Parenting on Digital Television

The idea has festered on Tintin Bersola’s mind for quite sometime but it is her husband’s input, tv broadcaster Julius Babao, that gave her that Aha! moment of staging her own show over the internet. “One sleeplessness night, I surfed the net and discovered that there are so many, many parenting websites. They mostly contain blogs, tips, info, pics and video clips but no format comes close to a tv show,” shares Tintin. “I knew it was the right time to launch the first online parenting show in the country with video streaming and episodes taped and created by and for Filipinos.”

Parentin.tv is Tintin’s latest platform in pursuit of her advocacy toward good parenting and literacy as she takes on the new role as its executive creative director. This is the first-of-its kind, online parenting show combined with a dynamic website designed to nurture and educate not just moms but also dads, grandparents, even yayas and the household help. Parentin.tv answers the need of modern parents’ for information on changing parenting styles, child care products and life-changing events of babies and kids.

The parenting portal also features free online consultations with doctors, teachers, professionals and experts through the parents’ community. The 30-minute bi-weekly program is available to viewers 24/7 – anytime and anywhere. As registered members, viewers can avail of perks like store discounts and invites to exclusive events.

Christine Bersola-Babao, a multi-awarded celebrity host and momprenuer, is long-time advocate of several noteworthy causes and a five-time Anak TV Seal awardee. Her daughter, Antonia, shares speakership duties with her for the National Book Development Board. Tintin is also an avid storyteller and crusader for Qualibet’s campaign on “No to Transfat” and responsible Nutrition Information. She hosted the nutrition show, Busog Lusog, Ang Inyong Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon as part of her advocacy. As a humanitarian, she actively raised funds for Bantay Bata and the medical missions of DZMM. She also speaks for Caritas Manila and World Vision. Her volunteer work involves projects with Gawad Kalinga and the Phil. National Red Cross. On environmental concern, Tintin authored the bestselling children’s book, the Basura Monster.

“My greatest dream is for http://www.parentin.tv to be a tool in nation-building. Since there is no pressure, ratings-wise, this site enables us to spread the advocacy of parenting by building a community of visitors and loyal followers whom we can inspire and move to be good and responsible parents. Our focus is to be the number one online parenting website for parents and soon to be parents,” quips Bersola.

Statistics shows a 47 percent increase of internet usage by mothers after delivering a child. Eighty percent of the moms also attest that they have become a more informed parent thru the help of the internet while close to 70 percent of mothers uses online social medial sites on a monthly basis. “Being on the web, parents can watch anytime – on demand, by demand. After calling it a day and kids are already asleep, parents can log in and watch the episodes at their own pace, on their free time, and watch the videos again if they do not get to finish watching the episodes,” adds Tintin.

In support of Tin-tin’s new endeavor, Julius, even posted the first daddy blog where he bared his fears and hopes for their second child.

“Parentin.tv is a good alternative to mainstream television broadcast because there is time for an idea to gestate, to exchange views and to catch on. Since, this is on the world wide web, our audience is not limited to local audiences. Ours is driven by a vision of a better place for moms and kids not by ratings,” shares Tin-tin with a trailblazer twinkle in her eyes.

Bruises and pink lipstick: when a battered woman asks for help

When statistics becomes a reality, you are confronted with a shocking truth that wife or girlfriend battering can happen closer to home.

I was privy that their marriage was on the rocks. The fateful day came with a phone call and with hushed tones, a plea for an escape.

“We will talk later. Come here right away,” was my response. Conscious not to burden her unnecessarily by detailing her pain, I immediately opened my door – no questions asked.

After an hour so, she came with a bag of clothes, almost broke and with a tattered spirit. The bruises on her arms, sides and back were telltale signs of her ordeal.

Since it was close to midnight, I sought to make her comfortable as possible so she can finally rest.

She woke up with dark circles in her eyes. Her predicament not really dawning on her yet, she failed to answer when asked, “What is your plan?”

It was time to step-in. Not only because I was a member of the women’s movement then but my exposure to women’s concerns had taught me a thing or two about handling such critical times.

Not relenting to let her heal the wounds on her own, we surrendered her violent encounter from the man who vowed to take care of her till death they may part to the authorities.

Nakakahiya, nakakainis, nakakalungkot at nakapaglulumo ang pinagdaanan namin. (We went thru an embarrasing, irritating and emotionally-draining experience.) Painful but necessary we sought to document all the transgressions made by the husband.

By the end of the day, my unlikely visitor of circumstance became a part of statistic. One that will haunt women who may someday play the part of a victim on any given time and day.

Years passed and with the finality of annulment, husband and wife now live separately with their respective families. Looking back, we were glad we did what we had to do on that day because the legal documents produced then were duly weighed and consequently, was recognized by the courts. Now, all that made sense.

From my experience, here are several ways to help a battered woman immediately right after a beating incident:

1.Make sure that the victim is out of harm’s way. Seek temporary shelter from a crisis center or a household accomodating enough for the time being.
2.Bring her to government hospitals and let medical practitioners treat her cuts and bruises. Make sure to request for a medico-legal report because this is a requirement for the next step.
3.Go to authorities (barangay hall or local precinct nearest to the couple’s official residence or where the deed took place) and have the incident logged in their books. You are entitled to a copy of the report.
4.Be very specific with your request and do not leave without a copy of the documents.
5.Seek legal counsel from para-legal advisers or lawyers immediately.

For those who are interested to help in their own little way, Mary Kay Philippines thru its CSR campaign, “Beauty That Counts”, is selling crème lipstick in Inspiration Pink. When you buy this lipstick, a dollar (Php 45) would be donated to the Welcome House of Good Shepherd, a non-profit charitable institution that provides a crisis intervention center and temporary shelter for women and young ladies who have experienced abuse and other forms of violence.

Last year, approximately Php 70,000 was donated by Mary Kay for the repair of the crisis center’s gutter damaged by typhoon Ondoy. The company also supports efforts to teach women-victims livelihood skills such as doll-making, cake-decorating, pizza-making and bracelet-making.

On its packaging, you can find “Thank You” written in 13 different languages – a unique way of extending warm appreciation from our sisters in crisis.

Blogging maiden: And the dream floats away

Today I gave up on a dream of flying high in the clouds, and leaving the to-do list for the things I want to do.

Today I gave up on a dream of white sand beaches, and star-lit nights with soft waves as lullaby.

Today I gave up on a dream of dozing-off during mid-day and playing for sheer fun with laughter as sole agenda.

Yes, I gave up a dream of freely being me for a while.

Yes, folks, I did aim high and I did not fall down. I only got stuck for the dream never really took off.

High school Reunion: P.S. for the Homecoming

We woke up with a mystery.

The air conditioning unit was working when it suddenly ceased to. We asked one another who may have turned it off but no one admitted to the deed. Leaving the question up in the air we were then greeted by a barrage of texts from Kenneth and Maveth.

On separate messages, both requested we meet up in town before we go on our separate ways. It is then we received a word from Flory that he and his family already went ahead to their next destination.

Prompted by our growling tummies, we drove to Chowking and had breakfast. We were later joined by Maveth, Eric and their two kids. Kenneth with Roger in tow arrived shortly.

After sharing the evening’s accomplishments, we planned the next rendezvous for the girls in Metro Manila. Initially, Teena, Nona and me are all set with the possibility of Liezl, Ruby and Mabeth joining the group either on the 12th or the 14th of June. We then drove Teena back to the resort and us to reality.

Fulfilled with the turn of events and high with good company, we had high hopes for the grand reunion come January 2012. It is time to come full circle with this part of our lives and we should do so together for happier times.

Want to know what happened earlier? Please go to https://carlassocialrealism.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/homecoming-of-ten/

High school Reunion: Homecoming of Eleven

Last weekend was one of our most memorable event since we were together and threw our togas in the air as the shouts of “Congratulations, graduates!” filled our ears.

The mini reunion (the first and hoped to be not the last) was scheduled months ago when one of our classmates (thanks, Gloria!) finally had the inkling to open up a FB page for our high school batch and members clamored for it.

Looking for a reason to get out of the city and longing to be with long-time friends, I had every reason to go.

As the day drew near, some of those who initially were committed to go (you know who you are), were suddenly backing out for one reason or another as we were left to around six attendees. Admittedly, I also thought of making up some lame excuse to excuse myself but, hey, since I am comfortable with every one whose going to show up, I might as well go and be happy about it.

The day started early because Nona wanted us to be on the road by 6 a.m. Dragging my overnight bag, we were off and gabbing all the way to Lemery.

We made a short side trip to Mabeth’s by 9 am. Not really planning to go but feeling guilty after we unceremoniously parked outside her house, she requested to have her picked-up before noon although she was not feeling well.

After a power breakfast at Nona’s home, we waited for others to show up at Kuboyana. Luckily, Kenneth passed by and promised to be there at the resort later on. Past 11 a.m., we were joined by Teena, Flory and Baby. Since it was too hot at the small diner, we opted to head back at Nona’s place where lunch was served.

Mabeth called to backed out once again due to her condition. Obviously, we were disappointed but were undeterred to let this turn us down for the day. Judith came with all smiles and boxes of pastillas.

Over lunch, we feasted on each other’s tales, jokes and latest chismax on those who were not with us. Surprisingly, Mrs. Malabanan showed up with her daughter to seek some assistance from Nona. True to form as a teacher, she asked us one by one about our respective families. We all felt like we were being asked to recite during class all over again! After the surprise visit, we once again laughing our heads off.

Time do fly when you’re having fun. Around mid-afternoon, Baby had to say goodbye because her sister-in-law is having a baby and the family wanted her to be there. She promised to return later at the resort. This is when we posted the first batch of photos to the envy of those who were waiting online on Facebook.

We were about to head to the resort when we could not resist making a stop at St. Mary’s.

Manong Bert was our second surprise. Who would not be? Nobody expected him to be there after all this time but there he is looking very similar like in the old days.

We were thrilled to step inside the campus and made the rounds at the new buildings. Suffice it to say, big developments came and erased every vestige of our favored memories at SMEI save for the rooms we used to inhabit during our senior year. Nevertheless, we were happy to see these changes that we claim we somehow had contributed to.

Word came to us that Regie was already at the resort so hurried on to meet up with him without Nona and Teena who volunteered to pick up dinner.

It took awhile to recognize each other’s faces but the banter started immediately. Regie came with Michael Marasigan and Raul de Claro, Jr. Sadly, Judith had to go by early evening ’cause she was not set to spend the night. All the while I was busy texting Mabeth because she was bugging me for details. Apparently, she was also texting Nona for the same thing!

Before the hour passed, Nona and Teena came with the food and the grilling started. Baby was a no-show at the resort but by this time, Kenneth was already there after taking a shower and cooking dinner for this family according to him!

Somebody was able to contact Noah and by golly, she did came! This was the third surprise of the day! All were happy for the turn out of this unexpected guest that some exclaimed, “Mabuti pa ‘yung hindi inaasahang dumating, nakarating!”

Over slices of pizza, Noah touched base with everyone. Calls were made to Ruby and Mabeth who were aching to be there by this time. After the short visit, Noah had to say goodbye and proceeded to the nearby resort where her family were staying. The second batch of photos were posted then while I wrote the captions that tried to capture the moments.

Wine poured and the grill crackled with tilapia and liempo. After dinner, we got down to business and made initial arrangements for the grand reunion next year. Over tons of laughter, we did came up with a decent plan and promised to do the best we can with each other’s commitments.

By past 12, the men (except for Flory who brought along the family with him) had to go with some excuse that we readily accepted since we had our fill of the day (or so we thought). The last batch of photos were uploaded and the first online comments were shared.

Teena and Nona went off to stroll at the beach after I have turned down the invitation out of pure fatigue from the day’s fun. With a light heart, I settled down at the edge of the bed and tried to catch some z’s. All along I thought that had been the happy end of the mini reunion but the morning after pulled its own bag of surprises adding to the homecoming of eleven.

Want to know what happened the morning after? Please go to https://carlassocialrealism.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/p-s-for-the-homecoming/ ‎

Batteries are not included

Your active lifestyle need not be hindered with antiquated personal, everyday accessory like your wristwatch. Gone are days when you have to crank up your watch every day, adjust the date at month’s end and disrupt your daily routine just to replace your watch’s battery. With the Citizen Eco-drive line, all you need is light to be unstoppable.

Citizen Eco-drive watches are solely powered by light. Introduced years ago, Citizen Eco-drive watches apply today’s advanced technology for a more convenient and user-friendly products. Under the guiding principle “fusion of beauty and technology”, impressive are the Citizen’s timepieces with its exquisite beauty in modern features and design. The new line of Eco-Drive products showcase the Radio Controlled watches, the Twin Date Perpetual calendars, Aqualand diver’s watches, Sports watches and the Complication series.

Light Power

The old ways of discarding used battery had become obsolete with the Eco-drive models. This line relies on light power for its multiple functions. Through the photovoltaic process, the crystal and dial on every timepiece converts solar energy to electrical power. This makes it possible to harness the power of light from any natural and artificial source. When sufficiently charged, excess power is then stored in a special energy storage cell that can last up to 40 years.

Eco-drives watches must be regularly exposed to light but it is so energy-efficient that it only requires very little light for normal use. Even in total darkness, a fully-charged Eco-drive watch can run for 45 days to 5 years depending on the model. Low maintenance, free charging and environment-friendly, the Citizen Eco-drive can be your lifetime wrist companion.

Eco-drive pieces

For active world travelers, the Global Radio Controlled watches can provide precise time
anywhere in Europe, the United States and Japan. Radio transmissions from Germany, United States and Japan are channeled through the watches by choosing a local area for the most accurate world time. These watches can show time in your home city, UTC time, local time and date so that any trip through different time zone are more manageable and convenient. Breeze thru 43 cities and 29 time zones with the interchangeable display of the home time and local time with the radio controlled timepieces.

When you switch into different time zones, this can make your calendar date quite confusing. With the Eco-drive perpetual calendar models you have access to a big date display with two disks. Each disk has its own motor for separate control and adjustment. Time difference will automatically change whether in advance or reverse over a 24-hour period. With the light power feature and the perpetual calendar, you are totally free from battery changes and date adjustments.

On top of the Citizen diver’s watches is the Aqualand Eco-Drive. It is the first light- powered diving watch that starts measuring depth, temperature and diving duration as soon as it is underwater. Its bold asymmetrical form and coloration highlights the many features that compliment the diving experience as technically-sound and worry-free.

Sports watches require precision and reliability that is critical to the game. Eco-drive watches have both functionality and reliability. One hand moves on 1/5 of a second and instantaneously returns to 0 (zero) position as needed. The stylish solid case and detailed face of this watch comes very elegant for a sports watch.

The Complication series only means that these particular models “fuse complicated functionality into refined style”. The Eco-Drive Minutes Repeater has chimes to announce time with a distinctive face design. Other models sport an asymmetrical design with minute measuring display on a semicircular design. Different functions can be changed by simply adjusting the crown.

A special power save function can also be found on some Eco-Drive models. This feature allows the watch to conserve power when light is not readily available. This allows extended run times from a single full charge. Some functions may cease to operate with insufficient light but correct time is always kept internally. So, there is no time to wait. Get going with Eco-drive now.

Bank gives property to street educators

In 2009, Efren Peñaflorida won the Hero of the Year campaign undertaken by international news channel, CNN. With the prize money, he and his team of street educators recently tried to purchase from the Bank of Philippine Islands a piece of property in Novaliches, Quezon City. They planned to use the property as a base for Dynamic Teen Company operations for northern Metro Manila. Recognizing the team’s noble intentions, BPI decided to award the property so that more out-of-school youth could benefit from the teaching programs introduced by Efren and his team.

During the turnover ceremony at the BPI head office, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Gil Buenaventure said that the bank deemed it appropriate to donate the property as its own contribution to the social transformation program being undertaken by the DTC. For his part, BPI Family Bank president Alfonso Salcedo hoped that more Filipinos will emulate what Efren Peñaflorida and his friends have done.

DTC’s “pushcart classrooms” have helped countless poor people in the marginalized and underserved areas of Cavite to teach young people basic lessons in mathematics, English, and science, using only a specially designed pushcart. Their education program has since earned worldwide recognition for recruiting teenagers as volunteer teachers to street children, thus redirecting the lives of out-of-school youth away from juvenile delinquency.