Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Last week, Zoe was diagnosed with early stage of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Some people may have heard of this as the disease transmitted by pigs but there is another form of HFMD which is rampant among babies and kids. So, no, my daughter didn't contract the pork disease as what some people have said.


Symptoms: A few days after Zoe's birthday party, I noticed that she started to have rashes all over her legs. They weren't red and itchy since Zoe wasn't really bothered by it and she wasn't even scratching it. However, it bothered me since I'm very particular about taking care of her skin. I also knew there was something else behind it so I scheduled an appointment to the pedia even though I was told by a nosy neighbor that it might have been just 'tigdas hangin'.


Diagnosis: Dra. Chanyungco, Zoe's pedia, diagnosed my baby girl with HFMD in its early stage. I panicked since I have seen a severe form of this disease months back from another patient. I was really worried that Zoe might suffer the same but I was assured my doc that it may not progress anyway since Zoe's immune system is pretty strong. She prescribed anti-histamine medicines and skin treatment which consist of wiping Listerine on the affected areas three times a day and applying a mixture of Elica cream and Calmoseptine to the rashes right after the listerine. We started the treatment Saturday night and come Friday, the rashes have dried.


How the disease is transmitted: While HFMD is still a disease, it isn't nearly as scary as how it sounds. It's still considered as a minor illness which is very common among babies and kids. It is transmitted by people who are affected through hand contact. It is also airborne that's why people who are affected are advised to stay at home so that the disease is not passed to others. It really doesnt have a medicinal cure since it usually goes away on its own after 5-7 days, however, more severe symptoms such as mouth sores and blisters on skin can cause misery to babies and kids who are affected. I was just really thankful that Zoe didn't have to go through such.

My Typhoon Pedring experience

Yesterday, while typhoon Pedring was in full blast, I was at Fitness First at The Fort as early as 6am determined to work out for 2 hours. I have been using a different car since Monday and although it wasn't a challenge driving it, I was a bit unfamiliar on how the thing worked. When I got to the gym, I was literally the first person and the first car to park and I was happy to get a good spot. I hurriedly got off the car since I was so concerned about getting wet because the rain was coming from all directions.

At 930am, I as on my way back to work and since it was still raining like crazy, I pressed the car alarm key from afar so I can get inside the car immediately. I was mildly surprised that the door didn't open but I dismissed it thinking maybe it was because the key got a bit wet from the rain. To my great horror, the car wouldn't start! I tried several times but it was moot point. I called my husband who told me that it must've been the battery. By that time I was in a state of panic. It was raining very hard, I was already dressed for work (got my hair curled and all), plus, I couldn't see anyone who could help me. Finally, I spotted a man who was sweeping the leaves off the parking lot and asked him to check the engine for me. Too bad, he knew nothing about cars. I was talking to my husband on the phone and he told me I needed to have the battery charged using jumper cables connected to another car battery.

So after a couple of minutes, the sweeper came back with one of the security guards who told me I LEFT MY HEADLIGHTS ON. Damn it. Good thing he had just what I needed: a pick up truck, jumper cables, and an armload of patience. So in short, he got my car to start and you could tell that it was the happiest time of my life. I swore to myself that from then on, I wouldn't roll my eyes off at people who leave their headlights on while parked.

Supplier Review: Zoe's 1st birthday party

Zoe had her first birthday party last Sunday, September 25th at Shakey’s El Pueblo. It was a wonderful result after months of planning and anticipating. Our families and friends filled up the 2nd floor function room of Shakeys that we were not able to go through the original plan of serving the food buffet style cus all the tables had to be used for the guests. My amazing daughter, though cranky at first cus she wanted to take a nap, cooperated beautifully and managed to wave to everyone and to smile all throughout.

 I owe this supplier review to several ladies from the forums that I frequent so here it is:


Venue: Shakey’s El Pueblo


Our earlier discussions with Shakey’s El Pueblo weren’t very smooth but I’m happy to say that they delivered what was expected of them during my daughter’s party. We ordered 7 sets of Monster Meal Deals, 30 sets of kiddie meals, 30 party amenities, and had them plot an hour of extension. They initially misquoted the price of the MMD and the extension fee but honored it anyway since it was stipulated on our contract already.


On the day itself, the party before us ended a bit late but the staff were able to clean up the party area immediately. Anna, the party staff, was very cordial and attentive. She also informed me that there had been some issues with the party amenities and that she would give 15 Barney themed loot bags and 15 Justice League themed loot bags. It was actually alright with me since that how I wanted it originally, only they said it wasn’t allowed. Overall, our experience with Shakey’s was really good.


Photographer: Jay Raon (www.jraon.tk)


Among all my party suppliers, this is where I focused most of my time. I originally thought of booking several other photographers until I came across Jay’s website. When I saw his shots, I was immediately blown away and decided right then that I had to get him as photographer for Zoe’s party. His shots are really crisp and clear, not to mention the fact that his concepts are always different for every client.


Jay had a pre-shoot with us on the day of Zoe’s party and he arrived on time at the Discovery Suites with his brother Chris. He was super pleasant to work with and he knew how to adjust very well since my daughter was a bit cranky that day. True enough, I was really amazed with the teaser photos that he posted in FB right AFTER the party. I can’t wait to see the rest of the photos and get a hold of the photo book. I highly recommend Jay Raon, he’s worth every penny =)

 Videographer: Moviescape


Moviescape is one of the last suppliers that I booked for this party. I originally wanted to get John Aguas’ services but Shakey’s had a problem with outside P/V suppliers. Since Jay Raon was a non-negotiable for me, I decided to get Shakey’s in-house video supplier since video wasn’t really at the top of my priorities. The videographer arrived a little bit late and I almost thought Shakey’s failed to book them but I just let it go since it was only for a couple of minutes and they were also a joy to work with.



Balloon Decorations: Ma-an Santos


Ma-an was recommended by my sister in law (they’re cousins). We corresponded through text/email, met up once, and we were set. I was really happy with the decorations because it made the room more festive and attractive. Ma-an was also very easy to talk to. I just gave her my working budget and specified the colors and arrangements that I wanted. The results were really fabulous.


Cake and cupcakes: Swirls N Sprinkles by Nadine Abraham


Nadine has been my cake supplier since Zoe’s christening. I started speaking with her regarding the cake design early this year and I just let her work her magic. She also gave me a huge discount. As expected, the cake and the cupcakes were fabulous. It’s always a pleasure working with her.


Party Outfit: Periwinkle


We bought 2 dresses for Zoe; 1 was a brown dress for the party itself and another dress for her pre-shoot. Her shoes were ordered from Pediped US.


Hotel Accommodation: Discovery Suites


My husband and I decided to book a room the night before the party just so we could have a place to do the pre-shoot at. Also, we wanted to be sure that we were closer to the venue just in case there were some issues that we needed to attend to. Good thing, Deal Grocer offered a deal for a junior Suite and we used it to book our room.


Invitation: DIY


I just chose a design online and sent it to my brother who’s based in Bahrain and had him edit it. This was the invite that we sent to our friends and families. We didn’t even bother printing it anymore :)


Overall, it was a really good party. The function room overflowed with guests that I had to ask my sister and her friends to move over to the ground floor. Even with so many guests, our food was still more than enough which I think was one of the best things about the party. At the end of the day, we were just really happy to have been able to celebrate my daughter’s 1st birthday with our families and friends. Looking forward to next year’s party.


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Happy birthday Sweet Love

At 2:10 AM on September 22, 2010, I gave birth to the cutest chinky-eyed munchkin in the world. At 2:10 AM today, little miss patootie turned  a year old. People may say that you're a baby no more but I will always look at you with the same awe as when I first laid my eyes on you as a newborn. Wherever life may take us, always know that I will be here for you and with you. I love you very much my Zoe Alexa =)

Hello Fitness First!

I've been complaining so hard about how much weight I have gained over the last couple of months. After finally coming to terms with the fact that my metabolism isn't the same as it was before, I decided to look into the option of enrolling to a dance class or a fitness gym.

The first thing that came to mind was Brickroad Fitness since I know a couple of people who go there too. We visited the facility and it was ok-ish so we decided to check what Fitness First has to offer as well. Now, what started as a supposed inquiry turned out to be an actual enrollment when the manager slashed off thousands from the enrollment fee. So in the end, we paid an initial amount of 1890 instead of 8500 and got the monthly passport membership rate of 2750 instead of 3500. Not a bad deal.

In honor of my new healthy and active lifestyle, I turned to the mall and bought gym outfits and cross trainers. I felt so fit just wearing my cross trainers!

My first week at the gym gave me sore muscles but I still felt good. I'm currently on my 2nd week and I go every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Weekdays are spent at Fitness First at The Fort while weekends are done at Rob Metro East. And though I have to sacrifice a little bit by waking up extra early (especially on Thursdays since it's my car's coding day) but it feels good to have some time for myself.

So now, I'm trying to be as disciplined as I can in terms of my work out routine and diet. I think its really important to take care of myself cus it just doesn't make me look good but makes me feel good as well. Though my muscles still get sore sometimes, it's all good as long as I envision my goal which is to get back to my beach body in a few months' time :)

NBI Clearance Punishment

I have always hated going to any government offices because of the lazy/indifferent employees and terribly long lines. With my upcoming transfer to another company though, there wasn't getting away in obtaining an NBI clearance. Hell I knew the new freaking process in getting one, I would've gotten myself a clearance right after I signed my job offer back in June 22. But  NBI kept it a tiny secret until this new process exploded right in front of face when I tried to get one. Here's my incredible journey to the latest Philippine government torture that is the NBI clearance.


July 5 - I went to Marikina Riverbanks since I found out from friends and the NBI website that there is a satellite office there that can process new applications and renewals. Just as I was entering the parking lot, I was told that the office was already closed and it was transferred to Robinsons Metro East. I thought, hey, that's better since it was nearer my place and it was air-conditioned. I drove straight there but got the dismay of my life when I saw the freaking long line. So I decided to come back at an earlier time the next day.


July 6 - I was at the mall at 930 am and I couldn't see any people lined up in a queue so I thought maybe I was pretty early and it made me excited. As soon as the mall opened, I was literally running from escalator to escalator so I can be in line earlier than the others. You could just imagine my horror when I got to the 4th level and the line snaked up all the way down the spiral parking lot. I couldn't believe it, people were there as early as 4am!!! I was given a number, 364th in line and I heard the NBI people saying they could only accommodate 400 people per day. I decided to go home first to wait it out and come back in the late afternoon.


At 3pm, I decided to get a haircut first before going back to Rob Metro East. I got there at 430pm, and they were just up to 200+. I should've had my hair rebonded already if I only knew. In short, it took me such a long time only to find out that I got an effin' HIT on my name. I was surprised since it never happened before. There is seriously another Vanessa Manila-Dy in this country? I couldn't believe it and I was soooo mad! I was asked to go to NBI Taft on July 13.


July 13 - Dan and I went to NBI Taft and stood on line by 6am. There was literally thousands of people outside which people compared to the lines outside Willie Revillame's show (eeww). It was hot, it smelled bad, and I was in an extremely bad mood since I was also worried about missing Santino's funeral. I got inside NBI building at 10am and the ill-tempered NBI employees and the disastrous chaotic process were just all too much. Still I managed to hold my ground until my name was called. I thought it was the end of my suffering but I was shocked when I was told that my name couldnt be found and that I had to go through another stage. They couldnt tell me what was wrong and that was what irked me the most. I went to the gym where there was another fucking line but my patience reached its end when I asked the NBI employee what was wrong with my clearance. I asked him why they marked my paper as No File Found and what I needed to do but all he answered me was 'Hinde ko po masasagot muna yan, basta makakakuha po kayo ng clearance.' And he kept on repeating that line on every question that I freaking asked him! So I got pissed and I said 'eh mga bobo pala kayo dito eh!' and I stormed off the building.


July 20 - I decided to come back for the last time. I was there at 530am and was one of the earliest in the releasing line. At 7am, the office opened and they let the people in the releasing line in first. I went up to an NBI employee for assistance and he was cordial enough to answer my questions. I was asked to go to the Quality Control office but when the employee saw my papers, she asked why I wasnt able to get my clearance on the 13th. She asked another employee to do a search and he was able to pull up my file in less than a minute and print it out. I found out that the employee who handled my application on July 13th just didn't search for my name correctly. I was prepared to give them a lashing but it was then that my clearance was handed out to me. The feeling was tantamount to winning the lottery or receiving an award! Finally after weeks of suffering, I got my freaking NBI clearance.


To those who are planning to get one, I suggest you arm yourselves with a luggage full of patience. The process is very chaotic since all the other satellite offices were closed and I'm sure you've seen that on the news. If you get a hit on your name, you would have to go to NBI Taft which will set you back on time. I honestly have never hated being a Filipino until I experienced this disaster. No wonder other countries look down on us because our government is just so incompetent. And this is where my thousands of taxes go to every payroll? There's just no justice to my hard earned money going to this lot of corrupt and incompetent imbeciles.

Goodnight Daniel Paul Santino Dy

Yesterday, July 10, we were shocked and devastated with the loss of a new family member. My sister in law's baby passed away while still inside her tummy, few hours before she delivered him out. His name is Daniel Paul Santino Dy, and no words could describe how I felt when I saw him. We were all very excited to welcome him to the family  but God has had better plans for him. 

Goodnight Santino. We are all struck with grief with your passing. Know that we will love you just the same and we will always have you in our hearts. Sleep tight baby boy.

I wonder what color my balloons will be,

but as an Aunt it doesn't matter to me.

It can be many colors red, blue, yellow,

I think I will pick a color for a fellow.

I will let that yellow one go to the sky

and it will fly very high.

Until it reaches heaven for a boy

and he will be filled with so much joy.

Santino didn't live very long and so

his mother and father had to let him go.

He will always be in our hearts,

He will be forever our special sweetheart.

So anytime you see a balloon float by,

think of that someone you love in the sky.