Iglesia Ni Cristo Grand Evangelical Mission Successfully Conducted in Key Cities of the Philippines

This is an aerial shot taken at the Quirino Grandstand also known as Luneta -one of the venues of the Grand Evangelical Mission (GEM) of Iglesia Ni Cristo simultaneously held yesterday in various places in the country. I am proud to be one of the attendees is this successful #IglesiaNiCristo gathering. This is the biggest event I've attended so far in my more than 10 years as member of Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Truly, Bible Expositions like this resulted to the calling of thousands of new members of the true Church, Iglesia Ni Cristo who shall be saved when Judgement Day comes. I am really grateful that my sister and her four children are now Iglesia Ni Cristo members. In fact, my nephew and nieces together with their two guests  also attended the GEM at Freedom Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur. 

Purihin ang Ama!!!

photos courtesy of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) Official FanPage

Iglesia Ni Cristo Grand Evangelical Mission tomorrow February 28

Iglesia Ni Cristo brethren and guests will gather at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila 5:00 pm tomorrow for a Grand Evangelical Mission. This is a nationwide event to be held on big venues in different parts of the Philippines. It is expected that guests coming from Ecclesiastical District of Laguna, Quezon Province, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal and Metropolitan Manila will occupy most of the Luneta Park up to Taft Avenue tomorrow. 

I am inviting you, my friends who are not yet members of Iglesia Ni Cristo to attend this Bible Exposition. We are pleased to invite you to hear God's teachings based on the Holy Bible, hymn signing  and prayers in this special gathering. 

Alternatives to Spanking

There are lots of ups and downs in parenting, and instilling positive behavior among children is I think the toughest job of all. 

I must admit about my tendencies to apply physical punishment whenever my daughter misbehaves. I am not happy about it, that's why I've been reading about ways to avoid spanking and shouting. Based on my research as well as opinions from elders and friends, such type of discipline may lead to negative effects to child's personality as he/she grow older. Although I try my best to explain to my  5-year old daughter the consequences of her wrong-doings, still physical punishment sends a negative message to her. This might be the reason why she tends to hit  or push her little brother every time the latter grabs her toy. 

See, I am one of those many parents who have spanked their child but express regrets afterward and wish they had tried some other method of discipline. I really want to declare my home as a "Spank-Free Zone". With this, let me share some alternatives to spanking which I've read in an online parenting magazine (Parents.com)

1. Time-outs - refers to isolating the child from her family or peers for a short period of time. 

I've done this to my daughter few days ago. I prevented her from entering our room for about half an hour.     I reprimanded her for playing with my personal things. I also transferred my powder, lotion, perfume, etc from the dresser to a higher shelf inside my closet. 

2. Illustrate the consequences of bad behavior - Make it a point to explain to the child the undesirable results of his or her undesirable acts. 

Yes, I'm trying to do this in a most composed, kind manner as I can. 

3. Address problems in variety of ways - A pediatrician-author said that changing the way in handling a recurring problem can work wonders. Study the different techniques for a long-term and positive discipline and the ways to raise healthy children. Try to control your anger. By telling your child that you need a minute or two to cool off  and then walk away from him or her a bit will prevent a hitting incident to happen. 

There a lots of tips and advises on promoting positive discipline available both online and on printed materials. We, parents, just have to read and choose what we think will be effective rearing a well-behaved, healthy and responsible children. 

Indeed, parenting is the most challenging job ever. 

photo credits: blogs.babycenter.com

Happy 5th Birthday Nuffnang

Nuffnang.com, Asia-Pacific's first and leading blog advertising community is celebrating its 5th year on February 27, 2012. It was launched by its founders Timothy Tiah and Cheo Ming Shen in Malaysia and within the first 3 days, 300 bloggers signed up. The number of members, commonly referred as the Nufnangers continuously to flourish. At present, Nuffnang has offices in four countries namely Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia. 

To Nuffnang and the amazing people behind its success, my warmest congratulations to you. I believe that more and more companies will entrust their advertising needs to Nuffnang. Beyond advertising, the Nuffnang Community has opened lots of opportunities to bloggers through the numerous parties, events, movies screenings, seminars and workshops that you organized. I am very happy to be part of the community.  Again, Happy 5th Birthday, Nuffnang. Cheers!!! 

Nuffnang will be holding a party on February 27, 2012 at the Borough, The Podium Mall in Ortigas. supported by the following sponsors.

If you want to win free invites to the party, visit http://www.nuffnang.com.ph/blog/2012/02/20/nuffnang-is-turning-5-on-february-27/

Uncomplicated 4th Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway

My blog is turning 4 years old tomorrow, February 14, 2012 and as a way to thank my readers I am hosting a simple giveaway. Thank you so much for  your precious time spent in reading and commenting on the stories I've been sharing with you through the years. 

Aside from this, I am also celebrating my first year anniversary as an official Avon Lady next month. As a mom who's in search for an extra income, Avon opened an opportunity for me to earn and at the same time discover new products not only for women but also for the whole family. Because of this, I am giving away Avon products to four (4) lucky readers. 

1st Prize: 

Avon Style Specialist Hair Straightener worth Php1,099

2nd Prize: 

Weighing Scale with Fitness Index worth Php549

Bonus: 

The first two to share this contest in their blogs  will win two (2) pieces of Ultra Moisture Rich Rose Lipstick each with the shades of their choice. Note: I don't have  swatches of the lipstick shades as of this writing. I promise to insert it later for you to have an idea of what color/s you gonna pick.

Joining my contest is so easy. Just follow this four (4) simple steps and that's it! 

1. Like Uncomplicated on Facebook 

2. Share this giveaway of Facebook with the following status message:

       Join Uncomplicated 4th Blog Anniversary and win fabulous prizes

    Be sure to tag me by adding "@" sign before the word Uncomplicated. 

3. If you have a blog, share this giveaway to your readers and get a chance to win bonus prizes. 

4. After doing steps 1-3, leave a comment on this post with your Name and E-mail Address. 

Contest runs from February 14 - March 16, 2012.  Winners will be chosen through Random.org.

  

Win your favorite Grendha!

  

Hey ladies! Grendha is giving away Indulgence gift packs to pamper your feet. 

• A Pair of Your FAvorite Grendha Footwear
• Gift Certificate for a Foot Spa and Pedicure
• Complete Foot Care and Nail Color Kit

Joining in easy as 1-2-3. All you have to do is share why you think you area Grendha woman. Sign up HERE!

Your Baby's Cord Blood: A Treasure to Bank on

Hey moms, did you know that many diseases including certain type of cancers and blood disorders may be treated using stems cells found in your baby's  cord blood?  Your baby's precious cord blood has lifesaving benefits for him or any of your family members in the future. Thus, choosing a once in a lifetime chance of collecting and storing his  cord blood is indeed a treasure to bank on. 

In an event hosted by Cordlife Philippines, I learned  a lot about cord blood banking through their Medical Director Dr. Arvin Faundo. Aside from that, two celebrity moms shared their remarkable experiences on cord blood banking.

Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood banking involves the process of storing stem cells - agent responsible for replenishing the blood and immune system - collected from the umbilical cord immediately after birth. The stem cells have the ability to develop into new and healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There are two options on how and where to store the baby cord blood - either private or public. Private cord blood banking is storing the baby's cord blood for his or her own future use or use by a family member should the need arise. On the other hand, public cord blood banking involves donating a baby's cord blood for potential use by any patient in need. When a family donate's their child's cord blood, they are relinquishing all their rights to own these cells. At present, private cord blood banking is now available here in the Philippines. However, clients may also opt store their babies' cord in Cordlife storage facility in Singapore. 

How is cord blood banking done? Cord blood is collected after the baby is born and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut out. Once it has been collected, the cord blood is transported to a cord blood processing and cryopreservation facility for specialized handling. Cryopreservation is a process where cells or whole tissues are preserved by cooling to low sub-zero temperatures, (typically) 77 K or −196 °C (the boiling point of liquid nitrogen). Stem cells will be extracted from the cord blood using the world's first and only fully automated cord blood processing system called Sepax ^® followed by a step to gradually freeze down the stem cells before they are finally stored in a liquid nitrogen tank at 196°C permanently.  Research show that cord blood stem cells can be stored indefinitely as long as they are continuously stored in liquid nitrogen.

Dr. Faundo said that the collection process is painless, easy and safe for both the mother and the baby. Stem cells have been proven to successfully cure diseases including cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma; blood disorders such as thalassaemia; and, immune deficiencies and metabolic disorders. Researches say stem cells from cord blood may be used to treat diseases of the family members since the chance of locating cord blood match within the family is 60 percent higher that a bone marrow transplant, includes fewer complications, and has improved medical outcomes. 


Cord blood banking is available at Cordlife, the Philippines' first world class cord blood processing and storage facility which is located at the UP-Ayaland Technohub, Diliman, Quezon City. Meanwhile, stem cell transplants are performed in the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), St. Luke's Medical Center, Asian Hospital, and The Medical Center. These hospitals have the necessary facilities and expertise of medical practitioners to perform cord blood banking transplants. 


Cordlife Medical Philippines