The Sweetest Thing with Diabetes

Life has changed dramatically when I learned I had diabetes. My family has a long history of having it so I kinda knew it was just going to be a few more years before I would have it. I've seen my family members have tough battles with it. I do know most of them carry around shots of insulin so they could live like a normal joe. If you're in our shoes, it's hard to go out and have fun with family and friends because lack of it would pretty much make you experience fatigue, you would rather just lay around all day in bed than interact with your cute nieces and nephews. Aside from that, you can't travel much because you would often feel the need to urinate even if you don't need to and sometimes, get even more sick internally because you didn't manage your diabetes properly.

Yes, I'm so glad I'm managing mine quite well with the guidance of my endocrinologist who's also busy spreading her expertise here and around the globe. I make sure to watch what I eat (although that burger last night was not counted). I also think of it in a certain way – that if you take in a lot of sugar and it gets into your blood, it will eventually cause problems in different parts of your body. Obviously, it will pass through your heart, kidneys, eyes and your brain. When it damages parts of it, it could cause organ failure which would not be a good thing. I also take time to explain to my younger cousins, my nephews and nieces that this too could happen to them. These days, if I need to eat out or order food, I take time to look at the ingredients closely. I’m also so conscious about the nutrition labels on food when I go and get groceries to replenish our pantry. I also drank a lot of sodas in the past, but now if it’s not 4g or below per serving, I would think twice or just revert to my iced water if I get cravings. I also often drink carbonated water so I get the fizz of regular drinks I get but without the sugar and added ingredients that are bad for me.

The key is in moderation, to regularly see the doctor so they can tell you if your laboratory results are improving. Also, there have been tons of strides made in the development of insulin (second generation) which can have longer durations of action, and insulins that can address a variety of conditions and different types of patients. These products are also available for delivery, which is very convenient during the pandemic. Watsons (also Watsons Delivery that does insulin delivery). In the past, it would have been difficult to acquire it but we’ve seen the importance of insulin to be administered in a timely manner or else, it wouldn’t stabilize glucose levels in the bloodstream and cause hypoglycemia.

I realized how important it is for people to have access to medicine so we could live our lives as normal as possible. Even if we’re in this condition, we have the capability and become the best versions of ourselves out there. As you can see, it takes a whole town to manage what I have and I’m glad people are helping. From family members, to friends who refer you to the best doctors, to the company that produces the insulin and took the extra mile to get it to this patient who only wants to be as normal as possible. They’re in the best position to help, and they’re doing it. I’m just thankful to see they care about me, and my health. It is the sweetest, and for that, I’m grateful!  

For more information on second-generation insulin and diabetes management, you can watch the webisode series for lifestyle diseases, Health Speak, in this link https://www.instagram.com/p/CPaQ6nAhVpT/

GCash To Hold 2nd Money Talks: On Passion and How To Grow Your Savings

I've been doing a lot of investing in the GInvest section of the GCash app. They have launched this in 2019, but just recently, they've been teaching and leading ways in how ordinary people like you and me can actually invest in different funds. If you're 18 years old and up plus a valid identification card, you can start doing it now for as low as Php 50. Crazy and impossible as it may seem, it's true and I was able to earn a few hundred pesos in the first few days of doing it. 

They did a talk a couple weeks ago and it proved to be very successful and it did encourage a lot of Filipinos to start considering investments in their portfolio rather than just putting it on a savings account from their banks. I've learned to have a specific part of my money on moderate kind of investments while putting my extras in aggressive type ones. Make sure you answer the risk assessment questionnaire when you sign up for it so you've got a grasp of how you can diversify it because it'll be a little dangerous if you put your money in one basket these days. 

 

 

Anyway, the folks at GCash are still at it. They're holding another episode this coming June 23 at 8PM on their official Facebook page. It'll be a bit more interesting as their guest Chinkee Tan will be talking more about the ins and out of investing. He's also going to answer if you have some of the weirdest questions because I'm sure, you've heard a lot of stories about investing wherein you're not sure whether it's true or not. The program will be hosted by Jaz Reyes and there will be gamers,Tiktok stars that will also join in the conversation as they too have tried doing investments on the GInvest platform. 

Just search GCashOfficial on Facebook and it'll take you to the page, watch the stream that comes out 8PM and start learning with me. I'm going to be there! :)

Spoil Dad with the Luminisce Pour Homme Kit

Celebrating Father's Day yesterday without one was a little bittersweet for me, as I got to remember all the good memories my Dad and I made. To look back in those few years I've spent with him and share some of my skin care regimen so he too can take care of his skin. Let's face it, most men in the past only have had soap and water for grooming (also shaving). Other than that, they would experiment with women's products and other stuff that isn't necessarily designed for us. These days, there's tons out there that can address what men need especially if you're investing in yourself, to make sure you look good even as you age; because the last thing you would want to look like is a prune when you're already in your late years.

As you may understand, men's skin just isn't the same as with women. It's thicker, more oily (in some cases) and ages quite differently. Aside from that, not all men appreciate the scents that comes with women's products which are either flowery or fruit scented, not to mention what other harsh ingredients there are in them that don't really fit what we need. This week, I've had the pleasure of testing out the Luminisce Pour Homme Kit. For those who don't know, Luminisce is a skin care institute that also creates premium skin and body wellness solutions owned and operated by renowned clinical dermatologist Dr. Kaycee Reyes. I've had the chance to meet her a few years ago when I went to her clinic in BGC with some friends from the blogging industry. They have taken good care of their skin and I've seen how she personally tends to them whenever they visit her clinic.

They created the Luminisce Pour Homme line so men don't have to do guesswork if they want to take good care of their skin. The Luminisce Sunblock should be put on your face, neck and extremities when you plan to go out. This also would be good for those who have some amount of daylight going into their homes. I used the Luminisce Facial Wash in different times of the day to get dirt and oil off my skin. Before I do work or spend hours monitoring channels for entertainment news, I do this so I feel fresh while lounging around the my house. The Men’s Youth Fairy Cream would be good for those who need a little help in the aging department, it not only moisturizes but hastens your skin to renew a bit (unnoticeable peeling). Those fine lines would lessen, but I think I would need more time to see that happen in my case. They also have in the kit something they call D Cure (Once-a-month Vitamin D) and Glow Fuel C (Vitamin C Serum) which contain a good amount of anti oxidants which you can apply on your skin. My personal favorite is the Hair Rescue (Anti-hair fall spray) which has an active ingredient called Minoxidil to help promote hair growth and treatment in male pattern baldness (especially for thinning hair). I use it right after I come out from the shower and dry off my hair a bit because you need to apply this when its damp. Spray a bit and rub in lightly before you apply other styling products you need to use if you plan to go out. I didn't go out that much these days and just plainly use it after my cold showers because it's so hot where I am.

Now if you're thinking of spoiling your Dad, boyfriend, sibling or friend, I bet this would be a good place to start. It comes in pretty small packaging which you can carry around in small Men's Kikay kit if you have one in your man bags. Originally, this is priced at around Php 3,570 but they've got a promo running so that you can avail this for only Php 2,850 at Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations branches nationwide. You may also call them via (0977) 804 4601 or get in touch with them through their social channels @luminisce on Facebook or @luminisce_official on IG. They're pretty responsive so ask if you need information about the products too.

Now go ahead and spoil your Dad, it's not too late! :)

/*Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations branches are found at the 2/F Mercury Drug Bldg., 32 nd Street corner 4th Ave., Fort Bonifacio Global City. They also have a branch at the Podium located at the 4/F The Podium Mall, 18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City. They also have one in Alabang at Unit 5 Bldg. 8 Molito Lifestyle Center, Madrigal Avenue cor. Alabang Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

POKWANG Transfers to GMA: Her Shows and Future Plans

Word spread like wildfire last week as news of her transferring networks was being talked about in the grapevine. I love her and her husband, more so when I got the chance to talk to them in different projects over the years. She's no less than Pokwang, I usually call her Ms. Pokie of course. She's very nice, she keeps to it that she always is when she works people and its evident that even if this is a major change, everyone is still supportive of her. That alone is a testament how she's been able to keep friendships tight.

Ms. Pokie says "The process was good, we didn't ruffle feathers. My transition overall was smooth. It wasn't easy though because I've been there for years. I'm an artist and I wanted to do more things. Although we were given a lot of things, we were just too many, so I had to decide. The contract is also 3 years in GMA Artist Center. I've wanted to work with Alden, Rayver, Jennelyn, Dingdong, Dennis Trillo, Marian Rivera, Carla, Aiai, Uge, but I've had the opportunity to work with Michael V recently for Pepito Manaloto, so you'll see that soon."

Asked for what she'll bring in GMA, she says "When I was an OFW, I was a choreographer. Maybe if I'll do things here, I can sing and dance while I'm cooking. I'm a happy Mom, it's not easy I know, but I hope they get to know me as a resilient artist, one who would give smiles no matter what happens. I can't really stop doing my businesses because I have a lot of people that I need to help with regards to that business. I don't want to stop that because they also need that to live, to earn, we need to fight for that."

 

The hardest person she had to say goodbye to was ABSCBN Entertainment Executive Deo Endrinal whom she mentioned during this interview.

She also talks about her business and says "I'll be launching a few new products soon, so I hope people still patronize that. It's not that easy to do this, and of course, but they're really forward thinking, they were open to accept my decision so in a way, they really did support me. Like what I said, I left a mark when they say my name, they know I treat people equally. It's not everyday that you are on top, you have to treat everyone equally and accept them fully. This is my passion, I'm an artist, I still have a lot of things I want to do, I'm a comedian, I'm a businesswoman, my flamboyant character would never go out, I'll still do that when there are huge events. I want to thank the people where I started, ABSCBN, I want to also thank for whatever I have now, the people who supported me and continue to do til now. Thank you. Thank you also to God who protects us, keep us healthy. I'm giving GMA the trust because I see how they take care of their talents, I see them shine, this decision wasn't easy but it's a good one. I had to wake up early, write dedication on all of my products, I get to be part of every customers celebration. I also give messages to people, to give them smiles, to make them happy, it's priceless. I even have to give messages to the sick, encourage them to take the next day. Everything is possible in prayer, it's not just money, but the friendships you keep, even if you end up in other networks, everyone will be your friend if you stay nice. Everyone will be excited to work with you if you do that."

And now, you'll see Ms. Pokie on GMA shows like the "Tekla and Boobay Show", Sarap Diva, Wish Ko Lang on their anniversary special. She will also be in Magpakailanman, All Out Sundays, and regularly on Pepito Manaloto. You'll also be seeing her in other shows soon, so make sure you follow her journey as a new Kapuso.