In the course of my research for persons with suicidal tendencies and those that have attempted to take their lives, I was shocked to find out that there were a lot of them.

According to the  World Health Organization (WHO) the Philippines had suicide rates (per 100,000) of  2.5 for men and 1.7 for women as of 1993.

Of course, this may be appalling for Filipinos but the numbers are way too small compared to those in western countries.

The Philippines has one of the world’s lowest suicide rates.  This is also shown in the 2000 Philippine Health Statistics from the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH reported that only 1.8 per 100,000 people have inflicted harm on themselves. On the other hand, European countries had the highest figures which ranged from 30 to 42 per 100,000.

Whatever the stats say about these demise, still, there is termination of life… and there are ways to help.

Recently, the controversy of the alleged affair between the world-famous boxer Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao and actress  Krista Ranillo created  an excitement among the entertainment and sports scenes here. There were no sex videos but the drama divided the nation into TEAM PACMAN, TEAM JINKY, and TEAM KRISTA.

While many people have been hurt and lives have been destroyed behind all these controversies, the media and fans feasted on the stories.  The media being hungry for juicy stories, got some scoops to publish or broadcast. The readers, fans, and audience, too, were intrigued and pleased.

Months after the legal battles and tongue lashing among those who were involved, we saw Katrina Halili again on TV with strong roles (GMA 7). On the other hand,  Maricar Reyes appeared on TV with all smiles in a Sunday show (ABS-CBN Channel 2) and has appeared on the limelight since then.  Furthermore, while Krista Ranillo’s silence made the media thirst for answers, her appearance on a primetime drama show in ABS-CBN made amazed all.

Scenarios like these are getting popular nowadays. The media just want to show what the people are interested in.  Modernity have created a new meaning to morality.

Come and visit as often as you want and let’s exchange thoughts!

Not for bags and shoes! Just a step into your favorite mall and you go home with a bag or a pair of shoes you can afford… at your own taste.      

I love bags and shoes. I believe that every woman must own at least 1 good bag and a pair of quality shoes. Anything goes for the other pieces and pairs. She should also have at least 1 kind right for every occasion. Of course it all depends on your lifestyle.      

I have lost count about how many I’ve had since I was a teenager. It’s not that I have zillions of them. In fact, I don’t do spur- of- the- moment buys. I’m not that obsessed. I buy when there’s a need for it. I’m also not into signature brands (All the branded items I have are gifts from relatives.), as long as durability don’t compromise with aesthetics.      

 “Own only what you can always carry with you: know languages, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.” 

 - Alexander Solzhenitsyn

For shoes, comfort and durability come before style. I don’t have a thing for fad or what’s IN and what’s hot. I don’t punish myself for wearing super high-heeled shoes for work nor for strolling at the mall. Again, I go for comfort.     

Once, I wore heeled sandals at SM Mall of Asia (the biggest mall in the Philippines and 4th biggest in the world as of 2008) I ended up in silent cries and curses.      

However, just like for bags, the right pair of shoes must fit in the occasion called for; such as my wedding day. I wanted to have heels as high as 3 inches because my groom’s 5 feet and 11 inches tall and I’m only 5 feet and an inch. I also needed them to be comfy to hold me in for the entire event. I found the perfect pair by Matthews:

      

   

      

 

     

 

    

 

   

 

  

“High heels were invented by a woman who had been kissed on the forehead.”

 - Christopher Morley

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

When I was single,
I could not imagine myself as a wife material because I never cooked
nor baked bigtime. The best that I ever did were fettucini carbonara
and oatmeal cookies. Now that I’m married, the pressure comes in. Not that I’m complaining. It’s a surprise, even for me…I can actually cook a substantial and tasty dish! It excites me! 

I have a recipe book that inspires and teaches me, but I’ve also made some recipes of
my own. Simple they may be, but what’s important is
my hubby likes them. He says “You’re a natural!”  

I never thought these words can inspire
and make my heart leap with joy for making him happy. 

I have yet to learn and discover a lot of cooking stuff… one day at a time. 

I also saw myself a career person and not the nurturing type when I was single. I have seen how seasoned wives and moms take care of their family. I salute them for they seem to be born with it – the gift of caring. Indeed, it’s the greatest career of all. As a new wife, Im’s still a work in progress. I’m not in the position to rate myself in this aspect,  ha-ha…