Making room for the ‘best Christmas gift’ ever

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Time was when the countdown to Christmas had me happily anticipating the most wonderful time of the year. The sight of malls being dressed in holiday style, bazaars sprouting all over the metro, carols constantly being played, and the prospect of family get-togethers made me giddy with excitement.

When the holiday season is over, you will want to place your Yuletide decors in a self-storage facility instead of using up precious space in your home. 

But the recent years were times of change. Two of my siblings got married and settled abroad. A favorite uncle passed away. A cousin I grew up with and childhood friends from the old hometown have all found their dream jobs—in another continent.

Sadly, Christmas, I thought, will never be the same again. 

Or so I thought until one recent evening, when I’d finally set up the family’s heirloom belen, painstakingly cleaning and polishing the tiny figures in the manger. 

There I stood in the living room, surveying the results of my work: the gaily trimmed Christmas tree sparkled with hundreds of silver LED lights, a beautiful wreath welcomed guests at the front door, while near it, a four-feet-tall jolly ole Santa Claus stood watch over the foyer. 

Make your home or spare room more habitable and spacious again by placing your Yuletide decors and excess belongings in self-storage. 

Touches of Christmas brightened up more nooks and spaces in the comfy home I share with my husband Robert.

As I gazed at the sight of the little infant Jesus asleep in the manger, I couldn’t help smiling. This Christmas will be different. This Christmas, a precious little baby will bring back the magic that I thought I had lost. It’s because in a few weeks’ time, Robert and I will be welcoming our first baby, Mikhail, which means “Gift from God.” Mikhail, after all, is the best gift we would ever receive on this most blessed season.

This holiday season, one of the most rewarding Christmas gifts you can give to yourself and your family is a home full of love and free of clutter. 

We waited nearly five years for this baby. After getting married, we decided to savor life as a couple and save up before starting a family. We also wanted to travel unencumbered, spend time with friends, and enjoy our favorite pastime—shopping.

But Robert and I soon learned that none of these gave us the thrill and joy that we felt upon learning of Mikhail’s coming. The thought of cradling him gave us an unmistakeable sense of optimism about this new chapter in our lives.

Safeguard your Christmas decors, furnishings, and other belongings in a self-storage facility that provides a secure, convenient, and professionally operated system. 

So this year the spirit of Christmas is back. It’s all over our home, especially in Mikhail’s spanking new nursery room! It’s in the pastel colored walls, in the tiny white crib, the stuffed toy unicorn beside Mikhail’s fluffy white pillows, and in the sky blue rug with a rainbow print.

Just imagine: a year ago, Mikhail’s spiffy new nursery was our old store room, where Robert and I stashed most of our wedding gifts, our old décor, furnishings, and mementoes from numerous shopping trips. The clutter simply accumulated through the years.

We wondered then: where do we place the horde of possessions we didn’t have the heart to discard? Do we need to find a bigger place? 

That’s when Robert and I did some research online and learned about this concept of “self-storage.” Apparently, the practice of storing one’s belongings in a safe and secured facility outside your home has been around in the US for quite some time now. 

As we checked out more sites for self-storage, we happily discovered that we have our own self-storage facility right here in the metro, Loc&Stor 24/7, which is readily accessible from our place. That very same weekend, Robert and I lost no time in checking out their facility in Pasig.

Loc&Stor 24/7 is conveniently located at flood-free areas in Makati and Pasig. 

Loc&Stor 24/7 offers units ranging from 1.5-square-meter lockers that can fit eight balikbayan boxes to 18-square-meter jumbo-size units that can accommodate the contents of a 40-foot container.

During our visit, Robert and I personally inspected the facility, and I must say that we were really impressed with its security features, the convenience it offers, the cleanliness of its premises, as well as the professional customer service. 

Right there and then, we knew that we’d found the answer to our prayers and the space we needed for our peace of mind.

And guess what, our home now looks bigger than it actually is. And this Christmas season, we are set to welcome Mikhail to a home that is full of love . . . and free of clutter. 

Better than cash and credit: Enjoy holiday perks with PayMaya, your best shopping buddy this Christmas season!

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Whether you’re buying gifts for yourself or for your loved ones, PayMaya is bringing you more reasons to #ShopPaMore this Christmas season as it offers back-to-back online and offline cashbacks, and a chance to win P10 million at its “PayMaya Pa More” raffle promo. You can enjoy all of these perks, even without a credit card!

Shop to your heart’s content at Century City Mall’s Shopaholic Special from December 7-9, 2018, where you can enjoy a 20% cashback of up to P500 when you #ScanToPay using PayMaya QR.  

Splurge on your gifts for your family and friends, guilt-free because for every P2,000 single or accumulated receipt at merchants in Century City Mall, you earn an entry to get a chance to be one of 100 lucky shoppers who will take home a P10,000 cash prize. And when you #ScanToPay with PayMaya for your purchase, you get twice as many raffle entries, doubling up on your chances of winning!

But if you’re an online shopping junkie, you can also score a 10% cashback of up to P200 when you use your PayMaya virtual or physical card to pay for the things you love online– may it be gifts for your friends or airfare for your holiday getaway. You can take advantage of this awesome deal from December 8-10, 2018.

Come December 12, or more popularly known as the shopping holiday, 12/12, you can add a 20% cashback of up to P200 on top of the array of discounts and deals you’ll get when you shop at sites like Lazada and Zalora using your PayMaya virtual or physical card.

“This holiday season, paying using PayMaya for gifts and other treats you plan to give your friends and loved ones is not just more convenient, but definitely a lot more rewarding than using your credit cards or paying via cash. And the more you use your PayMaya account, the more perks and treats you’ll receive so you have more to share all around,” said Raymund Villanueva, Vice President and Head of Growth and Marketing at PayMaya Philippines

Shopping? It’s more fun with PayMaya!

Whether you’re shopping online or offline, PayMaya offers a convenient and safe cashless payment experience, proving to be the perfect shopping buddy this holiday season. To unlock the awesome discounts and cashbacks exclusive to PayMaya users, all you have to do is download the PayMaya app, register, and load up your account at any of PayMaya’s add-money stations.

You can use your PayMaya app to pay for the things you love online - from a cute purse at Zalora, to airfare tickets at Philippine Airlines, and even to your subscription on Netflix.

Also get extra perks and discounts when you #ScanToPay for your purchases in your favorite mall stores including The SM Store and Robinsons Department Stores, among many other merchants accepting PayMaya cards and PayMaya QR payments.

10 million reasons to celebrate the holiday season!

On top of these amazing cashbacks, you can also get a chance to win P10,000 everyday for the entire month of December, as well as P10,000,000 in the grand draw of the “PayMaya Pa More!” Raffle Promo.

In PayMaya, you get more chances to win these awesome prizes as you complete one cashless transaction after another. To earn raffle entries, you only have to:

·  Upgrade your PayMaya account  

·  Send money to friends or family

·  Shop online or in-store using your PayMaya virtual or physical card

·  Purchase telco load, gaming pins, or prepaid cable TV credits at the in-app shop  

·  Pay your bills  

·  Pay using PayMaya QR at partner merchants  

Download the PayMaya app now to get more from your every purchase. To stay updated on the latest promos and discounts from PayMaya, visit stories.paymaya.com/promos or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Health Talks : Movement Against Malaria, Conquering a Dreaded Disease

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Philippines observes Malaria Awareness Month last November, the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel was held and discuss how the Department of Health, private corporations and non-government organizations championed the eradication of malaria in Palawan, Bataan and Bulacan, with a success rate of as high as 96%.

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., together with its partners, made it possible for the three provinces to be almost malaria-free and if the same program is replicable across the nation, especially in malaria endemic areas. 

At Kapihan held at Manila Hotel,  Malaria champions: Dr. Raffy Deray, national malaria coordinator of the DoH , Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Edgar Veron Cruz and Marvie Trudeu, and PSFI Deputy Program Manager for Movement Against Malaria (MAM)

Back in the 9os, the Phillppines used to be a hotbed of Malarla cases. Two decades in, the

country is close to becoming totaly Malarla free.

Health officlals and health advocates, however, belleve that there is still much to accomplish to completely rid the country of this dreaded disease.

In the Kaplhan sa Manla Hotel held last Monday, Department of Health (DOH) national Malaria coordinator Dr. Raffy Deray stressed that the country is definitely on its way to being Malaria-free, thanks to the efforts of some private-sector health advocates who have worked hand-in-hand with the government to curb the dreaded disease

Dr. Deray revealed that the number of Malarla cases in the country has dropped significantly in recent years, thanks to government partners who have spearheaded anti-Malaria. "Contrary to popular belief, the Malarla situatlon in the country is much better."

Now than our nelghboring countries in the ASEAN and even in the Aslan region," Dr. Deray stressed.

Probably the most successful anti-Malaria program initiated in the country is the program initated by Pillpinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI) in Palawan in 1999.  initially referred to as the Kilusan Ligtas Malaria (KLM), the program got off the ground with a Php36-million grant from Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX)  with the province of  Palawan as its starting point. 

"When we saw that the biggest problem of Palawan was its Malaria situation, we in PSFI decided to address this issue and started KLM immediately," Edgar Veron Cruz, PSFI executive director, revealed

Right from the start, PSFI's KLM had to contend with 78,000 Malaria cases In the province with an average of 100 deaths every year. 

The project's components were: early dlagnosis and prompt treatment, vector control, social mobilization and advocacy, and an information drive and communications for behavioral change.

By 2006, Malaria cases in Palawan had dropped to about 12,000, with 21 deaths. Impressed the Swiss-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis &Malarla, decided to support the program, which was then renamed Movement Against Malaria or MAM.

From then on, the number of Malaria cases continued to decline steadily, and what was just initiative in Palawan, became a nationwide anti-Malaria program.

Piolo Pascual is the newest endorser of IAMWorldwide's Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley

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The ultimate hearthhrob celebrity, veteran actor, singer, model and producer Piolo Pascual, dubbed as 'Papa P' now teams up with IAMWorldwide as the newest endorser for Barley Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley. 

For Papa P,  despite a busy schedule, keeping fit and healthy is definitely a priority. Part of his daily routine is working out and doing physical activities so he can stay in tip-top shape. 

With new goals and milestones to take on as 2019 nears, Piolo's new daily habit is Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley.

To maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley is loaded with vitamins and minerals that helps Piolo become healthier, stronger and better everyday.

Made from the purest Australian young Barley grass, the product contains many health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, cleansing and detoxifying the body and regenerate damage cells and tissues while maintaining healthy skin among many others. 

This provides Piolo the daily boost he needs to accomplish his goals and stay on track with his healthy lifestyle.

Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley is only one of the many products distributed by IAMWorldwide.

Last Monday,  December 3. 2018 at IM Hotel, Makati City,   during the  announcement of brand endorser as Piolo Pascual,  celebrity and cancer survivor,  Maritoni Fernandez explained what is the Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley, a only one of the many products distributed by IAMWorldwide. 

Founded by seasoned marketing professionals President Allen Marvin Yu Eder and Vice President Aika Lorraine Uy, IAMWorldwide is a direct sales company that seeks to bring real change in people's welbeing through health, prosperity and balance. 

For more information, you may contact Mr. Christian Balang, IAMWorldwide Manager at 09178790930 or visit www.iam-worldwide.com

Angkas Buhay , the motorcycle ambulance now on the road to save lives

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Becoming a volunteer is a rewarding and fulfilling experience - to save lives.  A need for all kinds of volunteer work such giving first aids to accident victims on the road, assisting doctos and paramedics,  donors on drives and even assisting on traffic for ambulances. Volunteer supports lifesaving mission and also work with a team of caring, compassionate people.

Angkas, the fastest-growing motorcycle-hailing app service in the Philippines, has revealed plans to come up with the very first motorcycle ambulance service in the country. 

Dubbed "Angkas Buhay," the groundbreaking ambulance service aims to provide first aid on-the-spot for emergency cases or immediate transport of doctors to the patient.

Angkas Buhay” with objective to provide first aid on-the-spot for emergency cases or immediate transport of doctors to the patient. It is for this reason that Angkas is now inviting existing driver-partners and new sign-ups to join the pilot program in Metro Manila to train as volunteer paramedics.

Initially a collaboration between Angkas, Our Lady of Guadalupe Colleges (OLGC), and Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center (VRP) in Mandaluyong City, Angkas Buhay will pioneer an intensive training course for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-certified) drivers. 

After undergoing training, qualified EMT drivers, armed with life-saving techniques aboard a specially-designed “ambucycle” fitted up with medical supplies and equipment, will be able to stabilize patients until secondary medical transport arrives. 

Expected to go live towards mid-2019, Angkas Buhay will be featured through an in-app “Emergency” button to match the EMT driver in close proximity to the patient. 

Debuted on November 25, 2018 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal during the inaugural Safety Fiesta of Angkas to commemorate its first anniversary, Angkas Buhay is the latest initiative of the transport app in support of public safety. Displaying the “ambucyle” prototype with a brief video trailer, a panel of speakers from Angkas and its key partners gave an overview of the project.

During the Angkas Buhay launch and inaugural Safety Fiesta of Angkas last November 25, 2018 at the Ynares Center,  Antipolo, Rizal,  Angkas founder and CEO Angeline Tham with guests of honor, were Metro Manila Development Committee Chair Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo and transport-sector ally  together with Quezon City Councilor Precious Hipolito Castelo; PNP Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Director, Chief Superintendent. Roberto Fajardo and NCRPO Deputy Regional Director for Administration Police Chief Superintendent Amando Clifton Empiso, sports, fitness ambassadors and advocates Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez.

“We’ve all heard the tragic stories about critical patients who needed to be rushed to the hospital but because of the traffic gridlock and the cost of ambulance rides, many are sadly, dead on arrival. For some of us, this may even hit close to home, but what if Angkas could change all that?” said Angkas founder and CEO Angeline Tham. 

Posing a challenge to the riders, Tham recounted the heroism demonstrated by driver-partner Francis C. Belecario, who, last September 3, was instrumental in the rescue of wounded patroller, PO1 Berlino L. Ricafort in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City. 

Cited for exceptional bravery and invaluable service to the community, Belecario was recognized by the Cebu City PNP for quick thinking and immediate response to the call of duty when he brought PO1 Ricafort to the nearest hospital for treatment. Tham points out that were it not for Belecario on the Angkas platform, PO1 Ricafort’s injuries might have proven life-threatening. 

An eye-opening moment for Tham, she shared that the incident was a turning point for Angkas, “We started out with one mission, to help commuters beat the traffic, and for many, that is a lifesaver. Then we realized that we could go further as a public service, not only taking passengers where they need to go, but to hasten the arrival of medical attention for those needing urgent care.” 

Angkas Operations Head David Medrana also took the opportunity to encourage drivers to register for the Angkas Buhay program, 

“We welcome both new drivers and our current partners to become part of our elite EMT team. Angkas Buhay is accepting applications and we are looking forward to introducing our first batch of trainees to the public.” 

On behalf of affiliate VRP, OLGC College Administrator Mr. Vincent Mark P. Vergel de Dios remarked, “OLGC and VRP are proud to embark on this partnership with Angkas. Angkas Buhay will help many people and we are thrilled to impart our knowledge to Angkas drivers.” 

Rep. Castelo commended the “ambucycle” for its civic-oriented innovation. 

“We have seen how commuters have benefitted from the safe, affordable, and convenient mode of transportation offered by the platform, and now we can also depend on Angkas to extend another valuable public service,” he stressed. 

Concluding the program, Tham underscored that Angkas Buhay strengthens their larger brand advocacy for safety:

“Angkas is steering 14 million motorcycle drivers to a safe and professional livelihood, and now with Angkas Buhay, the platform can also be a means for saving lives.” 

Since launching the service in 2017, Angkas has provided free driver education to 60,000 motorcycle drivers, with 20,000 qualified drivers in their fleet across three urban hubs in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. 

Celebrating their first anniversary with a grand onboarding activity for some 2,000 drivers, the Angkas Safety Fiesta hosted whole-day seminars for Defensive Riding, Emergency Disaster Response, Riders' Rights, Local Traffic Rules and Regulations, and Advanced Safety; as well as a bike competition and driver talent show.