Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.Twelve long years have passed and I miss him so much. It was in August of 1996 that Oscar , my brother was first diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, or AML-M4. My family worked very hard to support Oscar in his search for a cure, spanning hours and hours of research and inquiries through the internet and electronic mail. The technological advantage resulted in many blessings, especially when he qualified for a clinical trial in the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Oscar made the brave choice to undergo a stem cell transplant, knowing that there was a 50-50 chance he would survive, and that he had to take that risk. It was his second remission. Still, our family remained optimistic. My youngest sister was a perfect match.

The stem cell transplant NIH, Bethesda, Maryland was a success but infection set in. Oscar died a few months after his stem cell transplant.

My brother at National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, 1999

Just before Oscar died, he told me “I am glad we didn’t have to spend all our inheritance”. The clinical trial in NIH was totally free except for board and lodging including plane fare. There was an option to go to Singapore and Israel but it would cost us 10 million pesos. You will have to remember that stem cell transplant was still so new then. These days, it can be done in Asian Hospital for 3 million pesos or so.

My brother’s struggle with leukemia, the stem cell transplant is one reason I want to share this new discovery.

Banking baby’s cord blood

A day after his 12th death anniversary on April 3, I received an invite to interview Dr. Arvin Faundo, medical director of CordLife Medical Philippines Inc.. Cord Life is a private cord blood banking facility provides a full suite of cord blood and tissue banking services including the collection, processing, testing, and cryo-preservation of cord blood stem cells and tissue. Of course I said yes! I know how stem cells can be used for cancer therapy. Stem cells have been proven to treat over 80 different diseases.

My candid talk with Dr. Faundo is worth sharing to mothers who might want to consider having the umbilical cord of their babies stored in a cord blood bank. I strongly suggest that parents consider saving cord blood stem cells of their baby if they can afford it.

I will not explain anymore on the importance of stem cell treatment but you can read up on “How are Stem cells used?” to know more. Transplants of stem cells have saved the lives of roughly 20,000 Americans with leukemia, lymphona, other blood diseases. Dr. Faundo said that Christopher Reeve would have been able to benefit from stem cell transplant to bring back his spinal cord if he were alive today.

Why store your baby’s cord blood?

If you could protect your newborn baby against these diseases in the future, would you do so? Why consider?

There are ten reasons to store your baby’s cord blood:

1. a biological protection for the whole family.
2. 100% match for your baby
3. Can treat more than 80 diseases including leukemia and lymphona
4. Benefit from future emerging treatments
5. Exclusive use for your family
6. Painless and risk-free to the baby and mother
7. Once-in-a-lifetime chance to collect
8. Higher chance to match vs. bone marrow transplants
9. Lower rejection rate in transplant
10. Peace of mind- immediate availability

The decision has to be made before the birth because the cord blood has to be stored right away after giving birth. You never know when you might need it or not. You wish you would never have to use it but at least you have something to go back to. Just like insurance.

Imagine, the possibility of looking for an exact match. It costs $30,000 and one has to be waitlisted for as long as two years. I know it might not seem so important to some parents but you might be more convinced if some of the conditions are true to you.

1. History of cancer
2. Cardiac problems
3. Difficulty having children (because getting a stem cell match might be more difficult. Out of 5 siblings, only 1 of us was a perfect match)
4. Mixed race have a unique genetic combination.

I cannot stress enough for families that have had history of Cancer. The expenses are humongous. I wish I had this opportunity but my last pregnancy was 1993 when these facilities were not available here. Expectant parents can peruse over this list of topics to help understand what stem cells are and what cord blood banking is all about. I found out that storage prices can be paid in installments during the first year.

Storing your baby’s cord blood is a means of protecting the health of your child now and into the future. Of all the decisions a parent can make for their children , choosing to store their cord blood could turn out to be the most important.

Visit their website http://www.cordlife.com/ph/ or Call us now at (02) 710-9195 for more information

Source of photo: Mayo Foundation——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.“No one school is right for every child. When searching for a school for your child, the question is not whether a particular school is good or bad, but whether it’s the right school for your child. You might ask the school, ‘What is your definition of a successful child at this school?’ or ‘What kind of child would find success here?’” David Harris

It must have been two years ago that I told my daughter to write a guest post in my blog on bullying. She didn’t hesitate to share her experience to my readers because doing so will raise awareness to parents that their kids should never ever be bullied at school.

One thing I do know is that a lot of the insecurities I have about myself is rooted in the fact that I got bullied a lot during my early elementary school years….they pass it off as play, or maybe an early life lesson: the world can be a terrible place filled with people who will treat you with undeserved cruelty. I do understand that kids have to grow up and learn that hard lesson someday, but I think anyone under the age of ten is too young to deal with that much reality. At that age, it’s important for children to learn to accept or at least respect people for exactly who they are instead of making fun of their differences. What kind of lesson will be passed on to them if their elders shrug off bullying as something totally normal?

Her reflection of her bullying experience just tore me apart. I felt so helpless because during those days, children just had to deal with bullies. I considered moving schools but all the schools in the nineties were just Montessori-imitations or the usual large traditional schools. Parents are fortunate these days because they face a wide range of options aside from traditional Catholic schools that I attended to. Take for example, homeschooling that my friends, Jen and Julie are doing to their young kids. Then there are the non-traditional schools , the alternative to traditional schools.

As a mom blogger, I get a chance to visit non-traditional schools and check out their curriculum and programs. This is an opportunity to share these information to my readers and for them to discern if this is the right school for their child.

One of these school visits is Reedley International school (I will share other schools in future blog entries). While researching for schools that engaged in anti-bullying programs two years ago, I bumped into Reedley International School’s successful “Drop the Label, Be Kind” program. It is an anti-bullying campaign that has lessened the instances of bullying on campus by creating a supportive school community of students, teachers, and parents. Through this initiative, Reedley hoped to significantly decrease the number of bullied Filipino kids, and help lead them to a holistic life dedicated to achievement and respect for others.

Two years later, I finally had the chance to visit Reedley International School and meet Jerome T. Castro, Reedley’s Headmaster, and Emil Ong, Director of School Development. Let me just say I am very much impressed with their programs (but that is looking at it at face value since my kids are all college graduates now and will never know if it is true to its word). Meeting David Bonifacio , the son of a fellow Cebuano whom I knew in high school gave me some assurance that indeed, Reedley helped honed his potential. He is the first valedictorian of Reedley and is involved with healthy lifestyle and Habitat for Humanity. What an amazing guy, David is! He related that “no, he didn’t move because he was dumb and Reedley is a second chance school”. The small class size was ideal to him. He added that he could actually talk to the headmaster without fear of a long condescending sermon.

I also met a mother who joined our roundtable discussion and reflected on her sensitive son , so similar to my soft-spoken daughter. Although her other sons studied in a traditional school, she desperately took a chance and enrolled him in Reedley. Her son thanked her on the first day of school for moving him to Reedley. The mother never regretted her decision. While all this free-flowing discussion was happening, I sent a tweet that I was in a Reedley’s roundtable discussion. Soon, my followers like @cesdrilon, @mymomfriday tweeted back that their young kids study there. That was reassuring to know.

Aside from their anti-bullying program and small class size, here are some other features that impress me:

1. I am amazed that Reedley use Sean Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and Happy Kids” as a textbook.

2. Caring and competent teachers who become mentors, friends and role models as former student, David related to me.

3. Reedley says they are more like a roadmap, “i.e. they nurture each student to reach his or her potential and aim higher with less stress through academic consultation, customized action plans addressing each child’s developmental needs, parent chats, intensive guidance counseling and review programs for college entrance tests.”

4. International standards based on the McRel program from the USA. The Science and Math programs are derived from the Singaporean national curriculum.

I told Emil that this is the school that my child never went to. Based on my child’s needs and my values, it contained all the components that a school should incorporate in their program. The only limitation I think I might have if my daughter were still elementary level today, is that tuition is more expensive. I was a full-time homemaker whose part-time income was not sufficient to cover tuition fee even if I added my husband’s income. That is in hindsight now because non-traditional schools were not around then. I might have found a way or else take the homeschooling option.

If you are shopping for a non-traditional school or an alternative to traditional schools, check out Reedley. Don’t take my word for it. It is important to know what you want for your child. Choose a school that complements your values. Academic excellence might be important to you but you might be looking for other features such as a language program, a school that focuses on music or one that has a sports-oriented culture. Investigate the school’s teaching methods if it will stimulate or hone your child’s talents, strengths and interests. This might just be the school that match the individual needs and interests of your child.

You can find more information at their website, Reedley International School.

Image credit and here——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.- Ruth Carter Stapleton

Christmas lights always gives me that warm fuzzy feeling that glows inside for the entire season. It brings me so much joy. Childhood memories of twinkling lights and Christmas carols are enough to lift my spirits during the holiday season. Through the years that I lived in Pasig, the lights in the Meralco compound never fails to mesmerize me as the car passes by.

It never occurred to me that Meralco has been opening its gates to the public for a long time now, giving delight to kids from ages 1 to 92. Yes, not just young kids but kids at heart like me. I didn’t have to think twice being invited together with other bloggers to witness the Christmas lighting tonight.

CEO Manny Pangilinan together with other very important guests marked the lighting event. For Meralco, lighting up their Ortigas compound symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ whose coming to the world brings joy and hope to the young and old.


This year’s campaign is about unity or pagkakaisa which calls for Meralco customers to unite and brighten up their homes and spread Christmas cheer to surrounding communities. We got introduced to one of their projects , the annual Maliwanag ang Pasko (MaP) Christmas decor and lighting campaign.

I didn’t know what to expect really. I thought a Christmas tree will be lighted. Seeing them look up to the sky, I knew there was something more delightful happening. The lovely hues of the fireworks was just captivating. I happened to capture the pastel colors.

I was really eager to explore the Paskuhan Village because I was just drawn to the lights. I got to ride their life-sized electric toy train that kids and adults alike can ride. Beside the train is a candy-colored toy town where the kids explored the window openings for a photo shoot.

The giant replica of the Nativity belen is so beautiful and subdued with the lights that surrounded it. The belen is fashioned out of recycled copper wire which looks like a sculpture from afar.

It was great that Meralco invited some children to this event. I am sure they were as delighted as I was. They have lined up outreach programs that will enable the company’s officers and employees to share and talent with the children of Caritas Manila and the DSWD offices of Pasay and Pateros.

The kids will be treated to to an afternoon of fun, games, and gift-giving.

Just like these kids, I can be a child again at Christmas-time. The lights make my heart grew tender with warm childhood memories and love of my family. As long as I know in my heart what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

The government inviting bloggers is slowly catching on. The Singapore Tourism Board brought me to their Singapore Food Festival 2009 and also Singapore Food Festival 2010. Our own Philippines’ Department of Tourism invited a few bloggers to the Black Eyed Peas Concert and Meet Apl de Ap in Singapore. It was a matter of time that the embassies in the Philippines would invite bloggers to their reception or events.

The Embassy of the United States in Manila is not far behind. Jay de Jesus, the Emerging Media Specialist for Public Affairs of the US Embassy recommended a few bloggers to a reception hosted by Counselor for Public Affairs, Richard W. Nelson to welcome their new and current Cultural Affairs Attache, Alan R. Holst, and Assistant Cultural Affairs Attache, Joseph Tordella.

From left to right: current Cultural Affairs Attache, Alan R. Holst, Assistant Cultural Affairs Attache, Joseph Tordella and Counselor for Public Affairs, Richard W. Nelson

Of course, cultural affairs interest me as my family is in to the arts, literature and music. I used to accompany my pre-teen daughters to a cultural tour to the USA through the Manila Children’s Choir . This certainly interested them to travel back to the USA. The Cultural Affairs spearheads, sponsors and is involved in several projects ranging from the arts, theater, music, education, literature and similar fields. I bet you didn’t know that the US embassy have exchange programs available for professionals.

Alan Hoist and Joe Tordella both help out to strengthen cultural, professional, educational, and people-to-people ties between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Tordella , as Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Manila helps to manage exchange programs that bring Filipinos to the United States on professional and educational visits to share ideas with their peers and learn about America. He also helps coordinate the visits of American artists, musicians, academics, and other professionals coming to the Philippines to share their skills withPhilippine audiences across the country. Together with his colleagues, he also helps implement a varietyof programs promoting English language study, American studies, conflict mitigation, and leadership development.

I still can’t spot the cultural programs at their website . I was told to go the Embassy of the United States in Manila to check the programs or unless I am checking the wrong website.

Juned, Flow, Jane , Adrian Ayalin and myself

The reception was also an opportunity to meet the US Ambassador Harry K. Tomas, Adrian Ayalin and fellow bloggers.

You can follow the US Embassy Manila in facebook at http://www.facebook.com/manila.usembassy

and their twitter is at http://twitter.com/usembassymanila

and Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/usembassymanila

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.You don’t need the mirror to tell you that you’re beautiful.

I took the challenge.

Last week, I got this invite for Dove 7-Day No Mirror Challenge! , as part of their global campaign to empower women to embrace their unique and individual beauty, takes one step further by liberating women from dependence on an everyday essential – the mirror.

Come to think of it, I often looked at the mirror as a growing teen-ager. I always thought I was an ugly kid just because my uncles teased that I was “dark”. Dove thinks that “as we gaze at our reflections in the mirror, we expect to see the physical ideal that we have been conditioned by society to accept. And when we do not, as is oftentimes the case, we are filled with a sense of self-loathing and dissatisfaction that cuts deep into our very selves.”

No such thing happened to me. I saw a lovely girl, not the usual stereotype mestiza that was associated with “beautiful girls” back then in Cebu. I smiled and from then on, I believed I was beautiful. Now that I am 53 years old, I have never felt more beautiful inside and out. Even my high school or college friends swear that I look even more beautiful today than I was in my teen years. I believe it is confidence and belief that inner beauty brings out the real beauty in a person.

The challenge
The Dove 7-Day No Mirror Challenge requires me to avoid looking into any mirror for 7 days. I will wash my face with Dove beauty bar at least twice a day – once in the morning when I wake up and once in the evening before I sleep. After 7 days, I can resume gazing in the mirror.

This is the part where Dove promises beautifully moisturized skin that is soft, smooth and radiant. More importantly, the time spent away from the mirror will be liberating, helping us appreciate our real and true beauty, in whatever form that takes. Actually, I don’t need the mirror to tell me if I am beautiful or not but let’s see what happens.

What will I do?

The challenge starts July 14 and ends July 21. What makes it even more challenging is I leave for Singapore tomorrow for a Singapore Food festival and I will need to look presentable to meetings with the Singapore Tourism board and the other food spots that I am invited to. The challenge is also how to put on my makeup.

The kit contains two Dove beauty bars, a white Flip Cam, and a calendar

Day 1 July 14 at 7:20 AM
Taking a joy in living is a woman’s best cosmetic- Rosalind Russel

It is the day after Typhoon Basyang . There is still no power at home so here I am at the UCC Cafe using their fast wi-fi and having cereals and fruits for breakfast . The night before I got barely any sleep because my two girls moved to our bed. The howling wind was just too scary. It was just too early to get up but I was wide awake. I remembered the challenge so I rushed to my bathroom, set up my tripod and the Flip Camera and started soaping my face. It’s been awhile since I used Dove Beauty bar. It was a soap bar that we used as teens. The beauty bar is not as soft as it used to be. I remember it was harder to rinse off then. Here is a snapshot and my first video.

Afternoon was spent with DOT Secretary Bertie Lim and some travel bloggers. I didn’t bother to check my face but Melo Villareal swears I look good. Too bad my video wasn’t too focused but here it is.

(With travel bloggers with Tourism secretary Alberto Lim)

Today was my first day without a mirror. A mirror does not tell me that I am beautiful in mind, body and spirit.

Day 2: July 15, 2010
Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. Sophia Loren

(Shopping at the Sephora at Ion Orchard)

I had to wake up earlier than usual at 4:00 AM to get ready for the airport. I didn’t realize my bathroom door was open so after I was done with my beauty washing, my dear husband asked me why I was talking to myself. Showing him the Flip video cam, I announced that I joined the 7 day no mirror challenge. He was horrified that I would be showing myself to the public. I said not to worry and that only my hands and soapy hands will be shown. My husband always tells me I am beautiful. I believe him, of course after all he married me.

The last time I felt truly beautiful was on my 25th silver anniversary photo shoot at the university campus last March. It shows in the photos taken that day. It must have been the trials we have been to the past 25 years and the sense of fulfillment that we made it this far.

(Photo shoot at the UP Campus, March 2010)

Day 3 – July 16, 2010
Beauty is truth, truth beauty- that is all ye know Earth, and all you need to know- John Keats

There are just so many mirrors in my hotel bathroom. I just avoid if possible. There is a mirror at the bathroom door just before I enter. I turn left and I see a full length mirror across the bathroom and when I face the sink, there is a full mirror in front of me. Maybe the hotel wants to remind the person to take a look at their appearance before leaving the room.

(At the Opening ceremonies of the Singapore Food Festival at the Read Bridge, Clark Quay)

Day 4- July 17, 2010
Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.- Kahlil Gibran

(At the Sky park in Marina Bay Sands Hotel)

The ten things I like about myself:

1. My smile
2. My eyes
3. My being playful and naughty at times
4. My being smart and ability to learn new things
5. My lips
6. My loving and nurturing nature
7. My recovery as a work in progress
8. Being gentle to myself
9. My slim legs
10. My multi-tasking abilities

As you can see, four of the things I listed about myself are about my physical attributes.

Day 5- July 18, 2010
Beauty … when you look into a woman’s eyes and see what is in her heart.- Nate Dircks

(Having brunch before my flight back to Manila)

I am not ashamed to say that my inner beauty shines brighter every day. It shows in my eyes and in my heart as I show my love to my husband and my family. Being back in Manila that night felt good.

Day 6 – July 19, 2010
I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful- Author unknown.

I just stayed home today to rest from the four day trip to SIngapore. If there are five ways, I can share to make you feel good about yourself ( not related to personal appearance), here it is:

1. Get a me day or “Pamper yourself” day at the salon
2. Get a therapist to give you a soothing massage at home.
3. Listen to music that reminds you of your carefree past and just be.
4. Offer help to a community or organization that needs your help.
5. Talk to or reach out to your sister, or best friend

That reminds me..I need to talk to an old friend soon.

Day 7- July 20, 2010

The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.- Hellen Keller

Nothing has changed actually. I still feel beautiful. The only thing that has changed is (if I can help it), is not staring at the mirror.

View the video playlist:

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.
A Jewish proverb says “No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell. ” I just came from my husband’s hometown for a Father’s day weekend. It might just be an ordinary place to travel for most of you but see, there is a story to tell. Since we moved to our new home in Pasig in 2007, my husband felt our new home was the ultimate vacation destination. Except for a brief trip to Singapore, we never traveled within the Philippines as we used to in the past. I nagged him to take us back to his birthplace because the kids missed travelling with us. Unfortunately, only one daughter could join us as the second daughter couldn’t leave work. Being in a different place is always an opportunity to take a break from the computer, bond with my husband and daughter. This is just the beginning of a series of travel in the Philippines and elsewhere for the year 2010. Of course, a travel is never complete without photos and I took lots of them. Above are just a few.

I am back in Manila and eager to start work when I saw this email in my inbox. The sender, the awareness campaign of National Geographic and Energizer who asked me if I was interested to share the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest with my readers. The thought of travelling to the Greek Isles will surely interest everyone. I thought you might be interested in this unique opportunity which is now in its third year so I am sharing it with you.

What is it about? (EDIT: Found out the contest rules are “open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old “)

1. Send in your best photos – in categories like Animals/Wildlife, Travel and Weather – for a chance to win a National Geographic Expeditions trip for two to the Greek isles and a featured in an Energizer ad in the December issue of National Geographic magazine.

2. Entry is open until June 30th at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pictela. National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson serves as a contest judge, and will also be doling out photography tips and participating in a Q&A session on the contest website.

3. ALL photography skill levels are encouraged to enter – one of last year’s winners was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera!

The deadline is next week, June 30. Send your photos here at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pictela

Check this slideshow where you will find the incredible gallery of finalists from last year’s Energizer Ultimate Photography Contest.

I will start looking for my photos to see if I can join this too. Send your photos here at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pictela

More details here:

Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Press Release ——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

I am not going to talk about the questions I ask the presidential candidates but more on the gadgets I use. Pocholo Gonzales and his team at Creativoices.net provide the podcasting and video casting of all the candidates but I carry along my own gadgets. Most often, the presidential candidates are amazed at all the contraptions we bring to our “Coffee Chat” or “Happy Hour” but they are simple and usually inexpensive gadgets.

I thought I’d share to you what I have been doing the past few weeks since the year started.

My gadgets as shown in the photos above:

1. Macbook or the light weight HP Mini to live blog or update via Twitter (as @momblogger or @blogwatchdotph)

2. Flip Video Camcorder to take my own videos which I place on a either a mini-tripod or stand tripod. These are uploaded to youtube.com/blogwatchdotph

3. iPhone as back up for the ustream broadcasting which appears at ustream or blogwatch.

4. Nikon D40 for close-up photos of the candidates

5. Must always bring: extension cords, AA rechargeable batteries, chargers for iphone and laptops, usb cables, smart 3g, Globe tattoo for internet backup.

Can you tell I am too exhausted to even blog? The campaign period is about to start and I’ll be even more busy. I am glad that Noynoy Aquino is the 7th presidential candidate that blogwatch.ph interviewed. That means there are just 3 more to go. Then there are vice-presidential candidates and senatorial candidates.

It’s actually fun. I need a lot of sleep though as I am getting eye bags already.

So that’s it!

Photo Credits- Thanks Creativoices.net ——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.I have been swamped lately with our interviews of presidential candidates in blogwatch.ph. One of these candidates, JC de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran party moved me so much. Let me make it clear. I am not supporting a presidential candidate as of the moment. But I like JC de los Reyes, the humble person and public servant, and pretty much how I felt when I met Nick Perlas that I even wrote about his views on new politics. These are competent but not too popular presidential candidates. Well, not yet because they are not given a chance by the Filipino people and more so with media. JC de los Reyes was not invited to the de La Salle forum or even the upcoming January 14 Romulo debate in AIM. But really, these presidential candidates have the compassion, the vision and the clear platform. Truly new politics. It frustrates me that traditional media do not give the same media mileage given to Manny Villar, Gibo Teodoro, Dick Gordon etc. Let the electorate decide not those stupid surveys to bring in ratings or brisk sales.

After our interview with JC de los Reyes, he recalled his article Servant Mothers Humble Nation-Builders when he saw the work we are doing for Blog Watch. He promised to send us the article. He sent me the link just a few hours ago. Reading his article just touched me even more as I saw the photos of his three lovely children.

I am forced to stay on in politics because awang awa na ako sa mga mahihirap. I also have to fight for my children’s future. Justice demands that those who have been blessed with a good, comfortable life should do battle with a rotten, corrupt system, oppressive to God’s beloved children – the poor and the marginalized…..

What caught my attention with Atty. Grace’s email is how she connected patriotism and motherhood, where homemakers are at the fore-front of dreaming of a better world. But shall mothers stop at dreaming? I propose that ideally, real moms not only dream of a better world for their children, they raise their children to shape a better world. The word ‘authority’ comes from author. What do we want to author in our children?

I can dream, can I?

I just want a better future for our children. It’s that simple. It’s been A Mother’s Hope, A Mother’s Love.

This is for my two girls and to all our children.

Support Voter’s Education. Visit blogwatch.ph

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger. Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Hal Borland

Peace , love and prosperity is what I wished for 2009. Though Ondoy hit us and to this day, our cars are still in the shop, life is good. When I wondered what was coming for 2009, I told myself the best is coming, the very best in life and love had to offer, the best God will send and claim it as mine.

As the year ends, I feel blessed to be offered the position of Features Editor of Vibal’s Foundation, Philippine Online Chronicles (POC) in recognition for the editorial work I do for blogwatch.ph.

How did I end up in an election watch project anyway when my only exposure to politics was my student council days? I had long envisioned myself to be of service to our country. Perhaps blogging is one way. New media events just fell into place. Sure, I am a blogger but a new media publisher is the more accurate word, because I create content, collaborate and connect.

Here are the events that brought me to the challenge I face today.

It started when Carlo Ople, the New Media Consultant of Senator Mar Roxas back in August 2008 invited me for a bloggers’ meetup and I almost choked:

“Whaaat? I hope you won’t ask me to endorse him or something”.

Another meetup with Mar Roxas in early 2009 brought me to the realization that politicians will actually meet with bloggers as election nears. I resolved to meet up with each candidate if an invitation is offered to me. It seemed important to share my thoughts to my readers in a simple and effective format.

Meeting Kiko Pangilinan brought an intensified voter’s registration that April.

The second ANC Leadhrship forum had a lineup of Senator Loren Legarda, Mayor Jejomar Binay, MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando and Former President Joseph Estrada and only Loren Legarda impressed me that time. I always thought Loren Legarda and Mar Roxas would be presidential candidates.

Getting to Know Senator Manny Villar in July was a revelation. I know politicians are really supposed to appear nice at all times but I felt his sincerity in that meeting together with his children. (and no, I am not endorsing him)

I met Noynoy Aquino at President Cory Aquino’s wake in August 2.

I know it’s cliche to say this but there are no words to describe the incredible outpouring of public sympathy during the 9 hour funeral drive. As I covered her funeral, I saw the people lining in the streets occasionally yelling their anger towards Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA). I thought that GMA would never get away with Charter change with this kind of mood.

Then came the invitation from Philippine Center for Journalism (PCIJ) for a training seminar on “Covering Elections in the Era of Internet and Automation” in August 26.

My dream story for the Election 2010 at that time was for bloggers to pool their resources and cover topics like youth vote, the effect of infomercials on voter’s decision, automation, role of technology in election. I created a page in this blog for Voters Education and provide equal opportunity of candidates to be known to the voting population.

Rumors were ripe with Noynoy being the game changer. I knew he’d run.

In the first week of September, Kristine Mandigma and Gus Vibal discussed a citizens portal for POC by chance and the rest is history. blogwatch.ph was conceived based on the PCIJ training.

Chiz Escudero and bloggers met in November.

I showed a sneak Preview of Blogwatch.ph on November 13.

Blogwatch.ph launched in November 24 just a few days before the deadline of the filing of the candidacy. The day before the press conference, the Ampatuan massacre occured which brought shock and rage here and abroad.

None of the presidential candidates issued a statement on the massacre and even GMA was not taking action. I got hold of Nick Perlas views on the Ampatuan massacre, That same day, ABS CBN TV Patrol’s Adrian Ayalin, got to interview me about the noise generated in social media.

ANC invited me once again to their forums and got to chance to watch seven presidential candidates “debate” live without much substance.

I managed to get a photo op with Erap.

It was December 22 when I read a news item in the papers featuring Nick Perlas and his disqualification by COMELEC. I immediately asked Dine if she wanted to interview Nick along with me. Nick was gracious enough to squeeze us in. The topic on new politics fascinated me. Is new politics really possible?

Nick claims Noynoy is not the bearer of new politics and cites his article, eight reasons why Noynoy can weaken new politics. I like Nick Perlas. He seems so sincere and is so nice. (and no, I am not endorsing him).

None of these events were accidents. I envisioned them in my mind and it all fell in to place.

I am optimistic for 2010. The initiative of new politics and new media in Election coverage is a new beginning. I am new in editorial job and politics but I am constantly reading materials, getting myself empowered to understand all this “nosebleed” political and election jargon.

The prospect of being both Features editor of POC and blogwatch.ph editor excites me. I am not afraid of taking up the challenge.

What about you? Are you ready for the challenge of new politics? Are you ready to play an active role as a citizen in the election watch? Are you ready for change?

I am excited.

I am hopeful.

As the 2009 ends, I am full of gratitude for all that I received this year. Good and bad.

To all my readers, I hope that when you think about the year ahead, you will focus on the good that is coming.

Remember the laughter,
the joy,
the hard work,
and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year,
also think of the new one to come.

Because most importantly,
this is a time of new beginnings
and the celebration of life.”——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Tweet Follow me in twitter @momblogger.After dinner, I’m usually in front of the TV, digesting and unwinding with a glass of tea. Normally, I prefer coffee over tea, but I feel that the latter is a more agreeable beverage for the evening. Not only does green tea aid in digestion and relax the digestive process; it can also stimulate the mind and keep your nervous system in excellent form. These days, I am busy with a new project called blogwatch.ph (Voters education) . I usually have some more work to do after dinner, and tea is the perfect drink to help me stay awake and focused without causing insomnia. Can you tell that the word “VOTE” is plastered all over my face that my husband bought me this tee as one of his Christmas presents.

I’ve tried a number of teas before and my current favorite has to be the new Real Leaf Green Tea. For one thing, it’s got a delicious honey lychee flavor that invigorates and satisfies the craving for something sweet after dinner.

Oh, and did I mention that drinking green tea regularly also helps you lose weight? Green tea contains high amounts of catechins, which works with other bodily chemicals to increase the amount of fat oxidation and the speed of your metabolism. I used to drink Real Leaf Green Tea after dinner for its refreshing taste, but I’m glad to know that it also helps burn calories! I think this is something we can all use after all that food we ate on Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I know that it’s a little late for holiday giveaways, but I’m giving away an amazing prize to one lucky reader or subscriber who is based in the Philippines . All you have to do is share a photo with your Real Leaf Green Tea Story! It’s really simple.

1. Take a picture of a person enjoying Real Leaf Green Tea.

2. Post the photo in your blog, Multiply site, Friendster account, or Facebook wall, Tumblr along with a description of

• why the person was drinking Real Leaf Green Tea
• the situation the person was in.

You could also be that person just like my Real Leaf Green Tea story.

3. Reply to this entry with a link to your post before January 30, 2010.

Contest starts December 28, 2009 till January 30, 201.

We will pick the most creative, funny or cutest photo to win the 8GB iPod Nano. Additionally, Coca-Cola Philippines will select one winner from the five who will receive P10,000 in cash plus a year’s supply of Real Leaf Green Tea.

Note that four (4) other similar giveaways can be found at the blogs of Yuga, Chris, Anton and Apples and participants can only win once.

Good luck!

Here is an example of the Photo and Description

It’s midnight and I am sleepy but I need to finish my work. This Real Leaf Green Tea helps me stay focused so my face does not drop onto my laptop.

I know I need to get up from this chair and burn calories but hey, Real Leaf Green Tea helps me burn calories because of the catechins. Excuses , excuses. I promise to do regular workouts but let me finish my work first.

It’s so easy. Just snap away.——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado