Flordeliza Ongchua - Abduction in Zamboanga City

This is alarming. Let us all be safe. Always pray for our safety - asking for Divine guidance and grace to be with us at all times.

xoxo, 

Mommy Mai

Here is the latest news. Read Here. 

Teacher abducted in Zamboanga City

ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – A public school teacher was abducted by armed men in Zamboanga City on Tuesday evening, police said.

Police said Flordeliza Ongchua was accosted by some 13 men inside her house in Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City at around 7 p.m.

Flordeliza's daughter, Faye, said the armed men initially went to the house of barangay chairman Oning Maravilla. However, the barangay official was not around at that time.

The suspects then went to the house of the Ongchuas. When Flordeliza and Faye noticed that the men were armed, they immediately went inside their room and locked it.

The suspects, however, destroyed the room's door.

Faye said the abductors were supposed to take her as well, but her mother begged to spare her.

Flordeliza's husband, Arnold, was not around when the abduction occurred. The armed men and Flordeliza were already boarding a pump boat when he arrived at their house.

Police said before the abduction, some of the suspects had disarmed the policemen in a nearby station. The Ongchua family's security guard was also disarmed by the suspects.

Maravilla admitted he has been receiving kidnap threats from unknown people. Intelligence operatives had likewise warned him and the Ongchuas of the threats.

Police have launched a rescue operation for Flordeliza. The Zamboanga City Police has been placed on heightened alert following the incident. 

– a report from RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga

Batak Trapiko: Imbestigador Special

Traffic Enforcers sa Meycauayan City - Sabog at Lulong sa Droga habang On Duty

We were watching GMA7 this Sunday evening, November 18 when I was surprised to see the traffic enforcers of Meycauayan City being featured in Imbestigador with Mike Enriquez.

The said operation led by PDEA, Region III was a bit of success as they were able to arrest, warn and communicate with the targets, the traffic enforcers who were seen on the surveillance video taking illegal drugs even on a call of duty. They were able to arrest the pushers, Beth and Erning, as well as the users. Though the two traffic enforcers were found negative of the presence of methamphetamine (shabu content), the concerned government offices and agencies guaranteed the IMB most especially the citizens that the investigation must continue and will serve justice.

It was again a disgrace to our City, which tries its best to make possibilities to fortify and beautify its image and reputation. This must serve as a challenge to our local government officials - that they ought to closely monitor not just the performance and qualification of its employees but also the integrity and the character of each and every public servant. Citizens especially tax payers must be assured that they are given the kind of public service they truly need and deserve. 

This must be an eye-opener to all of us, government or private employees and all the Filipino citizens. We must indeed do our share for the betterment of our City and our Nation - doing our social responsibilities in our very own little ways is a very good idea. Let us work hand in hand in achieving the aspirations and objectives of our City. 

Kudos to PDEA Region III and to the "Imbestigador" ng bayan! Thanks for doing your share and for helping us live a better and a safer life. 

Visit them here. Click THIS.

Mahigit isang dekada nang umaaksyon sa mga krimen at anomalya. Ipadala ang mga sumbong sa imb_sumbunganngbayan@gmanetwork.com o tumawag sa Hotline 928-4713. 'Di namin kayo tatantanan!

Reposting: Aman Futures and the 3rd Deadly Sin

I feel the need to repost this as hubby and I now are both beginning to invest and work on with our funds and hard-earned money. This is a must-read. Please do. Be wise and be safe.

Read more HERE.

The first rule of money, according to lay evangelist and entrepreneur, Bo Sanchez is, “If you earn it, don’t lose it.”

The caveat would seem useless now for thousands of people who plunked their lifetime savings in a get rich scheme run by Aman Futures Group Philippines, Inc. The Pasay City-based trading firm thrived in Pagadian City until the managers could no longer pay investors. The police are looking for Aman Futures top guy Manuel Amalilio and his cohorts who have all quickly disappeared. Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas assured investors the government will do everything to collar Amalilio and recover their money.

I commiserate with the victims, but my readings about pyramiding scams tell me that recovery would translate to the Tagalog saying, “Pagputi nang uwak, pag-itim nang tagak.” (When the crow turns white and the heron turns black).

Get rich schemes, known as pyramiding, also known as Ponzi, are nothing new.

One of the biggest investment scandals that rocked the country was the operation run by Multinational Telecom Investors Corp. Multitel’s Rosario “Rose” Baladjay duped not just ordinary people but also businessmen, politicians, Cabinet members and celebrities who lost an aggregate of P25 billion to the scam.

Although the massive investment rip-off was discovered in 2002, Multitel ran an underground operation as early as 1988. Investments as low as P2,000 and as high as P10,000 earned a monthly interest of 1 percent or 12 percent per annum. Baladjay lent the money to businessmen at a rate of 2.5 percent a month or 30 percent per annum.

The lending investor hit the jackpot when it offered huge interest rates of 30 percent to 40 percent in 45 days. Double your money schemes offered 80 percent to 100 percent returns if the investment is locked in for 18 months. In 2002, the pyramid collapsed under the weight of clients’ demands for profits. Baladjay was convicted for the crime of syndicated estafa and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Some people think Pinoys fall easy prey to pyramiding schemes because they are presented like investment and stock markets plans. This is partly true.

In July 2009, I wrote about Bernard L. Madoff and how his Ponzi-style investment caper ripped off an estimated $65 billion from reputable banks and investment houses in the United States and Europe, including celebrities, retirees, and charitable institutions.

The key to getting their trust was Madoff’s credentials because he was a skilled stock broker and financial adviser who later went on to become chairman of the US stock exchange NASDAQ. The moneyed class viewed him as a modern day Midas, whose touch turned any investment portfolio worth bars of pure gold. Madoff ran the enterprise for years and delivered on the promise of 30 percent to 40 percent profits within 45 days, or 100 pecent returns within 90 days.

The term Ponzi is attributed to the con man of the ’40s, Charles Ponzi who was able to pay off dividends by using funds from early investors. But yet, Ponzi was not even original because in 1899 there was William F. Miller, a Brooklyn accountant who pocketed $1 million through the pyramid scheme.

With such important lessons from the past, we wonder why ordinary people, but especially professional investors and financial experts would still fall for the scheme. We often hear the admonition to be wary with offers that sound too good to be true, but some investors practically pleaded with Madoff to accept their money.

And so the question is, was Madoff so glib that he was able to dupe investors and bankers, or were his victims so stupid that they were deceived by a financial plan with con game elements written all over it?

Was Amalilio’s driver and janitor such a sweet-talker that people waited outside the office of Aman Futures at 3 a.m. just to give him their money?

Far from it. The experience of peoples who lost everything in get rich schemes is rooted in the third deadly sin, greed. People are drawn to the promise their money will earn much “while they sleep.” Common sense tells them otherwise, but they don’t care how the investment planner would raise 30 percent to 100 percent interest for as long as the profits kept coming. They know the plan is bound to fail, but they were fed with initial sums, and they thought it would last a lifetime.

While Madoff’s victims pondered their fate in the spring of 2009, CNBC ran a series entitled, “The American Greed.” I had the privilege of watching one feature, about Texas billionaire and offshore banker Allen Stanford, who used practically the same scam in duping clients in the US and in Antigua. Stanford endeared himself to the island government in the Caribbean region by buying real estate and involving himself in philanthropic activities.

He was eventually knighted by the island state, and later allowed to buy a small island.

Stanford had wanted to corner the port services of Antigua but was derailed by a top department official who smelled something fishy.

As the Madoff caper unravelled, Stanford’s clients in the US and Antigua also lined up to withdraw their investments but as this predictable story turned out, they were not even worth the paper they were printed on. The CNBC series was supposed to bring to light the “dark side of the American Dream.”

Madoff’s saga ended in June 2009 after a federal judge sentenced him to 150 years in prison. Nothing could alleviate the pain of victims, but Judge Denny Chinn saw to it that the scam be remembered for all time, to serve as lesson and warning. He pronounced the crime as extraordinarily evil.

In concluding the article, I wrote that Hollywood celebrities like Steven Spielberg, who also lost millions in the Madoff caper, should be able to put a more thoughtful spin on the American Dream, “the supposed inner soul or essence of every American to achieve a better, richer and happier life.”

Being rooted in the US Constitution that all men are created equal, the national philosophy is an inspiration for many poor Americans, especially blacks and white immigrants, who rose from rags to riches through hard work and perseverance.

Sadly, these virtues that launched the US to the top of the world are waning and instead, there is a growing unscrupulous desire for more wealth and power.

This is a malady not just in American society, but in many cultures around the world including our own. As shown by the Madoff caper and Philippine versions, Multitel and Aman Futures, the value of hard work and sacrifice has lost its meaning, while material riches have become man’s obsession.

Amalayer: Paula Jamie Salvosa - Who is She?

http://rightonthemark.wordpress.com

I was looking for what to blog this morning when I came across on FB this buzz word - Amalayer! I got so curious and started to ask google. After doing so, I found great links to the viral video as well as to some news about her. 

Although it's really fun to hear the "amalayer" thing on the said video, it's also alarming how some netizens criticized and judged the "amalayer" girl, Paula Jamie Salvosa, without knowing what really happened or what the real thing was. 

Though what the "amalayer" girl did was initially unpleasant and kinda rude, I think she does not deserve to be tagged as someone who's hindi nakapag-aral or a total disgrace to her family, her alma mater, and her community. That has been too much, unfair and an extreme exaggeration, right?

I mean, we could all voice out and rant about what and how we feel towards a person, an event, or an occurrence. Thus, twitter and FB are indeed powerful networking sites and tools to either making or breaking anyone or anything. This has been very alarming for all of us, netizens for the same thing could also happen to us. We can all be instantly famous, the newest talk of the town, or become "trending" (in a snap of a finger). 

IMO, it is not fair ... for that very short one-minute video isn't a good basis for us to say that she is so and so. Let's all be fair, spread love and make peace.

Lesson learned.

xoxo!

Amalayer - Paula Jamie Salvosa

You may also read the news HERE.

Read more info HERE.

A video of a passenger berating a guard in a train station went viral on Facebook Tuesday night, getting more than 68,000 shares and 17,000 comments.

The hashtag #AMALAYER, which came from the passenger's pronunciation of "I'm a liar," even trended on Twitter, both worldwide and in the Philippines.

In a video sent by YouScooper Gregory Paulo Llamoso, the woman was seen giving the guard a tongue-lashing.

Llamoso said the incident occurred at Light Railway Transit (LRT) Santolan Station on Tuesday. The woman was later identified as Paula Jamie Salvosa.

Reached by GMA News, Salvosa said she is willing to resolve the issue with the security guard, though it was the lady guard who raised her voice initially.

"Sabi n'ya sa 'kin, sumigaw, 'Miss, anong problema mo?' Sabi ko sa kanya, you are my problem!" she said.

Salvosa added that the guard, identified as Sharon Mae Casinas, grabbed her arm. "Sabi ko, bakit? You have no right to drag me! Nagagalit ako kasi she grabbed me!"

Salvosa said she would not have reacted that way if the guard had treated her well.

Related story: LRTA asks passengers: Bear with security procedures

For her part, Casinas said she asked the woman to put her bag though the X-ray machine for proper inspection. However, Salvosa began raising her voice.

Casinas, on the other hand, said she remained calm despite the humiliation. "Nagkulong po [ako] sa kwarto sa sobrang kahihiyan," she added.

Salvosa said she is a victim of cyberbullying.

She also denied that she owns the Twitter account name @paulaharlow, as she has already deactivated her Twitter and Facebook accounts.

"I want to be an example na may karapatan naman tayo. Cyberbullying ito," she said. — BM, GMA

ALFM Mutual Fund - BPI Trade: Our New Investments

Hubby and I always tend to look for some possibilities to earn and save more as we both want to have a more passive income for our family especially for our dearest unico hijo, Eieo. 

And now, we were so grateful and overwhelmed to finally have a chance to spot a great deal to start with - investments. We have decided to invest in mutual funds through ALFM mutual funds via BPI Trade. 

We were glad that we have finally settled in and wish that these ventures would prosper and work for us and our funds. Our hard-earned money only deserves to be invested in a scheme or portfolio that is more secured and stable. 

So, being a newbie in investment vehicles, we found mutual fund a great deal to go. We have to have fund managers to lend us a hand and make our money work at its best.

We are in faith, in prayers and in commitment that this new baby venture will blossom into something big, a blast and a blessing indeed.

To GOD be the glory.

xoxo, 

Mommy Mai

History of Philippine Journalism - Timeline

A History of Journalism in the Philippines: Historical Notes (11 of 11)

by Alixander Haban Escote in History, August 28, 2008

Twenty-four important notes necessary in understanding a history of journalism in the Philippines:

Marcelo Del Pilar is also the author of La Soberania Monacal, 1888; and Frailocracia Fililipa, 1889. Hilario was not actually his middle name, but Gatmaytan.

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente was founded by Isabelo delos Reyes and Pascual Poblete, 1902; and was headed by Gregorio Aglipay as its first Pontifex Maximus or Obispo Maximo or Supreme Bishop.

Vigan, before Ciudad Fernandina and later Heritage City of Vigan, is the capital of Ilocos Sur and the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. It is the third city in the Philippines founded by Juan de Salcedo, grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonzo Realonda wrote Noli Me Tangere, 1887; and El Filibusterismo, 1891. He was executed in Bagumbayan, now Rizal Park, on December 30, 1896.

Ferdinand Blumentritt, the “true brother” and “loyal friend” of Jose Rizal, made several studies about the country. He was born in Praque, Bohemia, now Czechoslovakia.

Andres Bonifacio is the father of Philippine Revolution and Philippine Democracy and the founder of the Kataastaasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan in Tondo, Manila on July 7, 1892.

Emilio Aguinaldo was the President of the First Philippine Republic. He was also elected as President of the Revolutionary Government and President of the Biak-na-Bato Republic. He proclaimed Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

Rafael Palma was elected Senator of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, 1916; appointed Secretary of the Interior, 1919; and appointed member of the Independence Missions, 1919 and 1922. He was also the fourth president of the University of the Philippines, 1925-1933; a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, 1934-1935; and the Chairman of the National Council of Education; 1936-1939.

Gen Douglas McArthur was the youngest Chief of Staff of the US Army. He served as the Military Adviser of the Philippine Commonwealth, 1936-1941; Commanding General of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), 1941; Supreme Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific, 1942-1945; and Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers for Occupied Japan, 1945-1951.

Sergio Osmeña Sr. was the first Filipino national leader under the American regime as Speaker of the Philippine Assembly and the Second President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, 1944-1946. He was the Vice President of Manuel Quezon when World War II broke out, and assumed the presidency upon the death of the latter in 1944. His secret agreement with US President Harry Truman on May 14, 1945 became the basis of the 1947 RP-US Military Bases Agreement.

US Olympia is the flagship of Admiral George Dewey, the Commanding Officer of the US Asiatic Squadron during the Spanish-American War. For his victory, Dewey rapidly rose from the rank of Commodore to Rear Admiral and Admiral in the US Navy.

Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina was the President of the Philippine Senate, 1916-1936, and the First President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, 1935-1944.

Francis Burton Harrison was the American Governor General of the Philippines, 1913-1919, remembered for his Filipinization policy, i. e., replacement of Americans in the Philippine Civil Service with qualified Filipinos. His dying wish that he be buried in the Philippines was granted and that he was buried in Manila North Cemetery.

Carlos Romulo y Peña was the first Filipino president of the United Nations General Assembly, 1949; and a member of the United Nations Security Council, 1958.

The Battle of Bataan started on January 9, 1942 and continued until April 9, 1942.

The University of the Philippines was established in 1908 by virtue of Act No. 1870 written by W Shuster Morgan, Secretary of Public Instruction and member of the Philippine Commission. Formerly located in Padre Faura in Manila, it transferred to Diliman in Quezon City in 1949 although the College of Medicine and Allied Medical Professions remained in Manila.

President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. First elected in 1965, he was easily re-elected in 1969. Facing increasing civil unrest from the Communist Party of the Philippines headed by Jose Maria Sison and the Moro National Liberation Front headed by Hashim Salamat, Marcos suspended the constitution, declared martial law, and seized dictatorial powers in 1972. Accused of massive fraud in the 1986 Snap Elections against Corazon Aquino, Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii. He spent the last three years of his life fighting the lawsuits that tried to reclaim the large fortune he had accumulated improperly while in power.

Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the Spanish and the American governors-general from 1863 to 1935 and of Philippine presidents from 1935 to the present. The name is said to have come from the words “May lakan diyan,” literarily, “there are noblemen residing there.” A violent rally in front of the palace on January 30, 1970 was described as the “Siege of Malacañang.”

Plaza Miranda is the public square in front of the Quaipo Church in Manila. It was named after Jose Sandino y Miranda, Secretary of the Treasury of the Philippines from 1853 to 1854.

The writ of habeas corpus is a written order, issued by a court, directed to the person detaining another, and commanding him to produce the body of a prisoner with the date and the cause of his capture and detention.

Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was the youngest foreign correspondent during the Korean War, the youngest adviser of President Ramon Magsaysay, and the youngest member of the Philippine Senate. His assassination at the Manila International Airport, now Ninoy Aquino International Airport, on August 21, 1983 galvanized popular opposition to the Marcos administration and brought his widow, Corazon Cojuangco, to the forefront, during the 1986 Snap Election.

Martial law is the temporary imposition of a military government over a civil government. It is invoked when civil authority is inadequate to enforce law and to preserve order against rebellion and insurrection. It was also proclaimed in Taiwan, 1949; Thailand, 1958; and South Korea, 1972.

EDSA is an acronym for Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, named after a Filipino historian and provincial governor of Nueva Ecija. Formerly known as Highway 54, which starts from Kalookan City to Pasay City, a stretch of it in Quezon City was the setting of the 1986 Philippine Revolution, hence 1986 EDSA Revolution.

Corazon Aquino is the First Woman and Eighth President of the Republic of the Philippines, 1986-1992. With Salvador Laurel as his running mate, she led the opposition that overthrew President Ferdinand Marcos who went into exile in Hawaii after the 1986 EDSA Revolution. She first established a revolutionary government under a Freedom Constitution, which was replaced by the 1987 Constitution, drafted in 1986 and ratified in 1987.

For more news and information on journalism and its basics  and essentials, visit this page. Click the LINK here.

LET Reviewers for Future Teachers 2012

Teachers must have the license; therefore, you have to take the LET and pass the exam accordingly.

If you wish to have LET reviewers and other materials to help you out, please feel free to contact me as I am more than willing to lend a hand.

LET reviewers are now available online. Go and grab the opportunity NOW!

So, strive harder and be in the loop!

Love teaching the way most teachers like me do!

Happy teaching, everyone!

xoxo,

Mommy Mai

PISObilities: Wealth within Your Reach Seminar

Mommy Mai: Count me in! This will be another great learning experience for me and hubby. We'll also invite our families, relatives, friends, and colleagues. 

Join us as we continue to work our way towards financial literacy and success. Let's all celebrate financial freedom together. Register NOW! See you there. Cheers! 

November 17, 2012 

Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12 noon

7th Flr., Social Hall, City State Centre, 709 Shaw Blvd. Pasig

Mr. Francisco Colayco

Php 2000.00

But wait, there's a good deal!

75% discount awaits all students, government employees, PNP/AFP personnel and staff,  and private/public school teachers! Pay only Php 500.00!

Reposting the details of the said financial coaching session with MR. FRANCISCO COLAYCO... or visit this link. Click HERE.

“PISOBILITIES” is a portmanteau word coined by CFE. It refers to one’s ability to earn and manage his one peso and the possibilities of making that same one peso work for him. Each person’s financial life should be like a one peso coin. One side represents his ability to generate active income or the income earned when he invests his talent, sweat and time. 

The other side is his ability to generate passive income or the income earned from savings, otherwise known as investment income. Together these two sides enable him to attain financial independence when utilized effectively. 

Overview

This seminar will equip you with the basics of proper money management – spending, saving, planning & investing.  It will help you realize the importance of having a financial goal and introduce you instruments and strategies on how you can achieve your financial goal/s.

Who should participate?

Ideal for you who would like to take control of your finances, may you be an entrepreneur, employee, executive, professional, student, freelancer, OFW or housewife. Also ideal for couples because money management is a family affair.  Good if you bring your teenagers along.

Key Topics:

Part I

- Why PISObilities?

- Common Behaviors of those who fail

- 5 Financial Activities

- When are we wealthy?

Part II

- Keys to success

- Obstacles to Financial Success

- Quick Net Worth Planning

- Basics of Investing

Seminar Fee

Php 2,000.00 per person (inclusive of snacks, seminar kit, certificate of attendance)

Discounts

50 % discount if payment is settled 1 week before the event.

75% discount for all Students, Government Employees, PNP/ AFP,  and Private/Public School Teachers

Payment Options
Cash at the Colayco Foundation Office/Events – Proceed to the Colayco Foundation Office at Unit 805 Citystate Bldg. 709 Shaw Blvd. Pasig City from Monday to Friday, 9AM-5PM except on legal holidays.

BPI Bank Deposit
Bank of the Philippine Islands (any BPI branch)
Account Name: Colayco Foundation for Education, Inc.
Savings Account #: 0203-2507-97
Fax to +632 637 3731 or email & scan to renzie@colaycofoundation.com

Valid Deposit Slip
Your Name
Your Contact Number and Email Address
Indicate the seminar title

Or you may also pay via 711 convenience stores and 


Contact Numbers
Please call (632) 637-3731, (632) 502-4590, or (632) 637-3741
or call/text mobile number 0917-808-8857
or Email renzie@colaycofoundation.com

Be there!

Women 101: How to be Pregnant When You Have Irregular Periods

E-I-E-A: We want you soon!

After getting married, Hubby and I had a hard time having our first little bundle of joy. After the long wait, regular visits to my OB-GYN, thousands of pesos, sincere prayer intentions, firm faith, and strong hold and belief to miracles, we finally made it in 2007.

Though it was really not a joke to have a baby, we needed to be obedient to whatever my specialist doctor had to say. We religiously obeyed and followed the procedures for a year so we only deserved to be blessed and be given one, our unico hijo, our Eieo.

And now that Eieo's at four, we wish and pray to be blessed with another gift, our second child - claiming that it will now be a daughter, Eiea (Reanne Francesca).

Our Eieo will surely be happy to have a lil sis and be called Kuya!

God permits - we will all be happy, grateful and thankful for another blessing.

As of the moment, we are working our way to being blessed once again. And we are more than willing to grab whatever opportunities that may come along our way.

The following post is a good article for moms and wives like me who are having a hard time conceive due to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual periods.  Happy reading!

 Source: Yahoo News

How to make babies when you can’t

Approximately 15 out of 100 couples will consult a doctor due to their inability to conceive.

This condition is labeled as infertility. Science defines infertility as the absence of pregnancy after regular sexual intercourse for a period of one year. Regular sexual activity is further outlined as penetrative sex between  two people of opposite gender occurring at least three times a week.

Many theories have been put forward about this seemingly worldwide epidemic of infertility. I say “epidemic” because according to statistics, infertility affects 15% of all couples worldwide, or about 80 million couples.

Why infertility is on the rise
The most popular (or, rather, unpopular) reason for this heightened surge of childless relationships are chemicals. Plastic is to blame. Plastic has a component called Bisphenol A or BPA. When plastic is exposed to high temperatures, BPA is released causing estrogen-like effects on the human body.

Estrogen is one of the hormones responsible for reproduction. Any excess estrogen will cause several problems for women, from irregular menstruation to infertility to breast and uterine cancer.

Others believe that infertility is due to lifestyle. Excessive exercise, poor sleeping habits, smoking, and alcohol intake are possible culprits.  Another speculation is the late onset of child-bearing in career-driven women.

Whichever the cause, men and women seek solutions to the problem.

Step 1: Fertility tablets
Visiting a doctor is the first step to solving the problem. When you do, it would be good to be armed with a record of at least 6 months of your monthly menstrual cycle. Monitoring and jotting down your daily body temperature for 3 to 6 months is also helpful.

On your first visit, expect to undergo a Pap smear and vaginal ultrasound and for your partner’s sperm to be collected for a sperm count. Make sure you have had no sexual intercourse for the past two days to get an accurate test result.

After the results are evaluated, be prepared for a step-by-step, “trial-and-error” treatment course. The treatment is tailor-made for each couple. The physician goes through several methods to find out which will work.

The first step usually involves taking oral fertility tablets every day for 5 days, usually on the second to sixth day of your menstruation. This method is usually employed from 6 to 12 months until you become pregnant.  A bit of a warning though: fertility tablets give you a 25% chance of conceiving twins.

Read: Infertility may cause mental disorders in women

Step 2: Injectible fertility medications
If tablets don’t work, you’ll proceed to injectable fertility medications with frequent, almost daily ultrasound monitoring to determine when the egg is large enough to rupture. You are then injected with another drug to induce ovulation.

From the time of injection, you will be given from 12 to 24 hours for the egg and the sperm to meet. I suggest dragging your husband away from work and keeping him home to ensure that both of you can have sex within the given time period.

This technique may be used for 3 to 6 months or until your funds run out. A year of injectables and ultrasounds may cause a dent in your bank account.

Read: Male infertility: boxers vs. briefs stirs up hot debate

Step 3: In vitro fertilization
If you haven’t gotten pregnant after a year of trying with the initial drugs and you still want to have a baby, in vitro fertilization or IVF is your next bet.

Be prepared to take out a loan or get your parents to give you your inheritance early. Here in the Philippines, IVF costs anywhere between P500,000 to P2 million, depending on the fertility center and popularity of the specialist. The success rate of IVF here is 30%.

Some of my patients have said that the treatment costs P300,000 in Taiwan, with a “take-home baby” rate of 40%. While that may sound promising, you must factor in your lost income because you’ll need to spend almost 6 months away from work—not to mention springing for your board and lodging and dealing with the language barrier. However, I have met a few satisfied couples who have been blessed with not one but two pregnancies from a center in Taipei.

The procedure involves harvesting your egg and your partner’s sperm and growing it in a petri dish. The union may produce 1 to 8 to 12 viable embryos.  (Remember OctoMom?) You may then choose the number of embryos you want implanted into you and the gender of your baby. The unused embryos are kept in a freezer till you want to get pregnant again.

Once implanted, you will be given extra hormones and put on complete bed rest to allow the baby or babies to attach to the uterine lining. Hopefully, all will survive till term. Many miscarry before the fifth month.

Finally, after all is said and done, it is uplifting to find out that 60% of couples get pregnant after they have given up trying. Many of them conceive with no help from science.

Philippine Festivals, Events and Occasions

Cultural Festivals
Higantes Festival - Angono, Rizal
Kadayawan Festival - Davao City
Lanzones Festival - Camiguin
Mammangui Festival - May 30, Ilagan City
MassKara Festival - Bacolod City
Moriones Festival - Marinduque
Pintados-Kasadyaan - Leyte
Sangyaw - Tacloban City
Ibalong Festival - Legazpi City

Flower Festival
Panagbenga Festival - (Feb 26- Feb 27), Baguio City

Religious Festivals
January
Feast of the Three Kings - 2, Gasan, Marinduque
Bailes de Luces - 5, La Castellana, Negros Occidental
Lingayen Gulf Landing Anniversary - 9, Lingayen, Pangasinan
Feast of The Black Nazarene - 9, Quiapo, Manila
Biniray Festival - 9, Romblon
Hinugyaw Festival (Araw ng Koronadal) - 10, Koronadal City
Binanog Festival - 10-16, Lambunao, Iloilo
Sinulog (Kabankalan) Festival - 10-16, Kabankalan City
Coconut "Coco" Festival - 15 (week long), San Pablo City, Laguna
Makato Santo Niño Festival - 15, Makato, Aklan
Pasungay Festival - 15, San Joaquin, Iloilo
Batingaw Festival - 16, Cabuyao City
Kahimunan Festival - 16, Butuan City
Pangisdaan Festival - 16, Navotas City
Kinaradto Festival - 16, Buenavista, Guimaras
Batan Ati-Ati Malakara Festival - 16, Batan, Aklan
Fire Works Display and Contest - 16, Iloilo City
Caracol Festival - 16, Makati City
Bansudani Festival (Feast of The Divine Savior) - 17, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro
Sadsad sa Kalye - 19, Janiuay, Iloilo
Pandot sa Bacolod - 20, Bacolod City
Binuligay Festival - 20, Jamindan, Capiz
Feast of the Santo Niño - 3rd Sunday, Nationwide
Ati-Atihan Festival - 3-16, Kalibo, Aklan
Dinagyang Festival - 22-23, Iloilo City
Sinulog festival - Cebu City
Sto Niño de Malolos Festival - 30, Malolos City
Pintauo Festival - 21, Ibarra, Maasin City
Altavas Santo Niño Festival - 21-22, Altavas, Aklan
Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - 24, La Carlota City
Ibajay Ati-Ati Municipal and Devotional Fiesta - 24-25, Ibajay, Aklan
Dinagsa Ati-Atihan Festival - 24-30, Cadiz City
Sana-aw Festival - 28, Jordan, Guimaras
Hinirugyaw Festival - 30-February 6, Calinog, Iloilo
Balot sa Puti Festival - 31, Pateros
The Boracay International Funboard Cub - 31-February 5, Boracay Island
Boling-Boling Festival - 28 Catanauan, Quezon

February
Salakayan Festival - 1-6, Miag-ao, Iloilo
Pabirik Festival - 1-2, Paracale, Camarines Norte
Bicol Arts Festival - 1-28, Legazpi City
Festival of Hearts - 1-14, Tanjay City
National Arts Month - 1-28, Nationwide
Lavandero Festival - 1-6, Mandaluyong City
Suroy sa Surigao - 1-28, Surigao City
Feast of Our Lady of Candles - 2, Iloilo City
Pamulinawen - 2-10, Laoag City
The International Bamboo Organ Festival - 3-11, Las Piñas City
Guling-Guling Festival - 5, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival - 6, Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental
Fiesta Tsinoy - 6, Legazpi City
Tinapay Festival - 7-13, Cuenca, Batangas
Fistahan - 9-15, Davao City
Chinese New Year - Nationwide
Bulang-Bulang Festival - 9, San Enrique, Negros Occidental
Davao Chinese New Year - 9-17, Davao City
Pabalhas sa Tablas - 11, Candoni, Negros Occidental
Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year) - 11, Baguio City
Tinagba Festival - 11, Iriga City
Tiburin Horse Race - 12, Pasay City
Pamaypay ng Caloocan Festival - 12, Caloocan City
Sambalilo Hat Festival - 13, Parañaque City
Feast Day of Santa Clara - 13, Pasay City
Local Media Familiarization Festival - 13-19, Cagayan de Oro City
Serenata - 14, Pasay City
Harana: Karantahan nin Pagranga (Music Festival) - 14, San Jose, Camarines Sur
Blooming Hearts Day - 14, Baguio City
Suman Festival (Aurora Day) - 14-19, Baler, Aurora
Apayao Province Foundation - 14, Apayao
Kalinga Province Foundation - 14, Kalinga
Philippine Military Academy Alumni Homecoming - 18-19, Baguio City
Kapayapaan Festival - 18-20, Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur
Bicol Regional Tourism Councils Assembly - 18-19, Naga City
Pasayaw Festival - 19, Canlaon City
Babaylan Festival - 19, Bago City
Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival - 19-20, Iloilo City
Mutya ng Caraga - 20, Butuan City
Balsahan Festival - 20, Sibunag, Guimaras
Asinan Festival - 20, San Lorenzo, Guimaras
Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition - 21-27, Cebu City
Kalilangan Festival - 21-27, General Santos City
Caraga Anniversary - 23-25, Caraga
World War II Anniversary - 23-September 3, World War II Sites
Sibug-Sibug Festival - 23, Zamboanga Sibugay
Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay - 24, Zamboanga Sibugay
Cebu City Charter Day - 24, Cebu City
Mindanao Dive Congress Fiesta - 24-25, Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal
Adivay - 25, La Trinidad, Benguet
Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga - 26, Zamboanga City
Hil-o Hil-o Festival - 26-28, Ma-ayon, Capiz
Itik-Itik Festival - 27, Pasig City
Maniambus Festival - 27, Negros Occidental Provincewide
Sambayan Festival - 28-March 31, Tobias Fornier, Antique
Kalilangan Festival - 21-29, General Santos City

March
Kaamulan Tribal Festival - 1-6, Malaybalay City
Rodeo Masbateño - 1-April 2, Masbate City
Araw ng Island Garden City of Samal - 1-7, Island Garden City of Samal
Pasig Summer Music Festival - 1-31, Pasig City
Parade of Festivals - 1, Muntinlupa City
Payvanuvanuan Festival - 1-31, Mahatao, Batanes
Zamboanga Peninsula Summer Event - 1-31, Zamboanga City
Sugbahan - 2-14, Davao City
Pacto de Sangre de New Washington, Aklan (Blood Compact of New Washington, Aklan) - 3, New Washington, Aklan
Council of Balabago Reenactment - 4-5, Culasi, Antique
Puerto Princesa Foundation Day - 4, Puerto Princesa City
Bangkero Festival - 6-10, Pagsanjan, Laguna
Arya! Abra Festival - 7-11, Bangued, Abra
Tinguan Festival - 7-11, Bangued, Abra
Panagtagbo Festival - 7, Tagum City
Vis-Min Travel and Lifestyle Show - 7-9, SM City Cebu Trade Hall
National Women's Month Celebration Exhibit - 8-12, Manila
Birth Anniversary of The Late President Jose P. Laurel - 9, Tanauan City
Holistic Festival - 9-11, Labrador, Pangasinan
Bantayan Festival - 9-15, Guimbal, Iloilo
Araw ng Dabaw Celebration - 10-16, Davao City
Pintados de Passi Festival - 13, Passi City
Strawberry Festival - 14-20, La Trinidad, Benguet
Homonhon Landing Anniversary - 16, Homonhon, Eastern Samar
Lugahait Festival - 16, Lugait, Misamis Oriental
Semana Santa sa Iguig Calvary Hills - 16-23, Iguig, Cagayan
Butuan - China Trade Mission Anniversary - 17, Butuan City
Soli-Soli Festival - 18, San Francisco, Cebu
Banana Festival - 18-19, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Mayon Conquest - 18-20, Albay Provincewide
Sulyog Festival - 19, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro
Sinigayan Festival - 19, Sagay City
Tabak Festival - 19-22, Tabaco City
Pasko sa Kasakit (Semana Santa sa Bantayan) - 20-21, Bantayan, Cebu
Semana Santa sa Bikol - 20-27, Calabanga, Camarines Sur
Panaad - 20-21, Camiguin Provincewide
Senakulo - 20-27, Nationwide
Semana Santa at Balintokatok sa La Salette Shrine - 20-27, Santiago City
Pagpapako (Lenten Week) - 21-26, Baler, Aurora, Casiguran, Aurora
Cenakulo (Cainta, Rizal) - 21-26, Cainta, Rizal
Lenten Observance (San Pablo City) - 21-26, San Pablo City
Buhing Kalbaryo - 21-26, Cebu City
Semana Santa (Dipolog City) - 21-26, Dipolog City
Semana Santa (Agoo, La Union) - 21, Agoo, La Union
Moriones Festival - 21-27, Marinduque Provincewide
Turumba - 21-26, Pakil, Laguna
Pagtaltal sa Guimaras - 21, Jordan, Guimaras
Cutud Lenten Rites - 21, San Fernando City, Pampanga
Pamalandong ha Palo - 21, Palo, Leyte
Alimango Festival - 22, Lala, Lanao del Norte
Torugpo - 22, Carigara, Leyte
The Birthday of General Emilio Aguinaldo - 22, Cavite Provincewide
19 Martyrs of Aklan Celebration - 23, Kalibo, Aklan
Sunduan ha Carigara - 23, Carigara, Leyte
Kabanhawan Festival - 23, Minglanilla, Cebu
Lucky Summer Visitors - 24, Baguio City
Semana Santa at Silay City - 24-27, Silay City
Malibay Cenaculo - 24-25, Pasay City
Katkat Sakripisyo sa 3,003 Steps - 24-25, Dipolog City
Live Stations of The Cross at San Carlos City - 25, San Carlos City
Pagtaltal sa Barotac Viejo - 25, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
Kalbaryo - 25, La Carlota City
Paghukom - 25, Calinog, Iloilo
Kapiya Display and Pasyon Singing Contest - 25, Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Ang Hatol (The Way of the Cross) - 25, Cainta, Rizal
Giwang-Giwang - 25, Binangonan, Rizal
Salubong sa Angono - 26-27, Angono, Rizal
Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation - 26, Siquijor, Siquijor
Cuaresma - 26-27, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
Sugat sa San Carlos - 27, San Carlos City
Hudas-Hudas - 27, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
Salubong at Ang Pasko ng Pangkabuhay (Feast of The Resurrection) - Parañaque City
Kisi-Kisi Festival - 27-31, Negros Occidental Provincewide
Manok ni San Pedro Festival - 27, San Pedro, Laguna
Haladaya Festival - 27-April 3, Daanbantayan, Cebu
Siargao International Mountain Bike Cup - 27-31, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Tobacco Festival - 28-29, Candon City
Katkat sa Dipolog - 28-April 3, Dipolog City
Gawagaway-yan Feastival - 30-April 13, Cauayan City
Sinugdan (Commemoration of The First Christian Mass) - 31, Limasawa, Southern Leyte
First Easter Mass Celebration - 31, Mazaua Island, Butuan City

April
Via Crusis - 1, Cebu City
Pandan Festival - 2-3, Luisiana, Laguna
Pak'kaat Kallo - Holy Week, Magpet, Cotabato
Lamilamihan Festival - 3rd week, Lamitan, Basilan
Tanduyong Festival - San Jose, Nueva Ecija

May
Obando Fertility Rites - May Obando, Bulacan
Domorokdok Festival-May 4 Botolan Zambales
Pahiyas Festival - May 15, Lucban, Quezon

And many more!

Tragic Death of a Kid at the Pittsburgh Zoo

I was on my search as to what I should blog about today until I have come across yahoo.com.ph - seeing a news about this two-year old kid who was killed at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Then, I got so interested in knowing the details and finding why this had happened.

Here are the recent news and posts about the said tragedy:

An outing to the Pittsburgh Zoo turned into tragedy on Sunday when a woman put her young son on top of a railing so he could get a better look at some wild African dogs.

Officials are still trying to piece together exactly what happened, but the mother apparently stood her son up on top of a wooden railing over the pen and was unable to catch him when he lost his balance. He fell 12-14 feet into the enclosure and was immediately attacked by the animals–sometimes called African Painted Dogs–as he lay prone. Police say they are awaiting an autopsy to verify whether the boy died on impact or if his death was caused by the mauling.

The animals–11 in all–were reigned in by zoo keepers except for one, which was so aggressive it had to be put down on the spot. Bystanders said they heard screams and the shots that rang out when that animal was killed, and describe it as a horrible tragedy.

“They are one of the most aggressive predatory animals in the wild,” animal expert Jack Hanna said. “I don’t care if a zookeeper, a policeman, a tranquilizer gun, whatever would have been right there, could not have helped. Sorry is not a word that I can even say…I don’t know what word to use. Just, my heart aches for everybody.”

2-Year-Old Dies In Pittsburgh Zoo's Wild Dog Exhibit
by The Associated Press

A mother's attempt to give her two-year-old son a better view of wild African dogs turned into a "horrific" tragedy at the Pittsburgh Zoo after the boy fell into the exhibit and was attacked by a pack of the animals as relatives and bystanders looked on.

Lt. Kevin Kraus of the Pittsburgh police said the attack happened at about 11:45 a.m. Sunday after the mother picked the child up and put him on top of a railing at the edge of a viewing deck. "Almost immediately after that he lost his balance, fell down off the railing into the pit, and he was immediately attacked by 11 dogs," Kraus said. "It was very horrific."

It's not yet clear whether the boy died from the fall or the attack, said Barbara Baker, president of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Zoo officials at first estimated the boy fell 14 feet, but police said it was 11. It's not clear which is correct.

Authorities said that zoo staff and then police responded "within minutes" but visitors described that time as being filled with screams for help. Zookeepers called off some of the dogs, and seven of them immediately went to a back building. Three more eventually were drawn away from the child, but the last dog was aggressive and police had to shoot the animal.

Experts said the death is highly unusual.

Steve Feldman, a spokesman for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said no one he's spoken to can recall any deaths of children at an accredited zoo over the last 40 years or more. Feldman said the Pittsburgh Zoo successfully completed its 5-year review in September, which means it meets or exceeds all safety standards.

Authorities didn't release the name of the boy or his mother, but say she is 34 years old and lives in Pleasant Hills, just outside Pittsburgh. The boy's father arrived on the scene soon after the accident, police said.

The zoo was immediately closed, and it was not clear when it will reopen, authorities said.

The so-called painted dogs are about as big as medium-sized domestic dogs, and 37 to 80 pounds, according to the zoo. They have large, rounded ears and dark brown circles around their eyes and are considered endangered.

The attack happened in a 1.5 acre exhibit called the Painted Dog Bush Camp that's part of a larger open area where elephants, lions and other animals can be seen. Visitors walk onto a deck that is glassed on the sides, but open in front where the roughly four-foot railing is located.

In May, some of the dogs crawled under a fence and escaped into a part of the exhibit that's usually closed. The zoo was on lockdown for about an hour as a precaution.