As part of Sole Searching Soul's empowering education #SDG4 advocacy, we are hosting webinar aims to help the small and micro businesses in communicating their highest value. Join us on August 30, 2021 at 11am!
REGISTER NOW on bit.ly/branding830
SoleSearchingSoul |
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TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE | EVENTS
Travel not just for leisure but for
the greater purpose of discovery,
change and development.
Making sure that your BRAND stand-out is important especially as you strategize for recovery.
As part of Sole Searching Soul's empowering education #SDG4 advocacy, we are hosting webinar aims to help the small and micro businesses in communicating their highest value. Join us on August 30, 2021 at 11am! REGISTER NOW on bit.ly/branding830
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Home service for eye check-up?! Yes, you read that right! Times have really changed and in the time of the "new normal" when we are all working from home and experiencing digital eye strain, eye care is an essential self-care step that we must not take for granted.
Truth to be told, since I am not from Cebu, I don't have any idea where to go. I saw the website of FOCAL SIGHT by De Los Reyes Optical so I asked my Cebuano friends about them. All of them said it has a good reputation that's why I gave it a try!
And I'm happy I did because every penny I paid was all worth it!!! From eye check-up done via home service to free delivery of my new specs, it was an excellent customer service experience! You can schedule your own eye check-up at the comfort of your home! https://focalsight.shop/pages/mobilevisit I highly recommend this to my Cebuano friends living in Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City especially if you are afraid to go out or cannot go out due to heightened Covid-19 restrictions. Don't let your eye suffer for so long. Have it checked before its too late!!!
My HOME SERVICE eye check-up was completed in 5 easy steps!
STEP 1 : BOOK ONLINE. Click this link to visit the Focal Sight website https://focalsight.shop/pages/mobilevisit STEP 2 : PERSONAL DETAILS AND SCHEDULE. Fill-in the booking form with your complete details. Select your preferred date and time. Click submit to confirm your request for a home service. The earliest time available for appointment is 9am while the last slot of the day is at 4pm. STEP 3 : CONFIRMATION. You will receive an email confirmation and also someone from the Focal Sight team will contact via the mobile phone you indicated to finalize your booking. It's that easy actually! Here's a screenshot of the confirmation for my online booking done thru their website.
STEP 4: REMINDER ON THE DAY OF HOME SERVICE. On the day of my chosen schedule I receive an email reminder as well as a call an hour before my appointment from the branch manager who will be assisting the optometrist to inform me of their ETA and reconfirm my schedule for the home service.
Each consultation period is approximately 1 hour. Based on what I experienced, they arrived on time and took a few minutes to set-up the portable optical box (PTB) and other items they brought. It's advisable for you to have the home service in your terrace or living room with access to a working socket because they will need to plug the PTB during the eye check-up. STEP 5 : SETTLE THE BILL. Focal Sight accepts different mode of payments (Cash, Card, Bank Transfer and Gcash/e-wallets) that's why it's very convenient and hassle-free.
I was told that the duo team of Focal Sight came from the Banilad branch which was actually near where I am currently housed when I'm in Cebu City. Sir Ron and Dra.Meryll was efficient and organized. They worked well and made my eye check-up a smooth one. I guess one of the best feelings I had during the home service is the feeling of comfort and ease. I don't have to rush and Dra.Meryll patiently changes the lens and "calculate" what's best for my eyesight.
Compared to the eye check-up I had in a chain of optical shops located in a mall where I felt pressured by time and the service staff seems impatient for me to decide what I want, the Focal Sight Home Service gives me the the privilege of time and highly personalized service.
That kind of feeling like a VIP, all for the good fee of Php 450!!! My eye check-up was a breeze. My mind was finally at ease knowing that there's nothing serious and I just have to wear the most comfortable correct lenses for my eyesight to avoid triggering headache. Since my old specs had been with me for many years, I decided to also get a new frame. I was amazed by the selections of frames they brought based on my initial shape preference. They were reasonably priced for its material and style!
While I was fitting different frames, my friends who are hosting me here in Cebu also availed the opportunity to have their eyes checked without hassle in their respective hectic schedule. I guess that's one of the beauty of having a home service because you can share the gift of eye care to those sharing the same roof with you. The 3 of us ended up getting our eyes checked and we're all highly satisfied with Focal Sight home service. Ting was able to get an eye drop prescription to avoid her eye irritation while her husband Nigel was finally able to know his eye grade and have a solution for his blurry eyesight especially when driving. He placed an order for a specs with blue light blocker.
A big part of my "sole searching soul" journey started in Cebu way back in 2012 when this blogsite was not even publicly viewable yet. I guess I have a heart for old cities just like Sugbu that's why I keep coming back here over the years.
So here I am, updating this site with a short yet soulful post to share what I've been doing while I am in the island of Cebu.
Travel Vlog Shoot with Celebrity-Comedians turned YouTuber vloggers Donekla in Tandem (Donita Nose & Super Tekla) and Ethel Booba with her husband Chef Jessy in Moalboal, Cebu
Special thanks to Pescadores Seaview Suites for the accommodation and tour boat used for sunset sardines run cruise with snacks.
Camping at Soul Sierra, Cebu during the #SoulFest2021
I loved my camping experience during the SoulFest. I pitched my tent just besides The Shala that's why I was able to join the scheduled yoga classes during the event.
For those who had been following my SoleSearchingSoul journey, you know by now that I've been battling with obesity and unhealthy body image for most of my early adult life. One of the areas of priorities in my #TransformativeThirty is to focus on my holistic Wellness and well-being. My yoga practice is not solely for me to lose weight but more meaningfully, it is my journey to self-love and inner healing.
Have courage to do the things that are good for your soul. Nurture your heart for that's where the divine seed resides.
The island of Cebu has always been special to my heart. This is where I had my first silent retreat way back when I was going through my quarter life crisis and was introduced to the article about the Sacrament of Waiting by a Jesuit priest.
This island in region 7 has always been my top go to place for #SSSoulfulRetreats whenever I am in the Philippines.
This 2021, I lift it up to God's Divine Direction and Divine Guidance where I shall be and what I shall become. For now, I am just grateful to be here in Cebu meeting with old and making new friends while sharing the practice of Loving-Kindness Talk Therapy and Meditation which I hope can make a difference one session, one soul, at a time.
If you're in Sugbu, let's catch-up!
I'd be happy to meet a good soul like you. September is about to end and here I am, reflecting on this question again and again. Being home for the past months since the lockdown due to Covid19 pandemic triggers a lot of emotions and memories. And I feel it's for the better because it helps me become more conscious and aware of my what and #whys. As I was browsing my old notebooks and #SoleSearchingSoul journals, I saw one of the undated entry I wrote... It must have been in 2016 or 2017 when I was in #Cyberjaya#Malaysia. Fast forward today, I am asking myself again "What do you really #care about?!" and #WHY?! Coz to be honest, whatever answer I had for this question 3-4 years ago might not be relevant today... I've been through a lot, just like you. I've changed and for sure you can relate too. What you wanted before might not be something you still aim for... What you cared for in the past is no longer your priority today.
I remember sometime in 2018 and even in 2019, I had some thoughts of #slowingdown... And by that I mean just being more aware of the things I do, of who I am becoming...not running away from every bit of emotion I feel by processing it. A part of me long to finally meet and heal my #innerchild because I hope to be more spiritually and emotionally mature. I wanted to bring my #conciousness to a higher level so that I'll be able to master myself. And I guess 2020 is giving me that precious time to reflect, to heal and to discern. To be able to finally close the old chapters of my life and apply the lessons from my past mistakes and experiences. "What do I really care about?!" I have been pondering for a few months now about this #SSSoulful question because I know that my answer will surely define my #TransformativeThirty journey... not only this year but the decade ahead of me. ALLISON
Health and Safety Reminder
to all the TOURISTS and TRAVELLERS
I received a call from Department of Tourism Region 12 earlier this month. They told me that they are preparing for the re-opening of various SOX tourism destinations. Part of their preparation is coming up with reminders for domestic tourist and local travellers.
SOCCSKSARGEN tapped me to conceptualize and prepare a branded advocacy marketing communication material which they will use in their re-opening campaign.
And today, I am sharing to you the different copies and layout I submitted to SOX. Let me know what you think. And can you guess which one they picked?
Wake Up In SOCCSKSARGEN | Philippines Tourism Ad
Dream about this pristine getaway where local culture is woven into nature. Unravel tradition and get a glimpse of what it's like to live the life in SOCCSKSARGEN - South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos. While we continue to wait for the day it's safe to explore again, plan your trip today: https://philippines.travel/wheretogo#SOCCSKSARGEN
Malnutrition reduced, food quality improved To prevent growth stunting among children in Camarines Sur, Pilipinas Shell Foundation (PSFI) recently launched its health and nutrition program Roots to Shoots (RTS) in two of the province towns, in partnership with the Manila Water Foundation (MWF) and World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF) Inspired by how plants absorb vital nutrients at the roots in order to grow, the Roots to Shoots program will address growth stunting by preventing malnutrition in Bombon and Pasacao through activities related to food security, setting up WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, and conducting breastfeeding and nutrition sessions among child caregivers. “Let's take this program seriously," Pasacao Municipal Mayor Niño Tayco remarked during launch of Roots to Shoots in his municipality. "A family's health is of the utmost importance nowadays. " ![]() Roots to Shoots MOA Signing in Pasacao, Camarines Sur held on July 14, 2020 IN PHOTO: From top left, Felix Morandarte Jr. (Municipal Administrator), Melchor Baesa, MD (Municipal Health Officer), Melinda T. Sambajon (ABC President), Aurora Nora Dela Cruz (Development Management Officer (DMO) IV, DOH), Nonito M. Tolentino (Municipal Councilor, Committee Chair, Health and Nutrition), Roberto V. Dazo, (Program Manager, WVDF) ![]() PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C Quiniones, Jr. said, “We are in high hopes that this new program, through close collaboration with trusted and expert organizations and LGUs, will truly bring lasting impact to the communities. We believe in investing in the next generation, and this is our way of ensuring that they and their families are given the opportunity to become responsible and productive members of society.” RTS’ holistic approach is supported by each foundation taking on a specific role. PSFI leads the food security and livelihood component through the implementation of a capacity-building program which trains farmers and community members in the use of farming technologies. It also diversifies their livelihoods through finance while providing infrastructure support for community-based enterprises. MWF, on the other hand, brings in WASH (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) interventions to respond to the need for clean water, safe sanitation, and awareness on good hygiene behaviors. As for the nutrition education and the mother and child-care components, WVDF will administer related activities that aim to sustainably rehabilitate underweight children while also building the knowledge and skills needed to improve parenting practices at the household level. The program launch formalized the partnership between PSFI and the two LGUs through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA). Aside from the MOA signings, turn-over ceremonies of anthropometric measurement equipment (e.g. weighing scales, tape measure, calipers, etc.) were also held with representatives of PSFI, WVDF, and Rural Health Units present. This vital equipment will aid the local health workers in assessing and improving the nutritional and growth status of children in the communities. ![]() Turn-over of anthropometric measurement equipment to LGU/RHU Bombon IN PHOTO: From left, Dale Kevin S. Egwaras, (RTS Program Coordinator, PSFI), Judy Z. Reforma, (Municipal Health Officer, RHU Bombon), Ma. Luisa DC. Angeles (Municipal Mayor, Bombon), Roberto V. Dazo (Program Manager, WVDF) During the July ceremony in Bombon, Municipal Mayor Ma. Luisa DC Angeles also expressed her appreciation to the program, “On behalf of all the Bomboeños, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our partner-organizations. Thank you, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., World Vision Development Foundation, and the Manila Water Foundation for your dedication to help and to support this kind of program which aims to uplift our fellow countrymen.” Roots To Shoot Program is aligned with the national government's National Nutrition Month with the theme "Batang Pinoy SANA TALL. Iwas Stunting, SAMA ALL," which emphasizes that stunting is a preventable illness when mothers are given access to nutrition, health, and social services in the first 1000 days of raising a child. Now more than ever, it is vital that communities build resilience against health hazards and the spread of diseases such as COVID-19. It all starts with proper healthcare and sufficient nutrition. You can learn more about the Roots to Shoots program by visiting the social media accounts of each respective organization. www.facebook.com/pilipinasshellfoundation www.facebook.com/manilawaterfoundation www.facebook.com/worldvisionph #RootstoShoots #RTS is a multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral initiative aimed at nurturing and transforming human potential by fostering the right conditions for child development especially in its earliest stages.This is also supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., World Vision Philippines and Manila Water Foundation.
In one of the learning program and study tours sponsored by the Tourism Promotions Board (#TPBgovPH) about #SustainableTourism practices in the Philippines, I was able to visit the Milea Bee Farm for the second time. And because of that, I became more interested about the role of bees in our biodiversity and sustainable lifestyle. Overall, bees, together with other pollinators can help increase our yields, not only the tourism industry through farm and ecotourism products but the way we address the food supply challenges in the Philippines too. And yes, there are still a lot to learn about the local bees but I hope this post sparks your interest to discover why BEEs matter.
BEE ENGAGED! The 2020 theme explores the role of beekeeping in supporting rural communities and improving food and nutrition security in this challenging situation. My childhood memories will never be complete without my bittersweet experiences with native bees. There used to be a beehive in my grandparents house and I always end up getting sting, almost every day! But today bees, among other pollinators like my favorite butterflies, and many other insects are declining in abundance. I rarely see bees nowadays. I even had to visit bee farms to see them. This day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping. #Beekeeping can be considered as an #Act4SDGs. The way it is being responsibly operated is an example on how we can put #SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production into concrete action at our respective communities. ![]() WORKING WITH NATURE Milea Bee Farm is an organic farm, DOT accredited farm tourism site and a DA-ATI Learning Site that manages different species of bees. They are located in San Jose, Batangas and one of the stakeholders that promotes the best practices in beekeeping. Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in action
BEE a sustainable advocate, nurture the bees!Bees, the ambassadors of pollinators No pollinators, no SDGs! The diversity of pollinators have a direct and positive impact on crop yields. Bees and other pollinating insects are, in fact, improving the food production of 2 billion small farmers worldwide, helping to ensure food security for the world's population.
I hope that as we formulate strategies and recovery plan for the Philippine Tourism industry, we take the lessons learned from the study tour and nurture all our local hardworking bees. I firmly believe that by being more aware about beekeeping and the importance of bees in our lives, we can now actively choose to live a sustainable lifestyle. Let's accelerate sustainable development goals and best practices while putting organic Farm Tourism as a key pillar to our post-pandemic recovery and sustainable growth. Sabi nga eh, BEE healthy, stay happy! And speaking of local, once this lockdown is over, I will definitely visit the local bee farms in my region, EXCITING BICOL. KIWOT, a native stingless bee, has become an attraction at Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee (BBU) Farm, techno-demo farm for kiwot beekeeping located at brgy. San Roque in Bulusan, Sorsogon. For now, I will enjoy the locally sourced honey I bought in my previous trips and BEE thankful for this natural golden sweets left in the kitchen.
I'm not yet a parent but I have young cousins and several godchildren from dear friends so I was worried when I read in the recent news that they might be vulnerable to some preventable diseases and that Philippines might face an outbreak because Filipino children are not getting vaccinated! PH vaccination rate at an all-time lowVaccination rate in the Philippines is now at an all-time low because of the lockdown, a Department of Health (DOH) official said. For this reason, the DOH and other medical experts are calling for continued immunization despite the quarantine explaining that the country could not afford an outbreak within a pandemic. The DOH National Immunization Program manager, Dr. Maria Wilda Silva, said that from January to March, vaccination coverage has dropped to 7 percent which is an all-time low. This number is way below the ideal 24 percent coverage for the country to reach the 95 percent target by end 2020. “This is very low because of the disruption from both the supply and demand side,” Silva said in the recent online kapihan of Samahang Plaridel. The call for immunization is strongly aligned with the statements released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF which also highlighted the importance of continuing vaccination at this challenging time said that the benefits of immunization clearly outweigh the risks at this time. DOH, experts call for continued immunization amid pandemic
According to an entry I read on FamilyDoctor.Org, Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It can lead to infections in the lungs, blood, and brain. Pneumococcal disease causes health problems in children younger than 5 years of age. This includes meningitis, blood infections, and ear infections. And children below 2 years old are at greater risk of infection. Silva shared that one of the vaccine-preventable diseases, pneumonia, remains the number one killer disease among children 5 years old and below. The tender for the child pneumococcal vaccine—between PCV 10 and PCV 13-- is currently being reviewed by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) for comparability and cost effectiveness. Asked on the new evidence presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) saying that the two PCVs in the market are equally effective in protecting the children from pneumonia, Silva said: “When we did the cost effectiveness analysis, they are both cost effective. The price of PCV10 and PCV13, they fall on that range na cost effective sila pareho. But, of course, there is another benefit when we chose the PCV13 because it contains te three serotypes that are not found in PCV10 before. But now with the new evidence, this was now presented to National Immunization Committee and then it was brought up to the HTAC for further review and we are waiting for the review.” In the article by kidshealth.org, I learned that children younger than 2 years old and adults over 65, as well as other people with some medical conditions are at high risk for serious pneumococcal infections. The PC vaccines are very effective at preventing severe disease, expensive hospitalization and death. The PCV tender is massive, which is even bigger than that of the controversial Dengvaxia procurement. “Currently, there is only one available pneumococcal conjugate vaccine available in the market (PCV 13). It is a very expensive vaccine and its eating up more than 60% of the budget of the national immunization program. Mahal talaga pag isang produkto lang ang nasa merkado, ” Silva said. The HTAC Review of the PCV vaccines is expected to be completed this June. DID YOU KNOW?!
For her part, Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), said that like COVID-19, “each opponent virus has its own effective weapon of infecting vulnerable individuals, especially children which is why, vaccination is critical even during a pandemic. “Sa ngayon, meron na tayong mabisang bala para sa tigdas, polio, tusperina, flu, pulmonya, pagtatae at iba pang mga sakit. So, labanan natin at sugpuin natin ito upang mapanatili nating malusog ang ating mga bata. Sama-sama, tulong-tulong tayong ihayag sa mga magulang kung gaano kahalaga ang magpabakuna.” (For now, we already have an effective defense weapon against measles, polio, pertussis, flu, pneumonia, diarrhea, and many other illnesses. We need to fight and beat these to ensure the health of our kids. We should all together make parents aware how important it is to get vaccinated.) So mga Moshies and popshies, alam nyo na po dapat gawin ha?! Bawal pasaway, say YES to BAKUNA!
Let us make sure that we prevent any disease outbreak especially during this pandemic. We cannot afford to lose this preventable battle to diseases and affect the future Filipino children. Mahalaga po ang pagpapabakuna! |
_______________________ MABUHAY!
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