Roaming Buddy: A Digital Nomad’s Best Friend

Internet access has been declared a human right by the UN way since back in 2011, and yet it
is still notoriously hard to find. Frequent travellers know this best, especially those who need to
take their work with them. The thought of frantically searching for wireless signal while trying to
beat a deadline on the go would be enough to dampen any travel plans. Despite its advantages,
living the digital nomad lifestyle still has this one major blocker to overcome.

However, a company has been constantly chipping away at this global problem, and is now
poised to eradicate it once and for all. Roam Buddy claims to be able to deliver wireless Internet
in more than 90 countries around the world, without the hassle of changing providers or signing
up for other services.

Roaming Just Got Easier
Imagine a device that can deliver unlimited (yes, no capping!) 24/7 Internet access no matter
which borders you cross. Roam Buddy aims to be just this. Powered by Skyroam, a company
that provides a “global hotspot”, Roam Buddy is a small, handheld device that acts as a wireless
router. Simply connect your mobile devices to it (up to 5 at a time), and enjoy consistent Net
access.

Roam Buddy has a pretty amazing list of countries covered. Whether you’re watching eating
shawarma in Turkey, or tending to elephants in Southern Asia, Roam Buddy has you covered.
And because it’s battery-powered and pocket-friendly, you can use the device while being
where the action is. Skype with your loved ones while dangling your feet over a picturesque
Andalusian gorge, or submit your work while sipping cocktails in Montserrat. Or, better yet, use
it to find your way while trekking through terra incognita.

That last part is what I’ve been using Roam Buddy for as I travel Europe. I’ve been using its
services to find the best tourist places, to search Google Maps, to know the train schedule, and
more! As a digital nomad and online freelancer, it also helps me complete my tasks without
having to shuffle back to the hotel’s WiFi zone.

I absolutely love the service because no matter how many borders and time zones you cross,
the rates are still the same. It’s still part of the same 24 hours.

Friendly travel options
While Roam Buddy is easily positioning itself as a travel must-have, it has to make itself
available to budget travelers, too. For frequent travellers such as businessmen, a unit can be
purchased for $99. The purchase includes 3 free “Daypasses”. A Daypass (a full day of Internet
access) can then be topped up for $8 a day.

And for those who just travel on occasion — backpackers, tourists, and the like — a rent option
is also available. Roam Buddy also offers unlimited Internet at as low as $8 a day. As a plus, it
can be delivered to your location or you can pick it up from one of their offices.
It’s devices like Roam Buddy that help make the world a more connected place, opening up new
possibilities for its users. What can the Internet do for you? Find out as you roam the world!
How it Helps

For students who do online tutorial, study online or who would like to learn a different language
from abroad. You will no longer need to worry about the lack of internet connections. So go
ahead and book your math, science, language or physics tutor with smiletutor because even
while you are on a trip, you can be assured that you will be connected.

Barangay 143: Philippine's Newest Basket Ball Android Mobile Game

I have a secret... When I was younger, I used to be an addict online gamer.  Gaming opened me to a whole new experience.  As I joined guilds and attended game conventions, I was able to make new friends which I still keep until today.  I have not been updated with the gaming industry lately so I decided to go to the E-Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) at the SMX Convention Center last October 28.  I was impressed by our locally made games like Synergy 88's Barangay 143.

I was further impressed that the company is headed by a woman - Jackline Chua.

The Barangay 143 game is a prequel to the soon to be animation series with the same name.  The story line is quite interesting.  The main character  Joaquin or “Wax” Rivera is a young and inexperienced basketball player. His father is a basketball legend.  As you go through along the game, he will learn from four basketball masters and he will be challenged by hardcore ballers.  Can he make his name in the basketball league just like his father?  That is what we are about to find out in the game and in the animation series.  It will also give the gamers and audience a localized feel of how street and league basketball is here in the Philippines.  We Filipinos have always loved basketball among other sports.  It is exciting to see our love be shown in the form of an android game and animation right?

The Barangay 143 is a free android mobile game that aims to give gamers the ultimate arcade experience.  Arcade games have always been something simple yet competitively motivating for gamers of all ages.  The company also plans to sponsor real basketball leagues and hold events so gamers can engage and grow from the holistic experience.

Naiholics Pampering for a Cause As It Celebrates National Pampering Day

Last October 17, 2017 from 10 AM to 1 PM,  all Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa branches nationwide gave out free pampering service (choices: manicure, foot spa or foot massage)  during the celebration of its  2nd National Pampering Day, in partnership with the most beloved nail lacquer brand in the world, OPI.

Although it was a weekday and there was a nationwide jeepney strike, it was still a huge success as there was a long line for the free service.  Well of course... it's FREE and FOR A CAUSE!  Yes, aside from getting free service, you also get to choose which of the  3 beneficiaries you want to support.  I chose World Vision which supported the rehabilitation of Marawi City.  Other two options are: Save Philippine Seas and The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).  I just felt that the situation in Marawi City is more urgent.

I was one of the firsts in SM Manila.

DEADSEA MUD MASK DETOXIFYING FOOT SPA

Actually Nailaholics has 3 kinds of Foot Spa.  All of them start with  a foot soak with lemongrass oil and tea tree extract.

Next step is the scrubbing off of dead skin.

What will be applied is what will vary.  Since I chose Dead Sea Mud Mask, I was scrubbed with dead sea salt.  Maybe for effect, it was color green.

Then, it was wiped neatly to prepare for the next step.

Mud mask was applied all over my legs.  It had a cooling effect.  It was left for a few minutes before it was also wiped off.  I  can now feel my skin so soft and moisturized.  The cooling effect also made me feel refreshed and relaxed.

PEBBLE BEACH STRESS RELIEVER BACK MASSAGE

Since I wanted a wholesome pampeing experience, I also availed of the Pebble Beach  Back Massage.  It cost me 440 php for 30 minutes.  I'm amazed that at the height of 5'6 inches I actually cause lay down and fit there.  What a genius space saving bench convertible into massage bed.

My massage therapist Gina was very courteous.  Although the menu indicated dry massage, she offered me to have it with oil so I agreed.  She also asked me my preferred pressure.  As usual, I liked it hard.  You may be wondering why I am having a massage in a nail spa.  I  just wanted to try to see if it had advantages over a purely massage spa and it did.  Since they have not been massaging all day, you can count on their full strength and dedication during your massage. 

Aside from the free service, they also offered the Argan Oil at 50% OFF so you know what happened next... how can we resist such a huge saving right?

Thank you  so much Nailaholics for the pampering treat!  Hope to join again next year!

Why Car Seat Check is Important

*Sponsored Post

When buying a car, we have so many considerations.  We feel that we have everything figured out.

We check the:
1. Brand
2. Model
3. Year
4. Color
5. Engine power
6. Fuel type
7. Seat capacity
8. Size
9. Price
10. Payment scheme
and many other criteria.

But, we often neglect the safety features.   Or, if we didn't are we certain that we've done enough to ensure that we have availed of the best safety measures we can?

Like when it comes to car seat, is just purchasing and installing enough?   Of course, not!  We have to choose which one is best for us.   There are so many types to choose from such as Infant seat, Convertible seat and Booster seat.  And, we have to install it properly.

Did you know that in the United States where car seats are popular, 3 out of 4 car seats are being used incorrectly?  That's a safety measure failure right there!

One of the main cause of that is the false belief that they installed it correctly because they had their car seats checked at the Police Station or the Fire Station without making sure that the person checking is a certified child passenger safety technician  or certified car seat technician.

Imagine that!  They have gone through a rigirous process of selecting and purchasing a car seat but it isn't at all useful just because they did not have a proper car seat check.  So I would say, it is the car seat check that is vital in ensuring your child's safety!

All Dogs Go To Heaven: Kiwi in My Dream (Pet Obituaries)

Last October 9, 2017, my thoughts brought me back to my recollection of noticing Kiwi becoming thinner and thinner.  I started to feel a bit sad and regretful that if I brought her to check up then maybe I could have saved her. 

Then I remembered the last time I saw her, the shock I had when I saw and touched her cold corpse at the vet's examination table and the time I saw her body during her wake.

That made me miss patting and touching he warm and lively shaking body as she excitedly wags her tail.

Pet Valley Crematory

Then I fell into deep sleep and lost track of time.  I saw Kiwi on her down and very relaxed stance.  There was like a wide beam of light as vast as the sea between us.  It was all bright and white ray like a LED light.  I called her "Kiwi! Kiwi! Kiwi!".  But, she couldn't hear me.

So I shouted my heart out and even felt hot tears trickle down my eyes as I called out "Kiwi! Kiwi! once again.  This made her look up at me.  She titled her head as if surprised and wondering what I was doing there.    (Her shiny curious eyes and tilting head is the same look she has when she doesn't understand my commands or why I am scolding her.)

Suddenly, we could communicate in our minds without using any of the five senses we use here on Earth.  She told me that she has to go but it is okay.

We were instantly transported to a new place.  It was all white with so many dogs.  They were all showing each other affection and playing with each other like our dogs do.

And then, I saw one that looks like lychee (my maltese whose with my ex).  I said, "Wow! She looks just like Lychee.  But, wait a minute.  Lychee isn't dead yet.  How can she be here?"

Kiwi said, " That's right.  Here everyone is welcome!  There is no difference whether you are dead or alive and dreaming just like you.  And, it doesn't matter where they come from either... whether far away or just in the neighborhood.  Speaking of which... you have to go back now."

Then suddenly, I smelled the scent of alcohol or a hint of the white flower oil I rubbed on my mosquito bite.  I felt the cool air from the air-conditioning touching my skin.  I can feel my presence inside the bed room.  I could feel my heart beating very fast and calming down as I could feel myself breathing.  As soon as my heart settled down, my cellphone alarm rang and I woke up.  But unlike most dreams, I could vividly remember everything... the sensation, the conversations and the visions.

My Top 8 Criteria in Choosing a Chiropractor

After spending a lot on Acupuncture, sad to say it didn't help with my eczema. 
My eczema is still spreading as of today.  But, I don't think it is acupuncture but the skill and technique of the performer that matters.
I am now very curious to try another functional alternative medicine - chiropractic medicine.

I have been surfing the net and looking for more information about chiropractors.
And, I discovered that what they do are so broad.
At first,  I had the impression that they only cover neuromuscular disorders but no they cover so much more.
But like my acupuncture, I think one chiropractor varies with another one.
In fact, they have a broad range of technique, procedure and skills.

So its really tough to choose which one right?
I have listed a few criteria in selecting:

1. Reputation
Does the chiropractor have an established reputation in your area?
Have they been recommended by your friends?

2. Accreditation and Association
Do they have any accreditation or are they a member of a chiropractic association?  I think professionals can recognize one another better.  We us patients who have no education on the field cannot simply trust ourselves right?

3. Approach and Techniques
Do they adopt an approach and technique that you feel can address your needs?  Do they treat the root cause and not the symptoms?

4. Experience
Have they dealt with problems that are similar to yours?

5. Guarantee
Do they guarantee satisfaction for the treatment?

6. Modern equipment
Do they have modern equipment? to better diagnose your problem?

7. Recommendation
Are they open to listen about your problem and explain their criteria prior to preparing you a recommendation?  Do they advise you measure to prevent or follow through after your treatments?

8. Costs
Can you afford it?  Do they offer a flexible payment scheme for you to be able to handle the treatment expense?  Do they give you an accurate estimate prior to starting a series of treatment?

Bazket Manila: Filipino Local Market at SMX Convention Center this Oct 27-29, 2017

This morning, we stumbled into Bazket Manila at SMX Conventional Center Manila Function Room 5.  It's a 3-day "work + shop local" from October 27-29 2017.  It's a workshop and local market in one.

The market is a mix of local products. There's innovative food products, clothes, handy crafts and more.

Maharlika Chocolate by the High School Students of Hope Christian

Check out Maharlika's Chocolate here.

Order El Mateo's Goodies here.

How I wish we knew this sooner because there are workshops lined up:

1. Basic Crochet Workshop by DMC for the 3 days at 10:30am-12pm and 4pm-5:30pm.
2.Ink scribble workshop:
Oct 27: 3pm-4pm
Oct 28: 2pm-3pm
Oct 29: 10am-11am

Check out Jacinto & Lirio's Products Here

3. How I started my social entrepreneur workshop
OCT 27:3pm-4pm
4. Green housekewping workshop by Messy Bessy
Oct 28: 10am-11am
5. Paint your tote by Andrea Mercado by Rockets PH
Oct 28:3pm-4pm
6. Basic brush lettering w/ florals by kimberly paclar of Rockets PH
Oct 29:3-4pm

7.Being an entrepreneur in the corporate world by builtable coworking
Oct 28-29 11am-12pm

8. Intro to Social Enterprise by Gk Enchanted Farm Business Development Manager Leonard Dungca
Oct 27 11am-12pm
9. First Harvest Home Made Home Grown Life story by GK Enchanted Farm
10. When Playing Rhymes with nation building by Fabien Courteille Founder of Plush and Play
Oct 29 1-3pm

Jack Ma Quote Collection And Lessons (Shared to the DLSU Students)

1. Learn the mistake the others are making to know what to do when the mistakes happen to you.
(not how you avoid a mistake but how you face it)

2.  Do not find the best people, find the right people. 
There are no best people.  The best people is in your own company.

3. Change yourself and do not believe that you are always right.

4. It is important for small business to dream big. The big businesses should take small steps.  They should also seek to change, even slowly, in order to be more relevant to people’s needs.

5.  There should be a group of people with crazy dream, not just 1 person with crazy dream.  If it is a group dream, it will go farther.

 

6.  If your customer like it, your team like it, then it is a good idea.

7.  If you complain, be sure to have solution.  If you don't have solution, don't complain. 

Don't complaint to others.  Just complain to yourself.  Check your own problem.

8.  Be simple, stay foolish and no matter just continue.

9.   Where there is complaint, there is opportunity.

10.  In prioritizing, pick up things that you are passion about, things you love to do, things you can sustain.  Because the things you love, the things you are good at, it will last long.

11.  Whether study or work, you have learn.  You have to put all the knowledge into practice. 

12.  Traditional education is not matching the realties of the economy and the environment.




13.  Don't invite your best friends to form a company with you.  Don't.  I see many tragedies.

There are cases where they succeed.  But, the most fails make friends with them once they're in the company treat them. 

14.  Friendship is based on trust.  Your team trust you.  When they are in trouble spend time with them.   Business is friendship building.  Friendship is about trust building.  No friend, no business.
No trust, no friendship.

15.

When you are 20-30 years old, find a good boss, a good boss is better than a good company.  A good boss would discipline you, train you, develop you.

When you are 30-40 years old, do something for yourself.

When you are 40-50, do something you are good at.

When you are 50-60, focus on helping young people.

When you are 60-80, spend time with your grand children.

 

16. You will never make big mistakes, where you don’t have money.

 

17. No matter how smart you are, if you don’t know how to work with people, your dreams will just be dreams.  

 

18. You have to change all the time. We don't care about if people say we are crazy. We care about, is this really different?  Keep innovating. 

 

19. I believe it is not the technology that changes the world, but the dream behind that technology. 

 

20.  Young people who want to do lots of things is better than young people who has lots of things to do.

 

21. Don't be discouraged when people don't help you.

22. Sometimes MBAs can make you stupid.

Lessons on Market Trend

1. Data Technology > Internet Technology

• I think he is referring to how we can use of tons of data gathered to our advantages opposed to inventing an information system

     2. 80% Online

     3. Consumer to Producer (C2P)

     4. Important to:
         a. have a mentor
         b. be money reaching
         c. be market reaching
         d. be technology reaching

     5. The importance of sales should be understood in all the processes.

Lessons on Yourself

    1. Be Unique

   2. EQ > LQ > IQ

My Eulogy for Kiwi (Featuring Pet Valley Park and Crematory)

R.I.P Kiwi September 26, 2017... I will never forget this day when I was just planning to head over to the vet to visit you.  But, you left us that morning...

I will never forget that night as I wait for Pet Valley's service to pick you up... I will never forget the next day when I took a day off from work just to prepare and visit your wake.

During my time at Pet Valley Park and Crematory, I wrote you this eulogy...

Eulogy for Kiwi
Dear Kiwi,
I don't know why you chose me as your master.
In the first place, I didn't choose you.
I was never a dog lover.
Yet, your eyes light up with my every word.
You'd wag your tail as you welcome me home.
And, you'd wag your tail even more as I call your name.
You'd obey and trust me even when you are whimpering in fear...
whether it be a visit to the vet, taking bitter medicines or walking side by side jeepneys.

You have been my most loyal companion. (for 9 years...)
You're much of foodie and an explorer as I am.
No one else but you would come running to the kitchen...
and just happily lay there sniffing the scent of my dishes.

Whenever I go down freshly bathed,
you look at me with the most adorable puppy dog eyes...
and tilted wrinkly head asking me to take you for a short walk.
You know I couldn't resist that as you wag your tail in excitement.
Thus, we've gone out on hundreds of short walks.
Yet, how I wish we had more of those.


Wherever I'd go you'd lay nearby.
Each night you'd lay by my footside.
My bed isn't big or spacious...
so each night you'd be careful to grant me
as much legroom as you can.
And, each morning you'd wake and lift your head up...
just for a pat on the head as I go on my way to work.

We humans think we are far more superior and wiser.
But the truth is, I only taught you to do tricks for the first few weeks.
You're the one who taught me a lot more.
You can do two things no person I know can ever do.
1. Love unconditionally
2. Sustain positivity, grace and happiness
Even during your last days, you were still overflowing with love and care for others.
You never neglect to groom the other dogs...
even when you are wobbly for your own balance.

I used to be so weak as my energy and mood fluctuated
and I let myself be shrouded in doubts, fears, anger, and negativity.
I was fortunate to have you as my consistent source and pillar of light.
With your gleaming eyes, smile and energetic tail wagging,
you made me feel that everything will be alright.

You showed me that it is not the number of years we live..
But, how fruitful we live that matters.
You showed me the true power that comes from within.

You were never the strongest or the healthiest.
But, you're the pack leader because...
you have the greatest heart, soul, and spirit.
You are a being that is overflowing with goodness.
You don't need brute or force to gain respect,
your mere presence is enough to make you shine.

You opened my heart and showed me the value of empathy and connection.
Just by your eyes, the tilt of your head and the vibrancy of your tail wags,
I have learned to understand you.
And, I'd like to believe you understood me too.

Whenever I am sad or sick, you are instantly by my side.
Wherever you are not feeling well, I'd instantly know...
by the way you caress and surrender your head on my leg or
the palm of my hand for me to brush through your head.

During those times, you made me feel as if my touch was so powerful
as you close your eyes calmly and comfortably as if having a great relief.

Till the very last moment, I wished that was true...
I tried my best to be so strong...
so I could lend you some strength.
And, each time you made me believe...

I vividly remember the very last time...
You were the very fast and the first among the dogs...
to  welcome me with the same bright eyes
as your tail wagged trying not to make me see you limping

I know that is how you want to be remembered...
To me, you will always be bright and strong...
And, I promise I will be too...
I know that's how you want me to be.

When Eating Healthy Is Not Enough

Aging is a privilege. With aging comes experience and wisdom, not to mention senior citizen’s discounts. But with aging also comes the onset of aches, pains and age-related conditions. Such is why older people try to adopt a healthier lifestyle – something you might have observed from your parents, grandparents, or older friends (or which you find yourself doing, if you consider yourself old). They try to keep themselves moving by doing zumba, for instance, and they become more watchful of what they eat. Eating healthier food is not just a trend among older adults – it is a norm. We know this is a good practice, but as we age, eating healthy food may not be enough. That’s because even if you eat healthy food, there’s a chance of you not getting all the good nutrition from it, which may happen if you are deficient in digestive enzymes.

You’re probably thinking, “Digestive enzymes? I remember hearing about that back in the day during Science class. What do digestive enzymes have to do with me getting good nutrition?” Digestive enzymes are responsible for breaking down the food we eat into a form that can be easily absorbed by the body. It’s not the food itself that gets absorbed – it’s the nutrients from it.


But how exactly does it happen?

Imagine yourself eating a piece of bread. As you chew the bread, you are starting to digest it already. From your mouth, it passes through your esophagus down to your stomach, where it further gets digested. From the stomach, it goes into the small intestine where digestion gets completed. Enabling the digestion in your mouth, stomach and small intestine are your digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down your food into nutrients so they may be absorbed into your bloodstream and transported to every cell in your body. Such is the crucial role of your digestive enzymes. Healthy food provides the foundation for optimal health, but even the healthiest food is of little use if it is not properly digested and absorbed.

The thing is, as we get older, the digestive enzymes naturally produced by our bodies become depleted. Digestive enzyme deficiency is thus something older people may experience – and they may not even be aware of it. But how will you know if an older loved one such your mom or dad is deficient in digestive enzymes? If they constantly have digestive complaints like gas, bloating, or abdominal pain, and / or if their bowel movement is irregular, they could be suffering from digestive enzyme deficiency.

Good thing, Unilab has the answer to digestive enzyme deficiency. Introducing Enzyplex – a digestive enzyme supplement that helps promote healthy digestion. It has a unique combination of digestive enzymes, which break down food so your body gets the nourishment it needs. It also helps one avoid indigestion symptoms such as gas, bloating and stomachache. 

Aside from digestive enzymes, Enzyplex has vitamin B-complex which helps enhance the digestive process and aids in the conversion of food into energy to support normal body processes.

With Christmas nearing, why don’t you give your loved ones (or yourself) the gift of healthy digestion and optimal nutrient absorption? They’ll need it, especially with all the festivities! Buy a box of Enzyplex today and let them absorb life to the fullest!

Know more about Enzyplex and nutrient absorption! Visit and like the Enzyplex Facebook page (Enzyplex Philippines) and check out the Enzyplex website (www.agewell.ph/products/enzyplex).

#AbsorbLifetotheFullest with Enzyplex!
Enzyplex is available in Luzon branches of Watsons, South Star Drug and St. Joseph Drug .

Maskape Barako Gold: Coffee and Sugar 2 in 1 Coffee Mix

Whether it's at home or at the office, there's one thing we can't live without - coffee!  We've tried so many coffee mixes and the recent one is Maskape by Might and Strong Foods Corporation. 

There are already many existing coffee mix brands in the market.  But, this is the first time I've encountered a Barako Gold variant.  I chose this variant because I always opt for the less sugar and more coffee for an ultimate caffeine kick.

Especially around 2 or 3 pm, my workmates would feel bored and sleepy so we need an extra boost...
I brought them some Maskape Barako Gold and indeed the bitter-sweet flavor and caffeine strength gave us a powerful jolt of awakeness. 

For the very cheap price of P5 SRP, this is one of the best options at such price range.  It definitely has sufficient coffee taste and in this variant, it only has 6 grams of sugar out of the 11 gram serving.  They have other instant coffee mix variants.  I also tried all of them but I found the blend of sweetness too much for my taste.  This one is best suited for those who want a strong coffee taste but on a budget.