Michi Photostory

It was only last month when we had our pneumococcal vaccine. I decided to have this vaccine for added protection while waiting for the COVID19 vaccine for kids and teens. It took us a long time to get our vaccines so I did not expect that my son will have his vaccine this year. 

Almost two years had passed and until now, we still have community quarantine restrictions. And because of this pandemic, a lot of my plans have been affected and canceled and to be honest, I felt stressed about the things that I cannot do because of the COVID19 restrictions. There are so many plans that I delay because I am afraid to go out but I realized that if I will wait for this pandemic to be over, wala na ko magagawa. So I need to learn to live with this virus.

For the past several months, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts about the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine but I just ignore them because I don’t want to go to the hospital yet. My son and I rarely go out of the house so I just felt that we don’t need those vaccines. It was funny because I thought my son has Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine or PCV7 (now PCV13) so booster shot na lang naman ang need niya but when I checked his baby book, my son has no PCV7 pala. 

Living in times of Coronavirus is no joke, it’s been more than a year of being confined in the four corners of our house and no one can tell when it will end. Just when I thought that everything would be back to normal, we are suddenly back to MECQ/ECQ. The never-ending cycle of community quarantine. 

Since January 2020, we are dealing with COVID19 and no one can tell when this will end. Thirteen months of being stuck at home are no joke because every day we are feeling overwhelmed with all the physical, mental, financial, and emotional stress in life. 

Dry, cracked, or chapped lips is my common dilemma since I was young so I seldom wear lipstick because it doesn’t look good on my chapped lips. I prefer to put lip balm on my lips to keep it moisturize but to be honest, I am also lazy in applying it especially now that I’m just stuck at home. I know that in order to avoid cracked lips, we need to exfoliate, hydrate and moisturize our lips. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more of us are thinking about our health. What we eat, how much we exercise and our lifestyle choices have all come into question since we’ve had our mortality highlighted due to the spread of the virus.

Despite COVID-19 being a new threat to our health, for many, the threat of developing cancer is still a considerable concern. There are many different types of cancer, with the most common being prostate, breast, skin, and of course lung cancer. Thanks to advances in technology and the constant evolution of medical understanding around cancers, we no longer have to consider cancer as a death sentence. With new treatments being used all the time and cancers being caught much earlier, more people are surviving than ever before.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer, and sadly many people still aren’t aware of the signs or even what can trigger this devastating disease to develop – click the link to learn more and to find a lung cancer lawyer.

So, with this in mind here we’ll explore why people might develop lung cancer and discuss the most common causes.

Workplace Risks

If you work in an industrial type role, or you’re dealing with harsh substances then you’re more likely to be exposed to the chemicals that can trigger lung cancers.

If you work with fuel engines and you spend most of your time exposed to exhaust fumes (like drivers or a mechanic might) then you could be at a higher risk. Working with substances such as silica – often used in glassmaking and bricklaying – can also increase your risk. And anyone who is working with asbestos – even in old buildings – can increase their chances of developing lung cancers.

Smoking

Of course, we all know that smoking can cause lung cancer and it's hardly surprising. Around 7 out of 10 lung cancer diagnoses are smoking-related. The chemicals found in tobacco smoke such as ammonia, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide (yes, cyanide) increase your risk of triggering lung cancer development. Even if you're just passively smoking, you're still increasing your risk and harming your health. If you haven’t already, quit!

Air Pollution

We're all familiar with how pollutants in the air are damaging our environment. But did you also know that air pollution can be incredibly damaging to your health? Of course, the risks associated with air pollution and lung cancer are quite minimal, but it's not unheard of and should be taken seriously.

Your Family History

Some cancers, including lung cancer, can be hereditary, which means if your family has a history of lunch cancer, then you could be at risk. If you have a close relative that has battled the disease then you should take additional steps to preserve your health. Recognizing the early signs of lung cancer will also help you.

- A continuous cough that won’t go away
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness and fatigue
- Coughing up blood
- Reoccurring infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Final thoughts…

If you’re worried about lung cancer, reach out to your doctor for more advice.

Just last month, Filipinos are advised to have a polio vaccine before flying to Indonesia. This news surprised business travelers or tourists especially those who already have a flight to Indonesia. There were a lot of questions like do I really need a Polio Vaccine or do I need to get an International Certificate of Vaccination? The answer is YES and NO.


No - You Don’t Need a Vaccine 

If you are traveling and staying in Indonesia for less than a month.

Yes - You Need a Vaccine 

If you are traveling and staying in Indonesia for four weeks or more.

You need to present an ICV or International Certificate of Vaccination, medical certificate or any official documents that will prove that you have Polio Vaccine. You can read more information on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, click here and here. 

Hubby just came from Jakarta, Indonesia few days ago and he did not bring any Polio Vaccination documents. He was in Indonesia for 4 days only.

Last year, my son was complaining about his tooth and when we checked it, parang meron nang sira so I informed the dentist about it. But the dentist told us na “hayaan na lang daw na matanggal kasi baby teeth naman daw and baka masira kasi yung alignment ng teeth”. She also informed us about the sealants.

Dental Sealants 

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the premolars and molars to prevent tooth decay. The sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years which is 6 to 14 years old. It is a painless process but painful for my pocket, hehehe! We paid PHP800 for each tooth so a total of PHP3200 for his dental sealants.

Few months had passed and my son complained again about his tooth so I just told him that we will go to the dentist pag-uwi namin sa Pinas. So we scheduled an appointment but to my disappointment, the dentist canceled his appointment two days prior to his schedule at may mahaba daw procedure so hindi na niya magagawa yung sa anak ko.


Simple Tooth Extraction 

We don’t want to wait anymore so we just go to other Dental Clinic kahit magbayad na kami. Three years ago was my son’s first tooth extraction experience, we went to a Pediatric Dentist to do the procedure. Mukhang wala naman trauma anak ko, ako lang natrauma sa expense. Lol. Since my son is already 10 years old and I feel na matured na siya so sa regular dentist na lang kami nagpunta for simple tooth extraction. Free sana because of our health card but the dentist rescheduled his appointment so napunta kami sa ibang clinic.

Read: My Son’s First Dental Check-up  
My Son’s Experience with Pediatric Dentist 
Simple Tooth Extraction by Pediatric Dentist  

Anyway, a child needs a tooth extraction if 

1. Tooth decay is too extensive for restoration
2. Preparation and space management
3. Baby teeth fail to fall out before permanent come in
4. Removal of chipped or damaged teeth that cannot be repaired

In my son’s case, may butas na daw kaya sumasakit. Ayaw namin mahawa pa yung ibang teeth so tinanggal na talaga. I thought it will only take a few minutes like nung first tooth extraction niya but I was wrong, depende din siguro sa cases. The dentist took a long time din to remove his premolar tooth, she even said na parang hindi baby tooth yung sa anak ko sa tigas. Hehehe!

She also advised me to have an x-ray before my son hit 12 years old, kasi ang dami pa daw baby teeth ng anak ko. Para daw macheck namin kung need tanggalin yung baby teeth para makalabas yung permanent teeth or hayaan na lang. May cases din daw kasi na wala talaga permanent teeth so aalagaan na lang yung baby teeth.

We paid PHP600 for his tooth extraction, mas mura talaga compared sa Pediatric Dentist. Since it was just a simple tooth extraction, no need for an antibiotic. She just informed us to drink paracetamol. She also shared some information on how to take care after extraction or surgery.


Tooth Extraction Aftercare 

1. Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times for the first 24 hours.
2. Take your medicine as prescribed.
3. If pain persists after 3 days, see your dentist.
4. Avoid strenuous activities. No flying or diving for at least two days.
5. Avoid sucking on anything for at least a week.
6. Do not take hot liquids for 24 hours.
7. Do not smoke for 48 hours.
8. Avoid spitting for 24 hours. Wipe your saliva with a tissue.

My son just took a rest for one day and nagkaroon ng reason para kumain ng kumain ng ice cream. The following day nakapag-Landers na nga kami and he can eat regular food na, parang walang nangyari.

Read: DIY Tooth Pocket 

We all know that health is wealth and we always hear these three words. But after what happened last year, it made me realized that health is indeed wealth. It is very significant to give importance to our health because it can deplete your wealth. No matter how much you save for the future, that money may not be enough to pay for the hospital bills, treatment, therapy, medicine, and other medical expenses. 

And because of that health scare, last quarter of the year we spent most of our time in the hospital and clinic for a check-up, lab test, and therapy. I was so paranoid about my health and for my husband’s health. Cancer runs in my husband’s family, 9 years ago my sister-in-law lost her battle with colon cancer and last year, two of my in-laws were diagnosed with cancer. It was hard to accept but life must go on and we’re praying for healing and provision.

I wanted my husband to try colonoscopy because prevention is better than cure but he was hesitant because of the price of the colonoscopy. While I was browsing Deal Grocer site, I saw the Colon Cleanse promo of Centro Holistico so I told my husband about it. He watched some videos about Colon Cleansing and parang nagdalawang isip pa lalo. But after few days, pumayag din so I bought One Session of Colon Cleanse P1375, the regular rate is P2000. There are two branches, one in Pasig and one in Alabang and I chose the latter.

It’s been years since the last time I bought a voucher from Deal Grocer so I was surprised when I learned that I can pay via Paypal. I think yung huli kong bili, credit card payment and USD pa yung currency nila. I bought Crosswinds Resort Suites and Nurture Wellness Village voucher before.

To give you an idea, let me share the description of Colon Cleanse from Deal Grocer 

1. Toxins in the body could be the cause when you’re feeling bloated and fatigued. You can flush them out effectively with this all-natural treatment.
2. Colon cleanse is also called the “ultimate detox treatment”, it will rid your body toxins, harmful chemicals, and buildup in the colon. It uses an organic solution of Barako coffee to aid in the process.
3. The mixture triggers the liver to produce enzymes like glutathione to target free radicals and speed along the detoxification. It also helps lower inflammation, prevent constipation, prevent reabsorption of toxins, and reboot gut.
4.Added benefits such as weight loss, an improved immune system and radiant skin due to the increased production of glutathione. It is also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The voucher is redeemable from Monday to Saturdays only, from October 29, 2018 to January 2019 but not valid from December 23, 2018 to January 2, 2019. So after our Batanes trip, my husband called Centro Holistico to reserve and ang available na lang is last week of January. Buti, umabot pa bago mag-expire so it is better to use your voucher immediately.


Fast forward to my husband’s Colon Cleanse Session, off we went to Centro Holistico at Commercenter Alabang. It was only 11:30AM and 1PM pa yung appointment so my husband just showed his voucher and ID and nag-ikot-ikot muna kami. After one hour, we went back to the clinic and the staff gave him a form.



1. Fill out the form
2. The staff check his blood pressure and weight
3. After that, the staff called my husband for an interview daw. The doctor will verify the information that you’ve written in the form and also asked about the medical history.

My son and I waited for him pero nung 1PM na at hindi na lumabas, we went out the clinic na and we had lunch at The Farm Organics.

According to my husband, there is a private room for the colon cleanse. You have to change your clothes, the nurse will explain the procedure and the colon cleanse session will take more or less 60 minutes. About 5 gallons of water are flushed through your colon using a tube that was inserted into your rectum. I don’t want to overshare but my husband told me, medyo nakakailang din kasi minamassage yung tummy niya nung nurse during the procedure and nandun lang talaga hanggang matapos. After the session, they gave him tea. My husband felt, lumiit daw tiyan niya. Sana nga daw, nagsukat siya ng before and after.




There are pros and cons about this treatment and I’m still thinking if I will buy this every year and I’m contemplating kung ita-try ko din ba. hehehe! I hope may promo ulit sa Deal Grocer. Have your tried colon cleansing?

Centro Holistico
2/F Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Ave. , cor.
Filinvest Ave., Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 828 8863, (0917) 581 2990
Mondays to Fridays, 10AM - 7PM; Saturdays, 11AM - 7PM

Semestral break is over and my two boys are now back to school and work. I really did not feel the sembreak because we did not have any vacation. If you know me, I always look forward for long weekend vacation because it is our time to travel but just like other long weekends, Team Bahay lang kami. 

October month is such a stressful month. A lot of things are happening from left and right and it was a roller-coaster ride. So many up and downs of emotions and there are days that I just live one day at a time. 



First week of October 

We celebrated our son’s 10th birthday, we had an advance celebration at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. It was a good staycation since it was our first time to book a Luxury Club Room. 

My son caught a cold so we went to his doctor for check-up, bawal magkasakit at malapit na exam. 

Second week of October 

We went to Pangasinan to attend my grandmother-in-law's 80th birthday celebration. I was supposed to attend my college friends get-together on that day but of course, family first. 

Third week of October 

Start of long quizzes and second periodical is near so I busy was preparing for my son’s mock test. While checking my social media, I learned that my sister-in-law was in the hospital and few days after my aunt-in-law passed away. My husband was on his business trip during this week so we were not able to visit right away. 

When my husband arrived from his business trip, my son had an eye check-up (new glasses again) and we went to the wake. Our weekend was spent at the wake and household chores. 

Fourth week of October 

It was second periodical week so I was cramming for my son’s mock exam because I was not able to finish it last weekend. My aunt-in-law’s internment fell on a weekday so my husband was the only one who attended it. My son needs to take his exams because if not, I need to pay extra for his special exams and mahirap magpaschedule. 

Tuesday night, my son was complaining for stomachache, in my mind baka arte lang because he doesn’t like the ulam and he doesn’t like to study for his exams. So we stopped reviewing and he rested, pero nagsuka pa siya before nakatulog. 

The following day, he still went to school to take his exams and when he went home, he said he wanted to nap. I was surprised because my son doesn’t like to take a nap, “unsleepable” nga tawag niya sa sarili niya. So hinayaan ko na lang at ginising ng lunch time. He was not in the mood to eat lunch kasi antok nga daw siya. So I let him rest, in my mind “Anong oras pa kami magrereview, Math and Reading pa ang exam” 

Past 4PM, I woke him up so we can start reviewing and wala siya sa mood, then started to vomit again. This is the third time so my husband and I decided to go to the nearest hospital. He has no fever pero masakit tiyan and nagsusuka nga. The doctor was late and the line was long and we were home past 8PM. 

The doctor said, it was an “upset stomach” so my son needs to take medicine 30 minutes before eating time. We had no more time to review, so we took advantage the 30 minutes before meal na pagreview, we ate and we slept. Good thing, he can go to school naman since wala naman fever and hindi naman nagsuka sa school. I just don’t know kung nakasagot ng maayos sa exam. Hehehe! 

Fifth week of October 

Semestral break but we have no travel plans. And because of what happened to my sister-in-law, I decided to go back to my OB-Gyne and ipacheck na ang mga dapat ipacheck. Lab test, pap smear and isama na ultrasound. So as usual, I’m taking medicine again for my UTI and naloloka naman doctor ko at di ako tinatablan ng antiobiotic so I’m hoping on my third visit, clear na ko, baka irefer na naman ko ng OB sa Nephro. Waah! I’m tired of taking medicines and I need to go back to my Dentist, Derma, and Ophtha before the year-end.

In short, check-up, lamay (biyenan ng friend ko), and cemetery visits napunta ang semestral break namin. No regrets because I need to focus on my health if I want to live longer. Health is wealth and madugo din magpacheck-up. I’m thankful that I have health card, paano na lang kung wala, mas marami gastos. 

Goodbye October and Hello November 

So I want to say goodbye to October and say hello to November. I’m praying that this will be a good month, no more sadness. Wishing for happiness and good health to my family, friends and everyone. 

Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight is no easy task. It can be a real struggle mainly because weight loss does not follow any specific principles. What many people do not understand is that there is no “one size fits all” weight loss plan. There are so many things to take into account and it is very easy to get things wrong. Many misconceptions surround weight loss, and therefore, it becomes important to properly understand what it truly entails.

It is safe to say that alongside other elements, weight loss is mainly founded on the calories that you ingest through food, and the calories you lose through exercise. However, it involves more than this. It is also significantly influenced by factors such as age, environment, fitness, genetics, and underlying health issues. Having a proper grasp of this will enable you to select a weight loss plan that you can stick to, and one that will give you the best results based on your personal needs and objectives. With all the information and advice available online concerning weight loss, you should be selective on what you choose to follow. Below are some of the things you may have missed about weight loss:


1. Your Lifestyle Matters

For any changes you make, it is important for you to make corresponding changes to your lifestyle. This is because it helps you understand what improvements or reductions you can accommodate. For example, creating a diet or regular meal plan will not be very effective if you indulge in alcohol and substance abuse. The reason is that alcohol and weight loss do not go well together. Therefore, you should consider your lifestyle and any changes possible before adopting a weight loss plan.

2. Comparison Is Dangerous 

One of your biggest downfalls will be comparing yourself to others. Constantly checking your progress against the achievement of others will downgrade your efforts. The best thing to do is to gauge your own progress by checking how close you are in achieving your weight loss objectives. Focus on yourself and what you do and you will find yourself slowly gaining momentum.

3. Weight Loss Plateaus 

The weight loss journey is full of ups and downs, as well as points of stagnation. It is important to note that physiologically, your body will shield you more from weight loss than form weight gain. This means that there will be periods of varied weight loss. It would not be possible to lose the same amount of weight every week because no two weeks are ever the same. Keenly evaluating these differences, you will be more prepared for the coming weeks.

4. Sleeping Habits 

You might be working hard trying to stick to your diet and regularly exercising, but still, struggle with weight loss. Not getting enough sleep creates hormonal changes within your body, causing increased appetite and higher stress levels. Therefore, try as much as possible to get more sleep. Improve your sleep patterns and create time in your busy schedule for yourself. It will help lower your stress levels and contribute to the fulfillment of your weight loss goals.

5. Not Always About The Scales 

When working on your weight loss goals, it is important to understand that this is not the only benefit. Improving your dieting and workout habits will also create benefits such as better sleep, more energy, less stress, and better general wellbeing. Although the numbers you see on the scales may frustrate you, you should remember that losing a lot of weight is not the only sign that you are making progress.

6. It Does Not Happen Immediately 

The weight that you are trying to lose was accumulated over a period of time. Therefore, expecting immediate results will dishearten you. This is a long-term undertaking to maintain a healthy weight and to improve your overall health. Therefore, working at it with this understanding will help keep off the weight for good.

These days whenever people come together, one of the common topics is about healthy diets and staying healthy and fit. People are feeling pressured to lose weight, recommended different ways to lose weight and try different types of diets by well-meaning friends or those out to produce the health diet products.

People diet for many different reasons. Those who are heavily overweight will need to pay extra attention to their eating habit and are encouraged to exercise more regularly and seriously. For some, they want to lose some weight in order to look better and younger. Others may just want to maintain their physical condition by dieting and keeping healthy and fit. If we really need to lose weight, we can use the safe and healthy weight loss method that is by improving our eating habits, with proper exercise and taking of supplements that will help us more than any diet.


For those who would like to find out more about how to eat right and what to eat and what not to eat, there are many wellness websites offering tips and advice with guidelines. Some even feature healthy recipes and healthy supplements such as the collagen on keto supplements.

What is collagen? 

It is a non-inflammatory protein found in the bones, skin, and tendons. Collagen is essential for energy production, detoxification, digestion, rebuilding of joints and tendons. Some collagen is also essential for skin elasticity, healthy joints, and beautiful hair. Collagen is like the glue that holds our bodies together.

What are the benefits of collagen on keto supplements? 

Collagen supplement helps make the diet easier and more accessible by making you stay full longer. Not only that, it also makes you feel better throughout the day and with more energy for your morning workout. There are many scientific pieces of evidence to prove that collagen gives you these powers and it also promotes better recovery. Collagen supplement can be taken in any way you want to eat it. You can add it to water, blend it into a fruit smoothie, your regular coffee or your regular glass of milk, etc.

I knew that I need to have an annual eye check-up but I always delay my check-up. I even mentioned in my old post that I should give importance to my eyes but I’m not doing it. Why? Because I’m aware that going to an ophthalmologist means new eyeglasses again and it means additional expense.

Suddenly, I realized na naka-3 palit na anak ko ng eyeglasses in a span of two years pero ako, I’m still wearing the same eyeglasses so last month, I took advantage of the holiday break and off we went to the doctor. I underwent the same process again and my doctor advised me that I need to change my eyeglasses.


They can’t explain to me, how fast nag-increase yung grado ko because almost two years akong hindi bumalik. But so far, my eyes are okay naman, tumaas nga lang grado ko. So from 175 and 100, 250 and 175 na.

After my check-up, we went to different optical shops so I could check the price of frames and lens. I didn’t find anything I like and there are eyeglasses that I like pero hindi pasok sa budget ko. I decided that I will use the same frame, lens na lang papalitan ko but the staff told me that it will take a few days pa. I’m dependent with my eyeglasses so I don’t think kaya ko ng ilang days na walang salamin so we went home, nag-isip isp muna ko.

Starfinder Optical Festival Mall

After two weeks, we went to Starfinder Optical in Festival Mall, my friend suggested this Optical Shop, sabi niya kasi may murang eyeglasses daw dun. She even said, meron din sa SM Sta Rosa, I told her na nanggaling na ko sa SM pero hindi ko napansin yung Starfinder. Actually, hindi ko rin alam kung saan ang Starfinder Optical sa Festival. Hehehe!Buti na lang nakita namin, nakatago pala siya.


Starfinder Optical was established in 2007 and it has now 15 branches all over the Philippines and Korea. Starfinder Optical is not an ordinary optical shop, they consider themselves as a fashion lifestyle store. They are offering eyewear, not only to correct the vision but they make sure that the eyeglasses will complement your personal style.


True enough, I’ve seen a lot of style and color of eyeglasses from kids up to senior citizens at a reasonable price. One thing I like, you can buy eyeglasses for P500 only. I’ve seen a lot of optical shops na nagsale or offer ng P500 eyeglasses but when you check, wala ka naman mapili. While checking the eyeglasses, napaisip ako na bakit ang mahal ng eyeglasses ko dati, e parang may kapareho sa P500 lang.


Actually, dito lang ko sa P500 namili. Hehehe! The staff just let me choose and try different eyeglasses, wala nakabuntot sa akin. I only asked the staff if I need some information. After several minutes of checking and trying eyeglasses, I asked the staff if I could get my eyeglasses on the same day and she said yes, but when I told her about the Crizal Prevencia, ioorder pa daw nila.


My lens is Crizal Prevencia because I always use computer and gadget. Crizal Prevencia Lens will protect my eye against harmful blue light and UV.

Staff: Ma’m bakit di niyo pa iupgrade yung lens niyo, konti na lang idagdag niyo.
Me: Magkano yung isang lens?
Staff: P3000

I asked my husband if okay lang na yung Crizal Eyezen na lang kunin ko and he said yes. So I went back to the staff and I told her, sige yung Eyezen na lang. I gave her my prescription and then she asked my age.

Staff: Ay mam, sorry hindi na pala P3k yung lens niyo. Lagpas na kayo sa age bracket. P4600 na siya.

Eyezen+ 0 - patients age 17 and under
Eyezen+ 1 - patients age 18 to 34
Eyezen+ 2 - patients age 35 to 44
Eyezen+ 3 - patients age 45 to 50

Waah! If I knew it, sana pala before pa ko nag birthday nagpacheck na ko. So P500 + P4600 = P5,100, sobra sa budget ko so I declined and I told her that I will stick to Crizal Prevencia Lens. I paid P3000 using my credit card then she asked me to sign something. When I read the paper, I saw Less Senior/PWD ID so I told the staff that I have a PWD ID, so she computed my discount. Since I paid using my credit card, ang hirap bawiin ng sobra so I told her that I will go for Crizal Eyezen, nagdagdag na lang ko ng konti. Thanks to my PWD discount.

And because I chose Crizal Eyezen, the optometrist still checked my eyes, she did some measurement and maski yung eyeglasses ko, sinulatan pa. Sinusukat daw niya yung eye focus. Anyway, to give you an idea, Eyezen lenses are enhanced lens that will protect your eyes from computers, TV, and smartphone. It will make your eyes relaxed, focus and gives clearer and sharper vision.

Crizal Eyezen Complete Protection

1. Optimal UV Protection
2. Repels water
3. Resists smudges
4. Anti-reflection
5. Resist scratches (2x more scratch resistant)
6. Repels dust
7. Harmful Blue Light Protection (reduces the risk of AMD)
8. Light Scan Technology (Protects Against Harmful Blue Light)
9. Wave technology (sharper, clearer vision) 
10. Eyezen Focus (comfortable, relaxed vision) 


I was able to get my eyeglasses after few days, the timeframe is 3-5 days. They always give you an authenticity card na wala sa ordinary lenses. When I tried my eyeglasses, I immediately noticed that it is clear, mas maliwanag paningin ko. Let see if I will stick to this lens or I will go back sa Crizal Prevencia para mas mura. Hehehe!

Update: October 2019

This is the third time that we went to Starfinder and I was a little bit disappointed kasi ang tagal na ng pagpapagawa ng salamin. Dati kasi 3-5 days lang, ngayon after 9 days na yung release date nila and night before the release date, we received a text that the eyeglasses is ready for pick-up. On a happy note, they gave us a 20% discount voucher code and sabi nila wala expiration so next year magagamit ito ng anak ko since every year naman kami nagpapalit.

P1390 (kid's frame) + P3900 (Crizal Prevencia Fog ID) = P5290

Starfinder Optical 
2/L Festival Supermall
Alabang, Muntinlupa City

One Saturday evening, my son told me that he has an itchy arm. He showed me his arms and I was surprised to see the rashes. He even said “Mommy, may caterpillar na nagcrawl dito kanina”.

Me: Huh! San ka naman nagpunta at may caterpillar? 
Ethan: Kanina sa Landmark. 

I was shocked because we just went to Asian Hospital, Festival Mall and Landmark so I have no idea na madidikitan siya ng caterpillar or higad. So I asked him again kung saan sa Landmark? Doon pala sa Water Garden, nagpicture-picture sila mag-ama while waiting for the mall to open. He did not notice the caterpillar and yun ginapangan na siya sa arms. According to him, inalis lang daw ng daddy niya and that’s it. 



At that moment, nahigh blood ako. Inalis lang and wala ng ginawa after? How I wish, they wash the affected area as soon as possible. Tapos, they did not tell me anything about the caterpillar, we went to optical shop, we ate at Tenya Tempura Tendon and we finished our grocery shopping pero wala ko kamalay-malay. At that time, there are no visible rashes on my son’s arms. I’m sure my two boys have no plans of telling me kung hindi lang kinati anak ko. I just told him to wash his arms with soap and water. 

The following day, my son woke me up as early as 5AM. 

Ethan: Mommy, I could not sleep. 
Me: Just close your eyes, makakatulog ka rin. Zzzzz
Ethan: Mommy, my skin is so itchy, I cannot sleep. 
Me: Turn-on the light so I can check. 


I was surprised because he has rashes on his back, stomach, arms and cheek. I have so many things to do last Sunday but I have no choice but to go to the clinic. I checked the schedule of the clinic and I saw na may 9AM sked ang Pedia. We were there as early as 8:45AM and we waited for almost two hours at wala pa yung doctor. Hayz! Anyway, the pedia prescribed antihistamine medicine and antipruritic cream. 

After check-up, I was not relieved yet because I have no idea what kind of caterpillar crawled on his arms, napaparanoid ako baka poisonous at need ng anti-tetanus vaccine pa. But now, after 4 days, sa arms na lang yung may mark ng rashes. Thank God, that there are no worse symptoms.

So let me share some do’s and don’ts that you need to remember if ever you experience this but I hope you won’t. Huwag balewalain ang higad. 

What to do if Caterpillar Stings You

1. Do not use your bare hand in removing the caterpillar because it can sting you. 
2. If you have adhesive tape, you can use it to remove the spines or hairs from the skin. The tape will get the remaining hairs or spines on your skin. Some use vinegar, urine or melted candle wax in removing the caterpillar spines. 
3. Wash the area with soap and water. 
4. You can apply baking soda + water paste, hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine cream to reduce the discomfort.
5. Apply cold compress. Nakakanumb din ito ng skin so iwas kamot.
6. Monitor other serious symptoms like blisters, difficulty in breathing, nausea, and vomiting 
7. Just to be safe, you can just visit the doctor like we did. 

My son took antihistamine medicine and I applied antipruritic cream on his rashes for 3 days lang, nagstop na ko nung wala ng redness and dry na yung rashes. If I will compute it, we spent P1300+ for check-up and medicine. Nang dahil lang sa higad, nakakaloka!

Do you know that there is World Psoriasis Day? Yes, this is a worldwide event where people around the world celebrate the WPD to give voice to millions of people who have psoriasis and I’m one of those people who have psoriasis. 

In the Philippines, we have National Awareness Week from October 23-29 since 2011 via Presidential Proclamation. But before that, PsorPhil is already celebrating World Psoriasis Day every year. People who have psoriasis, doctors, family and other supporters gather together to spread awareness about this skin condition.

This year, it will be celebrated on October 29, 2017 at San Andres Sports Complex. I haven’t joined all the parade but I was able to attend 2010, 2012, 2014 and hopefully this year, I can attend WPD event. 

If you have psoriasis or if you know someone who has psoriasis, let them know that there is a PsorPhil group or different clubs around the Philippines where you can join so you won’t feel alone. I am a member of Asian Psorclub so if you live in Laguna, Cavite, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Paranaque or anywhere in South, you can join our group. 

Anyway, since this is National Awareness Week let me inform you about psoriasis. I saw this flyer while I was cleaning. This is the flyer that we’re giving away during our Word Psoriasis Day walk.



Psoriasis in Numbers

Psoriasis affects 1-3% of the world’s population. (Clin. Dermatol. 2006;24;438-47) 
1.8 million Filipinos may have psoriasis. Psoriasis affects adult males and females equally. 
Studies have shown that 36-71% of patients with psoriasis have one relative who is also affected by psoriasis. 
Up to 10-20% of patients with plaque psoriasis also experience psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis develops in persons aged 35-55 years old. 
Approximately 50% of psoriasis patients >65 years old have at least 3 comorbidities and -67% have 2 or more comorbities, -10% of patients have ocular signs (blepharitis, conjunctivitis) which is more common in men than in women. (R. Arffa, MD, emedicine.com 2009) 
On the average, people with severe psoriasis have shorter life span of 4 years than patients without psoriasis, 3.5% years for men and 4.4 years for women. (Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(12):1493-1499)

Facts about Psoriasis 

What is psoriasis? 

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disorder with a strong genetic basis. It is characterized be red, raised, itchy patches, with silvery scales, which can occur on any part of the body. 

Psoriasis is not an infection and therefore is not contagious. 

What causes psoriasis? 

The exact cause of psoriasis is still undetermined. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Again, psoriasis is not caused by an infection and not contagious. 

What triggers psoriasis? 

The development of psoriasis has undoubtedly a genetic component, but certain environmental factors may also trigger the disease. These factors may include physical trauma, infections, stress, drug, alcohol, and cold climate. 

Is there a cure for psoriasis? 

At present, doctors cannot cure the disease, or even modify the course illness. Current treatments do not affect disease activity. This means that if the disease is active, then relapse will occur as soon as treatment is discontinued whatever therapy is used. 

However, psoriasis can be cleared with treatment that is currently available. 

Other Important Information about Psoriasis 

Psoriasis, being a common, chronic, complex inflammatory disease shares immunological features with other serious health disorders. 

Recent studies suggest that moderate to severe psoriasis is associated with comorbidities like metabolic syndrome and its components (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia), cardiovascular disease, Chron’s disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, depression, and inflammatory arthritis among others. 

Considering the link between psoriasis and comorbidities, it pertinent that a patient be aware of importance of regular follow-ups to their health care providers in order to be monitored for the said risk factors. It is also important for patients to adapt healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, to help prevent the development of comorbidities. 

Aside from these serious medical disorders, people with psoriasis are faced with a psychological and emotional burden aggravated by lack of awareness regarding the disease. Many of them face discrimination in public places like the hair salon, riding public transportation, workplace, swimming pools, and the like. It is important that people be made aware that psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed on by physically interacting with a person with psoriasis. Psychological and social support from family members, friends and support groups are very significant in decreasing the isolation of patient feels and increasing his/her confidence in living well with psoriasis.