A unique therapist - Doctor Fish

When we went to Star City, one of the places I was attracted to try was a spa which offers treatment and therapy using small freshwater fishes as main attraction. These particular fishes will be the spa therapists for the guests. Unbelievable? Yup! It's true. I actually tried the spa and experienced how it feels being massaged by these aquatic animals as they eat dead skin cells all over my feet and toes. Ticklish at first, but eventually leads to as if electric current flowing through my veins from my lower leg to the sole of my foot. I can't resist but to close my eyes and bit my lips as one by one, they made contact to my feet and the more they are eating on their food (dead skin cells), the more intense it feels. I did enjoy the experience (the session lasts for 20 minutes), it provides a sort of relaxation on my tired feet because of a whole day walkathon inside the amusement park. The spa definitely soothes the worn-out guests with their little dermatologists.
I never thought it was possible, but as I've researched the type of these fishes, it seemed to be that they originally live and propagate in the Northern and Central Middle East. There are two types of this fish commonly known as "doctor Fish", the Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus. They both are being used as temporary treatment of some skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
They have been popular nowadays as sort of alternative method for health spa businesses; a unique spa, with a unique therapist indeed. Try it and you’ll see!

Our Adventure in Star City and Snow World

My family opts to spend the entire day with fun and adventure, and so we went on February 5,to Star City, one of the country's most popular theme parks nowadays. The children were all enthusiastic and in high level of energy once we stepped in on the lobby of the place. As expected, it was crowded during the day since many schools from different locations have chosen it to be their last stop of "educational field trip" (mmm.. perhaps to allow children unwind themselves after an exhausting day of explorations to various stop-over). Surprisingly, despite the overwhelming volume of guests that day, all the Star City staffs were still in high-spirit, showing all-out smiles to children and adult guests as well (a commendable work attitude indeed).
And so the day went as scheduled, the kids got to try all kiddy rides and even some minor rides which are allowable to small children as long as with adult supervision. Me and my hubby tag along with the kids as they enjoy every moment of it; while I took pictures and him recording them on cam.
Next, we went to try the famous 'Snow world'. I was really excited about it, I even prepared all my kids' necessities, winter gears like jackets, gloves, scarves and bonnets just to keep them warm and comfy while inside the 'snow world'. This will be the first time we’ll experience such climate except of course my husband (he experienced winter while in Japan), that’s why my children and I are all enthusiastic about it. However, because of too much excitement, I forgot that I left them at the trunk of the car and so my kids never got the chance to wear them, tsk.tsk.tsk. Fortunately, there are available free jackets provided in ‘Snow world’.
Last stop of the adventure was to fill our stomach with the sumptuous home-prepared food we brought along in package, whilst, eating on the long bench provided outside the car park. We’re there for an adventure anyway, lol.. Anyway, everybody enjoyed the moment, all of us were satisfied with the outcome, and we even planned to return after our ‘balikbayan’ relatives leave next week.
The day ended with so much fun, wonderful memories, albeit physical worn-out. Next time, I’ll try to be cool and give myself time to enjoy the rides too, so let’s see what happens next..cheers everyone..

Writing for HELIUM

2 Months ago I got the chance to learn about HELIUM and TRIOND. Sites where one could share his passion for writing while earning of course. Though I initially tried TRIOND, I have only made 2 poems and an article there and then became inactive. I found the site interesting but not really encouraging for new writers like me to be more active and enhance my skills. However, with HELIUM, which I was hesitant to join at first because I felt that the community seemed to be more serious and very professional as they include those experts in different fields like medicine and health care, legal counseling, real writers and authors, etc.. But nevertheless with the help of encouragement from those people in MyLot, who also writes for Helium, I eventually joined the group.

Since I joined the community, I never stopped wasting my time doing nothing except updating my helium site. Joining debates and rating articles are all I am looking forward to do. I usually check out my scores, for any writing or rating stars added into my credentials, because these recognitions provide me a sense of achievement for doing well in my craft. I love writing since my pigtail years. I even had a diary before which I lost when I stepped into college; though I still kept notes of some of my write-ups like poems, articles and essays which were all collated during my college years.
Writing has been a passion of mine, mainly to express my deep-seated emotions, unravel the past memories, and draw an imagery of my dreams and the future. Likewise, through writing I could find bliss and serenity in myself. Even though I never had the opportunity to undergo extensive training in this field, or even make it a profession, it never stopped me from continuing my passion and even had the guts to join a community like this where my own authored articles will be published online and be read by thousands of people in different parts of the globe.

Helium has helped me to be more confident in myself, in my own skills and potentials. It provides a lot of avenues for learning and training so that a neophyte like me would get the chance to further enhance my writing capabilities and hone it to a higher level like the professional writers. Through their sponsors, they also provide contests and the marketplace where one could become a freelance writer. Aside from the writing and rating stars that a member could get for being active and making qualitative articles, there are still other more awards awaiting the member in forms of monetary and recognition. Hence, it really pays off your hard work.

Thus, I highly recommend HELIUM to everyone especially those whose writing is also their passion or those who just love this craft but still want to develop their skills and potentials, try joining this site. You will surely enjoy and love it!

New Year Reunion 2009

As traditionally practiced every year, we attended the Sison's family Reunion at Paco, Manila on January 1. All members of each family were present except of course those in the province and the States. My husband Robz whose busy being the "nanny" and "tourist guide" of his balikbayan relatives from Japan was unable to attend it too, the reason he's so regretful of missing the sumptuous Caldereta recipe of my Aunt Minda . Our ever sweetest and yet cool nun Aunt Sr. Fely was of course present and even posed for a picture in her most daring ways.lol... I just hope it will pass the MTRCB review. lol.

Anyways, here is the list of the attendees, Sison - Maravilla Couple (Ellen and Wayne) who both seemed to be feeling it's just their pre-nup days, so sweet like candies and cupcakes while holding each other hands and couldn't separate them even by an ant bite. :)

Next in line, Aunt Minda (she mustn't be absent or else we won't have tasted her great known recipes and baked goodies) and Uncle Mong; also present are Aunt Sally (a.k.a Anita Linda in the flesh), Mama Gene, My parents of course, Jojo and Ed ( the cowboy, check it out why ), the newlywed Mayos and Jude, and lastly, the team they call themselves Singles, John and Joey, Jommel, Ej, Chie and Fatima.
Ooppss, I almost forgot, I should have include myself and my kids in the list, heheheh...

To sum it up, the day was spent with fun and laughter, filling stomach with delicious recipes from every family, picture taking, gift giving and other surprises.

The day ends with so many memories; Timeless memories that each and every family will cherish.

Happy New Year to all!!!!

LOVE on Christmas Day

Our Christmas this year was something to be remembered for sure. Last 24th of December, my little sister just got married in very simple civil wedding rites at our home. She's also 3 months pregnant and soon we'll have an addition to the family aside from my two little rascals. Though it was really a surprise for all of us, nevertheless, the momentous occasion has brought so much jubilation and closeness to the family.

To my new brother-in-law, Jude, I hope you will truly love and take care of my sister and be a good husband and father to her and the baby. I know you're a good son and a brother. I do hope it'll be the same with your own family. Starting a family is no easy task. It requires so much patience and hardships as well. Be strong and be faithful always to the ONE who showers blessings and greatness to this world. I and Robert will always be here to lend a hand until you get it through.
Indeed welcome to the family!!!

To my little sister, Mayos, you are always so precious and love by me. Being the youngest sibling, you are like my little baby though years have passed and things have changed. Now, you are already a wife too..And soon a mother to your own angel.. I love you sister.. I'm proud of you and always will... Take care of yourself. Remember, it's not just you anymore but the two of you. Love and take care of your husband as well. Be a good wife and pamper him with love and affection. Support him in all his endeavors and always be faithful to him. Nine months of carrying the baby is really hard as it is your first time to experience it, but as soon as you give birth and see the little bundle of joy, you will realize then that every hardship worth it.

To the unborn angel, provide your mom and dad with joy and laughter. Give your mom no headaches while you’re still in her womb. A bounty of love and affection will soon be your home. Welcome to the Family as well!!