Balikbayan Box, part II

When I told my friend Enteng that I was filling up a big "balikbayan box" to be sent home, he almost passed out laughing. He's been in the US for at least 10 years and works in DC and been sending "balikbayan box" before. He told me he stopped sending them because it is easier to send money to buy the things his family needs and saving the cost of sending the box. Besides, it is really hard to fill the box, not knowing what your loved ones like to have. I think Enteng's idea makes sense. This is probably my first and last balikbayan box.

It's been a month now since I started filling up the box and it is not even half full. I tried inserting groceries from our pantry already but still need more and we need to send it by Saturday this week. I have a very tight schedule and I think I'm running out of time. I was thinking of buying towels just for the fill but Mama has a big collection of towel that she will need to put up another cabinet to accommodate it. It is really hard to anticipate what to send that they will like.

"Balikbayan box" has been a tradition to overseas Filipinos. It is a way for them to convey a message to their family in the Philippines that they care. It makes them happy seeing their family happy. Even if the stuff inside the box is very much available in the groceries of the Philippines, still the fact that they are made in the US makes them think that it is a better product than the ones there. That is so untrue, in fact, I got shoes and blouses for my Mother, socks for my nephews, and a careful scrutiny of the label reveals that, oh yeah…they were made in the Philippines. And I'm sending them back to where it came from. Never ever forget where you came from because the ghost of your past will continue to haunt you....joke lang.

20/20 Vision through iLASIK technology

Before I started wearing my prescription eyeglasses, I thought the world is normally fuzzy. Everything around me looks blurred but I have never complained because that is how I viewed the world in the first place. To take advantage of our insurance, I consulted an Ophthalmologist and found out that I need to correct my eyesight. I've been wearing my eyeglasses for a month now, and I couldn't believe how clearly I could see the world. Thanks to technology, it is not a blurry world after all.

 

But did you know that there is a modern and better way at seeing the world besides eyeglasses and contact lenses? A safe and effective procedure using Modern LASIK technology known as iLASIK™ that uses two lasers instead of one, as opposed to the earlier version of the procedure.

 

How does it work? I quote this from the website " In the first stage of iLASIK, wave-front technology maps the unique characteristics of the individual's eyes. Then, an ultrafast, computer-guided laser creates a corneal flap. This laser replaces the handheld microkeratome blade used in older forms of LASIK that makes the procedure exceptionally safe. After the flap is created, the wave-front mapping data guides a second laser for vision correction. The combination of these advanced laser technologies creates a custom-fit procedure clinically proven to provide excellent safety and visual results"

Jut how important is it to have a 20-20 vision? For people such as those at NASA and the US Military, and in the Aviation Industry, the difference is black and white. People in their field recognizes the importance of laser vision correction technologies to have increased performance impact on specialized personnel undergoing extreme and physically demanding conditions. Modern LASIK actually benefitted over 12 Million Americans and have achieved a 20/20 vision. For more LASIK information visit their website and know more about their services.

May “tuyo” ako

I got 2 packs of "tuyo" (dried herring) from Avee last Saturday. I say it is a dream come true to be able to get this from a friend who happened to be in a Filipino store in her area. I am just waiting for the right time to cook and I don't want to cause my untimely arrest as yet. I wanted to wait 'til we move to Arcadia where houses are far apart but it seems that my urge can not wait any longer.

I have heard several stories about "tuyo" being forbidden in a foreign household. I asked Greg if he mind me frying them, and he said, of course not. I find the smell of fried "tuyo" heaven but to foreign noses, it could spell disaster. Greg has not the slightest idea how the smell could be but he said "whatever makes you happy".

Today, I devised my plan to satisfy my urge. After I dropped Greg to work and got home, made sure all the doors and windows are locked, closed all the bedroom doors, turned on the 2 bathroom and the kitchen exhausts, took out the frying pan…..voila! I had 3 tuyo frying in the pan. It instantly filled the house with a putrid smell but to me, it smells the most appetizing brunch I ever had since coming to the US.

Indeed, it was the scrumptious meal I ever had, consumed the 2 and left 1 to Greg. Can't wait to see his reaction when he comes home tonight.

2 hours had passed and I am still in a trance like state. I'm in heaven. Just give me tuyo and that's all that makes my day. How very superficial huh, but life is just like "tuyo" it may be stinky but you gotta love it, it is yummy when you eat it.

Now, I have to thank Avee for the tuyo and before I kept it in the cupboard I had the curiosity to look at the product label where in the Philippines it was made, and the package says "Made in China". Is there anything anymore on earth that is not made in China, just wondering why the Philippine tuyo did not make its way to the US? Did it get too expensive that it is better to get them in China? hmmmm

Label World, Labels the world

I use to own a food business before I came to the US. I called it Artistika Food Products that was an offshoot from my handicraft business which was Artistika Crafts. I produced different products indigenous to Catanduanes such as handmade papers bag, pictures frames, fashion accessories, novelty items and many more. I have my own showroom/store which was located in San Jose St., in front of Catanduanes Midtown Inn. It was a good business to start with and my store became a byword in town. As my local customers grew, I started joining trade fairs and soon found market in Jamaica and Hawaii.

During my stint as Marketing Specialist for CatAg (Catanduanes Agricultural Support Programme), a poverty alleviation project by the Government of the Philippines and the European Union, I completely emerged myself in my client's lives. My clients belong to the poorest of the poor who made a decision to better their economic conditions. Through our Programme, they were introduced to the SLS, (Salary and Loan system) and Micro-businesses similar to that of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. They were also given technical support on how to manage and grow their businesses. That's where I came in.

Knowing the value of a good product presentation, together with my counterpart at the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) we embarked on our quest to educate them through seminars, meetings, one on one consultations on packaging and labeling. Some readily accepted the concept but knowing how meager my clients' capital was it was expected that most will surely decline to invest in packaging. So I ended up buying their products, designed new packaging, new labels, and soon their products are on sale in my store and ready for trade fairs in Manila. That's how I started with my food line.

Every good business needs a good product. And every good product is packaged in a sanitary and presentable way. Packaging and its label speaks loudly of the product inside it. Big part of the marketability of a product is in its packaging and labeling.

Nowadays, there are many companies that offer packaging and label solutions. But you simply have to choose the best and reputable company. Label World has over 20 years experience in product branding, identification, security and tracking, and bar code label. Label World produces a variety of labels for several different products. They make custom labels on a wide scale basis, for large businesses such as food companies and wineries. Visit Label World and get a quote. Surely, a good product deserves the best packaging and Label World has it all.

Conquering my greatest fear

For 2 days now, I've have the sporadic pleasure of driving on my own. Yes, my own – away from my husband's usual critical comments when I drive. I've been driving in Florida every Saturdays and Sundays for 4 months but always with my husband on the lookout . I drive to the malls, groceries, to the Church and to the beach like a chauffer, my husband in the back seat trying to make me feel as if I was driving alone. I guess it worked and helped bring back my confidence.

I have been dreading to drive since I crashed my car almost 4 years ago, back in the Philippines. Not only I fear for my life but the cost of repair is the most dreadful. Since then, I tried to forget about driving. Besides, if I want to go places, just beg to your nephew, friends and neighbors to drive you if not, I rely on my own 2 legs for transportation. It is a not only a good cardio vascular exercise but gas saving measure as well.

That won't work here in the US. I can walk to my work which is only 3 minutes away from home, but not to the malls, Church you have to have to drive. Driving is as important as eating to survive.

Yesterday, I drove to a mall in Indiantown Road and Military Trail on my own. Today, I dropped Greg to work in Juno Beach. The feeling of being able to go places alone is ecstatic. I told Greg it is even better driving without him, he makes me nervous. I feel relax now and very confident to drive on my own.

Finally, I have conquered my greatest fear of all!

Think big, join the world wide web

With the introduction of the internet into our daily life, it has no doubt made the world not just smaller but easier to navigate in just a click of the mouse. The internet has become our way of life. We shop, we book flights, we get our degree, we communicate, even close deals online. There is virtually nothing we couldn't do on the internet. More and more businesses are being done on the internet. It has no doubt influenced the mainstream society that any business not associated with the world wide web is like doing business in the dark.

So, if you are a business owner it is about time to claim your own space in the world wide web. It will open the door for you into a bigger world - with no boundaries!

Concentric Business solutions have all the solutions your business needs in order to grow. They are the leading solutions provider of shared web hosting for small businesses. They offer domain name registration, email hosting, web hosting, and you may even get some freebies like spam filters and virus protection. Please visit their website and know more about their services and start thinking getting big.

Back to school

Who would think that after graduating from College 20 years ago, I will be back to school again? Never in my mind I ever dreamed of going back again, not in a classroom. But yes, I'm back to school again, not in an actual classroom though but in a virtual one. I have many classmates I correspond with online but never know their faces, are they beautiful? What do they look like? I will never know. One thing I know for sure is that like me, they also want to learn. They also would like to pursue their dreams of one day landing a decent paying job. In this time of financial chaos, one should be fully equipped with knowledge that will help elevate our standing if ever we choose to join the corporate world. Yes, one day like my virtual classmates, I want to join the Certified Administrative Professionals. That's why I'm back to school.

Its just another Lotto number

It seems only yesterday when I just turned 30 and felt like I was approaching the end of my rope. I really thought that my life span is too short I will die at age 32. No kidding. I've been a city dweller for many years and it feels like living in Manila is like being in a big aquarium full of sharks ready to devour you any time and I was ready, umm not really, just being paranoid I guess. And to be able to see light each day is considered a bonus from God. Another decade had passed and I am still counting my bonuses (unfortunately, one you can't monetize, hence, I remain to be broke).

Today, my husband woke me up to remind me I have made it though another year and was bugging me what I want to do for my birthday. Actually, nothing really special, it's just another number piling on top of the other. I don't want to be reminded, but I appreciate presents - nyahaha. Lots of presents, if I may emphasize.

To all my friends and family who remember to remind me I am old, Thanks a lot! If not for the wrinkles and white hair, nothing really reminds me of my age, everything else remains a child and refuses to grow - haha.

Now, if someone wants to give me this dream vacation package for my birthday, I will really appreciate it and I promise to take you along with me.

Our Maine escapades

Were back from a week of enjoyable vacation in Bethel Maine. Just as Hannah was passing through the East Coast and Ike was threatening its way to the Florida Keys and eventually to Texas, we were heading to Maine last Saturday. We've made plans on how are we going to spend our 6 days and most of it was supposedly riding the bike, seeing the mountain side, restaurant hopping and seeing friends. But obviously, the weather did not allow us to do all that. Besides, as soon as we settled into the house we found out so many different things that needs attention. My garden had been neglected that needs TLC and some repairs had to be done in the house.

Days have been spent on the domestics but we remember to enjoy in between. Fall was already evident and the temperature was becoming chilly at high 60s and in the mid 30 at night. We manage to make a fire and have a lobster and corn cookout during the nights with out rain. We have enjoyed 2 starry and chilly nights out in the bon fire with friends Donald and Cathy.

The hard part is coming back to sweltering Florida because we both want to stay longer. It is our home and we both love being home, even if we've been demoted to basement dwelling, it is still our home.

Happy Birthday Ningning

Hope lovely surprises are coming your way
To make your Birthday a Wonderful day

Smiles and laughter, joy and cheer
New happiness that stays throughout the year
Hope your birthday brings all these and more
Filling life with surprise and joys galore!

So on this very special day
I would like to say to you
I hope you'll always find happiness
In whatever you may do.

Another candle on your cake
Well there's no need to pout
Be glad that you have strength enough
To blow them all out!