed her last breath.
I cried buckets. My chest hurt so much it physically felt like my heart was breaking in two. Tears rolled down my cheeks and wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t help but think that there must have been something I missed, something I failed to do that cause her to die.
I was in denial. I kept hoping that there was actually a way to revive her. I even put her in a towel and held her against my chest as I brought her to the vet all the while massaging her chest, hoping to stimulate a pulse. But when I got there Doc Allan took her from me, checked her for himself. He tried to massage her chest, check for a heartbeat, etc. He then looked at me with a sad face and said there was nothing we could do.
You see, he had seen the pups at 8am that same morning and noticed how much smaller and thinner Mary was than the other pups and he told us that we had to forcefeed about 1 ml. of milk 30 minutes to support her. It was all for naught. We tried our best but she just wasn’t strong enough.
Ylli
After Mary passed away there was one more tiny one left and we called her Ylli. She was a little stronger than Mary and because of what happened with Mary we were extra vigilant with Ylli. We took turns feeding and cuddling her. We made sure she had first dibs on Princess’ milk before letting her sibs anywhere near, just to be sure she does not starve.
At night when it gets cold she slept with me and yesterday morning she opened her eyes for the first time and (I hope) was able to see me. I was so happy! I thought, yes! This one will make it! In my mind I was even thinking “this pup we will keep”. An hour or two later her sibs also opened their eyes.
Ylli grew a little bit and was no longer skin and bones but she was still only 1/3 the size of her sibs. Doc warned me that it was possible that like the first one, she could also have a weak heart and that if she survived she would never be as strong as her siblings.
Now I am left with 3, three precious darlings – more precious to me now than they were before. These three are strong and healthy but I still can’t help but worry.
And though I truly believe that all dogs go to heaven I don’t want them to go there too soon.
Lord, allow them to live long, happy, and healthy lives here on earth. Give them the opportunity to be loved not just by me but also by the families that will adopt them.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2018 | Stories
A relentless provider, a shoulder to cry on, a jester, a reliable fix-it fellow — dads wear various hats to support their families, and they deserve nothing but the best on their special day. Especially amidst increasing living and leisure costs, there is more pressure for fathers to provide a comfortable life for their household, especially for their children.
Chester Sy with this wife, Juvilyn and their 5 kids. He started the shoe brand TANGGO on Lazada
Chester Sy, a dad to 5 kids, acknowledges this and continuously looks for more opportunities for his family. Three years ago, he started selling his own shoe line named Tanggo (click on the link to be brought to the page) in Lazada Philippines, the country’s leading one-stop online shopping and selling destination. He recognized the opportunity he saw in Lazada, and, “now, it’s a booming industry,” he says.
The entrepreneurial dad juggles managing his online shop with two other ventures, on top of his duties as a husband and as a father. “With an online shop in Lazada, you can control your time and spend more of it with your family,” shares Chester, although he admits that during big sale promotions like Online Revolution, he works longer hours since his store receives a lot of orders. “Even if I’m busy, I try to find time for them, especially at night. We like to watch Netflix.”
Jake Manongdo, owner of SHIPPED FROM PHILIPPINES with his wife Lovelyn and daughter, Summerlove
Like Chester, Jake Manongdo built his shop Shipped From Philippines (click on the link to be brought to the page) on Lazada to support his family. To do this, he welcomes revenue opportunities like being included in flash sales. “I was selected as one of the flash sale sellers during the Lazada Birthday Sale. I told myself, this is it! I’m going to concentrate on this profitable business,” says the pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur.
“Lazada has always helped me for my family’s needs,” Jake further shares. “I built a business focused on this platform and that helped my business grow. I’m investing time, money, and effort on Lazada because this business is inheritable by my daughter, Summerlove, in the future. When she grows up, she can manage it, and it will provide for her, too.”
Chester and Jake are joining thousands of online sellers in treating fathers on their special day! The Lazada Father’s Day Sale offers up to 80% off on gift ideas like gadgets, watches and accessories, and sports items.
To give families more time to prepare their surprises, hot deals and huge discounts will start flying off the shelves as early as June 8 until June 17 at http://pages.lazada.com.ph/wow/i/ph/PHCampaign/fathers-day.
About Lazada Group
Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailandand Vietnam.
As the pioneer of the eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serving the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions.
With over 210 million SKUs available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion, sports equipmentand groceries.
Focused on delivering an excellent customer experience, it offers multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, comprehensive customer care and hassle-free returns through its own first and last mile delivery arm supported by more than 100 logistics partners. Lazada Group is majority owned by Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 8, 2018 | Business
AXA Philippines chief human resource officer Jaspreet Kakar discussed how multinational companies build and sustain talent during the recent Talent Management Asia Conference 2018 at the SM Aura SMX Convention Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Addressing fellow human resource practitioners, Kakar shared how AXA takes care of its employees:
- by giving importance to purpose and culture;
- empowerment through decentralized decision-making; and
- embodiment of the agile mindset by encouraging active collaboration with one another.
AXA Philippines is one of the country’s leading insurance companies. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 6, 2018 | Lifestyle
Dad’s Day at SM 2018. Kids and moms can give dad the coolest gift this Dad’s Day season by inviting him to have fun Dadventures with the whole family at SM through the host of awesome activities, deals, and treats in 70 SM Supermalls nationwide.
The month of June marks another exciting season for the whole family as SM Supermalls invites everyone to have fun DAD-ventures on Dad’s Day with a host of awesome and fun-filled activities, deals, and treats in 70 SM malls nationwide.
“Over the years, SM Supermalls provides a second home for families, especially for celebrating important occasions such as Father’s Day. The malls serve as a venue to share family-first moments and to thank dad for all the things he does for his family,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.
Kids and moms can give dad the coolest gift by the experience of spending Dad’s Day at SM. Adventures include Dad-licious Dining deals, such as upsized meals, dining promos, and meal combos on June 13 to 24 at participating restaurants! Dad’s passion for speed and motorbikes is indulged at Extreme Wheels, an exhibit of pimped-up cars and bikes on June 13 to 18 or June 19 to 24.
Tech for Dads teaches interested fathers how to pilot a drone or remote-controlled gadgets at the drone demo or RC exhibition on June 15 to 17 or June 22 to 24 in select SM malls.
Dads and their families are welcome to shop at SM’s weekend of fun deals and discounts from June 22 to 24 for the #AweSM men’s fashion finds, as SM celebrates 60 #AweSM years in its malls across the country with exciting promos that laud the number 60, such as pay 60% off, pay only P60, pay P60 less, or pay only 60%.
Meanwhile, digital fans of SM can get a chance to win DADmazing prizes by simply joining the #IdolDADS Photo App promo via www.smsupermalls.com.
To know more about #DadsDayAtSM2018 and SM’s #AweSM 60 years celebration, visit www.smsupermalls.com.
For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your fun Dad-ventures at SM, then use the season’s official hashtag #DadsDayAtSM2018.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 5, 2018 | Lifestyle
You can now buy Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature audio gear in the Philippines. Known as Roc Live Life Loud, the brand features two products: Roc Model II Sports Wireless Earbuds (PHP 6,599) and the Roc Model III Wired Earbuds (PHP 2,799). The headphones are exclusively available on Lazada Philippines. ROC By Ronaldo earphones are made from high quality materials and are equipped with advanced features to provide long-wearing comfort, sweat and water resistance, and superior sound that is high resolution certified.
Roc Model II
ROC audio and fitness gear has been specially designed to help active individuals focus on the music that propels them forward.
Whether you’re looking for premium sound, design, or technology to suit your active lifestyle — ROC is here to deliver.
ROC audio uses exclusive technology to achieve the highest precision sound experience without sacrificing style or functionality. That means that whether you’re listening through earbuds or headphones, on the field or at the gym, you’ll have the pure sound performance you need to focus and stay motivated for greatness.
Roc Model III
Quality materials, fit and finishing all help to ensure that ROC products continually look as good as they sound. With precision engineering and innovative features developed specially to meet the needs of an active lifestyle, you can be rest assured that every piece of ROC gear is designed to help you be your best.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 2, 2018 | Real Estate
From the time that Filigree, the newest luxury real estate brand in the country, was conceived, the driving philosophy was the singular vision to redefine luxury living by creating tangible value across all its impressive roster of condominium developments. To achieve this, they made sure to utilize world-class, highly functional design, top quality materials of the most exacting standards and specifications, and an abundance of space that their discriminating clients expect.
As it seeks to stand out with its portfolio of upscale condominiums, each serving as the gold standard by which all luxury projects are to be judged, it became imperative for Filigree to collaborate with renowned consultants in architecture, interior design, urban planning, and landscape architecture.
Nestled in the most exclusive area in Filinvest City, Alabang’s garden central business district is Botanika Nature Residences, an architectural gem by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, Miaja Design Group, and AECOM.
Botanika is a premium, decidedly low-density residential enclave that offers generous living spaces—from two-bedroom suites, three-bedroom flats, all the way to five-bedroom Garden Bi-level units—all in a convenient condominium setting.
Beyond being a lush vertical village, it also gained a milestone three-star BERDE (Building Ecologically Responsible Design Excellence) rating for design from the Philippine Green Building Council. Adding to Botanika’s desirability are its first-class amenities and features, such as its lap pools surrounded by a lush landscape with a sun deck, indoor and outdoor play areas, a business center, library, and its grand lobby with its calming water feature and a scenic elevator.
Meanwhile, Bristol at Parkway Place exemplifies how charming modern life is meant to be. Taking pride in its towering 40-storey height, Bristol is a collaboration among California-based Architecture International, local CASAS + Architects, and Hirsch Bedner Associates.
Located at the power address of Parkway corner Corporate Avenues, Bristol lets its residents live a life of ease as everything is all within comfortable reach, with a plethora of Zen-inspired amenities such as the library cum study hall, the function room for private, intimate events, and the entertainment and media room that are all yours to savor and enjoy.
What’s more, the vibrant plaza environment at the ground floor features carefully curated boutiques and specialty restaurants, allowing for private retail therapy or relaxed yet sumptuous dining experience.
There’s also Filigree’s timeless landmark standing at the Bonifacio Global City: The Beaufort. A masterpiece by architectural firms Miami-based Arquitectonica and local R. Villarosa Architects, the stunning, two-tower, world-class condominium is now proudly fully occupied and home to the most discriminating residents. The Beaufort comes with only four units to a floor, delivering utmost privacy and luxurious city living. It is complete with recreational amenities for a way of life that only a few dreams of.
All these premium residential projects are situated in the most desirable addresses, where everything is within reach, providing its residents a life of privilege.
Catherine Ilagan, Filigree Head
“The common denominator of all our condominium offerings is that each is unique in its own way. We don’t do the cookie-cutter type—everything is deliberately planned,” said Filigree head Catherine A. Ilagan. “We tell our consultants that we don’t just design buildings; we base it on the lifestyle of our future residents to make it even more luxurious and comfortable.”
Quite simply, Filigree not only sets the standard—it raises the bar in the luxury real estate industry with the highest level of craftsmanship and quality available, offering real value rarely found in other developments today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 30, 2018 | Lifestyle
Insurance can be a confusing or intimidating subject because of the technical terms as well as many misconceptions about it. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, dispels some of the popular myths about insurance by giving basic facts to help you make an informed decision.
Myth 1: Insurance is expensive.
Fact: Insurance products are designed for different needs and therefore, vary in costs depending on the coverage. Online calculators and speaking with a financial advisor can help you figure out the right plan for your needs and budget.
Myth 2: Young people do not need insurance.
Fact: Getting insurance while you are young is ideal since premiums will be much cheaper. You are also usually less prone to develop medical conditions that can drive up premiums. Policies will be more expensive the older you get and the longer you wait.
Myth 3: Poor health makes you unqualified for coverage.
Fact: Some insurance companies like AXA can cover a range of health conditions that may be excluded in other health plans. AXA’s health coverage can include minor illnesses as well as critical conditions like heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
Myth 4: The group life insurance or HMO coverage provided by your employer is enough.
Fact: While company insurance can be a great help, it might not be enough to cover your family in the long run. Your employer might get you a life insurance equal to 1-2 times of your annual salary, but you could lose it if you leave your job. Having your own personal insurance policy can help ensure that you and your family will be sufficiently provided for financially.
Myth 5: It’s better to save my money in the bank than to buy an insurance policy.
Fact: You can always do both. With insurance products, you can ensure that your loved ones will be protected in case something happens to you. Some life insurance products, like AXA’s MyAmbition, even allow you to invest your one-time payment so your money can grow. Best of all, it’s available online!
Whatever decision you make regarding insurance, it’s always good to be well-informed. Talk to a financial coach who can answer all your questions and can also recommend the product that best suits your needs.
Connect with an AXA financial advisor via www.axa.com.ph/appointments.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 26, 2018 | Health and Wellness
You’ve prepared the ideal summer get-up – heat-proof clothes, light makeup, and lots of sunscreen. Now all you need is a fresh scent to complete the perfect ensemble.
The Flora Collection of Blackwater, Ever Bilena Cosmetics’ personal grooming line, is perfect to put in this hot season. Smell good all day with this collection as these summer scents are crafted to swap out those heavy scents for something fruity, lighter and sweeter.
Daiana Menezes for Blackwater Fragrances of Ever Bilena
During this extremely hot season, Brazilian head-turner and Blackwater Woman ambassador Daiana Menezes uses only the coolest fragrance to seize the summer days with a fresh smell.
The Blackwater Woman Flora Collection is a new, casual fragrance, a collection of delicately blended scents. Women have four expertly-crafted scents to choose from for everyday use: Calm Heart, Love Blues, Pearl Beauty and Tender Smile.
For a light, fresh scent, Calm Heart is a scent that lures a space in your summer fragrance arsenal. This on-point fragrance blends mandarin blossoms with pink pepper and ginger for a sexy hint of spice that reminds of a playful summer.
Tender Smile gives an interesting scent that has a powdery baby smell and keeps the smell of perspiration away, ideal for a carefree day walk at the beach.
Delectable fruity summer scents are always a good choice for summer as it doesn’t leave you feeling sticky. A tropical scent, Pearl Beauty is perfect for a warm day stroll that contains a mix of honeyed oranges and wild berries while Love Blues is a sweet and delicate blend of violet florals with a refreshing fruity twist, best for attracting a vibrant feeling this season.
Blackwater Women’s offers collections that are carefully crafted for every Filipino woman to smell good and fresh in order to seize the summer days!
For more information, visit Blackwater’s official website http://blackwater.com.ph/ and on their Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/blackwaterwomen/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 25, 2018 | Health and Wellness
Coach Jim and Coach Toni Saret
The simplest guideline for all of us would have to be, “Sit less and move more,” according to close to 2,000-member Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the husband and wife tandem of fitness gurus, Jim and Toni Saret.
Yes, there’s a direct relationship between time spent sitting and your risk of early mortality of any cause. As your total sitting time increases, so will your risk of an early death.
Sitting for around eight hours a day at the workplace increases the risk of contracting heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by 40%. Actually, it can cause killer legs, too.
Majority of the world population is in the working age-group. This group is always on the computer. Glued to their seats for eight hours, they lead sedentary lifestyles, while facing different kinds of stress which leads to unhealthy eating (stress eating) and lifestyle. Most of them are unable to engage in appropriate physical activities for their physical and mental well-being. And in worse cases, some do not have the means to cope with stress and maintain mental health.
Coach Jim and Coach Toni Saret
Eating healthy, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding vices like alcohol and cigarettes are ways of preventing major lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers as well as other risk factors such as raise blood pressure, raise blood sugar level and obesity. However, awareness and practices of these health benefits are still low among the working population.
The Philippine Heart Association (PHA), a non-stock, non-profit organization of 1,780 Filipino cardiologists is committed to foster exceptional cardiovascular education and primary care for everyone.
Living up to its mission, the PHA aims to do its share on the awareness on preventive and management of heart diseases. The initiative encourages employees to improve their physical and mental well-being, and effectively address sedentary lifestyles by launching a campaign called “Sneakers Friday.”
Sneakers Friday
photo credit to quora.com
“Sneakers Friday” capitalizes on promoting physical activity. It is meant to promote workplace health and wellness where personnel is encouraged to wear sneakers, casual top and pants every Friday as a “dress down day.”
The PHA’s “Sneakers Friday” campaign builds on the perspective that individuals have the ability to adopt healthy lifestyles when supported by a conducive work environment that promotes “healthy eating, healthy habits and physical and mental fitness.”
In order to obtain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to incorporate wellness in all aspects of one’s life, including the workplace. Corporate wellness generates many positive outcomes for their employees as well as the company itself.
Even a simple activity such as walking (or brisk walking, with 100 steps per minute) has so many powerful health benefits. When done correctly and regularly, it can be the key to losing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting your memory as well as reducing your risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more.
Walking could be done effortlessly without interrupting corporate work. One can also choose to take the stairs rather than ride the elevator or when one parks the car, choose the farthest end so you’d have more time to walk.
The “Sneakers Friday” initial campaign got off the ground spearheaded by medical professionals and cardiovascular experts themselves in November of 2017 with the Makati Medical Center as its launching site, followed by The Medical City where every last weekday was officially declared as “Sneakers Friday.”
Last May 22, 2018, The “Sneakers Friday” campaign was officially launched. This ultimate goal of this campaign is to encourage the corporate sector to integrate more physical activity into their hectic pace and to make them aware that the corporate sector is the paragon of good health.
The benefits of incorporating a wellness program like “Sneakers Friday” in your workplace:
- it relieves employee stress. Setting time aside for employees to exercise can help reduce stress and overall sitting time.
- it promotes employee camaraderie
- it releases endorphis (the happy hormones) and in the process creating happier and more energized employees.
With a better mood and more energy comes more productivity!
Incorporating the Sneakers Friday campaign is great for promoting employee fitness and health. Partaking in physical fitness activities is proven to lower one’s chances of getting sick, which in return will ultimately lower health care costs for employees and the company. In addition, there’s an increase in productivity as employees take fewer sick days too.
Employees get to know fellow employees outside of work. With a great group activity that allows co-workers to get to know each other better, employees will get the benefits of physical activity and the socialization that comes along with the group exercise.
With the “Sneakers Friday” campaign, coupled with healthy habits and lifestyle, the PHA looks forward to seeing happier and heart healthier Filipinos.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 24, 2018 | Business
Expert dentists of the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), one of the best dental clinics in Southeast Asia, participated in the prestigious 2018 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) in Los Angeles, California.
L to R: Dr. Jacqueline Nicole Dos Santos, Dr. Maybelle Paige Lim, Dr. Keslynn Evangelista, Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Dr. Samantha Leonore Yago, Mr. Brian Michael Lam, and Dr. Katrina Rose Tan of GAOC strolling the streets of LA for some relaxation after the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) in Los Angeles, California.
World-renowned international speakers, specialists, leading general practitioners, lab technicians and dental hygienists attended the conference, sharing knowledge and latest information in the expanding field of osseointegration.
World-renowned international speakers, specialists, and leading dental practitioners gathered at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) in Los Angeles, California.
Each year, GAOC makes sure that their dentists undergo extensive training here and abroad, to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the field of dentistry.
GAOC, founded by CEO Dr. Steve Mark Gan, continuously strives to raise the standards of the dental practice in the Philippines. It cultivates a culture of excellence where patients are considered valued partners, and offers an extensive range of first class services from oral surgery and periodontics, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics and general dentistry to cosmetic and laser dentistry.
Dr. Steven Mark G. Gan, DMD
For Dr. Gan, an active member of the American Society of Osseointegration and the American College of Oral Implantology; former chair and member of the Board of Dentistry, Philippine Regulation Commission, and a recognized trailblazer in dental implant surgery in the Philippines, participation in the AO annual meeting is part of GAOC’s commitment to continuous learning by keeping abreast of the latest global trends and technologies to raise the standards in local dental practice.
“At GAOC, we believe that the best way to enhance our dental services is by participating in international conferences such as the AO annual meeting”, says Dr. Gan. “By keeping up to date with current trends and international best practices and through interactions with colleagues from around the world, we aim to bring Philippine dentistry to world-class standards”.
GAOC has ten state-of-the-art clinics to date, run by a team of dental specialists and equipped with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities available.
For more information and appointment, visit www.gaocdental.com, follow and like GAOC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @gaocdental.com.
Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailandand Vietnam.
Meanwhile, 
Fact: Insurance products are designed for different needs and therefore, vary in costs depending on the coverage. Online calculators and speaking with a financial advisor can help you figure out the right plan for your needs and budget.
Fact: Some insurance companies like AXA can cover a range of health conditions that may be excluded in other health plans. AXA’s health coverage can include minor illnesses as well as critical conditions like heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
Whatever decision you make regarding insurance, it’s always good to be well-informed. Talk to a financial coach who can answer all your questions and can also recommend the product that best suits your needs.
Majority of the world population is in the working age-group. This group is always on the computer. Glued to their seats for eight hours, they lead sedentary lifestyles, while facing different kinds of stress which leads to unhealthy eating (stress eating) and lifestyle. Most of them are unable to engage in appropriate physical activities for their physical and mental well-being. And in worse cases, some do not have the means to cope with stress and maintain mental health.
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