Friday, August 30, 2013

Boracay Garden Resort offers special rates at the 24th PTM







It’s discounts galore as Boracay Garden Resort joins this year’s Philippine Travel Mart (PTM)!



Visit Boracay Garden Resort’s booth (under the Boracay Regency and Henann Group of Resorts banner) at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City from September 6 to 8, 2013 and get special rates on travel packages.

Enjoy a deluxe room for two nights for as low as P4, 376.80 net per person. Based on double occupancy, the package is inclusive of buffet breakfast and dinner and roundtrip transfers via Caticlan. Travel period is until March 31, 2014 except on super peak dates.


Boracay Garden Resort is located in Station 2, at the heart of White Beach, Boracay Island. It was acquired by the Henann Group of Resorts in 2009, when it was still a Korean-owned hotel. The two-hectare property immediately underwent major renovations which include construction of a new wing, garden re-landscaping, remodeling of the four swimming pools with tiles imported from Bali, and refurbishing and upholstering of the existing rooms.


Today, the resort boasts of lush gardens, complementing the ever-present natural breeze that goes through the resort, and new fitness and business centers have been added, as well as an al fresco restaurant which offers Asian, American, and Continental cuisine, Garden Café.


The Henann Group of Resorts also operates Boracay Regency and Regency Lagoon, also located in Station 2. Among the three, Boracay Garden distinguishes itself with more economical rates while maintaining the high standards of the Henann brand.



For more information on Boracay Garden Resort and reservations, interested parties may visit www.henann.com or call (+632) 353-1111 or (+636) 288-6672, or send an email to manila@boracaygarden.com.ph.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

LifeProof Frē Case is now in the Philippines

LifeProof,  the award-winning maker of all-protective  cases of gadgets,  smartphones and tablets,    launched a new product,   Life Proof fre Case   today at One Corporate Center,  San Miguel Avenue Mandaluyong City.    LifeProof frē Case  provides  users  unprecedented freedom to take their premium gadget everywhere without worry.
 


The new LifeProof frē Case offers full access to all key functions while the sleek, light weight design provides all the protection consumers have come to expect from LifeProof, including against water, dirt, snow and shock.

LifeProof frē Case makes it possible for users to swim laps in the pool, bike through rugged terrain and use fitness apps on the run. Workers can stay connected at a construction site, a hospital or in school, with dust, shock, weather and sticky fingers to contend with, while having full access to all device functions.

“Our customers love the freedom that LifeProof frē Case gives them to take their device anywhere without concern. We’re pleased to introduce the slimmest fully protective LifeProof frē Case here in the Philippines,” says Evelyn Medina, Sales Manager of JCordon, the exclusive distributor of LifeProof in the Philippines. “As with all of our products, we carefully design, build and test the case to our company’s standards for high quality and exceptional reliability.”

LifeProof frē Case will also be showcasing the latest colors and accessories for iPhone 5 case, including a new LifeProof Car Mount for hands free driving; The LifeProof Lifejacket that keeps your iPhone buoyant and afloat; the popular Bike & Bar Mount; The Belt Clip and the Armband/Swimband. LifeProof frē for iPhone 5 is available at an SRP of P3,950.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, LifeProof gives you the confidence and freedom to make your mobile device your constant companion.

LifeProof cases and accessories are available for sale at all ICON, PowerMac, Digital Hub, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, Switch, iStudio, AShop, Astroplus and Technoholics outlets.

Additional Information:

Water Proof:

Fully submergible to 6.6/ 2m for 30 minutes

Dirt Proof:

Sealed from dirt & dust particles – meets or exceeds IP-68 Ingress Protection Rating

Snow Proof:

Seal from snow & ice - meets or exceeds IP-68 Ingress Protection Rating

Shock Proof:

Withstands drops from 6.6/2 m – meets or exceeds MIL STD 810F-516



About LifeProof

LifeProof is a vibrant company based in San Diego that designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device everyday, everywhere, for everything - without worry.

For more information, visit www.lifeproof.com.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Quirks store at Power Plant Mall

Check this out!  A  new and bigger  Quirks store just opened at Power Plant Mall!



Why pork barrel must go?

It is in this day of the month that I am most stressed.   You ask why?    Bills  and other statement of accounts  come  together  like  they 're  marching in front of my house  protesting  with a banner that says, "please settle!"    Keeping a budget  is  such a hard thing  to do for many people and I  am  not an exemption  to this.   This is  like a storm that enters  my brain  then   sinks down   my body  into  deep until I get drowned. 

Let's get down to the point.

I should  have joined the protest yesterday to scrap and abolish  pork barrel.  Yes, because we are all affected and that  simple move could   make  a big difference.   These politicians that are  involved  in the scam  should be punished.   I wouldn't protest if they get  this from  kabbage.com funding  and pay  them back from their own pocket  too,  but no, they're not.   Their multi-billion account came  from  the taxes that  we pay and that  fund  anomalies caused many people to suffer from poverty these days. Now the news,  pork barrel will be scrapped.  You believe in that?  I don't think so. Because the pork will be  scrapped but  still there  in  a  new  dress.  Pork  that is   cooked  with  different recipes and  garnished with different flavorings  is still a  pork and nothing really changes except that this pork is cooked and served differently. 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Contractubex: There’s always sunshine after the rain!

Uh-oh, August…have you come with many dark skies ahead? Mr. Sun seems to be on the run these days. While the scorching weather has tamed, the clouds have erupted with occasionally angry showers. Sometimes, try as we may to keep a sunny outlook, the weather sets a gloomy tone, and can remind us of things we may have regretted in the past. Some mistakes we have made – like a slip or an unintentional fall – can result to a few unwanted scars we’d rather keep to ourselves.

Let the rain wash away the things you want to forget. Who wants a scar to remind them of a past mistake? Perhaps it was a result of an embarrassing fall in public, an accidental slip because of the slippery sidewalk (darn rain!), or a burn from boiling water for that mug of hot cocoa and marshmallows. While some memories are worth keeping, a scar left behind isn’t always a favorite remembrance.


Different types of scars:

Raised or hypertrophic scar – confined to the area of the original skin injury; forms after the healing of the wound and is caused by overproduction of connective tissue fibers; tends to bulge and protrude above level of surrounding skin

 Keloid – Also results from overproduction of connective tissue fibers and tend to bulge above the level of the surrounding skin beyond the original wound edges

After the rain comes sunshine – and on better days, a rainbow! Summer’s long gone – but this shouldn’t dampen your sprits! Don’t let any scar keep you from hiding under your umbrella. Turn your rainy days into the best days of your life! Let the rain showers erase the past and open your heart to better, brighter days. Now you can, with Contractubex! Contractubex is a clinically proven treatment that combines the triple action of Cepae Extract, Heparin and Allantoin to help reduce the appearance of these unsightly marks on your skin.

You may notice that there are several other scar treatments available in the market today. What makes Contractubex different from other silicone-based scar treatments is that its ingredients help reduce inflammation and prevent excessive scar formation. Its water-soluble ointment base allows active ingredients to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin.

1. Cepae Extract

- obtained from onions

- anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect

- reduces swelling and prevents excessive growth of connective tissue

2. Heparin

- loosens the tissue structure

- anti-inflammatory effect

- hydrates scar tissue

3. Allantoin

- encourages wound healing

- has a soothing effect

Contractubex comes in a gel form that makes for its easy application on the skin. Just gently massage Contractubex on the affected area 3-4 times a day or as prescribed by your doctor. Results may be seen after at least 3 months of use. You’ll know that Contractubex is working when you notice a reduction in redness, relief of tension and less itching on the scar area. Contractubex works best when applied to fresh scars, when the wound has closed or when the sutures have been removed.

Don’t lose hope when you don’t see results early on. Contractubex works slowly but efficiently in improving your scar. As long as you follow instructions carefully, and are consistent in applying it on your scars, you’ll soon be free from the past – and be a completely new YOU, just like a rainbow after the storm!

Meet the women who have tried Contractubex, and be inspired by their triumph over scars.

Meet the women who have tried Contractubex, and be inspired by their triumph over scars.

Janice Lagman is a twenty-five year old nurse and taekwondo national athlete from Quezon City. After undergoing surgery on her right knee in 2010, she was left with a scar from the operation. Since that time, she thought she would always feel self-conscious wearing anything that revealed that mark on her leg. Her surgeon, Dr. Marc Castro, gave her samples of Contractubex, and instructed her to apply it twice a day. Janice used the product for two months, and was extremely satisfied with the results. She has now updated her wardrobe with numerous skirts and short dresses, thanks to Contractubex. Contractubex Success Stories: “We’ve moved on!”


Belle Gascon is the owner of Skye High Fashion, an online store of imported fashion finds. She had a head injury which left a scar on her forehead after the operation. After that, she felt very conscious and her self-esteem was low. There was a time when she did not have her pictures taken nor go out with friends as often as before. She coped by wearing bangs to hide the scar. Good thing Belle’s doctor helped her recover by recommending Contractubex. After several months of use, the results were visible and she gained her confidence back. She’s now enjoying her time with friends and is not afraid to post selfies because of Contractubex.


Anica Mayo is a 26-year old mom who works as a Senior Brand Corporate Specialist in a telecom company. Giving birth is a rewarding and beautiful experience, but this left her with a Caesarian section scar. After her operation, she could not enjoy wearing summer outfits such as hanging tops or bikinis. She thought it was going to take a long time for her scar to become less visible. She tried different remedies but none of them worked until a friend suggested to her to use Contractubex. The results were surprising and ever since then, she has regained her self-esteem!


Product Overview of Contractubex

What is Contractubex?

Contractubex® is an anti-scar gel that helps lighten, flatten and soften scars. It also helps make the scar smoother and more pliable.

How does it work?

Contractubex® exerts a softening and smoothing effect on hypertrophic scars and keloids, painful and cosmetically disfiguring scars, burns and contractures. Contractubex® contains 3 complementary active ingredients:

1. Extractum cepae (special onion extract) has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal properties and prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue.

2. Heparin softens the tissue structure, has anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling and hydrating properties

3. Allantoin promotes wound healing, hydrates the skin and has a soothing effect which helps relieve the itching often associated with scar formation

How is Contractubex® applied?

Ideally, Contractubex® gel should be gently massaged 3-4x daily for at least 3 months. Apply only to wounds that are already closed. Start at the centre and work towards the edges, massaging the gel gently into the scar. Continue with a small, circular motion until Contractubex® is completely absorbed.

How soon can I see results?

Depending on the degree and size of the existing scar or contracture, treatment will be necessary for several weeks. Good results can be achieved after consistent application for at least 3 months.

How long should I continue to apply Contractubex®?

You can continue the treatment up to a year, if necessary.

Can children be treated with Contractubex®?

There are studies on the efficacy of Contractubex® in pediatric patients and showed no side effects on children. However, parents must consult their doctor prior to using Contractubex® on their children

Can Contractubex® be used for old scars?

It may be used for old scars however, results may be inconclusive and there might be a need for prolonged length of application.

What are the available preparations for Contractubex?

Contractubex® is sold in 10 g and 20 g gel.

Where can you buy Contractubex?

Contractubex® is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. It retails for Php 550 for 10g gel and Php 970 for 20g gel in Mercury Drug.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Music Makes me Feel Nostalgic





I  feel nostalgic with the photo above.   This was taken  last Christmas  eve  when we went to a  mall nearby to  hunt   for  the best shopping  items.   There was an area inside the mall with  a free concert  that  entertained  shoppers who just got tired from their shopping activities.   The concert  was such a  great relief  for  tired   legs and body  that just  got  exhausted  from walking.  We  planned to just  stop  by  for a moment   but   we stayed longer  because  we  were  totally entertained by the lady  in her own mesmerizing  violin  rendition accompanied by a woman in keyboards  with a guy next to her,  not captured with my camera though and was totally impressed  with their performances.  It was truly a relaxing concert.  Certainly music brings a certain kind of feeling that brings me back to the old times,    very nostalgic.


For music lovers, this opportunity of seeing  great musicians  on stage is one awesome  moment   that  is truly captivating.  This concert  was held  for   free.  I  was  glad  I stopped  by,    hummed with the song and  enjoyed the   moment.  It  was  Christmas eve and that scene  just made  the season very  Christmassy.




Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tigerair partners with 2GO

Tigerair, the fastest growing low-cost carrier in the country has partnered with 2GO Shipping to render public service to stranded passengers who wishes to go back to Manila.

About 130 passengers including 2 infants will board Tigerair flights 7015 and 7023 from Cebu to Manila tonight.

As part of its commitment to provide compensation package to the passengers of the ill-fated MV Tomas Aquinas, 2GO Shipping has coordinated with Tigerair Philippines for the purchase of the air tickets.

Tigerair heeds the call of public service and extends its helping hand by providing a special rate, including booking of the passengers based on a manifesto. 2GO will be responsible of distributing these tickets.

Tigerair boast of its pool of customer-centric and highly professional cabin crew and pilots making sure you get to your destination safely. Tigerair’s airbus A320s and A319s are among the youngest fleet to fly you to Cebu, Bacolod, Kalibo, Iloilo, Tacloban, Puerto Pincesa.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

My POPTALK Experience

When Poptalk invited me to be a guest reviewer I  was  hesitant to accept it at first. I  am a kind of  person who would rather write than talk,   keep silent than shout out.  That explains why I  blog  a lot  to express myself.  I have a fear  of  talking  in  front  of  the  crowd.. I  seldom post  a photo of  myself  even  in my own site because  I am  very conscious of  my  look.  Opportunity  only   knocks once so  I  grabbed  the chance because not  everyone  is  offered  to be a guest reviewer  anyway.   I  believe I can make it  just  like how I did  when   I conquered  my  greatest fear,  jumped off the cave  and dived.   I  wouldn't know  my  capability  unless  I try  it.    It's a review anyway that even the kids can tell how  they  taste  the food whether delicious,  sweet,  salty or  whatever adjective  they can describe it.   I know  it would be easy  for me.  I've attended  a  lot  of  events,  tasted  a lot  of   food,   blogged about my  food  review,  so this would  be  easy  peasy   for  me. 

But  it was  a different story,   far from my thoughts.  When the camera started rolling,  I  was blanketed with shyness. I thought  that the less I  speak,  the less mistake I would make. I was not at my best.   I gave my own  insight and shared my  input but I should have said a lot more.     

In our  first  restaurant location,   I already noticed the chart  menu  that  says.. No MSG,  No artificial flavoring, No food coloring..etc. and  thought this is  what  I always look for  as  part of   my review.  But  when the camera started to roll,  I couldn't tell anything  about  it and said  other point instead.  Okay,  things like these  really happen sometimes.  I was  like dosed up  with a lot of caffeine in my body.   I  was bit nervous.


EXPERIENCE

Yes, I enjoyed a lot albeit stressful in front of camera. It was my  first time and everything was impromptu.  There is no script to read,  no drama, no director to tell me what to do.   Just on the spot review!   

My first experience to share the camera with celebrities  was overwhelming.  I am waiting till the airing time of the  episode.   I guess I will loose a lot of pounds on my weight  for that  waiting  period  anticipating  how  I  would  look on TV during  the verdict more so,  figuring out what I actually said during the food chat.  Though I know  I wouldn't have the same  exposure,  I was there as part of the episode  and  a glimpse of  me on the camera  would mean  a whole  lot  to me.   The host,  KUYA TONIPET  is  very articulate and spontaneous.  He's  really  a good host!  And by the way,  he's more handsome off  screen.   than on TV. 


Other reviewers  are  Carl Guevara, a  model and actor of   GMA and  Nadia Lei Macaya, a student and  fashion enthusiast.

.


POPTALK REVIEW

What you see is what you get.  I gave a  "Flop" score in one of  the  restaurants  that  I  reviewed,  so please  watch   and  find  out  the final verdict  of  other  restaurants.  I  will  post   my  own  blog  review at  FLAKESANDNUTS.info...soon.   I guess  I also  flop when I said,  Rocker's Island  instead  of   Riker's.  So what?   I am not  perfect   who knows  all.  Even  the experts flop too. 


The  STAFF

All the staff of   POPTALK were all kind to me especially the Segment Producer   who's very accommodating.  At the end of the taping she asked me if I  enjoyed  the experience and I said  yes, a  lot   but   I  am  sure  though,  a very  uncomfortable  me  would  register on the screen.  After all the nervousness and awkwardness,  it's the experience that counts.  For once in my life, I've guested on TV.

Mamarhaye,   GMA's  Make up Artist,  was so kind for keeping me look good  during the entire taping.  You're the  best   Mamarhaye!  See the transformation of  myself when aired,  at least at  this  point,   I  pop. Haha.   Yes!   I was totally pampered  with all the retouch  during the taping.  Thank you so much Mamarhaye. 

With  GMA's  Make  UP Artist  Mamarhaye

This is it for now.  I will post a lot  more later.  The photos above were taken by my friend Joy Mendiola who was  there with me during the taping.  I  know this is just a very quick appearance and I sounded like I am launching a movie,  but  hey,   this  is such  A  BIGGIE  MEAL  thing  for  me.


This  episode, POPTALK   All  Day Breakfast   will be aired  on  GMA NewsTV,  August 27, 2013  at  10:00pm.   


To keep you updated,  please  like Poptalk Page:   Poptalk  Show
Facebook:   PopTalk Fan Page



Updated:

My  POPTALK  review is posted   here



Saturday, August 17, 2013

Murang Lipad offers travel assistance to passengers affected by flight cancellations

Here's a great news for travellers! Murang Lipad, a division of Triplestar Travel & Tours, announced that it is offering flight reservation assistance to passengers affected by flight cancellations. It services ticket reservation of all major carriers in the Philippines, particularly Tiger Air, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Jetstar.

To avail of specialized travel assistance, passengers may call the reservations hotline at 849-0100 or visit www.muranglipad.com. Office hours are extended from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily to accommodate travel needs of affected passengers.

Triplestar has 11 ticketing offices nationwide, particularly in Makati, Manila Domestic Airport, Quezon City, SM Clark, Cebu City, Cebu International Airport, Davao City, Davao International Airport, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban and Bacolod. All are strategically located to cater to passengers’ immediate travel requirements.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Book Online and Pay in Cash with Tigerair Philippines





Good news!

Customers of Tigerair Philippines (TAP) can now pay in cash through any 7-11 branches nationwide.

“We realize that not all our customers have credit cards. This is why we decided to provide this service to our customers,” said Olive Ramos, President and CEO of TAP.

Upon booking online via  www.tigerair.com, the customer will receive a booking reservation code to be presented to any 7-11 branches to facilitate the cash payment.

“7-11 has more than 780 branches nationwide, giving Tigerair passengers more than 780 locations to pay for their tickets. This is an example of the seamless customer experience and comfort that we aim to offer our passengers,” added Ramos, “That’s 780 reasons why it’s easier to book and pay for a flight with Tigerair.




Tigerair Philippines aims to provide their guests with efficient travel process and minimal delays so you don’t have to be stressed as you travel. It believes in bringing customers the best value for money through customer- friendly, high-quality service and excellent standards of safety, security, and reliability.

Tigerair Philippines is the first commercial airline to fly direct between Kalibo and Singapore. The carrier also flies to local destinations such as Clark, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Puerto Princesa, and international destinations such as Bangkok and Hong Kong.

For more information on Tigerair Philippines, visit www.tigerair.com.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Smart Parenting August Issue - Birthdays on a Budget!

On the cover this month's issue is actress and single mom Denise Laurel as she talks about motherhood and how she proves  that  being  a mother  makes a woman emerged even  more beautiful.

Denise is back  after a short hiatus  and now  a part of   ABS-CBN's  afternoon  soap  Annaliza.   In real life,   she  is  a happy mom to 'Bubbah."    She  shares  her experience as a first time mom  like  preparing for her son's  birthday party.



 


Check this out! Birthday Party Ideas for this month's issue!

When you are on tight budget, how can you make your kid's  birthday celebration special?    Smart Parenting August  issue  features birthday  party  ideas that will make the big event  special  but  won't  hurt your pocket.
 

One of  the best things that parents would love to hear from their kids is  "This is the best party EVER! It is like a pat on the back for a job well done.

Smart Parenting features a complete guide on planning a celebration as easy as 1,2,3!






You can choose from the budget friendly decor details, table set up touches, gift bag fillers, cake toppers, fun themed cakes, edible decor, themed invites and all in one party kids.










The August issue of Smart Parenting is now available in newstands, bookstores, and supermarkets for only P125.  It comes with the Nat Geo Little Kids featuring the Baby Black Bear on its cover. For more of Smart Parenting online, visit www.smartparenting.com.ph  and  become a fan of Smart Parenting on Facebook via Facebook.com/smartparenting.ph   and  follow us on Twitter via @SP_online.








Love Sees Beyond Differences - First ever-Filipino Written and Illustrated eBooks on Adoption

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Inter-country Adoption Board (ICAB) and McCann Philippines introduced the first-ever Filipino original illustrated eBooks as part of the Adoption Advocacy Campaign entitled, “Love Sees Beyond Differences.”

Since the campaign was launched last November 2012, the Inter-Country Adoption Board and McCann Philippines have worked closely together for many months to find creative solutions to encourage more Filipino families to openly declare their love for their adoptive children and help erase the stigma of adoption.


Adoptive families and media personalities led by Miriam Quiambao introduced the seven eBooks through a series of storytelling sessions held at Fully Booked, Bonifacio Global City. These stories are the first-ever written and illustrated stories for Filipino adoptive families who faced with the challenge of introducing the idea of adoption to their adopted children. Often, many adoptive families face the stigma of adoption. This stigma has made some adoptive families keep their adoption secret from their very own adopted children.

Adoptive families

DSWD Undersecretary Parisya H. Taradji, ICAB Alternate Chair, says, “Through this storytelling event, we hope that more adoptive families will volunteer their time and talent to this advocacy campaign. The adoption process has numerous adoption-related challenges and concerns which needs the participation of adoptive families.”


Storytelling can be an effective tool to introduce one’s adoptive child to adoption.

“These e-books were created to equip adoptive parents with tools that will help them openly share their adoption journey with their children,” says Cecile Gabutina-Velez, Managing Partner of McCann Philippines.

“The day we first met”

Telling the story of “the day we first met” can be one of the most challenging stories to tell to adoptive children. This moment, ideally, should be the right time and situation.

Jojo and Janet Villa met Anna Isabel the day after they committed to adopt her. They had been praying for Anna, so they knew that she was God’s Best for them even without having met her. They opened their home to Anna on March 5, 2010 and filed the petition for adoption in 2011.

Janet first told Anna about her adoption when she was 10 months old. “I first told her by way of song,” Janet says. “I’d pick a tune and insert my own lyrics. I’d sing the truth. She might not have understood it then, but her spirit welcomed our love.” Since then Janet would insert adoption in the books and stories they’d read together, sometimes using a doll house to tell about how a king and a queen died, and their pretty princess now lives in this dollhouse with her new Papa King and Mama Queen. They once were sad, but now are joyful because the princess graces their days. That joy, Janet told Anna, is called adoption. “If you would ask Anna what adoption is, she’d say, ‘Love!’” says Janet. Anna understands that some children don’t have fathers, others don’t have mothers, and others don’t have both.

Some of Anna’s favorite books include “Are You My Mother?,” “Guess How Much I Love You,” and more recently the “Baby Circle” eBook. “Again and again Anna would ask for it, ‘Mommy, I want the circle book,’” says Janet. Anna loves how the Baby Circle, round and rolling, has changed the solid, stolid Square family. “I tell Anna, ‘You are our Baby Circle,’” says Janet. Janet says that since our own lives are tales to be told, one of the best ways to tell children about their adoption is by way of a story.

Janet herself is an accomplished writer, having twice won the NVM Gonzalez Awards for Best Short Story. Her stories, including Anna’s adoption story, have been published in magazines and anthologies, such as Best Filipino Short Stories, Motherhood Statements, Hoard of Thunder: Philippine Short Stories in English 1990-2008, Against All Odds, among others.

For the Santos Family from Makati City, “Baby Circle” is also the favorite by their two-year old daughter, Felice. “She became part of our family a couple of years ago. Since then, I have never stopped reading her stories,” says Nanette. Felice likes looking at the family of Squares and how Baby Circle literally reshaped their world.

Nanette adds, “At age 2, she looks at pictures of characters and how they are transformed as pages are turned. The book shows how families are created by people who live together and love each other, not just by those who look like each other. Storytelling connects. It connects Felice with her beginnings, and with our beginnings.”

Both Sonny and Nanette Santos strongly believe that at any early age, their adopted child should know the circumstances of her adoption. “While it might take years for our child to fully understand the circumstances of adoption, we are willing to go through this process with our child. Felice deserves to know,” explains Nanette.

Stories are not just for bedtime entertainment or a tool to put children to sleep. When told in a fun, convincing manner and even an animated manner, these stories impart moral values to both adoptive and natural born children. They help form a strong bond between parents and children.

John Remwil Valeria, Guidance Counselor from Don Bosco Technical School says. “As a guidance counselor, and as a parent myself I have seen how storytelling has helped shape values for our young children here in Don Bosco.”

“For adoptive families, storytelling is an even more important tool for the adoptive parents to slowly help their adopted children understand their roots and early beginnings. It is a tough challenge for adoptive parents but the results are beautiful as it builds strong family relationships based on trust, honesty and openness," adds Valeria, who has 17 years of guidance counseling experience.

Seven stories that warm the heart

Storytelling has proven to be an effective tool for learning and shaping values. Stories about family are universal. It cuts across cultures and economic class. When parents tell stories to their children, it helps kids learn and understand their environment. For adoptive families, these stories become tools to introduce their children to the idea of adoption.

"At St. Paul College Pasig, teachers strongly encourage parents to find storytelling time for their young children. Our academic team strongly believes that storytelling is part of a child's learning process. It helps stimulate imagination while strengthening the bond between parents and children,” says, Marisol Fabie, Academic Team Leader, Grade School Department, St. Paul College Pasig.

Fabie says that their school has had several adopted children as students. “They have grown up as normal students. There is actually no difference between adoptive and natural-born children. The issues and challenges they face are the same. Storytelling help enlighten children on these issues especially for adopted children. These eBooks is good start for adoptive families.”

Mylene Piedad, an adoptive parent, narrates, “When Paul and I adopted our daughter 8 years, we both agreed that we were going to be honest with her about it. So, I was so happy to find Jamie Lee Curtis’ book, “Tell Me About The Night I was born” in one of our trips to Singapore. The storybook became our way of introducing the concept of adoption to our daughter. As she grew up, we started including details about her own adoption story. She would ask questions about it and we answered her willingly.”

Their daughter now happily tells other people that she was adopted. “One time, we heard her confidently answer her cousins’ questions about her biological family. She made us feel proud,” adds Mylene. The Piedads have recently adopted another baby girl and intend to continue using storybooks to impart to their younger daughter about her own adoption story.

Flipside Publishing Services Inc will be publishing the 7 books online. Honey de Peralta

Vice President & General Manager hopes to see many adoptive families download these eBooks. “Flipside Publishing strongly believes in sending out a very strong and positive message about adoption. Through storytelling, we know we can get the conversation going between parents and adoptive children.”

“We want families to openly share their stories so more can be inspired to adopt children,” says Atty. Bernadette Abejo, executive-director of ICAB (the Inter-country Adoption Board). The ebooks are available for free download at www.iloveyouanak.com

Adarna House Inc. Director Agno Almario said that these eBooks will open a new category in children’s book. “These eBooks will not only strengthen the bond between parent and child, but plant the seeds for the adoptive child to be enlightened about his or her roots.” Adarna Publishing is one of the country’s biggest publishers of children’s books.

“There really are no local books that speak of adoption telling or will act as aids in the acts of adoption telling. How fortunate for Filipino adoptive parents and their children that these books are made possible,” adds Ani Almario, School Director of Raya School.

Design and Illustrations

Stanley Chi, a cartoonist from a leading newspaper and illustrator says, “Illustrating for children’s book is a very difficult and challenging task. I need to put myself in the mindset of our audience, children who can be as young as 2 years old. Thus, we literally go back in time.” Stanley has agreed to work on illustrations for a story to be written by Gil Velez, a professor from UST and one of the adoption advocates.

Ben Deluyas, who illustrated one of the eBooks, says, “When I created ‘Juju, Looloo and Baby Wuwu’ I was inspired by a family member who recently adopted a baby girl. As a family, we instantly fell in love with her when we first saw her. I wrote and illustrated this book to help loving parents tell their adopted kids that they are very special. Deluyas hopes that when adoptive families get the chance to read this book together, “it will strengthen their relationship as a family.”

Mariel Escalabanan, a pre-school schoolteacher from Preschool Camp in Magallanes had read and reviewed all the seven books. She found them all inspiring. “Each story warms the heart of both the parent and the child. Its impact may not be immediate but the memories of these stories last a lifetime.” Mariel adds that a story well told, especially in a fun and animated way adds to the imagination of a child. “Thus, each book can be remembered in its own unique ways for many years.” Mariel is an Early Childhood Education graduate from Dela Salle University.

Positive Change

Raul Castro, Executive Chairman, McCann Worldgroup Philippines, knows that through this advocacy the agency can be true to its vision of driving positive values that will help transform lives. “This campaign on adoption is enabled by a team who commits to the advocacy on a personal level. Many wanted to get involved in the creative work, which aligns with our desire as a company to positively impact on lives”, proudly says Raul. Many Filipino families are willing to open their hearts and homes to adoptive kids. There is an opportunity to encourage this mindset and this is what the communications aims to do. The campaign is a solution that magnifies the life-changing, positive impact of adoption,” adds Raul.

Abejo says, “I am happy to see this adoption advocacy campaign finally come to reality and I am very positive that this campaign will soften the stigma on adoption.” The Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) created by Republic Act 8043 (RA 8043) was designated as the central authority in matters relating to inter-country adoption of Filipino children.

The campaign wants to get a clear and simple message across. “Let us openly declare our love for our children. Open our hearts and homes for adopted children and allow love to see beyond differences.”



This is a Press Release,

Share This