What is a diary?

I started having a diary when I was 10. It was a simple notebook where I share my thoughts and ideas. As a little girl, I have always wanted to write the highlights of my day. This includes both happy and sad incidents. 

As I grew a little bit older, my diary became my secret keeper. I spent writing about boys, crushes, after school dates and a lot teenage stuff. From a simple notebook, I opted to have one that is more secure -- a journal with lock. 

Now that I am 30ish, I still have a diary but in a form of a planner. It is journal of the things that happened for the day featuring important events and highlights. It is a place where I keep reminders and notes that may come in handy in the future. My diary also has a lot of stickers and clippings. I also write inspirational quotes in my diary.

What is really the purpose of a DIARY? 

A diary is important avenue for self-expression. It is like a friend that you can share everything with 24/7. There is no judgement. A place where you can share your successes and misfortunes. 

A diary is also a place for motivation. It is where you can certain find lessons from your past. Some diaries (like mine) includes a collection of my favorite quotes and sayings. 

A diary is also a record of the important things that has happened in your life. My diary includes my medical records as well as meetings and professional commitments that happened.  

I believe that I would be forever keeping a diary. For the past 20 years, it has been an important part of me that I am not comfortable if I don't have one. Given the opportunity to print my own diary, the perfect diary will include the following:

• Planner type calendar, date, days
• Inspirational quotes and sayings
• Mood board
• Medical Record
• The Blessings List
• Dreamboard
• Lots of writing space

How about you? Are you also keeping a diary? Tell me more about it. 

FREE doughnuts to make your day sweeter from the SM Mobile App

SM Supermalls is bringing back its “Download & Win” in-app mobile game and sweetening the deal by giving away 3 Original Glazed® Krispy Kreme doughnuts each to 100 unique SM Supermalls mobile app registered users every day from April 30 to June 30, 2016. 

Embedded within the SM Supermalls Mobile App, “Download & Win” was the first digital scratch card promotion in the country. Its launch during SM Supermalls’ 30th Anniversary was marked with the giving away of exciting prizes such as free mobile data, free Spotify, Facebook, Games, Unli-Call and Unli Text every day for the entire month of March.

The celebration resumes this month with a shower of doughnuts! And joining can’t be simpler – just download the mobile app and get a chance to win. 

Upon signing up in the SM Supermalls mobile app, you will receive a digital scratch card on the app. Scratch off the gray area to find out if you won. Get another shot of winning the next day until the end of the promo period. With some good luck and the daily habit of checking the app, you’ll be closer to sinking your teeth into those craveable doughnut treats for free. 

The SM Supermalls Mobile App is free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SMMobileApp-iTunes

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SMMobileApp-GooglePlay

Aside from this treat, there are also other reasons why I love about the #SMMobileApp

• I am able to see current promotions in all SM branches.
• I can filter it according to a specific location or mall
• I can see list of stores and establishment
• Checking cinema schedule has never been more accessible. 
• You get exclusive coupons through the #SMMobileApp
• It also allows you to save your parking details just to make sure you don't forget or get lost. 

To keep up to date on what’s new, visit SM Supermalls website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Viber Public Chat, and Snapchat.

PRESS RELEASE: Duterte reaches out to foes, calls for national healing

DAVAO CITY – Presidential frontrunner Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday extended his hand of reconciliation to political rivals as he called for national healing following a bitter campaign in the race for the presidency that saw all candidates throwing mud at each other.

“I would like now reach my hand to my opponents and let us begin the process of healing,” Duterte said in a well-attended press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, where he went straight after casting his vote at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Matina.

Although acknowledging that the exchange of innuendoes is part of the election process in the Philippines, he admitted that the mudslinging during the campaign period was very intense and virulent.

“Let us begin to forget, and let us be friends,” he said. 

The 71-year-old local chief executive is contesting the presidency against administration candidate Mar Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binjay and senators Grace Poe and Mirriam Santiago.

When asked if he is also reaching out to vice presidential candidate and Sec. Antonio Trillanes IV – his most ardent critic during the campaign -- Duterte said his peace offering is intended for everybody.

Should his rivals refuse his call, Duterte said he cannot do anything about it.

During the past three months, Duterte engaged Roxas and Binay in a fiery verbal clash over issues as they toured the countryside to court votes. But, it was Duterte himself who absorbed the stinging blows in the final two weeks of the campaign when Trillanes went berserk and hurled baseless accusations against the presidential frontrunner.

Duterte was also a victim of a highly controversial political television advertisement allegedly paid for by Trillanes, although this was stopped after his running mate, vice presidential aspirant Alan Peter Cayetano, was able to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) that prohibited the television network from further airing the ad.

Meanwhile, Duterte said he is satisfied with the conduct of the national and local elections yesterday.

“So, far I have not received any reports of cheating and violation,” he said. The mayor also made it clear to journalists that he is will not be presumptuous on the result of the electoral exercise. “I remain only hopeful as of this time,” Duterte said. 

Letting The Dogs Out At The Spa

If you are like most pet owners, your dog is a member of the family. Treat your furry friend to a few hours at a pet spa in Plymouth MI. While there, the pet can receive a bath with luxurious products that leave the coat soft and shiny as well as other special services that will make your dog feel loved and relaxed. 

A pet spa is more than just a place where you can leave your pet so that you can go on vacation or if you need someone to watch your pet while you're at work. This is a facility that takes the time to get to know your pet in a way that makes it comfortable. You don't have to worry about who is taking care of your dog as the staff is trained and qualified to work with animals of almost all breeds and sizes. Staff members will make sure your dog is settled before doing any kind of work on the skin, coat or nails. 

When your pet is at a day spa, there is sure to be a lot of fun with other animals. It offers a way for the dog to get out of the house and away from closed quarters, playing outside with other dogs that are of similar sizes. Staff members can help dogs interact with each other, showing them the social skills that they need to play in a proper manner. If your dog is a biter, then being around other dogs can show yours that it's not right to bite others. When your dog begins to bite, the other dog will quickly let it know that it hurts and that the behavior is not allowed. 

A benefit of being at the spa is that the dog will be able to play for a few hours. There is time for a nap as well. Once the activity session is over, the dog can be bathed in a way that helps it feel relaxed. Nails can be clipped and painted, and the ears can be cleaned. A dog spa can provide enjoyment for both the pet and the owner in only a few short hours.

Vote on May 9 and Get Rewarded

May 9 is another big day in our country's history. It a chance to exercise our rights to suffrage and choose a leader that we believe is best for our country with hopes of a brighter future. 2016 Elections is so huge that there are a lot of Election Day promos and discounts available. 

Regardless of the candidate you will be supporting, don't miss out on these special privileges for all voters.  Get these by simply flashing your dead nails.. (hahaha. kidding.) Just show them your voter's ink to take advantage of these election day special offers. 

1. Tenya Philippines
Promotion: Get 20% off on your total bill just by showing your your voter's ink.
Branches: All Tenya Branches (BGC Stopover, Market! Market!, SM Southmall and SM Megamall)
Terms and Conditions apply. 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/TenyaPhilippines

2. Racks
Promotion: Get 1 large side dish for FREE (minimum purchase of Php 500)
Branches: All Racks Branches
This promo is not valid in conjunction with other promos and discounts.

https://www.facebook.com/RacksPHL

3. Dairy Queen
Promotion: FREE Blizzard Upsize from Regular to Medium
Branches: All DQ Branches

Source: https://www.facebook.com/dairyqueenphilippine

4. Kanto Freestyle Breakfast
Promotion: FREE iced coffee when you dine at Kanto Freestyle Breakfast
Branches: #KantoKapitolyo, #KantoMarikina, and #KantoMandaluyong

Source: https://www.facebook.com/kantofreestylebreakfast

5. Tokyo Tonteki Philippines
Promotion: Get 10% off on all items
Branches: Greenbelt 5

Source: https://www.facebook.com/tokyotontekiphilippines

6. MINISTOP
Promotion: Free Coke Mismo with any purchase. 
Branches: For the first 50 customers per store.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/MinistopPH

7. Folded and Hung
Promotion: 10% off with a minimum purchase of Php 1,500
Branches: All branches nationwide

Source: https://www.facebook.com/foldedandhung

8. Flawless Face and Body Clinic
Promotion: Get 50% OFF any facial treatment
Branches: Bacoor, Batangas, Calamba, Cebu, Dasmariñas, Lanang Davao, Greenhills, Lipa, Makati, Megamall, MOA, Sta. Rosa, Baliwag, Cubao, Fairview, Iloilo, Light, Manila, Marilao, North Edsa, Pampanga, San Lazaro, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Mesa, Trinoma & Bacolod

Source: https://www.facebook.com/FlawlessFaceandBody

9. Bangus Restaurant
Promotion: Free Iced Tea with your order
Branches: Greenhills and SM Mall of Asia

Source: https://www.facebook.com/Bangus-Restaurant-45703079247

10. Krispy Kreme
Promotion:  Just present your voting finger with indelible ink and your Krispy Kreme mobile app VOTE coupon to get a free Original Glazed doughnut
Branches: Fort, Greenhills, SM Mall of Asia, SM Baguio, Cebu IT Park, SM Bacolod, CDO Limketkai and SM Ecoland Davao

Source: https://www.facebook.com/krispykremeph

Disclaimer: My Metro Lifestyle is not liable for any changes in promotion or additional terms and conditions not mentioned in the featured promotions. Please take time to verify with the host of the promotion for complete details. 

Book Review: Mommy Loves You Just The Same by Teresa Dumadag

Have you ever heard stories about older kids wishing that their new baby brother or sister be back in their mother's womb?

Well, I have and it happened within my own family. I am the youngest of the 3 siblings and with a 6 and 8-year gap. They said that my brother was a bit jealous and wants to stay as the "baby" in the family even though he is already 6 years old. He kept on bugging my mom to put me back where I can from. Well, it's funny but true.

So when I found this upcoming children's book by Teresa G. Dumadag entitled Mommy Loves Me Just The Same, it reminded me of that story. The book was written while she was pregnant with her 3rd child to help inspire moms to breastfeed continuously (tandem feed if needed) and to involve the older kids in caring for their younger sibling. The book provides ideas for older siblings on how they can bond with the coming baby even while still in their mother’s womb and what they can do to help when the baby arrives. It's also a great tool that moms can use to assure their older children that their love for them remains the same even with an additional child in the family.

I believe that this can benefit other moms and families. It is highly recommended for moms who are expecting another child or who gave birth to another child not so long ago. It will help moms assure their older kids that their love for them remains the same even with the coming of another baby. It also provides ideas on how the older sibling can help prepare for the baby's coming and take care of the baby when the baby arrives.

It is a good read for both moms and older children. The message has been captured in a simple yet meaningful approach that was brought to life through the beautiful illustrations by Jia Rubio- Monserrat.

Mothers and Babies from the South Gathered for the Great Cloth Diaper Change

The Great Cloth Diaper Change (GCDC) by South PiNanays (SPiN) was held at Festival Mall, Alabang last April 23, 2016. It was a great success with 69 mommy and baby pairs who simultaneously changed baby diapers to celebrate this worldwide gathering.. This event was done in partnership with Modern Cloth Nappying Pinays (MCNP), Breastfeeding Pinays, Mommy Talk Philippines, and Newlyweds@Work.

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

The GCDC is an annual worldwide event created by the Real Diaper Association that aims to spread awareness about the benefits of cloth diapering, advocating cloth diapers as an environment-friendly choice for families. This year, there were 235 registered GCDC events in 19 countries, eight were held in the Philippines, one of which was the SPiN event in Alabang.
Aside from the actual diaper change, there was also a mini-bazaar featuring small mom-owned businesses that offered family-friendly products. There were also talks about cloth diapering, breastfeeding, and oral care and dental health for children.

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

There were also free fluoride applications for the kids and free haircuts for the mommies and daddies. Lots of raffle and game prizes were given away throughout the day. Sponsors for the SPiN GCDC were Festival Mall, David's Salon, Sylergy, Sydenase, Tempra, Green Cross, Zonrox, PeeWee Explorers, The Nest, Kidsmile Pediatric Dental Clinic, and Ingente-Valencerina Photography.

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

If you are wondering what SPiN is all about, it was Established in October 2013 and officially registered as an NGO last July 2015 as South PiNanays Women Empowerment, Inc. (SPiN). It is mainly a breastfeeding and parenting support group for mothers and families living in Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon. The group aims to educate, support, and empower the community, one baby, one mom, one family at a time.

If you are not yet a part of this wonderful group, check out our group in facebook and follow the instructions on how to be a member.

To all the organizers and members of SPiN, congratulations for this beautiful and meaningful event. Looking forward to more SPiN activities and events.

Go Green and Practical with California EcoBike

With crazy heat and the scary weather patterns, we no longer need more evidence that the ill effects of climate change is here. 

Though some say that the effects are irreversible, I am encouraging everyone that we can still do something about it by not making it worse. 

The use of eco-friendly energy source like solar panels as well as eco-friendly transportation alternatives is a must nowadays. Not to mention that the fuel prices continues to soar every week, add that to the burden of motorists and commuters alike as horrendous traffic in the metro persist. Thus, the use of electronic bikes is a smart choice.  

These E-bikes can either charge on an electrical outlet or completely off-grid through solar charging. These should lower fumes on the road caused by petroleum type fuel and considerably cheaper if not free. 

With the steady growth of e-bike followers, California Ecobike is gearing towards its mission to improve transportation in an eco-friendly way, one e-bike at a time. With their continuous effort in offering various alternative, here are two of their newest model:

Apart from it's advantages, I would like to share to my readers more reasons to switch to e-bikes. CD-R King and California Ecobike will be holding this promotion, Libreng E-bike that will run from April 15 to May 15, 2016, and here are the mechanics: 

1. Participants must purchase one (1) unit of E-bike worth P10,000 or more to qualify for this promo.

2. Participant must sign an application form and submit 2 valid IDs to join. Approved participants will be given a referral ID card.

3. Participant must accompany each of their referred buyers during the purchase.

4. A successful referral can only be approved if the following conditions are met:

a.) Each of the referred buyer bought an E-bike worth 10,000 or higher.

b.) The transaction was made within the promo period. 

c.) The transaction was made on the same branch where the participant enlisted in.

5. After completing 10 successful transactions, the participant can avail 1 free Reedley2 E-bike.

6. To claim the free Reedley2 E-bike, participant must present his/her Referral ID card along with 2 valid IDs. After 3 working days, store will call up the participant for claiming.

7. Redemption period is up to 60 days from the end of promo.

Also, here's another good news for Two wheels enthusiasts on the North: 

CD-R King and California E-bike are testing the market as it initially offer the iRover and Malibu for rent for mall-goers of Star Mall, San Jose. With a minimal fee of as low as Php30, Mall goers can rent these gadgets to be used within the mall vicinity. Renter should have a valid ID for processing.

For further inquiries visit www.ebike.cdrking.com or their facebook page.