This is how I did it: Seven pointers in losing weight and keeping it away.

On July 14, 2009

Almost all of my close friends and family witnessed what a positive impact of having a healthy body again has brought to my life and it's a pleasure to share this with everyone. I used to be heavier a couple of years ago until I lost 30 lbs. in 2006. Doctors say that 90% of those who lose weight gain it back within a year. It's now 2009 and I'm happy I was able to keep it. I'm definitely not skinny but not overweight either.

How did I keep the weight from coming back? You'll be happy to know that my journey to losing those extra pounds and keeping it away didn't mean extra hours of working out nor depriving yourself of anything. You first need to have a heart that is willing to change, and a mind that is open to discipline. After that, you'll love the benefits.

Cut on fatty, sugary stuff. The good news we now have a lot of alternatives in the market so don't fear trying them out. My best pick is the line of L-carnitine fruit juice and snacks. There are also those guiltless cakes and ice cream flavors available which may cost more but is healthier than those regular ones with more calories in them.

No emotional eating. I don't follow crazy diets that only leaves you hungrier at a certain point and binge. One of my advantage is that I'm not an emotional eater. I believe that emotions are there to make humans feel, but it doesn't have to make anyone gain unnecessary weight.

Address real problems with real solutions. This is related to the pointer above. Scientific studies prove that stress and anxiety often is relieved by three servings of bananas and that should do the trick. Bananas don't make you fat, but commercialized "comfort foods" like ice cream and chocolate does. What I'm trying to get across is that we should educate ourselves so we know how to deal with a problem, get the right solutions, and not be mislead by our emotions.

Move it! Exercise is really effective in dealing with stress and depression because you channel your thoughts and energy to something positive. However, it's always a smart advice to check with your doctor first what program best suits you. It could also be any sports activities that you enjoy because it's important that you're happy with what you're doing in order to stick to it. The activity of my choice is running daily if not once or twice a week when I'm very busy. The key is that you do it often and as much as possible, weave it to your routine.

Eat foods that burn fat. Yoghurt, egg, milk, fruits, greens, and legumes are just some of those.

Green tea. I embraced drinking green tea after learning that regular tea drinkers generally have smaller body mass than those who aren't. No wonder my dad never got fat because he adapted my grandfather's love for teas. And most of the Japanese and Chinese aren't overweight because they work hard and they drink tea.

Support group. The last piece of advise that I can relay to everyone is the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family. Stay inspired, stay happy. That's the best way to be successful in any endeavor you pursue. I wish you good health and happiness in your journey for change.

The Ecopark Project

On July 13, 2009

Last week, Del & I went to the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City. All revenues of the park is used to continuously preserve and protect the La Mesa Watershed which is the primary source of drinking water for millions of Metro Manila residents. For only P250.00, you can adopt a tree and help save the watershed. That was our project.

There are plenty of activities you can enjoy at the park. As for a trekking junkie like me, it's a decent place to wander around.

There you'll find the only salt water swimming pool open for public. Salt water granules are used instead of chlorine so it's less toxic and safer for kids. The Lopez picnic ground is a perfect place to grill, share food with friends and family underneath the trees.

It was low tide so we weren't able to experience boating at the Superferry Boating Lagoon so we opted to check the biking range and the horseback riding trails. I get to ride two horses namely Brando and Clinton. Brando is bigger but a bit more aggressive while Clinton is a smaller frame gentle-natured 10yr. old white horse from Bulacan. Kababayan!

We also stopped by the Butterfly house and hatchery, and took pictures of the scenic flower terraces and Koi fish lagoon. There are plenty of other things we weren't able to do at the park that day so we'll definitely come back to bring our friends and family with us.

No room for fakes.

July 13, 2009

I have always referred to my dad as the genuine article. He is what he is at home, in business, or with friends. If there's one trait I would take with me anywhere, that would be his total honesty about himself. As you read on you'll understand what this is all about.

One day, my younger sister Sher and our common friend Mich went to their friend's flat for a visit. Let's name the other girl, Rica. I've also known Rica for quite sometime since she's my sister's friend. But truth of the matter is, I never really liked her much and I just can't figure out why.

Sher and Mich were so excited to see their old buddy Rica. As Rica opened the door, she flat-out dropped a disappointed "hi", as if she's expecting someone else. It was really rude of her since Mich haven't had a wink of sleep as she fled straight from a full night shift to meet the girls that morning.

Rica didn't seem to appreciate what there is to appreciate. There was a complete moment of awkwardness among the three of them. Sher tapped signals to Mich that it's about time to leave but a couple of other friends came in. This was quite a relief for Sher and Mich, so as to break that awful moment of silence.

Same reaction from Rica, who seemed to be so unhappy that it wasn't the boy she wanted to see right at her doorstep. The other friends also noticed what was wrong but they kept their cool and just chitchat with everyone else except Rica. They tried to ask Rica what's bothering her but she refused to talk about it and continued showing her expression of annoyance.

The girls just let her be and then came the part for picture taking. They had a couple of photos taken and surprisingly, the obnoxious girl Rica managed to smile ever so sweetly as if nothing happened. As if she doesn't owe anyone an apology. She managed to mingle and cuddle with the friends she pissed off... all just for pictures.

What a fake. So fake that I decided I can't take that much plastic in my system. It makes me want to sack her in a 100% biodegradable reusable shopping bag!

That super fake super plastic gesture proves how messed-up she is. She better know when to quit her unnecessary emotions and grow up. Peace!

Cupcakes, anyone?

On July 10, 2009

Our first home economics project when I was in fifth grade was to bake macaroons but apparently, our teacher didn't make it seem enjoyable because if she did, I probably would have gotten hooked to it.

I feared baking because everything about it needs to be measured perfectly, timed accurately, beaten and folded correctly. So even if I like cooking, I never really paid much attention to baking pastries until early this week.

Good heavens for my sweet tooth, I craved for cupcakes so I decided to make some myself. The recipe I followed said it will only yield a dozen but my mixture made two dozens instead. I was so sure I followed all the ingredients' measurement! After getting a bit scared where I went wrong, the taste test made me really happy and proud of my first baking project.

End result were smooth, delicately sweet vanilla cupcakes!

Better Man

On July 10, 2009

I got this from Ren's plurk. Been listening to this for quite a while... It's those rare moments where I feel like sharing music and the words that come with it.

These boots are made for walkin'

On July 9, 2009

Today's a fine day. I was scheduled for job interviews. One in the morning and another one in the afternoon so I had a big breakfast. Grilled ham and cheese with side poached eggs to send off that drowsy feeling within the day. I also had my ceylon cinnamon tea fix before heading off to my first stop.

First interview highlights:

Executive Officer: "You will be working directly for the President, he's a very busy person. You will have to work with him, make him look good, and even save his ass (yes he did say the word 'ass'). That includes the possibilities of sending you off to China or the United States for certain assignments. Are you willing to deal with that?"

Me: "As long as it's within my boundaries, I can accomplish anything. I'm straightforward and I know when to say 'no'. He can't walk all over me."

Executive Officer: "That's good to hear. If he sees that you're not inferior, you'll have his utmost respect."

Me: "That's even better."

Executive Officer: "He'll talk to you on Friday."

Me: "Great!"

Then off to my second stop. But before I even try to enter the elevator, I knew I just have to have coffee. I'm surprised to feel so unawake in the middle of the day so I grabbed a frappe and went up.

Second interview highlights: (after the CEO gave me an idea about their current business structure)

CEO: "I see you're a very smart, intelligent young woman."

Me: (as quick as a bullet) "Thank you." *wink* *wink*

CEO: "Tell me, what would you suggest if I give you a project to develop our business while cutting costs?"

Me: "You mentioned that in your Sales Department, you hire a bunch of telemarketers to call leads found all over the internet. So you mean they use google and other search engines to find prospects, right?"

CEO: "That's correct."

Me: "I have visited your website and found it really boring, no offense. Why not make it the other way around? Why not use the power of seach engine optimization so instead of you hiring people to find prospects, you get someone to jazz up your internet visibility and remodel your cyberstore so prospects will find YOU."

CEO: "Brilliant, and I think we just need to find the right people with ideas. Anything else you want to add up?"

Me: "I have a couple of things on top of my head which I am not telling you now unless I get the job."

CEO: "Can you start on Monday?"

Me: "I'll let you know on Friday."

CEO: "Let me know ASAP."

See? It feels great when you know people can't make a crap out of you. Have a great day everyone!

Onward Christian Soldiers

There will be bottlenecks ahead so I catapulted to the road quite early for our formation. However, no matter how I try to get there before sunrise, battalions were already settled before me. By the gate were tents, trucks, and all other vehicles with dust graffiti. I marched along with familiar faces at bay. This is home.

Some human tendencies are indeed universal, like despising a place that provides too little comfort and rest. But not to this troupe who kept vigil at the center of wilting heat and rainshowers. Amidst tribulations and false accusations. All for the glory of the Commandant who called us.

In this army where I belong to, revenge is never taught. The protocol? Show love and kindness to those who persecute you. But still, they stripped our leader off his rights and humiliated him with heaping lies. Nevertheless, he carved into our hearts how to forgive, and never tire of serving our fellowmen.

Three days and we closed the ceremony with prayers and even more songs of praise. In God's mercy and aid, we shall finish our battles with spirits unscathed. So this is love. So this is Christianity.

Run, eat, and help change the world!

On July 5, 2009

Our friends from Hobbes & Landes Bonifacio High Street would like to invite everyone to...

"Run, Eat, and help Change the World"
A charity fundraiser for the benefit of The Channel of Hope Foundation, Inc
7:00 AM, SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009, BONIFACIO HIGH STREET
Lots of Prizes to be given away. Bring your friends and family and have a good time running, eating and helping change the world.

RACE MECHANICS:

Run 2.5 kilometers from the starting point to the REACH Challenge Zone

Eat 6 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnuts

Run or Walk 2.5 kilometers from the REACH Challenge Zone to the finish line

You don't have to eat all the doughnuts but only those who complete both legs of the FUN Run and consume all 6 doughnuts will be eligible to receive the Grand or Second Prizes.

Fees:

Over 12 - 300 pesos

Under 12 - 250 pesos

Under 5 - FREE

The event is limited to 300 runners only so come early to register or contact Chris Aguilar at 9852540, 09228001308 or activatedplus@gmail.com.