Kamusta na kaya sila?

WALA akong masyadong kaibigan. Hindi ako pala-labas na tao (gimik). Ang mga kaibigan ko simula ng mag-trabaho ako at mangilan-ngilan na kaklase ko pa noong high school at college ay sa Friendster at Facebook ko lang nakikita. 'Yung valedictorian namin at 'yung isa na kasama sa top 10 ng graduating class sa high school naging kaibigan ko sa Facebook. Nagiimbita sila na lumabas sa unang pagkakataon makalipas ang may ilang taon na hindi namin pagkikita. Umiral na naman ang pagka-mahiyain ko. Ayun mabuti at naunawaan naman nila. Sila 'yung mga taong akala mo namimili ng kakaibiganin pero mali pala ako. Mas mainam pa nga sila kumpara sa ibang nakatrabaho ko noon sa dyaryo. Parang sa showbiz, marami ring plastikada at tsimoso. Hindi naman lahat marami pa rin ang mabait at tapat. Naging kumare ko pa nga ang iba sa kanila.

Minsan sumasagi pa rin sa isip ko ang mga taong nakapanayam ko, mga taong nagbigay ng banner material sa akin. Hindi lang sila source of information para sa akin. Naging kaibigan ko rin ang iba sa kanila. At kahit papaano, ang storyang ginawa ko ay nagbukas naman ng ilang magandang opportunity para sa kanila. Masarap ang pakiramdam na sa maliit na contribution mo ay nakatulong ka sa kapwa mo. May panahon pa na kahit walang-wala ako ay ako pa mismo ang nagpapaluwal ng kaunting halaga, matuloy lang ang isang interview o kaya naman ay maiabot sa taong nangangailangan nito. Wala akong magawa kundi aluhin sila sa aba nilang kalagayan.

** Wala lang senti mood lang ako ngayon. Hindi ako masyadong makaikot (bloghop) at mabisita ang site ng mga kaibigan ko at ka-barrio sa Barrio Siete dahil bilang ina mas una muna ang papel ko bilang taga-asikaso ng asawa at mga anak at syempre taga-laba dahil Lunes ngayon. Ang post na ito in-update ko lang sa draft. Pramis may mga timely post ako 'pag balik ko at hindi na ako busy. Salamat po sa mga dati at bagong kaibigan - may mga Single Ladies (Beyonce's song in mind), marami rin ang mga mommies at 'yung iba ama ng tahanan. Magandang araw!

Mommy Moments: That's My Dad (and a lot more)

God is good for giving me a wonderful husband. My guy is the epitome of a close to perfect husband and deserves the accolade for being an ideal father to our two kids.
~~I don't know what life would be like for me if I didn't met you. I thank God I found you. Happy Father's Day my dear. ~~

My one true love

The wind beneath my wings

Devoted Dad

See more of my hubby's pix showing his super duper Dad role in my previous post:

http://penname30.blogspot.com/2009/04/unforgettable-moments-with-dad.html

Friendship really matters to me

I've got three awards from Gene of Her and History, who despite her hectic sked as a working mom, still managed to post these friendship, best blog and creative mom tags. One Lovely Blog Award was also shared by Beth. Thanks Gene and Beth.

Now, I'm sharing the first two awards to Shie, Earth, Silver, Snow, Dee, Beth (Trust. Loyalty. Bliss), Beth (All About Elizabeth), Pephot, Dinah.

I'm also sharing this to other mommies who make real friends through blogging.

Thank you, Gene for including my site in your list of best blogs.

...and last but not least...thank you for considering me as one creative mom blogger. This is an awe-inspiring compliment. This award was originally created by Mommy Jac of Mom's Special Diary to celebrate her blog's first year anniversary.

But there are few rules to follow so we won't miss the fun of sharing this award to other mommies.

Begin Copy

♥ Take your award and put the logo on your post.

♥Link the person who awarded you. Remember each recipient of the award should acknowledge the person who honored them and go to Mom's Special Diary to copy and paste the award.

♥Put your own blog title and link.

♥Nominate at least five deserving moms.

1.Mom's Special Diary 2.His Unfailing Love 3. Her and History 4. Mom writes for a cause 5. YOU

End Copy

Here are the five deserving moms:
1. Jes of My Little Angels
2. Mahalia of Chocolateworld
3. Twinkie of Twinkie Calls
4. Chris of The Mommy Journey
5. Maureen of Living a Sugar-Free Sweet Life

Litratong Pinoy: Imposible ba ito?

Ang sarap mag-motor sa countryside. Sariwa ang hangin at walang trapik. Pero parang imposible ata na mangyari ito sa lahok kong litrato. Paano ka magmo-motor sa itaas ng mga puno. Maliban na lang kung ikaw si Edward Cullen, ang bidang lalaki sa pelikulang Twilight. Dahil sa ito ay produkto ng Photoshop, magtataka ka pa ba?

Ito ang orihinal na litrato ng aking asawa at anak na bunso. Kinunan lamang ito sa harapan ng bahay namin isang araw ng Linggo. Minsan may mga larawan na hindi mo na alam kung orihinal na kuha o produkto lamang ng malikot na imahinasyon ng mga artist na bihasa sa paggamit ng Photoshop at iba pang katulad na aplikasyon sa pagmanipula ng mga larawan.

Naririto ang larawan ng iba pang kalahok ngayong Huwebes sa Litratong Pinoy.

247 Flu Cases and Counting

LOCAL A(H1N1) UPDATES

Total Confirmed - 247; New Cases - 54

Gender: Males - 25; Females - 29

Age Range: 5-70 yrs. old

Nationalities: 52 Filipinos, 2 Foreigners

Total Discharged - 85

Newly Discharged - 14

HILERA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• 194 Inluenza-like Illness Cases (As of June 12); 20 confirmed
• Affected Brangays: 1) Hilera (no. of cases decreasing; 2) Pakul; 3) Lambakin
• Intervention: 1) School Closure, 2) Active Disease Surveillance, 3) Health Education, 4) Social Distancing

CANDELARIA HIGH SCHOOL

• 49 ILI Cases; 8 Confirmed
• Affected Barangays: 1) Bambang (23 ILI found);, Sta. Ana (7 ILI found); 3) Matungas
• Intervention: Epidemiologic Investigation On-Going

GLOBAL UPDATE

• Total: 35,928
• Deaths: 163
• No. Of Countries Reporting: 76

BASIC QUESTION AND ANSWER ON A(H1N1):

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?

• Similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as:
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pains
• Lack of appetite
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough

• Some cases have reported diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

How does Influenza A(H1N1) virus spread?

• Coughing or sneezing by people with influenza

• Touching things with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes

Can I get infected with Influenza A(H1N1) from eating or preparing pork?

• No, you can’t get influenza A(H1N1) by eating properly handled and thorough cooked pork and pork products
• The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 F/70 C.

What is the incubation period?

• 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms

How long can an infected person spread Influenza A(H1N1) to others?

• Infected person maybe contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Are there medicines to treat infection with AH1N1?

Yes. Oseltamivir or zanamivir are the recommended drugs to treat and or prevent infection with this virus. You have to consult a doctor before using these drugs to avoid resistance.

Is there prophylaxis for the Influenza A(H1N1)?

Yes. For further information refer to Interim Guideline # 1.

Is vaccine available to protect people from getting infected with AH1N1?

No, at present there is no vaccine against this virus.

How can we prevent the spread of the virus?

1. Observe proper personal hygiene:

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water, at least for 20 seconds (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers) especially after handling patients and specimen, before and after eating, after using the toilet and as necessary.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

2. Increase your body’s resistance

• Have at least 8 hours of sleep
• Be physically active
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables

3. Social distancing.

• Avoid crowded places.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick until you are free from symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.

What to do if somebody gets sick?

• If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.
• Report to the proper health authorities .

The following DOH Hospitals are designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases like Influenza A(H1N1):

National Referral Center
Research for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599

Sub-national Referral Centers

A. Luzon and Metro Manila

San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. (02) 732-3776 to 78

Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. (02) 924-6101/Fax No.:924-0707

B. Visayas

Vicente Sotto Medical Center
Cebu City
Tel. No. (032) 253-9891/254-0057

C. Mindanao

Davao Medical Center
Bajada, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 227-2731

Satellite Referral Hospitals

Regional Hospitals/Medical Centers of 16 regions (list down the 16 regional hospitals)

Mariano Marcos Memorial Hosp. and Medical Center
Batac, Ilocos Norte
(077) 792-3144; 792-5002; 792-5051

Cagayan Valley Medical Center
Tuguegarao, Cagayan
(078) 844-3789; 844-1410; 844-0033; 0917-9356201

Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital
San Fernando, Pampanga
(045) 961-3921; 961-3380; 961-3363

Batangas Regional Hospital
Batangas City, Batangas
(043) 723-0911; 980-1743

Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital
Legaspi City, Albay
(052) 483-0016; 483-0015; 480-0635; 483-0808

Western Visayas Medical Center
Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
(033) 321-1797; 321-0638; 321-2841

Western Visayas Regional Hospital
Bacolod City
(03) 433-2697 435-1591 loc. 241

Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center
Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City
(053) 321-133; 321-3129; 321-2816; 325-8438

Zamboanga City Medical Center
Zamboanga City
(062) 991-2934

Northern Mindanao Medical Center
Cagayan de Oro City
(08822) 728-829; 723-735
(088) 858-4064
(0917) 950-4287
(0918) 534-5333

Cotabato Regional and Medical Center
Cotabato City, North Cotabato
(064) 421-2192; 421-2340 local 103

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
Baguio City
(074) 442-3165

Caraga Regional Hospital
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
(086) 231-7090; 826-2459; 826-3157

If you have flu like symptoms and history of travel to Influenza A(H1N1) affected countries/areas, immediately consult a doctor.

For more information on Influenza A(H1N1), call (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002

Source of info here

Sad fate of Ruby Rose Jimenez

I was browsing Facebook this morning and saw a Youtube link posted by a former editor. He'd warn though that the video is not for the weak-hearted and that viewer discretion is highly recommended. I was able to watch it until it was removed from Youtube several minutes later.

It was too depressing sight for an ordinary person like me (non-medical and non-forensic at that) to see. The clip that runs for a couple of minutes or less, was taken during a forensic investigation on the body of Ruby Rose Jimenez, who was killed and sealed in a barrel and cemented steel case by her abductors.

The victim's feet are tied down, hands cuffed behind her back and the head was wrapped by a plastic material. Her tummy was also bloated.

Authorities found Ruby's body after a tipster (or a suspect) led them to her supposed permanent grave inside the Navotas Fish Port on June 10.

It's a tragic death carried out by 'professionals'. I wonder if these people could sleep soundly at night for what they did.

Quoting my former ed's exact words on his post: "Akala natin sa sine lang nangyayari ito.... when i was still based there (Manila), I've met and seen "powerful" families -- not necessarily politicians -- who'd boast they can do that to anyone who dare cross them."

Ruby's case is not an isolated one. There are a number of heinous crimes similar to her case that remain unsolved at present.

Could the restoration of Death Penalty deter crimes like these from happening?

My heart goes out to Ruby's grieving loved ones. And may her soul rest in peace.

Disclosure Policy

Mom writes for a cause is a personal blog written and maintain by Yami Torrecampo. Aside from personal  posts, I also write paid reviews and accept any type of advertisements.

However, all reviews on this site are written based on my view and opinion on the product, services or website that I write about. If in case you have questions that you wish to clarify about a certain product or service, you should verify with the manufacturer or party in question. You can reach me through my personal email address mvtorrecampo@gmail.com.

I'm not smart!

One fine afternoon, my eldest saw this teaser on TV showing a primate looking at a stuff toy. While the smart monkey tries to figure out what the stuff is all about, other monkeys follow suit. The toy caught their interest as well.

My daughter blurted. 'Monkeys are really smart just like you (referring to her brother sitting next to her on the sofa). The conversation was actually delivered in Tagalog. (Matatalino talaga ang mga unggoy gaya mo. 'Di ba matalino ka?)

Khalil, who was then intently watching TV, said on a serious tone. "I'm not smart!"

"Yes you are, you have an achiever award!" the big sister said holding a grin.

("Ay, hindi ako matalino", ang sabi ni bunso. "Ano ka, achiever ka nga eh!" balik ni Ate.)

That's how their brief conversation end up. Any violent reaction? It may not be that funny, but it really made me laugh. :D

These are my lovable kids. Taken this morning just before Manong service arrives. It's their first day of school. Had a lot of 'bilins' (motherly reminders) narrated to them before they go. From taking care of their stuff (the usual - notebooks, books, pens, etc.), finish their snacks, and most importantly pay attention to what their teacher is telling them. I happen to be a 'makulit' mom, so they have to live with that. Better be 'makulit' than 'strict', I guess. But seriously my kids understand and heed my 'sermons' well. And off they go, 45 minutes ahead of their schedule. No rushing whatsoever. Both are smiling as they wave us (me and hubby) goodbye. I'll be seeing them before lunch time. It's back to reality for now. Cooking time!

Photohunt: Lock (up)

Maximum Security Compound, New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City

Although the three men were already charged for their crime several years ago, I still have to hide their identity and the case(s) they got involved in. They are still locked up inside the state penitentiary. I heard their story and was able to write the victim's side as well.

These men claimed they were innocent of the crime charged against them. The victims' family, although justice is served is still grieving because the body of another loved one remain missing up to this time.

Mommy Moments: Outdoor Fun

SWIMMING is one of the few outdoor activities that my family enjoys every summer. It's a get-together of sort with my sister's family. Taken during the summer of 2007. Let other mommies share with you their 'outdoor fun' at Mommy Moments.

Litratong Pinoy: Pangarap Ko

Taoist Temple, Beverly Hills, Cebu City

Ako (nasa gitna) at ang mga kasamahan ko sa health beat.

Plantation Bay Resort, Mactan, Cebu

Sa labas ng hotel

Kung meron akong pangarap na balikan. Ito ang Taoist Temple at Plantation Bay Resort, ilan sa magagandang pasyalan at bakasyunan sa Cebu. Dahil sa trabaho ang ipinunta namin sa mga nasabing lugar, hindi rin namin nagawang makapamasyal ng husto.

Ang Taoist Temple ay hindi lang isang lugar na masarap puntahan kung gusto mong magmuni-muni. Ipinagmamalaki rin ng lugar na ito ang magandang architectural design ng templo. Kita rin mula sa itaas nito ang kagandahan ng siyudad.

Isang 'perfect place' naman para sa mga honeymooners at sa buong pamilya rin ang Plantation Bay Resort para sa isang memorable na bakasyon. Kung sakali man na makabalik ako rito, siguradong kasama ko na ang asawa at mga anak ko.

Kayo, ano ang inyong pangarap na puntahan? Pasyalan ninyo ang Litratong Pinoy para sa ibang lahok ngayong Linggo.

Two different awards from four mommies

What do you know? Three fellow mom bloggers consider my blog as lovely while another mommy included me in her lists of favorite blogs. I'm just thrilled to accept these awards/cute badges from them. This recognition inspires me to improve my site and to try to make each post useful to readers.

I would like to thank Gene of Her and History, Jeng of Jengspeaks, and Onlinemommy for this Lovely Blog Award.


And for Chris of Mommy Journey for this Favorite Blog Award.

I would like to pass these awards to the following: Shie's Asylum, Earthlingorgeous, Make or Break, Tales from the Mom Side, Kizuna, Twinkie Calls, and My Treasures.

HIV and Luigi's journey through life

taken from Luigi's profile

Si Luigi ang isa sa mga kabataan na hinangaan ko ang tapang. Tapang na harapin ang katotohanan sa kalagayan niya. Tapang na magsalita at aminin kung sino siya. Siya rin si Dying Young. Kailangan ko siyang bigyan ng bansag (Luigi) sa kadahilanang maselan ang kanyang kundisyon. Isa siyang Pusit o positibo sa HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. Ang mga anak ko ang pumili ng Luigi dahil nang mga panahon na 'yon ay kapapalabas pa lang ng animation na Cars. Kaya hayun, Luigi ang ibinansag ko sa kanya.

Marami akong natutunan sa kanya. Nagpanggap pa nga akong lalaki o pa-men makapasok lang sa isang website para makita ko ang mundo ng mga kagaya ni Luigi na nabibilang sa third sex.

Hindi ko na pahahabain pa. Dahil sa determinasyon ng batang ito na palaganapin ang tungkol sa kundisyon ng HIV/AIDS ay binuo niya ang blogsite na Dying Young: The Journey of a Young Filipino Living with HIV noong 2006, gamit ang snapshot ng dati kong dyaryo noon at series ng storya niya. Naka-post din do'n ang radio interview niya, at special mention pa ako. Salamat!

Kagabi ko lang nakita ulit ang website niya after a couple of years dahil sa pagri-research sa Google. Hindi updated ang site ni Luigi at wala ring commenters.

Susulatan ko si Luigi at ipaaalam ko sa kanya na na may blog na rin si Ate Miriam. Who knows baka maisipan ulit niyang magkwento, 'di na nga lang sa diyaryo.

Hindi lang si Luigi ang nabigyan ng mukha sa aking mga lathalain. Marami sila. Namayapa man ang iba, subalit patuloy pa rin ang takbo at laban ng buhay para sa mga naiwan na gaya nila.

Salamat din pala sa kay Klasmeyt Tess (editor ko 'yan) dahil sa ganda ng treatment niya sa pinaghirapan namin ni Luigi.

Minsan sa Facebook, sabi niya miss na niya ang mga exclusive stories namin. Ganoon din naman ako. Salamat sa magagandang memories sa Journal.

UPDATE: Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 Writing Project

What are the measures of an emerging influential blog?

Being popular or has the potential to become popular is one. Second, the blog should be effective in providing an information to its readership. Third, the writer's opinion is worthy of respect. Fourth, the blog somehow influences (in a positive manner) the way its readers think or act. I think these are enough criteria of an emerging influential blog.

Ms. Janette Toral has come up with part 3 of this writing project that identifies new and emerging blogs, which are making waves this year. She calls it Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 Writing Project. These are blogs that started anytime from May 1, 2008 to the present.

I'm participating in the contest and here's my list.

Shie’s Asylum is a personal online journal of Shie's journey through life and what makes her life interesting. It's a place where her sane and not so sane thoughts really matters.

Mommyjourney is a personal diary of a stay at home mom who wants to share her experiences to other moms. It is a venue for mommies all over to network and learn from each other. It speaks of day to day activities and realities of parenthood.

Barrio Siete is an alternative collective blog by a group of bloggers who talk the talk, and walk the walk of its target audience — the socio-economic group who do not use pretentious and intellectual language that can not be grasped by ordinary human beings. The blog uses the basic Tagalog sometimes Taglish language that can be easily understood by ordinary people.

Dare to Speak Out is a personal and commentary blog penned by Silver. It discusses her different take on a wide range of topics - from the trivial to the political.

Her and History contains telltale stories of a new mom who will soon be an old mom in the coming years, a teacher who grows up wanting to be a doctor but ends up realizing that teaching was her calling, a child of God who believes that " a drop of God's wisdom is greater than an ocean of human intelligence", and a foreigner's life in the Land of Smiles. Peek my world and discover Her and His Stories.

Writingtoexhale.com is a new site maintained by blogger extraordinaire Jan Geronimo. From his quirky personal blog called Sa Labas ng Mandaluyong, his new haven is more focused on blogging, writing and social media.

Dear Bloggery is a personal journal of a researcher that blogs about everything under the sun. The author Snow discussed about personal experiences and opinions, current affairs, media and entertainment. Perhaps, Snow is born with a passion in blogging because she also blogs regularly about the latest buzz in the blogosphere through her Bloggery Buzz of the Week.

Goodtimesmanila is a lampoon site created by Deejay. It's a work of satire featuring bogus news about politics, show business, business and other current events in the Philippines and thereabouts.

Zorlone is a creative writing blog that focuses on poetry and short stories. Zorlone is an anagram of the blogger's name who also goes by the initial Z. The site owner, who happens to be a medical doctor, hopes to inspire readers to start writing and make their mark in this niche. Thus, his blog's slogan 'Dream. Create. Inspire.'

Chocolateword. Mahalia initially put up her site to chronicle her pregnancy with her third child. Today she still writes within the realm of family life, motherhood, and occasional reflections and meditations. She also shares interesting insights about her garden, sumptuous recipes, news commentary that provoke her thought, and tips on frugal living.

I am thankful for Ms. Toral for coming up with this brilliant undertaking. And this writing project will not be possible without the support of sponsors such as Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, and Blog4Reviews.com.

For those who wish to join the contest may visit Ms. Toral's site for more information.

New post at Barrio Siete - Spirit Possession: Breakdown or Breakthrough

Hay, despite my semi-hiatus mode, I can't let this one pass. Barrio Siete, my 'second home,' is running another contribution of yours truly. This is about spirit possession. It was an interview with Father Glen Gomez, spiritual counselor at the Chirst the King Seminary in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City. He discussed about the difference of spirit possession or 'sapi' in our local dialect. He said spiritual possession could be a product of psychological or mental illness (breakdown), and breakthrough which could be a religious or mystical experience. Read the whole story at Barrio Siete. More interesting and timely reads by different writers are also found on this site.

Reynz, who serves as Kapitana in Barrio Siete, is very kind to accommodate my articles (in Tagalog) despite their simplicity in approach and content. Thanks Reynz! Here are some of my write ups.

Profile of Ecstacy users

Deadmen confessed to priest

Games PR men play in an election

Introduction of Barrio Siete to its pool of writers

Why are we hung up on handwashing and the Happy Birthday Song

Children are exposed to germs that cause a number of illnesses when they are in crowded areas like school where they'd be sharing or holding the same infected things and surfaces.

It's also inevitable when a student would accidentally sneeze right after your kid. We can't always shield our children from the possible sources of infection. But we can always do something about it. We can tell them to observe simple rules of cleanliness.

Like my kids, I let them bring a small container of alcohol or a hand sanitizer just in case there is no water in school to wash their hands before and after snack and lunch time. Aside from their hanky, I also put some tissue papers inside their bags.

And I remind them without fail to drink plenty of water while in school not just to quench their thirst or replenish lost body fluids due to excessive sweating caused by physical activity, but also to flush out toxins in their young body.

DOH preventive measures

The DOH issued a guideline for school administrators to prevent and control the potential spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) in schools.

The Guideline, which can be accessed at the DOH Website, outlines the steps and preventive measures that include:

* educating students on Influenza AH1N1
* promoting handwashing
* proper cough etiquette and good hygiene among students
* ensuring the availability of facilities for hand hygiene and sanitation
* organizing infection control teams
* and reporting of increasing incidence of influenza-like illness among students, faculty and non-teaching staff.

What is the proper way to wash you hands?

Rub your hands together vigorously and scrub all surfaces: Lather up on both sides of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers, and around your nails. Wash for 15 seconds — about how long it takes to sing "Happy Birthday."

Tips for preparing nutritious snacks for your kids

An estimated 22 million students will attend today's opening of classes in the public elementary and high schools nationwide.

I wonder how many moms are beating the "back to school blues" especially in preparing packed lunch or 'baon' for their kids every single day.

Most moms wouldn't settle for less when it comes to preparing healthy meals for their children. I stumble these tips from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology, long ago. I refer to these tips every time I run out of ideas to perk up the meals I prepare for my own school-age kids.

* Think about you child's 'baon' ahead. Healthy school lunches can be easy when you plan ahead. Plan your kids' baon a week in advance and give them lots of healthy selections to choose from. This will teach them to develop the habit of making choices for themselves

* Packed lunches should have three or four food groups represented to fuel them through a lot of the school day's activities, for example,

rice + fried chicken + buttered or boiled vegetables + fruits in season

* Prepare easy-to-pack and carry dishes like fried fish, chicken or pork, or pork adobo, beef tapa, fish/meat omelette, etcetera. Include vegetable or fruit as side dish.

* Use a different sandwich filling each day (tuna, cheese, egg, or chicken). Preferably use whole grain breads and low fat mayonnaise or dressing. Add cut up vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, pipino (cucumber) for added fiber. Prepare sandwich fillings the day or night before to save time in the busy morning.

* Include milk and fruit juices for beverages. This will help assure your children of a nutritious drink and also save you needless expenses on carbonated beverages. If you include tetra pack fruit juice, keep it in the freezer then put directly in the lunch box - it will have thawed by lunchtime and will keep the rest of the food cool.

* Make sure your child is drinking safe, clean, and enough water.

* Be concerned with food safety when packing lunches. Use thermal/insulated lunch box to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. With a good thermal/insulated lunch box, there is no limit to the delicious, nutritious and safe packed lunches for your kids.

Monday
Fried Longganisa
Lettuce-Cucumber-Tomato Salad
Boiled Rice
Banana Fruit
Snack - Fried Banana/Camote

Tuesday
Chicken/Pork Adobo
Sauteed Abitsuelas
Boiled Rice
Fruit in Season
Snack - Egg Sandwich

Wednesday
Fish/Meat Omelette
Atsara
Boiled Rice
Orange Juice
Snack - Boiled Peanuts

Thursday
Beef Tapa
Fresh Tomatoes
Boiled Rice
Pineapple Juice
Snack -Chicken Sandwich

Friday
Fried Chicken/Breaded Pork chop
Buttered Vegetables
Boiled Rice
Fruit in Season
Snack - Fruit in Season